News Service - Page 2

Monday 26.7.10

The Hornby 'Blue Pullman' - Is it a Possibility?

Some of you will have heard the rumours of Hornby considering releasing a model of the 'Blue Pullman' and, since the last issue of MREmag was published, we have received the following communication from the company:

There has been much rumour just recently concerning Hornby and the Blue Pullman tooling. So as to prevent further conjecture, and even more rumours, I am happy to confirm that we have shipped the Blue Pullman tooling to China for examination, with a view to seeing what is required should we wish to commence production.

I have obviously been watchful of the demand for the Blue Pullman and the interest generated whenever the train is mentioned and, even though I am on record as being sceptical, I believe that there is significant interest for Hornby to once again consider manufacture. Obviously, times and expectations have changed over the years and I can confirm that Hornby do have a complete set of works drawings for the Blue Pullman train, including those coaches that were never produced.

As time progresses, I will keep you and your readers aware of our plans concerning the Blue Pullman but, for the time being, it is a question of watch, with keen anticipation, this space.

Yours most sincerely

Simon

Obviously readers will read different things into this but, for the time being, no further information is expected. Until the study of the tooling has been carried out, no one has any answers. We will just have to wait and see.

Bachmann Blue Pullman Takes to the Tracks

In the meantime, Bachmann yesterday announced that it is to produce an all new 6-car Midland Pullman diesel unit as part of its highly regarded Branchline 00 scale range.

Metropolitan Cammell built two of these iconic luxury trains in 1959 for use on the Midland main line between London St. Pancras and Manchester Central during peak business travel times. Following completion of the West Coast Main Line electrification scheme, the two Midland units moved to the Western Region to complement the similar three Western Region sets which were 8-car units. There were differences between the two types. After carrying the Pullman grey and blue (the reversed corporate blue and grey colour scheme) for a period, they were withdrawn from service in May 1973.

The Blue Pullman has been a much-requested model and Bachmann was due to announce this project in March 2011. Graham Hubbard, Bachmann’s Managing Director, said "we are aware of others announcing the possibility of producing this unit. We have been working on it for several months and in order to bring clarity to the situation we have made our plans public ".

Graham continued, "we first looked at this famous train some years ago and at the time we did not consider it viable. However, the market has changed considerably over the past two years and we felt the time was right to dust off our plans. We had decided to do so long before the recent announcement from a retailer".

Each six car unit will comprise 2 x power cars, 2 x kitchen cars (type 4) and 2 x parlour cars (type 6) and will be sold as a 6 car unit.

The new model will incorporate today’s leading edge technologies and will include the following features:

· Drive system in power car

· New style close coupling concept

· Central coach ceiling and table lamp lighting

· Directional lighting

· Cab lights

· Sound prepared

· Etched fan grilles

· DCC socket

The full six-car unit (catalogue No 31-255) is expected to retail at around Ł300. It is our intention to look at DCC sound options at a future stage.

Three Blue Pullmans

Who mentioned London buses?

For two years the Blue Pullman train has topped the annual 00 wish list poll, sponsored by MREmag and several of the printed magazines. Despite the idea being dismissed on several occasions, a few weeks ago, Olivia's Trains of Sheffield announced that they had entered into an agreement with Heljan to produce a model of the 'Blue Pullman' train. Then, on Saturday, two days ago, Hornby confirmed that they had shipped the Tri-ang 'Blue Pullman' tooling to China for examination, obviously with a view to possibly producing a model. They mentioned that they have copies of the original drawings for all the coaches, which suggests that new tooling was a possibility for the missing subjects and possibly the whole train. The following day, Bachmann made the announcement that they are going ahead with tooling up the Midland version of the iconic train. While they were aware of the Olivia's Trains proposal, Bachmann were clearly unaware of Hornby's activity.

Like London buses, there are none and then three come along at once!

Of the three, only Hornby have not committed themselves to producing the model and might well look towards the beginners market, using the tools they already have - possibly adding a kitchen car.

GWR ROD Announced

The other exciting news received at the Bachmann open day for the press and retailers is that, as expected, they are going to go ahead with the GWR version of the Robinson 2-8-0 ROD locomotive of the First World War. This was the GWR Class 30xx and is being made in order to meet many requests from customers, following on from the LNER Class 04 version released recently.

521 locomotives were built from 1917, for use during World War 1, by the Railway Operating Division (ROD) of the Royal Engineers. They were mainly for use in mainland Europe. Cessation of hostilities rendered them surplus (only 325 were delivered before the end of the war in 1918) and some were loaned to British railway companies before being offered for sale. The Great Western Railway bought 20 initially in 1919, which were followed by a further 80 in 1925. They were numbered 3000 – 3099.

The GWR subsequently modified the basic locomotives fitting new chimneys, top feed, dome etc. The last GWR version was withdrawn from Carmarthen in 1958.

Three versions of the GWR version have been announced. These are:

31-127 in BR black with early emblem

31-128 in BR black with late crest

31-129 in GWR green

These locomotives are expected to retail at a similar price to the recently released LNER 04 2-8-0 locomotives.

After the First World War, some of the war surplus locomotives were sold to the LNWR, passing soon after to the LMS, so we still have these to look forward to.

Stoke-On-Trent Model Railway Exhibition

This exhibition is to be held at a new venue! It is on Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August at St.Johns primary school, Wheatly Avenue, Trent Vale. This is 2 miles from M6 J15. For sat nav users the post code is ST4 6SB.

It will be open 10.30 to 16.30 both days and entry prices will be: adults Ł2.50, concessions Ł1.50p and families Ł6. There will be up to 26 layouts of various gauges, as well as trade stands and demonstrations. There will also be model boats and model road transport to see. Refreshments be available and there is ample free parking.

The show is organised by N'ethusiasts model railway group, in aid of Macmillan Nurses.

Hints & Tips No.280 - Alternative to Kadee Magnets

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne Australia)

Some electronic stores sell 'Rare Earth Magnets', which are extremely strong but extremely small, diameters of 1/8" or 1/4", possibly for N and 00/H0 respectively.

You would use these as you would for a Kadee except that you need to be right over the magnet for the coupler to uncouple. I remember seeing, many years ago, a modeller at an exhibition with a smallish piece of wood, shaped similar to a tuning fork, with magnets on either arm. Placed in between wagons or freight cars to be separated, the magnets draw on the uncoupling "hose" on the coupler. Later I found a product by Rix of the USA, which was exactly that. My only problem was that trying to uncouple cabooses, the magnets would pull towards the exterior handrails.

Good luck with your experimentation!

Hints & Tips are given in good faith by contributors. MREmag suggests that readers take all suitable precautions when working with any material mentioned in the series. Readers should also verify for themselves that the information given will be valid on their own layouts or models and the processes described, safe..

What's on TV?
by Brian Macdermott

Mark Found and Mark Collins are back again this week. All programmes 05.30-06.30 on Discovery Knowledge (522) entitled Trainspotting.

Tuesday 27 July: Vandalism and trespassing.
Wednesday 28 July: King's Cross and St Pancras.
Thursday 29 July: APT.
Friday 30 July: Bluebell Railway (with Bruce Dickinson, train enthusiast and ex lead singer of Iron Maiden).
Saturday 31 July: Portmadoc and WHR.
Thursday 29 July: Horse & Country (280), 15.00-16.00, Trains and Locomotives. Chinese Steam.

Having Your Say...

What Do We Put Behind All These Locos?

I couldn't agree more with the comments made by Brian Macdermott on Friday. How many times do you see contemporary RTR or even kit-built locos hauling rakes of old BR Mk.I coaches? It does seem that some people are prepared to pay Ł100+ for a new loco but won’t pay Ł25 for a new coach. Is it that coaches don't have the 'wow' factor associated with locomotives?

However, one has to ask whether the RTR manufacturers are doing themselves any favours. From the coaches released over the last few years, it would seem to an outsider that many UK trains were made up of Pullmans. I will gladly admit that the quality of these vehicles is first class, but do we need so many varieties? And then there are the Hawksworths; they look superb, but if you model ‘the big four’, they are of no interest. A Collett design would have covered at least one more era and at least two different livery versions. And then there is the virtual lack of suburban coaches; what more is there to say. The conclusion must be that the manufacturers believe that investment in locomotives shows a better rate of return than coaches.

Martin Pettit

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Brian Macdermott posed this question and my take on it is probably typical of what many will put in a rake. As I know little about coach formations, I tend to put a rake together of similar coaches e.g. I will put together a set of Mk1s which are, say, Western Region, which will include either a full brake van (or a brake with some seating), a second class, then a first and possibly a restaurant or buffet car. I do tend to put the first class near the loco, then the buffet or restaurant car, followed by the second class and then brake. To my shame, I do not know the proper BG, , etc. I try to keep roughly to regions and have a rake of Mk1s. Colletts, Bullieds, Gresleys and Pullmans.

I am hoping that Brian's forthcoming section on coaches etc. will give someone like me an insight into how to put together certain stock for certain trains e.g. - what was the stock used on the Cambrian Coast Express during the 1950s? I would like to see a good reference section so that we modellers, who have shied away from correct coach formations, will be stimulated to take a greater interest in them.

Andrew Carter

I, and I am sure a lot of others, share your lack of knowledge on coach formations and do exactly the same as you. Incidentally, the series that Brian has organised is being filed in the articles section of MREmag, for future reference. Each instalment will be added as it arrives. The file is titled 'MREmag Special Features' - indeed, I shouldn't be telling you this but the first part, which will appear here on Wednesday this week, is already in the file! - Ed.

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In answer to Brian, I certainly meant Gresley non-corridor stock. Very few articulated units ended up in Scotland, from what I have seen, certainly in the '30s, so I would very much like LNER non-gangwayed stock of that era, or earlier (NBR stock anyone?).

Graham Crawford

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And what about some decent Mk1 sleeping cars? Common chassis, common roofs, common bodies to all three variants. No need to do detail interiors because you can’t see them through white or frosted windows. All you need is a corridor. Three variants from one set of tooling costs. Seems a no brainer to me.

Dick Flower

With the exception of Dick's suggestion and the ModelZone POS, and a few other examples, a problem for manufacturers is that it is not a case of producing one coach but a range of them, as with the Hawksworths, and each coach in the range is expensive to develop. Thus, on cost grounds, a set of five coaches might we equivalent to two or three more new locomotives and manufacturers have to ask which their customers would prefer, as the budget does not stretch to both. Also, which has the biggest impact in the market, an LNER P2 plus the GNR/LBSCR Atlantics or a range of Hawksworth coaches? Now, that's a difficult one! - Ed.

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Highly Detailed Models

With regard to the recent post about detail falling off what is otherwise an excellent range of models provided by Hornby and Bachmann , I have spent many hours scouring my miniature 'four foot' for detached vacuum pipes. Might I suggest that each model comes with spares (in my case about 500!)

Charles Boylan

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow, and keep your postings to 200 words maximum as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so, when you comment on their products, you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Friday 23.7.10

Recent Releases by Hornby

The following models have recently arrived from Hornby:

R2899XS Class 60 EWS 60042 The Hundred of Hoo

R2932 Class 153 Arriva Trains Wales 153367

R2931 Class 153 London Midland 153334

R4381 Bournmouthe Belle coach pack

R4347C BR Maunsell 'Van C' maroon S663S

R4284 Royal Train sleeping car 10734

R6499 6-wheel Tank Wagon with graffiti ADW3035

R9637 GN Double Engine Shed

R9638 GN Station Shelter

R9633 GN Station Building

R9632 Chinese Takeaway

R9630 Holmes Cycle Shop

R9629 Nearly New Shop

Hints & Tips No.279 - Colouring Water

by Tom Welsh (Melbourne Australia)

Model lakes and rivers have always been made using a high gloss varnish, with a painted river bed. If you want deeper water, paint the base black with a tan colour on the edges. If you want a small stream, paint the base a brown colour with an over paint of darkish green with the tan colour on the edges again.

Having Your Say...

Modelzone POS

I have just received a Bachmann exclusive to Modelzone POS, the TPO vehicle, early sixties version. The detail is excellent and my only complaint is that it is not SC80317, as used between Inverness and Perth with The Scottish Crown, but we cannot have everything!

A further point of interest is that the NEM coupling pocket has been altered to the more correct height, with a straight coupling instead of the cranked coupling variant. When will Heljan alter their NEM coupling pockets to the correct height for British outline?

Alistair Barrie

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Green BGs - Information Sought Please

With regards to the recent correspondence concerning SR green BGs, one
piece of information still remains illusive. On some vehicles, under the running number, there appears to be two lines of additional text. The first line appears to be BG (DH), which I presume means BG (Dual Heat). Underneath this, another line of text appears to suggest some restrictive instruction. One suggestion is that it refers to the banning of C1 vehicles between Tonbridge and Battle.

Does anyone know what it says, for sure?

Ian David Smith

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Hornby Class 156

While I am waiting hopefully for the release of the new Scotrail 156 in the Saltire livery, I feel it’s shame that Hornby haven’t yet done a bit of work on the awful ex-Lima underframes of this unit. They really let it down, especially compared to the excellent underframes of Hornby’s own 153!

While on this subject, I’ve a number of Lima 156s and have converted some using the Hurst models kit. It occurs to me that the Hornby 153 might be used as the basis for a remotor/detail project of the Lima ones. The underframe detail on the 153 looks similar to the 156 (and, yes of course, it’ll only do one coach). However, with a Black Beetle type bogie costing over Ł40 alone, and the Hurst model kit (for two cars) at Ł25 , 2 cheap 153s (I’ve seen them in the low 'forties') and one Hurst kit at Ł25 should do two complete sets at a considerable saving. And you might get a few quid for the surplus bodyshells on eBay! Has anyone tried this?

Colm Flanagan

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Highly Detailed Models

May I lend my support to Robbie McGavin on the issue of the level of fine detail appearing on today's models. It has now reached a stage where they are becoming too fragile for normal use.

Like many of us, I continue to buy a number of new locomotives each year, and perhaps also like many of us I already have far too many for the layout to hold at any one time. This of course means I have to, from time to time, manually handle some models to allow transfers to and from the stock cabinet. As I don't wish to approach my general practitioner for a weekly supply of valium, I deliberately squeezed as many engine sidings into my new layout as possible, plus a turntable, so that aside from mechanical failure I at least won't have to touch the latest, most delicate models.

While this works well, with only the older, more durable models travelling backwards and forwards to the stock cabinets (I also include the excellent Hornby 'Railroad' models as easy to handle), it's an interesting situation when a modelling issue overrides replication of prototype as a priority in layout planning. At least operation is peaceful.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Lima HST Locos

In response to Thom Ritter's request for information, as far as I am aware, yes, the Lima body can be fitted to the Hornby chassis.

However, just prior to the Hornby Railroad HST becoming available, I fitted Hornby DMU motor bogies (same wheel base and same bogies as Railroad HST) to the Lima HST chassis, described in this article: http://www.mrol.com.au/Articles/DCC%20Sound/DCCSoundHST.aspx The result is a very much quieter, smoother and much more controllable loco.

Graham Plowman

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Bulleid Coaches

Mike King, in his book on Southern coaches, gives details of the Bulleid coaches that were transferred away from the Southern, in 1965/66, in exchange for Mk1 coaches. The details are as follows:

to ER 1467/9/70/2/4/86/91/9, 1505

to ScR 1466/71/9/82/4/9/95/8,1500/2/4

I remember that two maroon coaches used to form part of the 16.55 from Liverpool St to Bury St. Edmunds

Mike King says that the BR stock was needed for conversion to Bournemouth line stock. This may be part of the story. I think I heard from George Weedon that the Southern was anxious to get rid of the last steam services on the Oxted line. The Cromptons were not fitted with steam heating so a call went round for the latest BR Mk1s with electric heating - leaving the Southern with some of the latest stock and at the same time ridding itself of some older coaches.

Nicholas Rothon

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The Brighton Belle

The Belle units did carry red buffer beams on the cab ends for a period in the mid 1960s, these additions often being associated with the crest on the cab front being replaced with the larger flatter Pullman Coat of Arms introduced with the Midland Pullman units.

In 1967, 3052 ran for a period as a 4Belle, as one of her Kitchen First's suffered fire damage, and was out of commission for quite some time whilst being repaired. So you could run a 9-car set as a change! It happened.

3052 was out-shopped in blue and grey, still carrying the stencil headcode opal and plates, and ran as such for a period. However 3051 and 3053 appeared with the roller blinds and 3052 was converted in due course. Thereafter all three units could display red blinds on the rear of the train.

In stencil days they seemingly only ever carried 4 - Victoria to Brighton. 3 - London Bridge to Brighton. Lovers Walk ECS was white blank. I have never seen evidence of the units carrying a 'via Redhill' headcode.

However, be thankful, for had not Eastleigh invented their own brand of Pullman livery for the Golden Arrow cars, the Brighton Belle might have well appeared in the reverse Grey/Blue livery, a thought far too appalling for words.

Ian David Smith

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I have been following with interest the postings regarding the Brighton Belle, and comments that the front end does not look quite right. Apart from the missing front windows visors, which have already been mentioned, the number '4' which is too small, the jumper cable boxes seem to be too low, Looking at pictures the double line around the bottom of the cab windows should sit on the top of these.

Ian Taylor

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The Price of Sound - 'Jubilee' Kolhapur

What have you been doing, and where have you been searching, Andy?

Ontracks had the Bachmann DCC-Sound fitted 'Jubilee' Kohlapur for Ł145. Hardly cheap, I know, but considering a 'Jubilee' costs Ł120-plus for a normal DCC version, it was a bargain.

Out of interest in its sounds, I will be filming it pulling into my 'trackwork complete' station, complete with coupling, hand brake, injector, and it's 3 separate whistles.

Matt Dawson

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If Andy wants a non-sound 'Jubilee' Kolhapur, I would recommend he contacts Trains on Time at Paisley. They regularly advertised ex-sound models at competitive prices. I am after Baroda with the sound decoder in it, but they are awaiting deliveries of Kolhapur. They informed me today they are currently being shipped. I have nothing to do with the company but do purchase most of my items here for the good service I receive.

Ian Maries

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George Behrend

Many thanks to Ken Darville for bringing to our attention the passing of author George Behrend. George also penned a book on the transport of the Channel Island of Jersey, where he lived. As a 12 year old on a family holiday, staying with my aunt who lived on Jersey at the time, I recall cycling from my aunt's house in the south-western corner of the island, to the north eastern corner where George lived, in order to purchase a copy of said book. On arrival at his house I was treated with the utmost courtesy, supplied with said book (signed), engaged in a long chat with George about the railways of the island, and was offered refreshment before I set out on my return journey.

On my return home, I embarked on an O-level history project on the history of transport on Jersey which, by the time it was completed, ran to two A4 ring binders and the project alone earned me enough marks to pass my History O-level! The marks gained from the actual exam were a bonus!

If I recall correctly, it was also George who at one time had a model railway layout based on the Jersey Railways & Tramway, which ran from St. Helier to Corbiere via St Aubin and St. Brelade. I recall seeing it featured in one of the modelling magazine, about twenty years ago. Now, somewhere, I am sure I have a copy of the article.

Steve Daly

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What do we put behind all these locos?

I am delighted that we are getting plenty of excellent locos, but wonder – as does the editor of Model Rail in his current editorial – if it’s not time that greater emphasis was placed on the provision of coaching stock. Do manufacturers get a better return on investment on locos than coaches? I have no idea, but would love to hear.

Dick Flower made a good point about Southern BCKs last Friday. In the early ‘60s, a ‘loose’ BCK was sandwiched between two ‘loose’ BR non-gangwayed seconds (as made by Railwayania) in the 5.45pm Exeter-Budleigh Salterton fast train. Additionally, 2-sets 63-75 are essential for the Atlantic Coast Express (BSK+BCK).

Apart from Railwayania and Bachmann’s Mk1 versions (which don’t cover the full range anyway), we don’t have any non-gangwayed 'stopping train' stock from the WR, LMR and ER. I know that Gresley non-gangwayed coaches topped the poll, but wonder if some people confused these with quad/quint-arts. Would anyone like to comment? Photos show Thompson non-gangwayed stock much more frequently.

We still need the Van B; Bulleid 59ft multi-door stock; a Stanier Composite; Stanier Opens; a Gresley BSK; (Bachmann) Colletts; ER articulated stock, SR and WR catering stock, continuation of ModelZone’s TPOs, etc. etc. There’s plenty to consider!

Brian Macdermott

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Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so, when you comment on their products, you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Wednesday 21.7.10

August Hornby Magazine

In addition to the Brighton Belle by Golden Age Models (which includes a four page article on the real units), there are reviews of the ModelZone/Bachmann POS vans, Dapol's 00 scale catenary and 'Megafret' container wagon, Bachmann's MOA low-sided 'Megabox', 3MT 2-6-2T and latest Mk1 coaches, Dapol's IOA and JNA ballast wagons, the latest station yard additions to the Hornby Skaledale range and the Dapol N gauge Class 66 Colas pair.

The news section contains early images of many exciting future products including the Beattie well tank, 00 scale LMS 'Stove R', 2-EPB and 4-VEP EMUs, Class 22, FLA twin-set high cube container flat, steel LNER open wagon and the IPA car carrier.

Layouts visited include the BR steam era 00 North Cornwall 'Treneglos', Wirral Finescale Railway Modellers' current era 00 'Widnes Vine Yard' and Josh Courteny's 00 GWR 1930s 'Potterbourne'.

Practical articles cover, creating street scenes, privatisation liveries, the building of 'Hatton Parkway', airbrushing technique, building a narrowboat (including an 00 scale cut-out kit), GWR V5 wooden 'Mink' vans and painting cars for lineside detail.

There is also a 'realism' article on Motorail and a look at the Minic Motorway range of the 1960s.

Bachmann Releases

The following models are currently on their way to the UK and should be in the shops in August:

31-978 BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T in BR lined black livery No.82019

33-301F 20 Ton 'Toad' brake van in BR bauxite livery No.W17444

37-729A 12 Ton ventilated van in BR(WR) bauxite livery No.W126140

37-778B 12 Ton 'Mogo' van in GWR dark grey livery No.123955

37-779B 12 Ton 'Mogo' van in BR bauxite livery No.126428

37-731A 12 Ton ventilated van in BR grey livery No.W142220

39-025E BR Mk1 SK 2nd corridor in BR blue & grey livery No.M25704

39-027F BR Mk1 SK 2nd corridor in BR crimson & cream livery No.M24135

39-050E BR Mk1 SO 2nd open in BR blue & grey livery No.M4439

39-054B BR Mk1 SO 2nd open in BR(WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W3821

39-079B BR Mk1 BSK brake 2nd in BR(WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W34885

39-101C BR Mk1 RU restaurant unclassified in BR maroon No.SC1941

39-125C BR Mk1 CK composite corridor in BR blue/grey livery No.M16153

39-127D BR Mk1 CK composite corridor in BR crimson & cream No.M15181

39-150C BR Mk1 FK 1st corridor in BR blue/grey livery No.M13085

39-175C BR Mk1 BG full brake in BR blue/grey livery No.M80906

39-182B BR Mk1 BG (NCV) full brake in BR blue newspaper livery No.M81124

039-250B BR Mk1 RFO restaurant 1st open in BR blue & grey livery No.W9

39-262A BR Mk1 RMB miniature buffet car in BR(SR) green livery No.S1849

39-300B BR Mk1 SK 2nd kitchen Pullman umber & cream Pullman livery Car No.334

39-320A BR Mk1 BSP bar 2nd Pullman umber & cream livery The Hadrian Bar

And, from new tooling:

38-200 JPA bogie cement wagon in VTG Lafarge Cement livery No.VTG12434

38-201 JPA bogie cement wagon in VTG Castle Cement livery No.VTG12461

Hints & Tips No.278 -
Protecting Your Trackwork When Putting in Scenery

by John De Luca

If you have laid your track and made sure that everything is OK, before starting on your scenery, protect your track work from some future problems by covering it with masking tape. You will have some cleaning up to do afterwards with white spirit or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) but it is a lot easier than try to clean out plaster particles.

Snippet No.306 – Wandering coach

By Brian Macdermott

The first Western branding of a standard BG (gangwayed brake) for parcels traffic appeared on 81240 (Aberystwyth and Manchester Victoria). However, it was observed during the summer of 1959 travelling between Manchester and Penzance.

(Source: Railway Observer)

Having Your Say...

Brighton Belle

Regarding your question about the roller blinds - "Was this before of after the livery change" - the answer is most definitely yes!

In response to Nick Stanbury, I did not miss his points about the couplings or the red buffer beams. As I have yet to see the reviews he referred to, I was commenting on the model I have.

David Nevett

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Of the three Brighton Belle units, at least one, 3052, retained the stencil headcodes when first repainted into blue and grey. Photos indicate that these were later altered to roller blinds. The other two units appear to have gained roller blind headcodes when they were repainted.

In this respect, as well as the red buffer beams (other than at the outer ends of the units), the Golden Age model is not accurate. Prior to repainting in blue and grey, the units gained small yellow warning panels, still with stencil headcodes.

Robert Carroll

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I have to say I agree with Monday's rather scathing comments about the Golden Age Brighton Belle. Having bought the latest Model Rail (no bag, read it and saw items of interest), there is a front 3/4 shot, and this shows up details unacceptable on a Ł50 model - never mind Ł1,995 (plus VAT).

Firstly, there are two socking great Philips screws on the leading edge of the front bogie frame for starters, that I don't think the prototype carried! Quite why they're there is a mystery and, if screws are necessary, why not hide them on the bottom or the inboard side? Chris Leigh failed to mention them, and they're not on the trailer cars.

There's also a strange gap between the headcode panel glass and the blind, visible in the 3/4 shot, which looks cheap.

Bitterness? Envy? No. The model is irrelevant to me. What I'm scared of is the upward curve that we seem to be on, with models now being produced as limited edition commissions rather than the mainstream range. Nice, niche models, but at what price ?

Andrew Parr - (Written on a mobile phone with no spell-checker or word count. Hope I qualify!)

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It's OK, but there's something about the front ends which, to me, just doesn't look 'right', though there is a visor missing from over one of the cab windows. I can't put my finger on anything more specific other than the motor bogie side frames which again look 'wrong'. I somehow feel they should be chunkier. Sorry for the vagueness here.

John Simmonds

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Industrial Steam

Modellers interested in industrial steam may like to know that ModelZone are producing a limited edition Pannier tank in NCB livery. This is No.7754 which ran at Elliot and Blaenserchan Collieries and on the Mountain Ash system. It is due in the 3^rd Quarter of this year and will retail at Ł69.99. The web page is: http://www.modelzone.co.uk/modelzone_exclusive_ncb_pannier-details.htm

ModelZone are also producing a set of three NCB liveried and weathered internal user 16 ton mineral wagons, something I have always been surprised that the main manufacturers haven’t done before now.

Steven Oakden

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Doncaster Station Pilot

Does anyone know what class of loco was typically used as station pilot at Doncaster around 1961? Or was this work done by the 'standby' loco?

Brian Macdermott

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George Behrend

The author of, amongst other titles of Gone With Regret, a personal anthology of the Great Western, passed away last Monday 14^th July.

To George ‘the railways fell into two groups - 'the Great Western and other’. I may not have agreed with my friend on all Great Western points but I respected them.

My condolences to his friends and relatives.

George…….'Gone with regret’

Ken Darville

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Bulleid Coaches

David Fairgrieve mentioned the Bulleid SOs that were painted maroon in their latter days. I recently came across a photo showing an ex-works, maroon Bulleid BCK on a two coach branch train in the West Country; incidentally, the other coach was a Thompson SK.

I've also seen a photo showing a maroon Bullied SO leading a train, leaving Waterloo. These two pictures set me wondering if anyone has done the research and has 'chapter and verse' on which Bulleid coaches were painted maroon, how many and where they were sent. At the moment, it looks like the Scottish and Western regions got them, unless of course anybody knows differently.

John Simmonds

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I'd like to thank those more knowledgeable experts (Dick Flower, Robert Inns and Peter Welfare) for their recent input regarding the prototype details of Bulleid's BCKs (brake composite corridors), not (yet) reproduced by any manufacturer.

This just illustrates the 'hidden' variations, and possible pitfalls, of selecting such a vehicle to manufacture, although that doesn't seem to hinder production of other 'minority' vehicles.

In August's Railway Modeller, a piece on page 637 concerning Maunsell and Bulleid coaches, concludes with a hope that Bachmann might add a Diagram 2406 brake composite for 'Atlantic Coast Express' and Southern 'Withered Arm' modellers.

In the meantime, I shall just have to continue using Maunsell or Mk1 BCKs!

Stephen Derek

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David Fairgrieve (Monday) is suggesting Bachmann produce their Bullied 'open second' (TSO) in maroon, as some were transferred for use in Scotland and repainted as such, but it wasn't only TSOs and I wonder if they were repainted before they moved north.

The Ian Allan book Steam on West of England Main Lines, by Peter W. Gray, has a picture, on page 69, of a maroon Bullied brake composite coupled to a Thompson coach, as a 2 coach set. This was on the North Cornwall Line and dated 22.08.64 .

This 2 coach set is also seen dated 5.09.64 on page 74 of the Ian Allan book On Southern Lines, by Roy Hobbs, this time exiting Honiton Tunnel on the Exeter - Salisbury main line.

The maroon TSO E1469 is preserved on the Keighly & Worth Valley Railway (I took a photo of it over 20 years ago), but I don't know whether it's still maroon now. Other maroon TSOs were 1482 (which is preserved on the Bluebell Railway and which arrived painted maroon, but is now green) and also Sc1466S. I don't know the identity of the rest.

Peter Welfare

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ModelZone Limited Edition TPO

I have just bought the new TPO van, from ModelZone, in BR Royal Mail red (from the early '60s). Bachmann and ModelZone should be praised for such a great model. I do hope that they make one with the TPO nets and catchers too. I see that Bachmann Scenecraft now has a nice TPO lineside apparatus available. I wonder if that is the plan? I do hope so.

George McKie - by the way it was (by the way it was boxed, new, not opened by WHSmith library readers)

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Mags in Bags

Re Ken Danville's short remarks on Monday about Plastic bags, I must be getting slow but I don't get the message what am I missing or have I lost my sense of English humour, after all these years over here in mainland Europe?

It also has come to my notice in the shops here in Munich when my wife is perusing the latest magazines, most are tidily in bags but there is usually one unbagged copy on the shelf, surely newsagents in the UK have the same arrangement.

Alan Tewson - Munich

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The Cost of Sound Enabled Locomotives

With the advent of sound enabled locos, are the manufacturers marginalising a vast potential market? I wonder how many modellers are not buying a loco because it's only available sound enabled. The cost alone is staggering; l would love to buy the Bachmann 'Jubilee' Kolhapur, as it is a favourite of mine, however, at Ł178 for the sound fitted loco, it's beyond my already stretched budget.

As with 'DCC fitted' and 'non DCC fitted', could the sound-fitted locos also be released as a 'non sound-fitted' option? I realise l could renumber a donor loco, (which l have done with locos that no one seems to want to produce) but, being lazy, l would just like to buy it off the shelf!

Andy Whirledge

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Highly Detailed Ready To Run Models

Having been fortunate enough to buy the Hornby R2819 'Bournemouth Belle' train pack and the hard-to-get R4381 supplementary Pullman cars pack, I was very keen to have this extremely fine model running on my tabletop layout. The detail on the 'Britannia' and its 12-wheel cars is simply astonishing.

No longer is it a case of unpacking a model train and running it immediately. The locomotive has many extremely fragile parts and the 4-pin connector plug to the tender. In my case it had one wire adrift after gentle alignment of the respective male-female parts. This was repairable, with dexterity and good eyesight, and all seemed well, until after two circuits of my layout the engine slowed and would only run with surging. Inspection revealed severely bent a coupling rod, fouling on a connecting rod pin, which again was repairable with dexterity, a screwdriver as lever, and thumb pressure.

These two minor events required many gentle inversions of the engine and tender, with far more care than would have been necessary with models of even a few years ago, and the loco survived as much by luck as anything else. I realise that we all want the very finest detail and suggest that the motion problem is probably 'one of those things', and perhaps I am not as dextrous as some, and hope Hornby will find a more robust way to connect engine and tender wiring.

That said, the model looks and runs beautifully, and I took the liberty of adding non-'Belle' 1st class kitchen car 'Monaco' and two 8-wheeled cars as in;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S88_JJJI0ig

So, thank you Hornby for a model beyond the wildest dreams of my earnest teenage Kitmaster and Airfix years.

Robbie McGavin

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Lima HST Locos on Hornby RailRoad HST Chassis

Can anyone tell me for sure if the Lima Class 43 loco bodies can be put on to the new Hornby RailRoad range Class 43 chassis? I have a Lima body with no chassis and another one I want to upgrade.

Thom Ritter - Allentown, PA, USA (Working on an informal group of British railway modellers in the Mid-Atlantic region here in the States.)

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Monday 19.7.10

Next Vectis Auction

The next model train sale at The Benn Hall, Rugby, is next Saturday, 24th July, at 10am. Viewing will be on Friday between 5pm and 7pm and on Saturday from 8am until 10am.

As a guide to content, the catalogue contains Meccano and other constructional toys (43 lots), catalogues, magazines & books (33), pictures & prints (10), advertising material (2), live steam (12), Tri-ang Minic (4), Railwayana (8), Hornby Dublo (115), Hornby Acho (2), Wrenn (87), Trix (51), Bing Table Top (4), Minic Motorway (10), miscellaneous (7), H0 & 00 brass locos (11), 00 kit & scratch-built locos (62), larger finescale & kit-built (3), gauge 1 and larger (91), Hornby 0 locos (45), Bassett-Lowke locos (8), further 0 gauge locos (8), Ace/Corgi 0 gauge (22), Hornby 0 rolling stock (59), further 0 rolling stock (23) and 0 gauge and larger accessories (67).

August Continental Modeller

Articles this month are based on Austrian, Swiss, German, Portuguese, South African, Belgian, Australian and New Zealand practices and the magazine includes an article on narrow gauge liveries in South Africa.

August Model Rail

The theme this month is 'Do it Yourself' and there is no better magazine for those who like to do this. Practical articles cover detailing the Hornby 'Terrier', a new way of weathering, turning a Bachmann Underground Ernie building into a realistic engine shed, taking the pain out of painting, scratch-building a broad gauge loco, scratch-building buildings in card, working with resin, detailing a building interior, creating scrap wagon loads and installing curved platforms.

Layouts visited include Trevor Nunn's S gauge 'East Lynn' (Norfolk in the 1890s) and Alan Davies' 00 'Hazlebury Yard' (1950s transition period marshalling yard) and the 'Masterplan' visits Churchward country.

Model reviews include the Brighton Belle set by Golden Age Models, 00 'Megafret' by Dapol, G scale Thomas & Friends by Bachmann and the Hornby coaling tower. Also from Bachmann are shock wagons, the EWS MOA, Thompson coaches, weathered BR insulated vans for TMC, Mk1 postal vehicles for ModelZone and a Class 57 commissioned by Kernow MRC. Other reviews include the Skytrex 0 gauge Met-Camm DMU and Farish BDA. There is an article on a test carried out on modelling glues, complete with a rating of them.

Finally, Robert Forsythe looks at the Tri-ang sleeping car.

July Quiz - Modified Question

Please note that Question 8 in the quiz, that we published on Friday, should read as follows:

Diesel loco Pendennis Castle has been repainted in lined green livery to mark the 175^th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. What is its current number and what was its number when first built?

Hints & Tips No.277 - Old Corduroy as Crop areas

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne Australia)

Corduroy as a material has a natural ribbing which we modellers can exploit. Painted or Dyed and laid over our terrain, it looks like cultivated fields. Simply paint the type of crop such as green carrot tops, strawberries, lettuces etc., that you want. Corduroy strands come in different widths and sizes so different crops and different scales could be represented by discreet painting or placement of vegetation with coloured ground foam.

Enjoy experimenting with this one...

What's on TV?
by Brian Macdermott

Our 'old friend' Mark Found is on the telly this week. All programmes are on Discovery Knowledge (522) from 05.30 to 06.30, entitled 'Trainspotting'.

Tuesday 20 July: Michael Palin.
Wednesday 21 July: Night Mail.
Thursday 22 July: Docklands Light Railway.
Friday 23 July: Avon Valley and London Transport Museum.
Saturday 24 July: A visit to a freight company.

MREmag Special Features – coming soon!

by Brian Macdermott

Railway terminology – or ‘jargon’ as some might call it – is a fascinating subject in its own right. The original railway companies all had variations on themes and these developed and transformed over the years, right into BR days. The terminology surrounding coaches often causes confusion, with a significant amount arising when we talk of corridor and non-corridor stock, suburban and main line stock etc.

With the help of a number of modelling enthusiasts, I have put together an outline of the more frequently confused descriptions as applied to the BR steam era. I am delighted to say that Pat has kindly agreed to these appearing about every 10 days as follows:

MREmag Special Feature No.1 details passenger coaches which typically ran in Class A trains.

MREmag Special Feature No.2 details passenger coaches which typically ran in Class B trains.

MREmag Special Feature No.3 covers stock typically found in parcels trains (Class C).

MREmag Special Feature No.4 will cover Freight stock.

MREmag Special Feature No.5 will cover General Railway Service Vehicles (Departmental stock).

I am indebted to Nick Stanbury, Ian Taylor and Robert Carroll for their help.

Nick often answers questions on ‘operational matters’ here on MREmag. He has 45 years’ service on the operating staff of the Bluebell Railway and was a founder member of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust. He has been modelling for more than 50 years. His writing skills have helped tailor the Special Features to appeal to the broadest range of modellers.

Ian has also been a 00 modeller for 50 years and often contributes to MREmag, particularly on livery details appertaining to the ‘50s/’60s. His father was a railway manager, working for British Tranport Commision (BTC). In that capacity, he was able to amass a vast range of notes that form a vital historic record, to which Ian often refers for the benefit of MREmag.

Robert has written numerous articles on BR coaching stock and carriage workings and is widely respected for his extensive knowledge of coaching stock of the BR era. He is a 00 modeller with a large layout depicting the BR era 1958-80.He is the founder and group owner of the BRCoachingStock Yahoo Group (almost 700 members).Readers wishing to delve more into coaching stock matters can log on to http://finance.groups.Yahoo.com/group/BRCoachingStock/.

I have been modelling since the 1950s. I spent many hours trainspotting ‘the real thing’ in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s. My main interest has been the operation of the S&D and I have written numerous articles on that subject. Since joining the Steam Railway Research Society in the early ‘80s, I have been looking at carriage workings of all the BR steam era regions.

MREmag Special Feature No.6 will cover Train Reporting Numbers, and for help with this I am indebted to two others. Firstly, Richard Strange, who set up the Steam Railway Research Society in 1983 and has been Historical Consultant to Steam World magazine since 1991. Secondly, Richard Woodley, who is the author of a remarkable piece of published research which I commend to all – his book entitled The Day of The Holiday Express (WR services on 9 July 1960) – published by Ian Allan.

We hope you will enjoy the Special Features and that they will contribute to your greater understanding of the subject. In fact, the very reason I started writing them was that I was confused myself! I am sure some readers may have their own views on terminology - I would love to hear them, but please ensure you quote your source.

Having Your Say...

Brighton Belle

David Nevett is clearly pleased with his Golden Age Models ‘Brighton Belle’ set, but I think he is being very charitable in his apparent acceptance of its faults, few though they are. These faults could all be justifiably criticised even if the set cost one-tenth of its UK retail price of some Ł2,350 (including VAT).

David does not comment on the red buffer beams that are so obvious in the Hornby Magazine picture. If, as I believe, they are wrong, such a simple but glaring error should never have been made. And perhaps he did not understand my point about the intermediate buckeye couplings – they are not ‘more for display than operation’ as the real units used screw couplings throughout. Perhaps a simple and unobtrusive bar coupling would have been better.

As to running, the magazine review stated that ‘the model ran well with both analogue and digital control’ but suggested that that the higher current available on DCC gave an advantage. I find that surprising; two decent motor bogies and some lighting should not provide a load too great for any DC power unit. The problem, such as it is, would seem to lie with the decoder (ESU 21-pin LokPilot v3.0), as David discovered.

One further discrepancy is the absence of proper ‘stencil’ headcode boxes, which unit 3052 (at least) carried until withdrawal.

Nick Stanbury

A second review, this time by Chris Leigh, has now appeared in Model Rail. Chris also questions the red bufferbeams (other than on the cab fronts), but does point out that the 'stencil' type codeboxes were replaced by roller-blinds in '60s. Was this before or after the livery change? - Ed.

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Magazine Choices

The editor wrote... "I wonder which you consider to be the 'three main British titles'"

Apologies for the oversight on the number of main British titles - for some reason our local newsagent doesn't stock Hornby Magazine, so I tend to omit it; and yes, that does sound pretty irrational. The other three titles I had in mind are Railway Modeller, British Railway Modelling and Model Rail.

However, the search for inspiration does extend to other titles which for me include Model Railway Journal - not a "mainstream" title in my view, though one to which I've subscribed since the beginning - Model Railroader, Loco-Revue and Continental Modeller; I've even come across Branchline Modeller from Australia. All have something to offer and it can be refreshing to look at how other people go about the hobby, even if it's not something which can be adopted without alteration 'over here'.

Neil Burgess

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I model the present day railway. I cannot even guess what the three main British titles (all round?) would be, but I buy three modelling titles a month and over the last 10 years my regular purchases have evolved to these...

Rail Express

Excellent large format and strong coverage of the modern era which I model. The model section seems honestly written, is brightly presented and I look forward to every issue. I hope that, under new ownership, it will continue to be an exciting purchase (though the colour on this month's Class 50 article was rather lifeless). The news section seems quite up to date and they use very good photography in their editorial pieces.

Hornby Magazine

Easy to read and appeals to my fairly limited skills. Stimulating layouts and encouraging hints and tips keep me buying.

Model Rail

For me, not as groundbreaking as it used to be but still a welcome purchase. When they go 'in depth' I can follow and I enjoy being guided at this level into new areas of the hobby. Still the best in my opinion for graphics and layout.

Stuart Bell

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Mags in Plastic

Can’t see the contents ‘cos’ of the plastic bag? No problem! Become a shop lifter!

Simple!

Ken Darville

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9Fs

One of Brian's snippets mentioned 9Fs on Plymouth and S. Wales workings from Paddington. Presumably they substituted for a 'Castle' and would have struggled to keep time, or did they? I can add another example for those of you in search of an excuse to run a 9F. I've resisted purchase to date, I want one of course but don't need one so the Airfix kit version assembled many years ago will continue to sit in a siding 'awaiting scrap'.

The Eastern Since 1948, by G. Freeman Allen, mentions an occasion in August 1958 when 92184 was the only loco available for the 13.45 KX-Grantham with a return working on the 14 coach 'Heart of Midlothian', no less, when it reached 90mph at Essendine with the driving wheels revolving at eight and a half times per second!

Dave Webber

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Bulleid Coaches

If Bachmann wanted, they could produce the Bulleid TSO in BR lined maroon livery. Quite a number of these were transferred to the Scottish Region in the mid-1960s and were reliveried in maroon. I have happy memories of them on excursion trains and would buy a couple if they were made available.

Some of them ran in the unforgettable 18-coach Grand Scottish Tour No.1 of 1967, which started off in Edinburgh behind a Class 40 and a Class 47, was double-headed from Perth to Aberdeen by 44997 and 60009 and then triple-headed by Class 24 and 26 diesels on the Speyside line to Aviemore. That would be a wonderful train to model if anyone had the space!

David Fairgrieve

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DCC Equipment

For those in the market, the latest Model Railroader has what I'd say has to be the most comprehensive and straightforward-seeming system advertised on its back cover, specifically mentioning features in the non-technical blurb that address many of the 'problems' people raise again and again in these pages.

It took me a long time to understand why some of those issues (notably the need to switch locos rapidly and often) are such hot-buttons for many DC users posting here. Then I realised that they had totally missed my point about DCC being about driving trains rather than powering up tracks. Once I realised that correspondents were envisioning the cab-to-cab pass-off mode of operation DC often requires (especially on large exhibition layouts) to get one train from A to B, I understood the angst. These DC users hadn't cottoned-on to the fact that they had no need to run cab-to-cab with DCC, and that one person could drive a train using one controller the length of the layout without recourse to electronic cleverness.

There's also a discussion of power districts (the 'whys and wherefores' of chopping up a layout electrically for DCC purposes) inside the magazine.

Steve Mann - NYC

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Water Cranes

Yesterday I received in the mail three kits for Mike's models water cranes (NBR pattern). I was not entirely happy with the pipe part that goes into the locomotive tank so I started experimenting. I discovered that heat shrink tubing works very well. Not only does it go on easily but then, by careful use of heat, you can bend the tube to the right shape and make it look very good. So, I offer this tip for anyone making water cranes.

Graham Crawford

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S&D 7F

Readers of Midland Record number thirty one, which has just been published, can see an ex S&D 7F running light engine and tender first through Borrowash between Derby and Trent (Junction).

The caption states that it is unidentified and no date is known, although it is in BR livery. It may have been on a running in turn, but that doesn’t explain why it is running tender first as at Trent, about five miles away, there is a triangle so it could continue from there facing any direction.

Did Derby do running in turns tender first as well as forwards? It provides another excuse for the Bachmann 7F when it arrives, as long as you model the BR period. The emblem appears to be the early version.

John Phillipson

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Station Announcements

A late contribution I know but I've just returned from various peregrinations and had a chance to catch up on recent issues. (Thanks to Ian Taylor for increasing my vocabulary - marvellous what you can learn on MREMag!)

Amongst the tapes I've used since the '80s for sound effects, one in particular, 'Diesel Variety' by Alan Vitty, includes some wonderful barely understandable announcements so typical of how they were at the time. I have only to play them and I'm back on platform 10 at 'The Cross'.

Dave Webber

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Friday 16.7.10

July 2010 Quiz

I am sorry for the late publication of the July quiz, but I hope the prize of Ł100 this month will offset any waiting pains you may have experienced.

As usual, you have two weeks to submit your answers with the closing time and date being 22:00 on Friday 30^th July. Please send your entries to quizmaster@blueyonder.co.uk and don’t forget to provide your full name and address details. Please head up you email with the subject 'MREMag July Quiz' and please read the questions carefully and double check your answers before final submission. Here are the ten questions and the best of luck.

1. In which country was O V S Bulleid born and on what date?

2. What is the number of the first non class 70 to be repainted in Freightliner’s new Powerhaul livery?

3 How many trailer standard HST vehicles have First Great Western recently completed conversion to micro-buffets and what is the new number of the final vehicle to be converted?

4. Where were the LMS 'Twins' 10000 and 10001 built and in which months and years were they first released into traffic?

5. What was the diameter of the driving wheels on the Beattie well tanks?

6. By what name is Batty Moss Viaduct better known?

7. Which BR Standard loco has just transferred to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for the summer season?

8.(revised) Diesel loco Pendennis Castle has been repainted in lined green livery to mark the 175^th anniversary of the Great Western Railway. What is its current number and what was its number when first built?

9. Which company has recently bought freight operator GBRF?

10. In terms of altitude, which were the highest set of water troughs on the UK national railway system?

Hints & Tips No.276 - Quick highway guardrails.

by John Warren (CA, USA)

For HO highway guard rails, I used N scale flexi track sleepers, corrugated styrene siding cut in a strip for the steel guard rail. Leave full length the first post (sleeper), and approximately every fifth one.

Set the sleepers in place on layout, using a Dremel tool. Use a drill that allows the sleepers to be forced into the plywood base but so that they are easy to remove. Drill the first hole and set the post, then the next long one. Glue the guardrail to sleeper posts.

(A Note from Trevor – this is known as an "Interference Fit" and many of the components on our trains are kept there by Interference Fits)

Having Your Say...

Hornby Britannia 70009 and SR headcode discs

Just in case there are other people who have purchased the new Hornby 'Bournemouth Belle' set and, like me, were wondering how 70009 managed to display the SR headcodes, the answer is as follows. 70009 was not fitted with the standard SR lamp brackets on the smokebox door as was customary later on, but, instead, it had a pair of brackets that were bolted midway along lower of the smoke deflector straps, which link the deflectors to the smokebox. As these straps are angled the lamp bracket was twisted to allow the SR route disc to face forwards. This is easily represented by some scrap etch, or flattened wire.

Ian David Smith

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Bagged Magazines

I buy quite a lot of magazines. I subscribe to Steam Railway, FlyPast and Canal Boat, as well as a vintage speedway quarterly, but otherwise buy selectively, depending on content.

I choose my model railway, bus and photographic magazines by this selection process and any magazine that is bagged is substantially less likely to be bought by me - unless the cover makes it very clear that something of great interest lies within. Having said this, I tend to have one or two model railway magazines per month, with a slight bias towards Railway Modeller. I also do this with the serious enthusiasts publications, Back Track and Steam Days, that don't come bagged. I recommend these to modellers for the wealth of detail that can be found as to past train compositions, livery, etc.

Dudley Jones

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I'm with Tom Gray in being surprised at just how particular people are about magazines in plastic wrappers. Although I'm very much against over-packaging [supermarket vegetables, for instance] I assume the reason for bagging magazines is to keep all together the 'bits' like inserts, CDs and supplements and not have them wandering off into the far corners of the shop or someone's pocket.

Even so, it's not the packaging I find most strange, but the idea that, unless one has perused the contents in advance, no decision can be made on purchasing the magazine. Two things strike me. The first is that magazines have editorial policies about their contents and so it is relatively easy to guess what is likely to be in any edition - the trailers on the cover help, too.

The second is that I would have thought that, in any creative hobby, inspiration comes from all sorts of sources. I've often read articles about models of prototypes I wouldn't personally be interested in building, but which set me thinking about how I might tackle something in which I am interested. This applies across prototypes and scales; who could not be inspired by Peter Kazer's 'Corris', or Gordon and Maggie Gravett's 'Pempoul', even if their interests lay in totally different directions? Even the heavy oil engine can inspire a steam man. There's a lot to be said for finding inspiration in unfamiliar places - and buying all three main British titles each month should hardly break the bank.

Neil Burgess

I wonder which you consider to be the 'three main British titles' - Ed.

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Dunbar Station

I am currently gathering material in order to eventually build my dream layout - a depiction of Dunbar around 1938. I have a number of photos from the web and from British Railways past and present. I have the WTT and some carriage workings. However, if any readers have any photos of the station, or more particularly the engine shed, turntable or goods yard, I would love to see these, as I have been unable to come up with any photos of the shed and very few of the yard. I think I now have the track plan correct, but even just two days ago I had to amend that slightly - so, if anyone has information on that, or signalling for the area, again, I would be very grateful.

Graham Crawford

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Bulleid Coaches

It looks unlikely that Bachmann will revamp their Bulleid coaches as they have recently released them in BR(S) green.

If a manufacturer were to revisit this area of coaching stock, I would suggest the 63 foot long chassis range which followed multidoor stock. The 63 foot stock could include both narrow and deep window ventilators; Hornby have already demonstrated window size variation can be accommodated with their Maunsell coaches. The 15 inch deep ventilators would be as currently modelled by Bachmann and suitable for BR crimson & cream and BR green liveries.

The types possible are BSO, TK, CK and the open saloon - as released by Bachmann. The preceding narrow ventilator window, however, offers BSO, CK, SK and BCK options. As others have observed, the BCK was produced in two versions. 40 were used as loose stock and 13, of a slightly different type, were used in two coach sets with a brake third. BCKs are ideal for the branch line type of layout. Suitable liveries would be Malachite green and BR green.

Finally, the tavern car two set could be produced in original and rebuilt forms.

However, there are still livery variations awaited for the Hornby Maunsells e.g. BR low window stock and Southern olive high window stock - so I can not see more Hornby Bulleids appearing in the near future.

Robert Inns

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Both Stephen Derek and Peter Welfare miss a very important point in their postings regarding the possible production of a Bulleid BCK by Bachmann. There were two different diagrams of Bulleid brake composites. Those built to diagram 2405 (running numbers 6700 to 6712) were paired with brake thirds to form 2-coach sets 63 to 75. These had four 3^rd class compartments and two 1^st class compartments with the lavatory being at the opposite end of the coach to the guard's compartment. Those built to diagram 2406 (6713 to 6752) had the same number of compartments, but the lavatory was in the centre of the coach between the first and third class compartments and next to the centre carriage door. These were termed as 'loose' coaches and were commonly used on such trains as the 'Atlantic Coast Express', being dropped off at various points such as Axminster, Seaton Junction and Sidmouth Junction for working down the branches on the back of the normal branch services.

Consequently, the interior layout, positioning of windows, roof vents, positioning of roof lavatory filler tanks and some minor underframe details were different between the two diagrams. I’m sure both would be popular but two lots of tooling costs on top of the retooling costs of their current Bulleids adds up to a significant investment by Bachmann. However, I feel that the popularity of Hornby’s Maunsells would be matched by an expanded Bulleid range from Bachmann.

Dick Flower

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TPO

My congratulations to ModelZone (and Bachmann) for their lovely Diagram 720 TPO sorting carriage. This vehicle (running number 80300) was in the West of England TPO in the early '60s. In 1961, the Carriage Working Notices had the 10.20pm Paddington-Penzance as:
Siphon G
Stowage Brake Van
Stowage Van
Sorting Carriage (as per ModelZone but with collection arms)
Sorting Carriage (as per ModelZone but with collection arms)
Sorting Carriage
Stowage Brake Van (as per head-end vehicle)
Siphon G (to Plymouth)
Siphon G (to Exeter)
Siphon G (detached Exeter, forward to Torrington)
Siphon G (to Bristol)

Let's hope ModelZone (and/or Bachmann) go on to produce the 'matching' TPOs. It would also be an excellent opportunity for Hornby to upgrade the Siphon G with better bogies and NEMs. Modelmaster could then produce some decals for the Siphon G branding, which read 'To work on Down and Up West of England TPO'.

Brian Macdermott

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I have just treated myself to one of ModelZone's specially commissioned models of the BR TPOs. The one I have bought is the version appropriate to the 1960s, but there are also versions from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in appropriate liveries. The model is produced for ModelZone by Bachmann, based on vehicles built at Wolverton Works in 1959, and is up to their usual high standard.

I am delighted with mine and would say that it should be an essential addition for anyone with particular interest in parcel or postal train working.

Tony Elliott

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Tintagel Castle

I would like to thank Simon for responding to my question regarding the arrival date of Tintagel Castle. I will be waiting with great anticipation in the next few weeks for the postman to ring my doorbell with the long awaited package - just in time to haul the heavy summer expresses down to the Cornish Riviera!

Julian Beames

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A Bright Future

With respect to John Phillipson, I am not advocating everyone going over to DCC. I was pointing out some of the developments that I saw - opening doors, sound, lights etc. are all part of the 'added' realism of a layout just as adding figures, scenery, vehicles and buildings are. How much one wishes to invest in is down to the individual, but it is all part and parcel and certainly not an April fool.

The irony of John's comments are that he will probably benefit on his DC layout from developments in the DCC field. DCC is the cutting edge because much of it is emerging technology. DC had already reached the pinnacle of its development but is now being given an extra dimension because of DCC.

We in the UK do very well for prices compared with some of our continental counterparts, however, in paying more, they get more and much of it as standard. Would we in the UK be prepared to pay higher prices for Mk1s with lights and opening doors? I am sure some people would pay that sort of money. Interestingly, the recently release Brighton Belle EMU has many added functions that work in both DC and DCC, but its price eclipses even continental locos.

Andrew Carter

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Brighton Belle

While I cannot comment on the contents of the Hornby Magazine review (which I have yet to see here on the other side of the pond), I can comment as an owner of the 00 gauge Golden Age Models Brighton Belle set.

The quality of the build and finish was reason enough for me to invest the highest amount of money I have ever paid for a model train. Given that all models must have a compromise somewhere, I am not surprised that there may be an error or two in the presentation which more knowledgeable enthusiasts than I may be aware of, but this set is far beyond the standards of build and finish I (and probably most other model builders) can achieve, and is better than any other model of this Belle that I have seen to date.

The set I received was equipped for DCC running, whereas I am on traditional analogue cab controls, albeit with the remarkable new Pictrollers supplied by Malcolm Smith. I found the Belle would not run well on my DC layout with any of my Pictrollers, as well as other makes of controller available to me. I removed the 21 pin DCC boards and replaced them with a Bachmann blanking board, and wired the lighting into the DC feed. Now I have near perfection in looks and running, and the lights stay on when the Belle glides majestically to a standstill in Dorchester or Wool (IMLAIRWIL).

Problems? The buckeye couplings referred to by Nick Stanbury would seem to be designed more for display than operations on a layout. They are not as good as proprietary buckeyes (I use Kadee) due to their mounting springs. The proprietor of Golden Age assured me in the middle of last month that new replacement springs will be available to resolve my problems, but I have yet to receive them.

David Nevett - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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Wednesday 14.7.10

August British Railway Modelling

The magazine opens with its news section which includes Hornby's recently announced mid-year releases. Product reviews include Dapol's N gauge and 00 'Silver Bullet' slurry tank wagons and Dapol's catenary and pocket wagon.

Visited layouts this month are Gilbert Barnatt's 00 'Peterborough', David Edsall's imaginary pre-Grouping 00 'Walmington-on-Sea' and the BRM's project layout 'Canons Cross'.

Practical articles cover consolidating the Bachmann Class O4 (including weathering it), advice on airbrushes, building a Georgian terrace in 4mm scale, making the most of building card kits and building wagons from plastic kits.

Hints & Tips No.275 - Bridge Trusses

by Ian Barry

If you are in N scale, you can make very satisfactory looking bridge trusses by using either old model HO scale flatcars, such as those made by Athearn, Model Power or Bachmann. The condition does not really matter; you might find broken ones (minus wheels and couplers as I did). The stake holders can be used to mount a safety fence.

And, in the true spirit of recycling, you could also use the 5.25" blank covers that used to be on old computers for bridge trusses as well... just put some sides onto them and you are there!

Snippet No.305 – Restriction lifted

By Brian Macdermott

Modified 'West Country' and 'Battle of Britain' Pacifics were permitted to run between Okehampton and Plymouth from the summer of 1959. No.34062 17 Squadron is believed to have been the first across – on 28 July – working the 8.41am Exeter Central-Plymouth.

(Source: Railway Observer.)

Having Your Say...

Art Deco Station

Has anyone else had experience with the new Bachmann art deco station building (ref 44-066). It's a lovely building but, although I haven't done any measuring up, it looks ridiculously small when put alongside all my other Metcalfe etc. 00 buildings. One is almost tempted to say 'N gauge'. As I say, this is only by the naked eye but, at the moment, I have put it to one side because it simply looks absurd!

Would anyone care to comment?

Stewart Kevill-Davies - Currimundi, Queensland, Australia

The Scenecraft building range is produced to 4mm 00 scale. Doors, windows and other features are to the correct scale for use with the appropriate figures.

However, in some cases we have to compromise on length, width and sometimes height, in order to ensure that customers have room to accommodate the finished models. We are not the only manufacturer who has to compromise in this way.

Using a hypothetical example, if we were to produce one of the large out of town supermarkets, then the space required on any layout to accommodate it would be considerable. Therefore, it would be necessary to compromise the length, width and possibly the height to ensure that it does not over dominate any particular scene. Also, in a price conscious market, the cost of producing such a large retail complex to scale would be somewhere in the region of Ł300 rather than a price in keeping with the rest of our range. For those who require such a building, the only alternative is to scratch-build.

Likewise, just about every model of a church ever produced commercially has tower or steeple height compromised.

A check through the model railway press over many years will throw up many occasions when such compromises have been made.

I trust that this explains the position.

Dennis Lovett - Public Relations Manager, Bachmann Europe Plc

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A Bright Future

Andrew Carter’s ‘A Bright Future – Roco’ contribution had me thinking it was April the 1^st and I had either lost a lot of time asleep or Pat had kept this one back as long as the delivery of Tintagel Castle by Hornby!

Although I have no intention of moving over to DCC, on costs grounds, I have to say that, if all these functions can be produced for coaches and wagons, the way forward has to be DCC in the long term. I have a signalman who cannot walk and collect the token from the branch train and a horse that just refuses to pull the cart of coal out of the goods yard. The guy in the outside Victorian loo has been standing there for weeks and clearly needs to see the local doctor. The linesman has still not reached his section of track needing attention.

If I win the lottery, and that’s a big IF as I don’t buy a ticket, one day all these people and the horse may be DCC operated, the carriage doors will open and close and passengers will alight and board my trains. As for the computer controlling the lot; the train service will carry on even when I am away on holiday.

The future's bright – but is it affordable?

John Phillipson

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Andrew Carter has made some insightful comments regarding Roco's latest technology. I also buy continental products and keep in touch with that market via Peco's excellent 'Continental Modeller'. The technology involved in the latest items demonstrated at this year's Nurnberg Fair was nothing short of amazing, extending beyond the actual trains and into scenic items and even figures.

We must, however, keep in mind, as Andrew correctly points out, the issue of cost. Check out European prices and beyond the entry level items, I think many would find them very expensive compared to British models. Let's not forget that British manufacturers have prospered while most major European firms have all had recent difficulties. I believe the cost of their products has been a part of this, and it was not merely the German economy.

Evidence of this is that the volume of British retailers advertising in Continental Modeller (and accordingly disconnected from internal German economic issues) has not grown markedly over the last twenty years. In contrast, you now have four obviously viable monthly British outline magazines with more combined advertising pages than ever before, emphasising the success of British manufacturers recognising more widely affordable options alongside high end technology.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Bachmann Bullieds

Stephen Derek wants Bachmann to produce a Bullied brake composite, but the current range of Bullied coaches is deep window ventilator stock, and the brake composites were shallow ventilator stock. The lavatory windows were also different, and there were differences to grab handles and stepboard lengths. Apart from that, they were the same.

If Bachmann were to produce a Bulleid brake composite, it would probably be part of a new range of 'upgraded' coaches with flush windows (and can we have accurate corridor connection end plates too please, like the Hornby Maunsells).

Also, there were 2 types of underframe. Some, like the Bachmann coaches, had centrally mounted Prestall vacuum cylinders, but the others were more conventional. The easiest way to spot the difference is the absence of V hangers on the Prestall type - but, beware, V hangers could be mounted in different positions.

I haven't found any logic behind which underframe type was used with which coach type. Indeed, talking to Mike King (the Southern coach expert), he wasn't sure either, and many were modified in service. You need a photo of your exact numbered coach, and for the right date too. It's a nightmare!.

Peter Welfare

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Tyneside BR Electric Parcels Van/Baggage Car E68000

There is a photo of the vehicle as M68000M at Formby in the Ian Allan colour album Merseyside Electrics, published this year.

Mike King

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Bagged Magazines

I find it quite amazing how upset people are getting over magazines in a bag. I feel that 'thumbers' in WHSmith will always be around and these people who are getting upset only need to get one from the back of the pile if they want a virgin untouched copy. Gents, surely the more people who buy the magazines only benefits our hobby as a whole and if magazine readers like to 'try before they buy', then so be it. And, yes, I hope Model Rail do keep putting it in an invisible mixed bag, cos I know it will always be a good read finger marks or not.

Tom Gray

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On the one hand, people want to be able to browse a magazine before buying. On the other, they won't buy the one on the top which has been handled by others.

One wonders if the answer wouldn't be to publish the current TOC with small extracts from the articles on a website, or to print on a separate sheet the TOC and insert it at the back of the plastic bag.

Steve Mann - NYC

TOC = table of contents

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Van Roof Markings

Just a thought, triggered by Brian Macdermott's query about the white markings on van roofs he spotted in a photo.

Since Brian states that the picture dates from 1949, i.e. just after the war, could the vans in question be some which had been returned to Britain having been sent to Europe for military use on liberated railways after D-Day? The roof markings could be for identifying the vans as 'friendly' to allied aircraft which might otherwise have done them serious damage.

Thanks for the magazine Pat, I really missed it last week. How dare you take time off!

John Simmonds

Thanks John, I'll try and keep it to the minimum - Ed.

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Missing 'Castle'

I was delighted to see Simon's response to Alan Tewson's query regarding the missing GWR 'Castle'. Mine has been on order for a similar period.

Whilst Simon is always helpful, it would be nice to know why we waited so long for the GWR version and what Hornby's intentions are? May we expect other named 'Castles' - I need several for my large GWR layout and is a 'Star' on the drawing board? I would prefer to wait, than build a body kit.

Whilst we can make an educated guess in answering such questions, surely it would be in the manufacture's business interests to inform us all of their plans!

Brian Patterson - Johannesburg, South Africa

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The Brighton Belle

Although I rarely buy model magazines (other than Model Railway Journal), I was tempted today by the August issue of Hornby Magazine – after a surreptitious grope in W. H. Smith, of course. I was quite impressed with it generally but the main attraction was the review of the Brighton Belle set produced by Golden Age Models. There is also a short article outlining the prototype, which I knew quite well and travelled on occasionally in the 1960s.

It would seem that the model is well-made and with fine, accurate detailing – and so it should be at a hefty Ł1,995, plus VAT, for the five-car set! But a few rather glaring discrepancies do seem to let it down. The most obvious is that the buffer beams and buffer stocks at both ends of each coach are painted red. Surely they were always black on this and all other Southern Electric stock? No doubt someone will tell me if I am wrong. The outer ends of the motor bogies are somewhat marred by rather obvious Phillips screwheads. And the intermediate couplings are of Buckeye pattern (presumably for ease of use on the layout) whereas the prototype had screw couplings throughout.

Nick Stanbury

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LNER Class O4

I would agree with Dudley Jones that the Bachmann O4 opens up possibilities for a large number of variants. The O4/8 fitted with the 100A (B1 type) boiler and new drum smokebox was actually the most common type of O4 from the late 1950s onwards and survived until the end of steam on the Eastern Region. The O4/7, with a Diagram 15 (shortened O2 type) boiler retaining the GC smokebox was only slightly less numerous during this period. Maybe there is an opening for an enterprising manufacturer to produce replacement body kits?

Bernard Hulland

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Monday 12.7.10

August Railway Modeller

This issue of the magazine comes with a free 16 page supplement entitled: DCC Today - Controlling Your Layout. This includes articles on new dimensions with DCC, layout wiring, system choice and computerised control.

As usual, this is the magazine with plenty of layouts to look at and these include: 'The Paddington Line' (Railway of the Month) which is Tony Crouch's DCC controlled 7mm scale GWR garden railway, the Cleveland MRC's large exhibition-friendly 00 'Jowett Junction', Alan Whitehouse's 2FS circular 'Woodhead' line, Neil Ripley's Cornish EM 'St Minions' micro layout, Lyn and Jim Owers's 009 disused ironstone mine 'Torreton' and John Parkinson's N gauge Cornish 'Porth Kernow'. Plan of the Month is a 4mm scale design, inspired by the Minehead terminus of the West Somerset Railway.

Practical articles include conversion of the Heljan Clayton to a Rolls Royce version, painting figures, scratch-building a motorised windmill, operating branch line layouts, scratch-building a station shelter and upgrading the Peco card kit container.

Model reviews include: the Golden Age Models' 5-car Brighton Belle set in 00 scale, the Union Mills N gauge 'Improved Director' and the Hornby Skaledale coaling tower.

Wallis & Wallis Sale

The next toy auction at the West Street Auction Galleries in Lewes, Sussex, is next Monday at 10.30am. Viewing will be on Friday between 9am and 5pm and on Saturday from 9am until 1pm. There will also be viewing on the morning of the sale from 9am until 10am. There will be 137 lots of model railway equipment.

Hints & Tips No.274 - A Further Ballasting Technique

by Vicky Makin (Queensland, Australia)

I use a 500ml plastic sauce bottle which is great for applying ballast to the track. Compared to the larger ballast containers, the sauce bottle does not over pour making a great mess. I also use an artists paint brush the width of between the rails and I 'paint' the ballast in place rather than sweep like others do. I use an eye dropper to apply the PVA and water mix which is very accurate and not messy.

I suppose the best advice for those applying ballast is to take your time and do not rush the job or it may be unsatisfactory.

Having Your Say...

O4 and More

I have for some time been seeking to point out that new model locomotives can be created from existing ones. The O4 is a prime example of the potential.

There were about 8 subtypes, and I would not expect Bachmann to do them all. One or two, however, do appear to offer considerable opportunities for new types at reduced production cost.

Prime amongst these would seem to be Thompson's rebuilding of a significant number with B1 type boilers and cabs, but retaining everything below the running plate.

A step further, and one I would welcome very much, would be the O1 rebuild, also by Thompson, that took the process a stage further. This added a new running plate, B1 type cab and boiler and outside valve gear. A different and modern engine, and one found over a slightly wider area than the O4. Much of the tooling must already be available.

Finally, a more modest Robinson side window cab would be a small and distinctive variation to the basic machine.

Dudley Jones

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Missing 'Castle'

I too have had Tintagel Castle on order since Jan 2009, an e-mail to Hornby two weeks ago, resulted in the reply (Hang on till July) I had hoped it was July 2010.

Interesting though that we have had 3 versions of the new castle all in various BR guises. Does this mean there are three times more BR era modellers than for the big four?

Alan Tewson

The following message was received on 2nd July - Ed.

Just to let you know that Tintagel Castle will be with us next week and in the shops shortly after that.

Kindest regards

Simon

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Hornby Brush Type 2 D5511

I thought these items from Railway Observer for 1958 might be of interest to Scottish Region followers regarding tests in Scotland before she went to Stratford when new. Hornby's model depicts this loco for that period with the running number on one end only.

"Brush diesel D5511 underwent tests on the suburban line with 30 and 35 leaded 'Minfits' between South Leith and Gorgie East on the 17th and 18th July 1958. Tests were made on the LMS line with a similar load from Crewe Jnct to Carmyle, while a trip on the Waverley route was on goods and passenger turns. The trials from all accounts were very successful."

"Diesel D5511 - Full details of the Brush engine's peregrinations have not been ascertained, but they have included runs to Wick, over the West Highland and Oban lines. Main line freight working to Carlisle has also been included."

Ian Taylor

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Weathering

I very much agree with Richard Watson's observations about weathering and how there is a real possibility of ruining a good model by doing it badly. Of course the same it true of painting generally, so much so that it is a truism of modelling that many a good model is spoilt by a poor paint job.

The problem with a lot of weathering seems to be either that people think it's just a matter of sloshing some dirt-coloured paint all over the model (or doing the equivalent with an airbrush) or else that people produce what they think is a weathered finish rather than try to understand and reproduce what is actually there. The idea that simply spraying a drop of brownish-dark grey over a model is sufficient is why factory-finished weathering looks unconvincing.

Real weathering, like any other branch of modelling, requires keen observation of the real thing and a lot of trial and error on the model. I'd recommend careful study of Martyn Welch's The Art of Weathering [Wild Swan, 1993]; interestingly a lot of his techniques produce understated results which often seem to me more convincing than the 'scrofulously filthy' school.

Neil Burgess

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Tip

Tired of having your paints dry out? Clean the bottle neck and the cap well, then pull a small piece of plastic stretch-wrap (saran wrap, cling film etc.) over the mouth of the bottle and then replace the cap securely.

One trick from the darkroom days (soon to be lost science) is to reduce the airspace above any air-sensitive liquids by adding sterilised glass beads (marbles in darkroom volumes) to the liquid until the jar is "full" again. Worth a try, I reckon, since even with an airtight seal, paints will dry when in contact with the air gap above the liquid if it is big enough, as my paint collection will attest.

Steve Mann - NYC.

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SR Utility Van

I notice that Hornby are to introduce a further version of the venerable SR bogie utility van. This must now be one of, if not the, oldest moulding still in production and a testimony to the quality of the old Tri-ang tools.

But Hornby please, it’s done us well, it’s not altogether bad, but it really isn’t up to today’s standards. Please retire it gracefully, put the moulds in a museum, and replace it with a 21^st century version.

Bob Fleming

The former Tri-ang SR utility van model dates from 1958, however, the cattle van (still in the Thomas range) is two years older, dating from 1956 - Ed.

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Magazines in Sealed Bags

I wonder if the magazine publishers are as responsive to comments on this forum as the model manufacturers.

Like an number of other correspondent, I don’t buy magazines that I can’t check to see that it has worthwhile content. This means that I never buy BRM. I know it occasionally has articles of interest to me because I find out about them later and then end up borrowing the copy when I would have bought it in the first place. I find this annoying and BRM have lost a sale.

One of the other magazines had an attachment some while ago and used a bag with two sleeves so that the magazine could still be browsed, a much better system.

The upside for me is that I only have to check out 3 magazines, RM, Model Rail and MRJ (Rail Express Modeller doesn’t appear to be available in Australia) and hence have a 25% better chance of keeping my money to spend on model railway items!

Mike McHugh - Canberra, Australia

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The response from my contribution regarding magazines brought the expected response. Perhaps the people concerned should watch the Mr Bean programme where he is shopping for his holidays and tries out all the bits he needs, including toothbrushes, which he puts back and takes a new one.

Perhaps WHSmith should have second-hand magazines, complete with snotty finger-marks, at reduced prices. After all, we have second-hand model railway items! Maybe we should be allowed to try on underpants as well as trousers! The can of worms opens more...

George McKie

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Recent postings have remarked on the deterrent value of magazines in sealed bags (surely not Tom Gray's Model Rail in a mixed bag : see his 30/6 entry!).

This can sometimes be overcome when occasionally a magazine's plastic bag be found already open (how thoughtful for persons unknown to have left it so!).

Stephen Derek

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S&D Chassis R2882

Little problem to mull over whilst sheltering from the rain on the beach this summer!

Some while ago I picked up, at a carboot sale, the remains of a Hornby 08 shunter (the one from the twin loco sets). It ran well after a clean up.

I decided to fit the mechanism under an early Tri-ang R251 Johnson/Deeley that had been much detailed etc. Minor modifications to the Hornby plastic wheel keeper were required but, once carried out, I had a nice model in LMS colours that can cope with 10-12 coal trucks.

Lately, I purchased another R251, looked around for a similar chassis. This I found new in a Hornby dealers and it came with an instruction sheet purporting to be for R2882 (Hornby’s S&D Jinty).

Having run it in before any modifications, I fitted it to its new body and discovered it wouldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding, it even struggled with it’s own tender - wheels spinning!

The only difference I can see is that the centre wheels do not have traction tyres whereas the previous one has.

An email to Hornby only solicited a comment from Ben Hoyle that I should contact someone who has knowledge of early models(!!)

My questions are three fold:-

1/ How quick do current Hornby model become ‘early’?

2/ Has anyone else purchased this type of chassis?

3/ Where can I purchase a pair of new Jinty traction tyred driving wheel?

Ken Darville

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The Lenz System

I took the opportunity to check out A&H Models, a shop not too far from where I live. My main reason was to check out the Lenz digital system. I would like to, through the pages of MREmag, give praise to the staff of this shop who were most welcoming and gave me a superb demonstration of the Lenz system.

Firstly, they were friendly and welcoming and nothing appeared too much trouble. When I asked about the Lenz system, I was taken to their little demonstration room where I was able to see and use, both the LH100 and LH90 handsets, and was able to see for myself the relative merits, or otherwise, of both controllers. There was no pressure to buy and some of the other accessories were shown and demonstrated. I was given a catalogue and told that they would be happy to answer any subsequent questions that arose.

One of my concerns (and I believe of many Lenz owners) is the need to send controllers to Germany for upgrades, A&H told me they could undertake the upgrades at their shop which certainly would save time, the new set planned for later this year is able to be upgraded on line, a superb service from a small but customer orientated shop.

Andrew Carter

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USA Tank

I recently rode, in the USA, behind an original US version of the ‘USA’ tank and it set me wondering as to what happened to all the old Hornby AcHo tooling. Was it all scrapped or is it lurking somewhere, waiting for a benefactor to raise it from the dead!!

Bob Fleming

The USA tank was the last locomotive model to be released in the Hornby-Acho range. The range was terminated in 1973, having been squeezed out of the market by strong competition. As for what happened to the tooling, I have no answer - Ed.

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East Anglian Van Roof Markings

I recently obtained a copy of Steam in the Eastern Counties by John Brodribb (Ian Allan, 1985). A photo on page 35, taken in 1949, shows a van which is similar to the Bachmann SR plywood version. It has two 6" white lines painted across the van roof, side to side, on each end. Page 40 shows another van (which also strikes me as SR origin) taken in 1950 with a large white panel on the roof centred on the door. I can only see one side in the photo.

Do these neat paintings have any significance, or are they just very neat leak repairs?

Brian Macdermott

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Colour Accuracy

Regarding the accuracy (or otherwise) of Bachmann's latest Bulleid livery: Hmm, perusing one modelling magazine's review, there were a couple of comparative early/late colour photos. One coach in a lighter green merited this was the better shade.

This tempted me to peruse another magazine and conveniently nearby was July's Steam Days. This had a feature depicting various BR green Southern Region coaches, the shades of which virtually matched the darker green shade of the currently disputed models.

Paint variations, time, weathering, colour printing, age, all contribute to varying interpretations of any shade, and reducing the colour rendition down to a smaller scale can add to the dilemma.

Stephen Derek

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A Bright Future - Roco

When I was demonstrated the Lenz system at A&H, a Roco loco was used, even though I do not model with diesels or electrics, I was amazed at the sound and functions on the loco. The pantographs were so fine and could be raised and lowered independently, with accompanying sound; the engine note was superb. It also had a station announcement function!.

Next, I was shown a coach which is widely used on the continent. This had independently opening and closing doors, with accompanying clunks and clicks, and interior lighting which could be dimmed.

Finally, I was shown some wagons which were telescopic and used for carrying steel coils, there was a DCC controlled crane available for lifting the coils out when the telescopic doors opened. All the above was controlled by DCC. I was truly impressed!

So what is the catch?

Well, the loco and its set of coaches cost Ł699, the coaches alone cost Ł150 each and the wagons were similarly priced to the coaches. So, there is the rub, one can have some truly fantastic features - but at a price. Will the British modeller pay the prices for these innovations. I, personally, would love a rake of Mk1s with opening doors and lights able to be dimmed.

Come on Bachmann and Hornby - take the plunge.

Andrew Carter - Banbury, Oxon

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Tyneside BR Electric Parcels Van/Baggage Car E68000

In response to the query made by David Smith regarding E68000, is he aware that this unit went on to work on the Liverpool to Southport line as M68000? There is a possibility that there may be photographs of it working in this area that may be of use to David.

This vehicle was longer than the SR MLVs, but some parts may have been interchangeable. He may be able to make the body by using 2 Replica Railways MLV bodies 'cut and shut'. Also, Replica Railways sell the MLV underframe components, the bogies, glazing and cab interior parts separately.

Nick Lamkin

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Bachmann's Bulleids

Regarding livery discrepancies: Bachmann don't really help themselves, when illustrations in their 2009 catalogue of their Bulleid and BR Mk1 green coaches showed three totally different shades of 'BR (SR) Green'.

Bulleid stock, and the SR-liveried BR Mk1 Catering vehicles, appeared in two (lighter) shades, while all other SR-liveried BR MK1 stock was in a very unrealistic dark shade of green, now largely repeated in their 2010 catalogue.

Since 2008, I've been waiting for the 34-554A corridor composite (CK) to appear. This was shown to have the yellow 1st cantrail line (introduced from 1960) but, unfortunately, the catalogue photo showed the line above the wrong three compartments. I later learned that this error would be corrected on the actual model, but its eventual arrival in the 2010 catalogue now depicts 34-554A without the yellow line!

However, there still doesn't seem to be any positive news regarding that much desired Bulleid brake composite (BCK), an essential requirement for any Southern through train!

Stephen Derek

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Friday 2.7.10

Reminder

With other commitments building up, I need to take a break next week. There will, therefore, be no MREmag on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. I hope to be back with a new issue on Monday 12th July.

Rail Express Modeller No.75 - Farewell Phil!

Sadly the current issue marks the end of Philip Sutton's term as editor of Rail Express and Rail Express Modeller - and 25 years of fighting the diesel and electric modellers' corner. The modelling supplement, in particular, is acknowledged as a magazine that calls a spade a spade and does not pussyfoot around when it comes to model critiques. Phil has also been instrumental in persuading manufacturers to tool new subclasses and has been prepared to put his money where his mouth is. Good luck with your next project, Phil!

The magazine has been bought by Mortons Media Group and, as from the next issue, the current assistant editor, Gareth Bayer, will be in the hot seat and we wish him well.

The magazine includes news of forthcoming models launched or displayed at the recent DEMU exhibition. Dapol's plans for new wagons for the current rail scene are particularly exciting. There is also a superb picture of the forthcoming Bachmann JJA, as well as their STVA car carrying IPA. Reviews include the Bachmann MOA, Dapol's catenary range and ModelZone's Mk1 Royal Mail sorting van.

There is also an article on weathering and, in the main magazine, a look at the take-over of GB Railfreight by Eurotunnel makes interesting reading.

Hints & Tips No.273 - Preserving Paint

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne Australia)

Are you tired of your expensive paints drying out? Clean the caps well. Screw on cap and store the bottle upside down, preferably in an old refrigerator. The paint will block air from entering and drying the paint and the refrigerator will keep the paint from drying through heat.

Having Your Say...

Weathering

I model in 0 gauge, but do keep an eye on 00 and N as well, out of general interest. Returning to the hobby after a near 30 year hiatus, I was quite surprised to see the current trend for weathered models by manufacturers, not least because, on most models, the weathering seems to be applied by simply passing an air brush down the side at top-of-wheel height. While this looks not too bad on diesels and rolling stock, on steam models it looks, to me, quite awful - in fact it looks exactly like someone has passed an air brush down the side.

This is obviously just my view. I am no good at weathering myself, so my models are all ex-works, which is the lesser of two evils. But, I have seen some models completely spoiled by bad weathering - a 'Black 5' at Stafford show (gauge 1, I think) springs to mind, the lime-scale being pure white, and, on a website, an unfitted bogie wagon with brake dust around the bogies.

In the meantime, I shall be having (yet) another go at my guinea pig shock van to see if my artistic ability had magically improved, though I hold out little hope.....

Richard Watson

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Magazine Indexes (or Indices)

May I recommend Bill Massey's Railway Search Index? This is a fully searchable database covering many railway and model railway magazines including every issue of the Railway Modeller back to October/November 1949. Initial installation is by CD-ROM with quarterly updates by email.

It is available from Bill at Marginalert Ltd, 15 St Helens Crescent, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 4NA, UK.

I should declare an interest in that I have indexed the first 25 years or so of the Railway Modeller for Bill, but I have no financial interest in the venture.

John Nuttall - Sydney, Australia

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Tyneside BR Electric Parcels Van/Baggage Cas E68000

This is a plea (actually, I'm on my knees begging here) for information on this single parcels car. Built at Eastleigh to BR Standard practice, it went to South Tyneside following testing on the Southern.

I've committed myself to building a 4mm model of this in time for this year's Warley show but am now begging to regret it.

I've managed to find most of the published photos thanks to colleagues on the SEmG news group and other general searches but a good dimensioned plan still alludes me. I have the GA drawing from the Railway Magazine about 1966, but it leaves more questions than answers.

So, does anyone have, or know of, unpublished photos of this unit showing any aspect of it, but in particular, side-on shots and some roof detail. Perhaps someone, somewhere, photographed this car from a bridge.

Also, I would particularly like to contact Mr Ian S Carr, a prolific NE photographer. Does anyone have a contact for him, or would be prepared to pass this request onto him and ask him if he can help. If you wish to correspond direct, please mail me at davv.copthorne@btinternet.com

David A Smith

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GWR Versions of the New Hornby 'Castle'

I am wondering when we might see the GWR versions of Hornby's new 'Castle' Class model. I have a R2848 Tintagel Castle in GWR livery on order from one of the major online retailers and see that the site is still showing "now due first quarter 2010" against the item. The Hornby site just says "due fourth quarter" but I'm not sure if that still refers to the original 2009 delivery forecast or is an updated entry referring to 2010.

Does anyone have an idea as to its likely delivery date?

Julian Beames

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Broadband Problems

I am currently experiencing Broadband problems with the result that emails are getting held up and, when the gates open, there is an avalanche. Hopefully this issue of MREmag will slip through the gates at midnight. You may receive it late or not at all!

In case this issue gets through but not the one for Friday, I need to let readers know that the magazine will be taking a break next week to allow me to catch up on other matters.

Hornby Scotrail Saltire Class 156

In Monday's MREmag, Russell Benton referred to his visit to the Perth show and to seeing, on the Hornby stand, the body of a Class 156 in Scotrail Saltire livery. The point Russell wanted to make was that the roof on the sample was blue, whereas the real units have grey roofs. A copy of his email had been forwarded to Hornby but, as I am having trouble with Broadband connections at present, Simon Kohler's response was not received until after we 'went to press'.

However, Simon has explained that the sample on display was an early one and he has confirmed that the production models will have grey roofs. He asked me to stress that he is always grateful for any help given in correcting errors, so please don't be shy in pointing these out.

Having said that, he has sent me a picture of 156433, taken on 13th February 2009, showing it clearly had blue roofs. The picture shows a passenger getting aboard, suggesting that it was in revenue earning service at the time. This may well have been an early recording before the roofs were repainted.

Blaenavon Model Railway Show - July 3-4

Blaenavon, Torfaen/Gwent, Blaenavon Model Railway Show, Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, Garn – yr – Erw, Blaenavon, South Wales NP4 9SF. The opening times are 11am to 5pm.

There will be six layouts featuring T gauge, N gauge, 00 gauge 4mm and 0 gauge 7mm.

Admission is free with a valid Pontypool & Blaenavon Steam Railway train ticket - otherwise the prices are: adults Ł5, children Ł3 and families (2+3) Ł13

For further information, contact: info@PBRly.co.uk or phone 01495 792263.

Forties Weekend on the SVR

This coming weekend (3rd-4th July) is the second of this year's 'Forties Weekends' on the SVR [Severn Valley Railway - Kidderminster, Worcsestershire to Bridgnorth, Shropshire] with many displays of period vehicles, costumes and entertainments, re-enactments and an intensive steam service.

TCS Sandy - The Big One!

In terms of vintage model railways exhibitions, they don't get much bigger than the Train Collectors Society's Sandy Summer Exhibition which is this coming Saturday at Sandy Upper School, Engayne Avenue, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1BL. The opening times are 10.30am to 5.00pm and there is free on-site parking. For those arriving by train, there will be a vintage bus providing free rides to and from Sandy railway station.

There will be over 30 model railway and vintage layouts as well as displays of yesterday's railway toys. Bassett-Lowke, Hornby Dublo, Hornby 0 gauge, Tri-ang 00 and TT, Trix Twin, Playmobil and Tomy working layouts will all be there, as well as makes you may never have heard of. It covers 100 years of model railways. There will also be over 20 trade stands along with those of societies and particularly the various collectors clubs.

If you are either a member of the TCS or a member of the Bachmann Club, bring along your membership card and claim a discount on the entry prices, which will otherwise be: adults Ł4.50, children Ł1.50 and families (2+2) Ł9.00. The event receives sponsorship from Bachmann through their collectors club.

Australian Readers in the Sydney Area Take Note

For our Australian readers, the Hills Model Railway Society are holding their 31st model railway exhibition on the weekend of the 24-25th July. It will be held in the Harvey Lowe Pavilion at the Castle Hill Showground in Sydney. Entrance is from Carrington Road. Details are at http://www.mobbsy.net/hmrs/pages/2010flyer.html

Admission prices will be: adults $9, children $4 and there is a family ticket for $20. It includes a bring-n-buy sale, trade stands, layouts including old favourites and new layouts never seen before and, of course, the U-drive, featuring the Obese Dictator (copyright prevents use of his correct title).

A table will be at the exhibition selling models from Kevin Byrne's estate. Those who knew Kevin will be aware that this includes British, Australian and USA prototypes in N, H0 and 00 and it was a vast collection including brass locos.

Surprise Gift of Model Railway for Derby!

Almost out of the blue, a benefactor has presented his large model railway to the Trustees of the Derby-based charity Famous Trains model railway, for use in its project in Markeaton Park. Derek Chandley, having a need to dispose of his 00 scale model railway from his home in Derbyshire, contacted the Famous Trains and offered his railway free if the charity could arrange to take it away!

Famous Trains chairman Colin Boocock says, "There is an amazing match between Derek’s layout and our own plans for the railway in the building in Markeaton Park. We shall save ourselves a lot of work, and it should enable the model railway to open to the public a lot earlier than if we had to build a model railway from scratch!"

The model railway was formally handed over to the charity at a short ceremony on Monday 27^th June. The model is an 00 scale replica of Chinley station, Derbyshire, in the period of the 1960s and 1970s. It has four main line tracks running through it, as well as a goods yard and a working turntable for locomotives. Hidden loops at the back of the layout enable 16 trains to run in sequence round the layout. The plans are to make this fully-automated so that operator involvement is minimised yet with a satisfying variety of trains running. An operator can manage shunting in the freight yard. As many as possible of the scenic attractions will be workable by visitors using push-buttons.

Famous Trains is currently negotiating with Derby City Council on the upgrade that is required to change the use of the Council store building in Markeaton Park to make it suitable for its new purpose. The charity has its own web site at www.famoustrains.co.uk and is seeking funds and sponsorships. Readers wanting to get involved with this exciting project in any way will be very welcome and should contact Colin Boocock at 01332 340540 or e-mail him on cpboocock@aol.com.

Hints & Tips No.272 - Powering from Catenary

by Ian Barry

If you are powering locomotives from catenary wire, consider suspending either a length of rail suspended above the track on a frame (made of other rail length) or a hardened piece of thicker solid electrical wire in tunnels and other out of sight areas.

This will improve the reliability of your pantograph contact, not getting tangled in finer wire, and save installing masts in otherwise invisible places.

Snippet No.304 – 1959 Summer Saturdays in the West

by Brian Macdermott

The Saturday 1.40pm Kingswear-Paddington (first part of the ‘Royal Duchy’) was reported as being regularly hauled by a 9F.

9F 2-10-0 No.92207 worked the 12.05pm Paddington-Plymouth on 15 August, and, on the same date, the 3.45pm to Fishguard was taken by 92229.

The 47xxs had, apparently, not been seen very often that summer. However, there was a fine sight at Exeter on 1 August, when 4706 was on the 1.25pm Paddington-Kingswear, passing 4704 on the 3.20pm Kingswear-Cardiff. Both locos were green.

On 27 July, the up ‘Torbay Express’ was hauled by D807 Caradoc and the down by D808 Centaur.

(Source: Railway Observer.)

What's on TV?
by Brian Macdermott

Sunday 4 July
Discovery Science (524), 20.00-21.00. Nextworld. Future trains.

Having Your Say...

Old Magazines & Indexing

I have been following with interest the topic of old magazines. Like many modellers of a certain age, I have collected several thousand magazines over the years and have given hundreds away! As Don Blackhall said, the indexing of magazines never seems to have been a great priority. However, since first acquiring a computer, I have steadily been indexing the articles of interest to myself and if any readers would like a copy in Word format of my index please contact me via ambridge68@y7mail.com and I will only be too happy to forward a copy. The index contains lists of articles by and about Peter Denny, Jack Ray, Norman Eagles and John Charman as well as some interesting general articles, especially any dealing with the timetable running of trains.

Stephen Russell-Clark - Brisbane, Australia

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Collecting Current 00 Models

Like John Phillipson and others, I think that the current crop of 00 ready-to-run models is absolutely excellent. I notice, however, that there are perhaps not quite as many new versions of steam express locomotives from either of the two main manufacturers as there were in recent years, at least in recent retailer listings. This has caused me to search for some of the more obscure production runs of my favourite models, Hornby A3 and A4, and N15 primarily, the former because they run straight from the box without detailing, and the latter because, well, I like them! .

There is much pleasure to be had from discovering rarer models of express locomotives from 2007 or thereabouts on the shelves of relatively low-volume retailers, especially with new model price increases. Having just purchased a new late BR A3 Galtee More with deflectors, double chimney and GNR tender and an A4 Guillemot at very fair prices, may I, through these august pages, please request a 'run' on such models so that they increase dramatically in value?

Also, these older models lack little by comparison with current standards, except perhaps cab detail, and who will say that a 2002 weathered Stanier 8F by Hornby is inferior to a 2010 Robinson 2-8-0 by Bachmann? Not I, yer Honour! The A3 deserves the 'model of the decade' award, too.

Robbie McGavin - Christchurch, New Zealand

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Sound and the Branch Terminus

As more locomotives are supplied with sound, it seems that sooner rather than later, smaller branch line types will be produced with this function. The operation of the various sound functions, replicating each operational aspect from the loco arriving at the branch terminus with its train, shunting, reversing, running to the shed or the various sounds involved in starting up and preparing for departure, will not only enhance realism, but will richly add to the operational interest of the traditional branch terminus.

While I have far too many locos to think of converting to DCC, the thought of such a branch line makes me wonder if Mrs. Whitmore would accede to a third layout in the house - it would only be small and I would promise to keep the volume low. Seriously though, such a project could be ideal for a modeller who would like to enjoy DCC, but whose main layout would be too costly to convert.

With all these technological advances, it's surprising that the one operational possibility still awaiting fruition is electrically operated semaphore signalling - technology that is now over half a century old. This is the remaining issue most needed to achieve operational realism.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Website Access

On Monday, Pat posted my website address for portable layout construction. Unfortunately, I did not realise that digitalzones (my free server) does not like hot links. However if you copy and paste the website http://www.xdford.digitalzones.com/quicklayoutconstruction01.html into your browser, you shouldn't have any trouble accessing it.

Trevor Gibbs - Australia

I tested the live link before posting Trevor's email and I got through to his website OK. I therefore assumed anyone else would - Ed.

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This is Not a Lending Library

Over the years I accumulated thousands of prototype and model railway magazines, mainly by subscription.

Those days have passed but I still buy magazines from time to time, especially if wanting a good read whilst travelling. Therefor, its important for me to be able to peruse magazines at the newsagent before purchase. All too often a magazine has an article or photos that turn it into a 'have to have', rather than a 'nice to have' and a purchase eventuates. But I’ve never bought a copy of British Railway Modelling because they are in sealed bags. I refuse to take the gamble and buy a magazine that may have little in the way of content that appeals. It's a pity because I’ve heard it is a good publication. I wonder how many itinerant sales they lose?

It was once quite common to see signs "This is Not a Lending Library" at newsagents in Perth, but most newsagents are astute business people these days and recognise many customers want to have a read or peruse a variety of magazines before walking away with a purchase.

Nicholas Pusenjak - Western Australia

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Where did I say I didn't buy a model railway magazine in Smiths. What I did was to review the magazines and buy the one that had articles that were of current interest to me. I'm not in the habit of buying a magazine blindly without checking what's in it. This is why I no longer subscribe to one nor have one delivered, I don't know what's in it. I want magazines that have articles appropriate to my interests or that will be useful to keep for future reference. I don't want to waste money on a magazine that has little in it for me. So, if BRM is in a sealed bag, I don't buy it, because I can't check what's in it.

Likewise, when I buy a model, I take it out of its box to check that its a perfect example and not damaged, and, if I buy a pair of trousers, I try them on first to ensure they fit and look OK.

And the magazine I bought?, it was Hornby magazine, because it had a technical review of the Hornby Sapphire DCC decoder and an article about weathering using powders.

Peter Welfare

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I read with interest George Mckie's piece about people in Smiths reading the magazines. This annoys me too, but the only problem I have, being a 1970's period modeller, is that the magazines are of no interest if they haven't got any diesel articles in them.

I do not read them but I must confess I do flick through them to see what's in there. Magazines such as BRM, that are bagged up, will always lose my potential sale as I can't see what's in them. Without a sneak preview, I will buy only Model Rail, because that's always a mixed bag. I have bought bagged up magazines before and been disappointed with the contents.

Tom Gray

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That's a Relief - Class 21

I was interested to read Andy Wakeford's comments on the Class 21s.

I have a Hornby 'Class 21' which suits my East Anglian layout (a few were there when new, at Ipswich, until sent to Scotland to be handy for repairs at North British).

A year or so ago, I removed the indicator boxes from what was then a Class 29, and scribed back the front doors, added indicator discs and now have a very passable weathered early Class 21 (which is also now a good runner). It seems that my efforts may be fairly realistic for the period that I model.

On a similar matter did Hornby ever do a Class 24? I have one, and have seen a couple of others. Mine is probably a (very well) altered and weathered Class 25, as possibly was another I saw on Ebay. However, a year or so ago, I saw what appeared to be a pristine boxed Class 24 in a second-hand shop in Cardiff. It looked like it was made that way.

Dudley Jones

No, Hornby did not do a Class 24. They released the Class 25 in 1977 as a replacement for the worn-out Class 31 tools. I understand that the Class 21/29 model was introduced as it was of a similar size to the Class 25 and so could share chassis parts - Ed.

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Bachmann O4

Have Bachmann indicated if they will be producing the 04/2 as based in Scotland to NBR loading gauge? I am trying to decide whether to buy one of the LNER ones on offer to adapt, or whether to wait and see if Bachmann are going to produce this variant. Thanks,

Graham Crawford

All Bachmann are committed to are what appear in the current catalogue or have been announced as commissioned models. They are shortly to hold their annual open event for retailers and the press at which further models are usually announced. We might hear something then - Ed.

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I was very fortunate living in Hadfield on the Woodhead line during the '40s and '50s. I saw quit a few O4s in pristine condition, up to electrification, strait from the paint shop at Gorton works. But, unlike most, by the time I save up from my pension, the LNER version will be out of production.

I have a black and white photo of one, straight from the shop, with the Gorton breakdown crane attending a runaway EM1 coal train, having demolished the old gate keepers cottage at Torside level crossing c1955.

During that period it was common to see the tenders piled high with coal, after being coaled at Gorton, some of it being thrown off at signal box's on the way to Woodhead.

Barrie Fletcher

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Bachmann are to be congratulated for the O4 - another superb loco. I particularly like the hauling power and the excellent tender-to-loco distance adjuster screw. Mine looks really good, but will still go round the second radius curves of my hidden reverse loops. I think I'm right in saying that the forthcoming S&D 7F will have a similar arrangement.

Photos in my 1960's Ian Allan ABCs show a number of O4s with late crest (albeit not the Bachmann variation). Another detail that has become clear is the height of the coal in the tender. In the ABC pictures, it is often stacked high in pyramid fashion well above cab height.

Brian Macdermott

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I'd certainly agree with Dudley Jones that goods engines should be dirty, or at least unkempt, but I don't think the answer is to expect manufacturers to apply the weathering for us.

Every engine was clean when new, or returned to service after heavy repairs and a repaint; my 9F, 92018, is modelled virtually 'ex-works', because in 1954, the date of my layout, this is how she would be. Getting the subtle shades of dirt on a 'nearly-clean' engine is no easy task!

However, how dirty they became and where the dirt came from rather depended on where they worked. Hard water areas might produce far more lime-scale marks than soft water areas, the presence of certain minerals, like Peak limestone, might give engines a characteristic dusting, and so on. A group of engines together might display all kinds of different weathering; and still do, if the class 66 diesels I see are anything to go by.

My experience of factory weathering suggests it rarely captures the look of a real engine - far better to apply it yourself and give your models some individuality.

Neil Burgess

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Green GUVs

Michael Welch's book, Southern Branch Lines, includes a colour picture of the Surbiton-Okehampton car-carrier on arrival at Okehampton on 21st July 1962. The train includes eight green GUVs of which seven appear to have been repainted recently.

There are a number of colour pictures of the final steam hauled working of the Golden Arrow on 11th June 1961 and the leading coach is a green GUV.

Nicholas Rothon

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Wandering S&D 7Fs

Those interested in the extramural journeys of these engines might be interested to know that there is a photograph in the latest edition of Midland Record (No.31, out yesterday) of an unidentified example of the 1925 Stephenson batch, rebuilt with the standard boiler. It was running tender first through Borrowash in the direction of Trent. The assumption is that this was a running-in trip after a visit to Derby works, but since the engine hasn't had a repaint it looks like an intermediate repair of some sort. No date is given, but it was probably some time during the 1950s.

Neil Burgess

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Authentic Rolling Stock at Abbotswood Junction

My son James has suggested to me that we have found the perfect retort to the perennial, "That loco/coach/wagon never went through location X" jibe.

We were invited to take the layout to the Malvern 150 celebrations - Google 'malvernworcester150' or 'Worcester loco society' to see a few photos.

On the way back, at the request of Tom Curtiss, who with Mark Begley was assisting with operations on the day, we visited both Abbotswood and Norton Junctions. All our stock was, of course, with us in the van - so now we can put hand on heart and say yes it has been through both locations! It was a shame we hadn't packed the classes 15 and 17 though.... so we will have to make a return trip!

Phil Bullock

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Monday 28.6.10
Middleton Railway Model Railway Exhibition

This is on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010 at the Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 2JQ. All proceeds will go to, the Middleton Railway Trust. The event is open 10:00 to 17:00 each day (trains operating every 40 minutes 11:00 to 16:20). Light refreshments will be available in the shop/café.

Layouts will be set amongst the real railway equipment in the engine house and you can also ride on a real full size steam train, too!

Admission to the exhibition, engine house and platform only will be: adults Ł3.00, children Ł2.00 and families Ł8.00. If you wish to include unlimited rides, those prices rise to Ł5.50, Ł3.50 and Ł18.00 respectively.

The organisers are expecting up to 14 layouts in a variety of scales including G, 0, N, On30, 4mm/009 and 00. They will include 'Andmidown Town' (N gauge set in UK), 'FC Pampa y Fernandez' (On30 set in South America), 0'Derwent' (0 gauge set in North Eastern England), 'Jesmon River Railroad' (N gauge set in the USA) as well as vintage Hornby 0 gauge and Tri-ang 00. Also expected will be a child friendly collection of models to enjoy so it’s truly an event for all the family. Traders will include DC Kits, Keith’s Model Railways and second-hand stalls.

If you are particularly interested in unusual, collectable or vintage trains this is a show for you. Alex Garfield will be showing 'Definitely not a wind up!' (a collection of battery operated sets from G to N scale), Miles Rowland will be showing 00 Tri-ang with 'Rovex Reborn', Maurice Pilsworth will have a fine collection of vintage Hornby 0 gauge, together with some 'neverwazzas' and more recent 0 gauge tinplate. It is also hoped to have a Hornby Dublo 3-rail layout too.

If you need any further details, see www.middletonrailway.org.uk or contact Ian Dobson on 01274 613687 (evenings only) or e-mail ian.dobson9015@btinternet.com

Hints & Tips No.271 - Using Sand as Ballast

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne Australia)

Some beach type sands work very well as a substitute ballast but two precautions are necessary. First make sure your sand is thoroughly dry. Some modellers do this by using an old saucepan and heating it or in the extreme baking it in an oven before allowing it to cool. Alternatively, you can leave it for a few days to sun dry if the climate suits.

Even more importantly, pass a strong magnet over the sand to pick up any hint of steel or iron particles that may be present. If you do not do this, those same particles may be drawn to your locomotive motors and create havoc for you later. Your locomotives will create a small magnetic field around themselves so the magnetic effect is wider than you might think.

Reading through other forums, you should consider doing passing a magnet through almost all dirt and soil that you use on your layout.

Having Your Say...

Class 21/29 from Hornby

Colin Hewitt makes a suggestion that Hornby should re-release the D61xx/class 29, possibly in the RailRoad range. Unfortunately, this is one of the more inaccurate models released by Hornby in the past and wouldn't really fulfil the demand. The Hornby model is described as a class 29. In real life, these were rebuilt in the sixties from selected members of class 21, receiving Paxman engines in place of the original MAN power-plant, and 4-character train indicator boxes in place of discs and the little used interconnecting doors. However, the Hornby model appears to be based on the works drawings of the class 21, with a 4-character indicator placed over the top - you can even see the outline of the interconnecting doors moulded underneath! The main body-side grille as modelled is only applicable to the first few class 21s, and then only during the first few weeks of their life. It looked completely different on the rest of the class 21s and all the class 29s. What Hornby created was a effectively an early 'as built' class 21 with class 29 features. Major surgery is needed to create even a broadly accurate model.

It's pretty typical of its time but wouldn't meet either modellers' (or indeed Hornby's own) standards today for the main range. As a RailRoad model it would be fine for the kids or casual enthusiast, but certainly won't fill the gap for a scale model!

Andy Wakeford

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Building a New Layout

I have been making new web pages about making a quick layout at Melton MRC (of which I am currently President). The pages are at:

http://www.xdford.digitalzones.com/quicklayoutconstruction01.html

The first page is awaiting a few pictures which were taken by another member but pages 2 and 3 (links at the bottom of page 1) should be OK and you will get the idea of what we have done.

I am not fishing for a compliment but some feedback and ideas would be appreciated. The long term intention is to make a couple of these as test tracks for the club which with simple removable scenery laid on top, but not adhered, could make them visually interesting for show purposes. Others among you may have done this and you could give me a few pointers. I hope you like what you see.

Please note that I will not be able to update the Hints and Tips web page for a few weeks as I will be away, but Pat will not run out of them.

Trevor Gibbs

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Old Magazines

If John Storey wants to find a good home for his old railway magazines, the Vintage Carriages Trust at Ingrow West, on the Keighley & Worth Valley line, will take them off his hands - along with any unwanted books - and sell them to help restore their collection of carriages. They maintain a good website and can often find the magazine with that vital article that you can never find to complete your next model.

The only trouble with visiting the VCT shop is that you might come back with more magazines, books and railway relics than you started with.

Neil Burgess

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I have not quite the volume of magazines owned by previous contributors, but I have RM, MRN and MRC from 1950 to 1980 (total about 900 magazines), which I have offered to a couple of clubs without a taker!

Recently, a loft clear-out revealed that I had at some stage catalogued / indexed the scale drawings in these magazines, by hand, into a foolscap ledger.

I would hope that this information is of interest (all those posts saying "where do I find.....?") but I don't have a website, and forum sites generally do not support tabular listings. So, assuming that I do computerise my index, (and that would take considerable time), how do I publish it, and would it be worth it?

I'm not seeking recompense here, just hoping to put something back into a hobby that has given me pleasure over the years.

Looking through a sample of my collection, indexing by the magazine editors does not seem to have been a high priority, some years were indexed but most were not.

Don Blackhall

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Sources of supply

The item Ray Wishaw is seeking to secure his baseboard legs is probably better termed a ‘stay’ and he might find it under that title. Similar fittings are used for cupboard doors and flaps and maybe one of these would suit: http://www.screwfix.com/prods/15349/Ironmongery/Bolts-Catches/Latches/Lift-Up-Flap-Stay-Chrome-Plated-145mm http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Hardware/Catches/Sliding+Flap+Stay+200+mm/d170/sd2310/p63380

But I do wonder whether something simple and home-made (attached at one free end with bolt/wingnut as required) would be a stronger and cheaper solution?

Resistance Soldering

Turning to the press release, there is nothing new about resistance soldering; it is a tried and tested technique that has been used by some modellers for years. And, although the tackle is fairly sophisticated, I am sure that it costs less than the Ł299.99 (plus VAT!) quoted by the US supplier. I do question whether this item will sell at such a price.

Nick Stanbury

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Robinson Class O4

I think Merv Rogers' comments are very relevant.

The new Bachmann O4 looks to be a superb model and one that I can, at a pinch, justify on my East Anglian layout. However, it seems wrong to make a pristine one at all, unless one models the preservation era.

I saw many O4s in BR days and, as Merv says, they were invariably filthy. I have resisted a journey to the model shop for one of the new models as the first releases are LNER and late BR crest. My recollection is that few received the late crest, most seemed to retain the 'lion and wheel' to the end. I await the early crest version, and will have to get the weathering powders/airbrush ready for some serious work.

A weathered version of the K3 would also be more realistic (the Collectors Edition is the only one so far, and this is a bit too grey for my taste). Freight engines should be dirty!

Dudley Jones

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Regarding Merv Rogers' email on the O4, a certain large Liverpool retailer has commissioned a weathered example which, if magazine accounts are correct, should be along at a similar time to the first general releases.

Mike Gilmont

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Having taken delivery today (Thursday) of the LNER Robinson O4 6190, I have to let you know this is not only a great looking model but it performs just as it should on a train of 36 loaded coal wagons. It was a little more sluggish at initial start up than the last two Bachmann’s I have purchased but, after a steady light engine run-in for thirty minutes in each direction, as recommended, it is superb.

We often see criticism of the manufacturers about not producing the right model, the right model in the wrong livery or a minor fault that we can easily sorted; but we must be fair and congratulate them when they produce such quality models as the latest offerings from Bachmann. The City of Truro, 'Patriot' Duke of Sutherland, 'Jinty', 'Jubilee‘ Australia and 'Super D' have all been excellent models that have and are performing well on the railway. Now they are joined by the O4. What riches!

Now I am waiting for the new 'Castle' class Tintagel Castle and the 28xx and 38xx heavy freights from Hornby. On past experience, from this source, they will also be superb models and perform well. Then there is 7F and 3F to look forward to and I need a bigger railway room. That it unlikely, so the older stuff will be on eBay or in the display case by the end of the year! Need a drink!

John Phillipson

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Buy Your Own!

I must admit this is a massive moan of mine, but Peter Welfare states he "hot footed down to Smiths and spent half an hour reading the magazines". Well why not buy them? I have been very pleased recently that BRM has been bag wrapped to keep off grubby maulers as well as giving add-ons. I wish I could go to Hattons and get stock out of the boxes and play with them then put them back for another day. It would save me thousands! It is no excuse saying, "I can't afford to buy them all" as many say, on this subject. I can't afford to buy all the Hornby and Bachmann range either. I wish Smiths and other bookshops would stop the free library practises of their visitors who are not customers.

George McKie

I pick my magazines from the bottom of the pile where they are less dog-eared and carry less of a cocktail of body fat - Ed.

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Bachmann Bulleid Coaches

There have been, to my knowledge, at least three batches of Bulleids produced by Bachmann.

he first batch, as already stated by other correspondents, was closer to malachite than SR region green and had the larger design of coupling. More recently they were reissued in a shade of green that was very close to that used by Hornby but with smaller couplings. Finally we have the current darker batch. This is shade that doesn’t match the current Hornby coaches.

One could argue all day as to which colour is correct because, with the prototype, it seems to have depended on the light and from what distance one observed the train, as to which shade is closest. Also, unfortunately, when you look at old photographs, whatever the shade of green, the carriages all look the same in any particular train and models with mixed shades just look wrong to me. Personally, I think it is a great shame that Bachmann didn’t stick to their second attempt.

Ray Wilshaw

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The Bachmann Bulleids are in their fourth incarnation, with all subtle changes between batches, of course.

The first batch(es) were in a rather matt malachite green with rather 'heavy' numerals, the next (second) batch had a satin finish and finer printing. These and the crimson and cream versions were deleted form the catalogues some time ago.

The third batch came out as 'A' versions around about 2007(?) and were similar to the second batch in colour and printing details, but incorporated the smaller coupling, aluminium detail to the droplights and brown paint on the corridor connection 'doors' (although it is flat, with no door moulding), these were also the first to come in the later packaging; similar to that used for the Mk1s.
This current (fourth) batch are the same apart from the darker green.

Glenn Martin

I believe that there may be something of interest on this subject in the August issue of Railway Modeller - so make sure you get a copy when it comes out. And there is to be no slinking of to WHS for a cheap read! - Ed.

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So, the consensus of opinion seems to be, that of all the greens used by Bachmann and Hornby, the most accurate is that used on the Hornby Maunsell coaches. I must admit I find this a little surprising, but then light, shade and age (and eyes) affect the colour we actually see.

I do have a Bachmann Bullied composite that almost matches a pair of Bachmann Mk1 brake 2nds, which is handy, because I've formed set 557 from them, a 3-coach hybrid set used on the S&D in 1964.

I'll visit the Bluebell Railway, within the next couple of weeks, and take along a selection of RTR coaches covering all the different green shades, and try to do some comparisons.

Peter Welfare

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Green GUVs

If it is of any help to the various interested people, may I recommend a photo on page 41 of the book British Railways in Colour Volume 3 The Southern Region by Alan Earnshaw and Kevin Derrick, published by Nostalgia Road. It shows rebuilt 'West Country' 34101 Hartland starting out from Victoria with the Golden Arrow on 31 March 1961. The first vehicle behind the tender is a shiny looking green GUV.

John Brien

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Hornby Pullman Access to Wiring

The Pullmans are not that difficult to disassemble, indeed, they are the easiest to disassemble from all the coaches I've had so far.

The underframe simply clips onto the body. These clips are not very resistive, and quite springy. As usual, take care and don't go too fast separating them. Just be careful after unclipping the underframe as the wires for the lighting aren't massively long.

The interior, on the other hand, takes a little tug from the body to loosen it.

Matt Dawson

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Hornby Pullmans can be accessed by unclipping the transparent clips on the underside of the body below the doors. These should be pushed inwards, and the underframe gently pushed away from the body (push against the foot boards). Then run finger nails down the join between the underframe and body to release internal clips there.

The body should then lift off, but will retain the interior. This can be removed by gently pushing the (now open) body bottom outwards, releasing the interior. There are (to my memory) a few clips here. The interior then lifts out. I can't remember whether the lighting PCBs are screwed or glued into the interior.

Be careful about the toilet/kitchen filler pipes at the coach ends during this operation. Also remember which body end goes with which chassis end.

Finally, it's worth checking the tensioning of the wiper pickups on the bogie axles, increasing the tension slightly or cleaning with meths can eliminate flicker!

Mike Gilmont

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7Fs away from the S&D

The trials of S&D 7F 2-8-0s on the Midland Railway and LMS Midland Division are testimony to the long-held hopes that these engines might become a standard type for the Midland and the LMS. As Philip Atkins' article in Midland Record No.13, published in 2000, indicates, Derby works had not only the standard and large-boiler versions in mind, but also, in 1920, a large boiler version with 5' 3" diameter wheels. Conceptually, this was not a million miles away from Churchward's 4700 class.

Unfortunately the 7F proved less than satisfactory on long-distance duties; the LNWR G2 0-8-0 was judged the better machine by the LMS, though Derby didn't give up, as 9676's foray northwards demonstrates. Stanier put paid to the possibility of more of the type with his own 7F (as it was originally), which had a little more in common with his old chief's 4700 class than anything which ran over the Mendips!

Neil Burgess

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Forthcoming Saltire Scotrail Class 156

I have just attended the very good Perth MRC exhibition in the ice rink at Perth (a great exhibition - well done to the organisers). Hornby had a whole load of goodies on display including forthcoming Colletts and L1s. Being local, the one that caught my eye was a painted body of a Scotrail Saltire 156. Unfortunately the livery, as applied, is incorrect. The roof should be mid grey and not all over blue. The official painting diagrams show blue, but the actuality is that these units have a grey roof. You can appreciate how this error could happen .

I hung around for a while hoping to point this out, but the gent manning the display had his hands full demonstrating sound locos. I wonder if I could use your website to bring this to the attention of Simon Kohler as I know he keeps an eye on proceedings.

Hopefully, as this appeared to be a test shot, there is still a chance to correct this.

Russell Benton

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so, when you comment on their products, you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Friday 25.6.10

Resistance Soldering Arrives (press release)

The long awaited arrival, in the UK, of the SuperChief 250 resistance soldering system marks a new era in soldering for modellers, thanks to the Solder Connection.

For years, professional modellers in the USA have been turning to American Beauty for their resistance soldering needs. Now, thanks to an agreement between the Company and Solder Connection, a complete range of CE marked, resistance soldering systems is now available in the UK.

The SuperChief 250, built around a 250 watt power unit, allows modellers to tackle a wide range of jobs, from wire to rail, scratch builds and engine repairand refurbishments.

By passing a safe, low voltage, high amperage current through a resistive material, the SuperChief 250 generates an intense heat that can be controlled and localised. Resistance Soldering is a faster and more efficient than irons or torches; there is no warm-up time needed, the heat is localised and virtually instant and there are no open flame hazards to be concerned about.

The system heats only the area to be soldered (within the tweezer points) so the integrity of previously made joints remains intact. The tweezer hand-piece also permits the user to solder in tight locations and hold items in place to ensure correct alignment. No system would be complete without a foot-switch to free up an extra hand andensure crisp clean solder joints.

Now priced at Ł299.99 ex VAT, the SuperChief 250 is available direct from the Solder Connection. If you are a serious modeller, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.

Hints & Tips No.270 - Making a Test Vehicle

by Jim Shireffs (Michigan, USA)

There are many areas where trains can derail, yet we have no rational explanation for it occurring, because we cannot see the problem. I suggest you make a simple see-through bogie flat car/wagon chassis from Sheet Acrylic (known as Perspex or Plexiglass in different parts of the world) to a standard wagon length, fit bogies to it, using a clear piece for the bolster and fit couplers if possible. A 4-wheeled version should be a possibility as well.

This way you can push it by hand and feel what is happening or run it with a group of other vehicles, and see through the floor how your wheels are running on your trackwork, helping you to locating and repair problems.

Having Your Say...

Roger Carrell's Apostrophes

Sadly, Roger Carrell didn't get his apostrophes right. There is no apostrophe in the word apostrophes because it's merely the plural of apostrophe!

Robin Johnson

Ouch! I missed that one. Actually, Roger put that one in for a joke - Ed.

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Hornby Pullmans, Access to Wiring

On the HMRS layout 'Springfield', I have been trying to run a rake of Hornby Pullmans. I know it is a HO American layout but inside the club rooms we don't care that much. Anyhow, the problem is that the Pullmans cause an apparent short circuit when traversing turnouts. The DCC gurus have suggested that the light flick causes the short circuit protection to react as if there is a real short. The solution suggested is to fit a capacitor in the lighting circuit.

Question - how can one remove the body and get to the internal wiring without destroying the model?

Geoffrey Stone - Sydney, Australia

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Sherwood Forester

I seem to recall that 46112 Sherwood Forester lost its name fairly early on, when D100 took the name. According to my 1962/63 Ian Allan book, it was one of three 'Scots' that had lost their names by then, the others being 46101 Royal Scots Grey (the number taken by D9000) and 46106 Gordon Highlander (this was the 'Scot' with the BR smoke deflectors and the number was taken by D9016).

Tony Elliott

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Trouble Sourcing Baseboard Fitment

I am having trouble sourcing something I would have thought was a fairly basic item, namely what I would describe as a ‘folding table leg brace’, for the folding legs of a baseboard. When I type this description into Google, all the suppliers seem to be outside of the UK. Is this is a question of description and they have some specific name in the UK? I am looking for the simple folding brace that is fixed at 45 degrees across the corner and folds in the middle and should cost a couple of pounds. If any of your readers know a source in the UK, I would be very grateful to receive the details. Thank you.

Ray Wilshaw

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Wheel Arrangement - Snippet No.303

Many thanks to Kevin Mulhall for alerting me to my hiccup in Snippet 303 - 'Royal Scots' were, of course, 4-6-0s, not 4-6-2s as stated. I think a little bit of 'word/number association' crept in with 46112!

Brian Macdermott

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34043 Combe Martin

Many thanks to Jeremy English and Neil Burgess for the comments on 34043’s tender (but note there is only one ‘o’ in Combe). There is a very good 1952 picture of her on page 37 of The Book of the West Country and Battle of Britain Pacifics. A look through the photos I have of her indicate that she had many ‘visual variations’ during her lifetime. Indeed, the author of the book says (quote): "…if you want to model a particular locomotive at a particular year, get yourself a photograph, or preferably several".

Strangely, ex-S&D driver Peter Smith and I were discussing her recently and it reminded him of the following incident.

In late September 1962 – just after the 'Pines Express' had been re-routed off the S&D – 34043 was working the train north from Bournemouth. The loco was in very poor steaming condition and the driver stopped at Brockenhurst to request a fresh loco. Assistance was provided in the shape of a Q1 0-6-0, running tender-first, from Brockenhurst to Southampton Central where the loco was changed. As far as is known, this was the last ever working for 34043.

For more experiences with 34043, have a look at www.nineelms.svsfilm.com. Go to ‘Memories’ and click ‘Nine Elms Top Link – Black Sheep Pacifics’ by Jim Arkell.

Brian Macdermott

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A Tender Spot

As Jeremy English is admitting to pedantry, I shall do likewise. Brian Macdermott was quite right to say that Combe Martin had a ‘different’ tender from 1952. The fact that this was the original tender intentionally modified by being cut down is sufficient to justify it being treated as a ‘different’ item, as it clearly was no longer in as-built condition. After all, if I take my old jeans and cut the legs down to make shorts (times are hard!), I create a different garment.

One might argue that even a minor cosmetic change to an item of rolling stock (such as a repaint into another livery) is sufficient to create a different item as ‘different’ means not the same; unlike; distinct.

Nick Stanbury

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Running a 7F 2-8-0 away from the S&D

Further to Peter Slinn's post (MREmag Wednesday), I have the perfect reason (or, as Peter puts it, 'excuse') to run a 7F 2-8-0 away from the S&D.

IMTSAIRWIL (It's My Train Set And I'll Run What I Like!)

Robin Johnson

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Availability of Separate Tenders

On the subject of tenders being available separately, I understand it was common practice to use redundant tenders for water carriers within depots. Some were also converted into snow ploughs. Imagine a nice rusty tender parked at the end of a quiet siding in a busy yard. Opportunities perhaps?

Chris Wright

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Green BGs and GUVs

The first batch of BR Standard BGs officially transferred to the Southern Region were supposedly to be painted only in the new corporate BR livery, but as there was a dispute as to whether this was to be all over blue or blue and grey, and despite Eastleigh Works being told not to, they were none the less sprayed SR green, and so became the very last loco hauled vehicles so treated.

The SR allocated GUVs were painted green for the Surbiton to Okehampton car service that ran for several seasons between 1960 and 1964. At the beginning of each season the vans had to be rounded up from the four corners of the region, and spruced up in readiness. Incidentally the GUVs were the only ones fitted with brackets for coach boards, which they duly carried throughout the season.

Going forward in time, concerning the Trailer Luggage Vans (TLV) converted from BGs for use on Dover Boat trains with MLVs, at least one appeared in service whilst still sporting lined maroon livery, although this was probably whilst the concept was being tested and before completion of an overhaul.

Ian David Smith

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Surbiton to Oakhampton Car Carrier

Regarding green GUVs on the Southern Region, I understand that all GUVs originally allocated to the Southern Region were outshopped in maroon. It’s not clear why, as BR Southern Region Stock Green had been approved for passenger stock in 1956. One theory is that the GUVs were originally intended for one of the other regions, only to be transferred to the Southern Region during construction.

The Surbiton to Oakhampton Car Carrier certainly ran with seven maroon GUVs in its first year of operation (June 1960) and for the first few weeks, the passenger accommodation was provided by 3-set 564. On July 30^th, the 3-set was replaced by coaches 6725 (BCK), 7616 (SK) and 6731 (BCK). By (September 1960, the demand for seats had become predominately first class so the passenger accommodation was 6729 (BCK), 3064 (FO) and 6736 (BCK).

When the car carrier returned in 1961, the passenger accommodation was provided by 4443, 7886 and S4042 (Mk I SO). By 1961, all the GUVs used on the car carrier had been repainted green and the train usually consisted of 8 GUVs as follows: 86766, 86805, 86745, 86762, 86727, 86730, 86739 and 86782.

Dick Flower

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Bachmann Bulleids

Peter Welfare queries the different shades of green on Bachmann and Hornby coaches. This has been discussed on various occasions in the past so my comments are my personal opinion!

I think that the Hornby green is the most realistic from what I remember of the early 60s. This means I welcome Bachmann adopting a darker shade of green for the latest Mk1s and Bulleids. The two shades are probably as close as you are going to get from two different manufacturers.

I think the previous shade of green used by Bachmann is probably nearer the Malachite Green which preceded the Crimson and Cream (approximately 1951 onwards). In fact, Bachmann used to describe this as 'Malachite Green' in their earlier catalogues. The Malachite Green is not applicable to Mk1 coaches and I believe I am correct in saying, not correct for the later Bulleids as modelled by Bachmann.

The later SR Maunsells (1939-49 ish) modelled by Hornby I think should be this brighter Malachite green as used on the older Bachmann coaches, although I know various correspondents have suggested that the green became darker in shade to more akin the Hornby BR(S) green.

Robert Inns

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Regarding the green of Bachmann’s Bulleids, I had always assumed that earlier releases were meant to be in malachite as many new Bulleids were outshopped just after nationalisation but painted in the Southern Railway’s malachite green. Some later builds went into service carrying blood and custard. The shade of green used on the new release of Bulleids by Bachmann certainly matches last year’s releases of their Mk1s in Southern Region green, but that is nothing like the same shade of green used on earlier releases of Mk1s.

I have some Bulleid and Mk1 coaches built and painted by Larry Goddard, who I know is very meticulous about colour shades, and they resemble the green used by Hornby on their Maunsells. I’m not saying that’s correct and I’m sure Bachmann have carried out lots of research before production went ahead. Maybe Dennis Lovett could comment on this conundrum.

Dick Flower

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Bachmann Bulleids - Just Reliveried, not Reworked

In Wednesdays MREmag (23.6), Pat reviewed the July issue of Model Rail and mentioned that it had reviewed the 'reworked' Bullied Coaches. 'Reworked', I thought! Have Bachmann improved them without telling us? Well, I hot footed it down to Smiths to do my own review of all the reviews, and spent a good half an hour reading the July issues of all the model railway magazines on the shelf.

Now, if the pictures printed next to the reviews are accurate, Bachmann haven't modified the Bullied coaches at all. The only change is that they've painted them in their new darker green, which is something that at least one magazine is querying, and which doesn't match any of the greens used on the previous Bullied coaches.

There does seem to be some confusion relating to the new issue Bachmann Bullied coaches, because one magazine even described them as being 'retooled', again, if the pictures are accurate, they haven't been.

However, all is not lost, if you want to improve your Bachmann Bullieds, just 'flushglaze' the windows using the packs from South Eastern Finecast. They really do 'come out' surprisingly well.

Peter Welfare

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May I gently correct Pat's summary of the July Model Rail (MREmag, Wednesday) before any excited BR(S) modellers start to foam gently at the mouth?

Sadly the latest batch of Bachmann Bulleid coaches (as reviewed in MR) are not 'reworked', the coaches are merely reliveried... in an incorrect (too dark) shade of green.

Robin Johnson

Sorry, I thought they had a different coupling fitting from the original ones and one or two other improvements, but not having one of the original batch, I had nothing to compare them with. - Ed.

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ROD 2-8-0

I am sorely tempted to buy one as they look magnificent. However two things are stopping me. Firstly, did I ever see one that clean, did I ever see one that was actually black and did I ever see one where you could easily read the numbers? Secondly, pensions, the recession and 'er' indoors decree that I will be allowed only one of them.

So, does anyone (Ed included) know how long we will have to wait for a heavily weathered one to appear? I do know I could pay extra to have a pristine one weathered, but see financial and matrimonial considerations above.

Merv Rogers

Unless there is a surprise release by Bachmann, or a commissioned model, there will not be a weathered version this year. However, next year.... Ed.

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Fragile 00 Model Detail

I agree with John Bright about the fragility of modern ready-to-run model locomotives and carriages, but do not think they are over-expensive considering the level of detail. Perhaps the packaging should include a warning, "Great Care Required", or some such, and warn that locomotives in particular are extremely fragile and require a degree of skill to handle without damage. This is not to say that the warnings should be "Do Not Ingest Contents", or "Open Only When Relaxed and With Clear Head"... or even "Not Suitable For Clod-Handed Idiots".

Most new 00 locos I have bought recently have had missing or detached parts after careful packing and postage to New Zealand, and what is perhaps more worrying is that some have had issues such as body loose on chassis... a fixing screw loose in the pack, but with a very fine plastic speedo drive tube on, an invitation to damage. Essentially, I have to use considerable care and some knowledge to unpack a loco without damage, also to search packaging for loose parts and re-affix them. Recent Hornby models require inversion for tender connection, and even with careful handling in a cradle, handrails, cab roof vents, and such as 'Britannia' whistles, are vulnerable.

I think however that by and large we have a good compromise between detail and price, and the current crop of 00 RTR models is simply stunning.

Robbie McGavin

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Model Railway Magazines

Nick Stanbury comments (21 June) that he has around 2,000 model railway magazines. Goodness - what a relief! I am not the only male who amasses stacks of them! My family thought I was unique in this matter!

But, after a quick check last night, I find I have a complete set of Model Rail magazines from issue 1 in Autumn 1997 through to no 107 in August 2006. I know - they are part of model railway history, a unique historical record. But I have to admit there are too many, to remember where to find the one article or photograph I want to see. Come to think of it - could any of your readers make use of them?

John Storey

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Wednesday 23.6.10

July Model Rail

The theme this month is reviving older models and looks at getting the best out of old favourites. There are articles on restoring scrapbox models and buildings on a test-bed layout, ten ways to perk up your layout and servicing locomotives that have spent a long time in storage.

Other practical articles include achieving realistic masonry, extending a colliery layout, anglicising Tomix vehicles and building a Southern style halt. Without doubt, Model Rail is the leading magazine for practical advice which it provides by the bucket-full.

In the 'news' section there is a visit to various new model locomotive projects such as the Sentinel, Beattie well tank, Class 7F and Class 70, Class 105 and proposals that include Hattons' Metrovick Co-Bo, Dapol's Class 22 and RealTracks 'Pacer'.

Reviews include Bachmann's Robinson 2-8-0 LNER Class O4 and reworked Bulleid coaches, Dapol's N gauge Class 58 and 'Silver Bullet' tank wagons, the Graham Farish BR Standard 4MT Mogul, Hornby's Wrexham pack and Dapol's 00 scale KOA, IOA and JNA wagons and catenary. There is also a 'Which?' type feature on decals for models.

Layouts this month includes David Lund's large modern N gauge 'Ring Road' (complete with Ikea store, Premier Inn and other large buildings - and a working modern tram system). This is a stunning layout, skilfully photographed, showing the vastness of the 'canvas' you have to work with in N gauge, in even a fairly small room. Also featured is Neath MRC's 00 scale 'Dulais Fach' museum colliery layout.

Hints & Tips No.269 - Successful Soldering

by Michael Anderson

The main keys to successful soldering are: make sure the parts are clean (no dirt or paint), apply flux to the parts (flux makes the solder flow easily), make sure your iron is hot (the iron heats the parts which, in turn, melt the solder) and, finally, use denatured alcohol to remove any excess flux after solder has cooled.

Snippet No.303 – Crab to the rescue

by Brian Macdermott

On 1 August 1959, the down ‘Thames-Clyde’ arrived in Carlisle 48 minutes late with 'Crab' 2-6-0 No.42760 (17C) tender-first, piloting 'Royal Scot' 4-6-2 No.46112 Sherwood Forester (55A). The two locos were replaced by 'Clan' 4-6-2 No.72006 Clan Mackenzie (12A).

(Note from Brian. I initially checked the name of the Scot from my Summer 1961 ABC – but the loco appeared nameless in that issue!)
(Source: Railway Observer.)

Having Your Say...

Class 21/29

Paul Jansz suggested that Heljan might produce (amongst others) a class 21/29. Given the current taste for what Paul calls 'the 'lemons' among BR's pilot diesel types, I don't know why Hornby doesn't revive its model from the early 80s. Supposedly the result of the research is still available but if a new tooling is too much to ask for, why not a Railroad model from the old tool?

Colin Hewitt

This was last released in 2001 - Ed.

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Spare Tenders

Further to my piece about the availability of spare tenders from our major manufacturers, there is a 1961 picture of 'Schools' class 30912 Downside, hauling a high sided ex-'Lord Nelson' bogie tender. No, it's not on the S&D, although it is passing through Templecombe on the SR main line.

With a little bit of work, I suspect an enterprising modeller could produce this by pairing a new type Hornby 'Schools' with a Bachmann tender of this type, as I doubt whether Hornby would ever produce this very late 'one off' - or were there the odd others?

I'm not an expert on the Bachmann 'Lord Nelson', but I'm guessing it's only available with this tender, yet I've seen pictures of 'Lord Nelsons' with 3 other different tender types.

One of these is the straight-sided 6-wheel tender, as fitted to some of the N class, also modelled by Bachmann. The other 2 are the Urie and Maunsell bogie tenders attached to the 'King Arthur' class, modelled by Hornby

I'm sure there are many other examples where a different loco/tender combination could be modelled.

Peter Welfare

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Strictly speaking, Brian McDermott (please forgive me for being a pedant Brian) is wrong to say "Combe Martin had a different tender in two Ivo Peters photographs of the engine in 1950 and 1952", as its original tender with 'raves' was cut down in 1952 as the first attempt by BR(SR) to modify the original Bulleid design. Three of the 'Lightweights' (and three of the 'Merchant Navy' class) were so treated and had a number of non-visible alterations, besides the tender changes. They were 34011 Tavistock, 34043 Combe Martin and 34065 Hurricane. No more tenders were altered until rebuilding commenced in 1957, this not affecting any of those of the class remaining unmodified until 1959.

I would support Brian's suggestion that Hornby produce a model of one of these three, they were the only originals to run with cut-down tenders and early BR emblems, although the large panel lining on the cab sides looked rather clumsy; the later panelling was far more attractive. It would only be a paint job for Hornby; there would be no additional tooling, as in the case of Bude, which leads me to ask if they would produce that engine in the later BR livery as it ran on the S&D farewell tour.

Jeremy English

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This is, I know, a real minefield; but I think I'm right in saying that 34043 Coombe Martin was the first light pacific to have its tender modified by cutting down the upper edges of the side-sheets, a modification later applied to many other engines. This modification also identifies it as the locomotive crossing Midford viaduct in the opening sequence of 'The Titfield Thunderbolt'.

Neil Burgess

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There have been several postings recently regarding spare tenders, perhaps prompted by my story about my 'Baby Castle', and comments about the big four companies playing musical tenders. Here on the Severn Valley Railway for the past week or so, Stanier 2-6-0 42968 has been running paired with a Stanier tender, instead of the normal straight sided Fowler version, and how well it suits it.

Tony Elliott

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S&D 2-8-0 Wanderings

In Along LMS Routes Vol 1, by Bill Hudson, has on the bottom of page 79 a photo of an S&D 2-8-0 outside Rugby station. The relevant part of the caption is as follows: "..For a short period after the LMS absorbed the S&D in 1930 some were loaned to the Midland Division. It was understood that they remained on Midland metals but this rare view shows 9676 with a Toton-Willesden coal train on 13 Aug 1930. It is paired with the tender off 4F 4227 which was fitted with water pick-up apparatus."

I hope this gives someone an excuse to run an S&D 2-8-0 away from the S&D.

Thanks for a good regular read.

Peter Slinn

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Hornby Gresley Super-detail Coaches

Some time ago I bought 'The Northumbrian' coach pack and now have decided to sell it on a well known auction site.

I confess that I had not really studied these models in detail before and was surprised just how detailed they were .But, there's the rub!

For the online auction, I had to detail any faults and bring them to the notice of any buyer. The steps affixed to some of the bogies will fall off if you look at them the wrong way; likewise the drain pipes, which I thought were wire, are in fact very fragile plastic. Does this make them more suitable for the display case, rather than an operating layout where accidents will happen, no matter how careful you are? Could these more fragile parts not be made of wire or metal so making them more appropriate for a working layout. I presume there is a cost factor here and God knows they are expensive enough as it is. There must be a compromise some where?

John Bright

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BR(S) Green Livery Coaches

Does anyone have an opinion about the accuracy of the latest green livery used by Bachmann on their BR Southern Region coaches?. The green shade used on previous MK1s, sometimes differed from their Bullied coaches of which I have quite a few in 3 different shades of green. This could be accurate, because on the prototype paint faded with age, and I've seen colour photographs showing coaches of different shades of green all in the same train.

The new green however, looks much darker. Is this meant to represent coaches fresh out of the paintshop ?.

The green used by Hornby on their Maunsell coaches, is yet another different shade.

Peter Welfare

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Coal Deliveries

Apropos earlier correspondence on unloading coal wagons, I came across a letter from John Watling which appeared in Model Railway Journal No.16, published in 1987. It describes unloading at S. Botolph's yard in Colchester during the 1950s. The wagons in question are 13 ton wooden-bodied ones and, although built to RCH specification, they lacked side and bottom doors, being intended for use by public utilities for end tipping. However, after 1939 they were pooled and so turned up in 'common use' for ordinary deliveries. The relevant paragraph reads:

"The technique used in the coal yard was first to persuade the shunter to leave plenty of room at one end of the wagon. Next the bottom door [sic] was released - all concerned retiring rapidly to avoid the cascade of falling coal. The heap between the running lines was bagged and weighed up on the spot. The remainder of coal was shovelled out through the same door, which was propped open; access to the inside was gained via a ladder put up against the side.

"The arrival of such a wagon was greeted with great loathing ..."

The writer mistakenly speaks of "bottom doors", though the wagons had none; he seems to mean end doors. What is interesting is that there was no question of shovelling over the sides and no compunction about dropping part of the load in the "four foot" and shovelling it up.

This can't have been the only place where this method was used, and no doubt with ordinary side-door wagons.

Neil Burgess

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PAV Glue & Green GUVs

I wish to contribute further to Trevor Gibbs' suggestions regarding PVA glues on non-porous material. Our amazing Adrian Du Heaume of Perth, Western Australia, uses PVA glue to attach glazing (cut from Ferrero chocolate boxes) to his locos' spectacle and cabside windows (lights?). It is quite tenacious, sets clear and, being water-based, doesn't 'craze' the surfaces. Adrian is amazing, because he makes bifocal spectacles (among other things) for his 4mm scale figures, where needed, and has been contributing items to Pendon Museum for several years now.

On the subject of Southern green GUVs, I believe these were originally painted-so for the short-lived Kensington (Olympia) - West of England car carrier. After its demise, they weren't repainted and could be seen on all manner of loco-hauled trains throughout the Southern. I don't know how many GUVs were involved.

Trusting this helps, and I got my apostrophes' right!

Roger Carrell - Bunbury, Western Australia.

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Monday 21.6.10

Skills Transfer Days

The Model Railway Club has announced the dates for the next in its series of Skills Transfer Days. The aim is to ensure that modelling skills are passed on to the next generation. It’s perhaps easy for experienced modellers to forget how daunting it was to take some of those key steps in developing techniques, and all too easy for the less experienced to put something in the ‘too difficult’ category.

The days allow a small group of people to try out something they may not have tried before in a semiformal setting with more experienced modellers on hand to help them. The dates and subjects are:

Sunday 22^nd August 2010 – Wiring a layout

Sunday 24^th October 2010 – Introduction to Track Building

Sunday 31^st October 2010 – Soldering for Kits

All take place at Keen House in London, where parking is free on Sundays. Further details are available at http://themodelrailwayclub.org/SkillsTransferCourses.aspx

Recent Releases by Hornby

The following models have recently been released by Hornby and should now be in the shops:

R4424 Pullman 3rd class kitchen Car No.169 with matchboard sides.

R6493 5-plank in the livery of Nook & Wyrley Collieries No.113

R6494 7-plank in the livery of Consolidated Fisheries No.403

R6497 7-plank in the livery of North's Navigation Collieries No.3000

R6496 coke wagon in the livery of Carpenter & Sons No.28

R6495 coke wagon in the livery of Thos W Ward Ltd No16644A

R6498 large mineral wagon in the livery of AAC No.T300

R7099 Skaledale caravan

Correction

On Friday, in referring to the MREmag quiz, I incorrectly stated the prize contribution kindly made by Rails of Sheffield. Of course the prize is Ł50 purchasing power per month totalling Ł600 per year.

Two corrections necessary in one week....I had better watch my step or I might find myself out of a job!

Hints & Tips No.268 - Gluing Scenery Items

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne, Australia)

Consider attaching any scenery item near the front of the layout so it will break away if anything hits it during an operating session. It is easier to glue telegraph poles, figures, sign posts, trees or vehicles back in place than to glue them back together.

PVA glue is good for attaching details like these. White glue will bond enough to non porous materials to hold them in place, without attaching them so securely they break when knocked. Just make sure you give the material enough time to dry before your operating session.

Having Your Say...

BR(S) Green BGs & GUVs

Following on from Ian Taylor's point (Wed 9.6) about green GUVs, there is a very good colour photo on page 74 of On Somerset & Dorset Lines by Robert Robotham (Ian Allen), of a green GUV heading a maroon 3 coach set hauled by green 73049 on a Bournemouth - Templecombe local on 26.3.64, and at Bailey Gate (where else). There's also another on page 13.

So, at least I can run one of these up my bit of S&D. Now all I need is for someone to enlarge the photo to reveal the running number.

Peter Welfare

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Wartime (Model) Railways

Steve Grantham is right to suggest that I do not "…go to many exhibitions or read model railway magazines". Frankly, I find most of both to be a disappointment, with perhaps 25% of the increasingly repetitive content really worth studying. And, I cannot ignore the not insignificant cost of magazine subscriptions, entrance fees and travelling costs. I generally have higher priorities for my time and cash (and no more room for storing further magazines; I have around 2,000 already!).

There are, of course, exceptions and there are several layouts that I would be glad to read about or view if opportunity presents itself. I’m certainly grateful for the pointers to the Overlord and Rowlands Castle layouts; from the web photos, both certainly seem to have captured the contemporary atmosphere well. I hope to see them in the flesh sometime.

Those interested may like to note the recent publication by Oakwood Press of Peter Tatlow’s book Return from Dunkirk - Railways to the Rescue: Operation Dynamo (1940). I have this on order and will review it in due course.

Nick Stanbury

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Spare Tenders

I do believe Peter Welfare is onto something regarding Hornby/Bachmann making tenders available separately.

I am about to start a DJH Duke of Gloucester, and didn't want to use the BR1J provided with the kit, but it took quite some time to secure an earlier BR1E from an on-line auction (and now will indeed use both - one with late crest, one early).

With motors migrating out from tenders back to where they belong, under locomotives, it should be fairly painless for the manufacturers to produce even a small test run of extras to sell stand alone to see if there is a market for them. Now that I think about it, besides both the BR standards and Bulleids, the other big-four companies also played musical tenders, too.

While it might be argued that a tender swap is taking away the potential purchase of another whole locomotive, I'd suggest this market is probably for people who would not justify a duplicate loco purchase, just to cover this type of variation. But, priced in-between the cost of a four wheel wagon and a passenger coach, I suspect it might get some support.

Scott Johnson

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Can I echo Peter Welfare's idea of having different tenders (or at least tender tops) for sale as spares. Modelling the LNER pre - WWII, I would love to have different tenders available, particularly for my A3s and A4s as they quite often changed. For example, by the period I am modelling, the most famous A3 of them all no longer had a corridor tender but you can only get the Flying Scotsman with this tender.

Graham Crawford

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Peter Welfare may like to have a look at Ivo Peter's book, The Somerset & Dorset in the Fifties, Volume 1, 1950-1954. Photo 80 (taken 1951) and photo 122 (taken 1952) show 34043 Combe Martin with different tenders. In the latter photo, 34043's cabside number is lower than usual, almost level with the lower lining on the air-smoothed casing . A nice 'early alternative' for Hornby, particularly if Bachmann go on to make the large-boiler 7F?

Brian Macdermott

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Bogie Luggage Van

Ian Taylor correctly says these didn't run in crimson and cream (18.6), but, according to the David Gould book Southern Railway Passenger Vans, not many were painted green in BR days. This isn't surprising considering that green repaints didn't start until 1956 and rapid withdrawals started in 1959. Most, if not all, were painted crimson in their BR life, remaining so to the end, and most were probably dirty crimson in the 'green period', too.

I have only the numbers of 4 that were painted green (2286, 2302, 2318, 2351), although there were probably more, and all had the shorter underframe (Hornby's model is nearer to the longer version). One point of note, as mentioned previously a few weeks ago, the lead vehicle of the down 'Golden Arrow' in the late '50s was usually a green version and one that had droplight windows fitted to the centre doors. If anyone knows the number of this, please let me know. It was identified in a good close up colour photo taken at Stewarts Lane and published in a magazine just a few years ago, but I missed it!

Peter Welfare

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Well-filled Tender

There was a reference to an excellent YouTube item in the 'GW Locos on the GC' posting of Friday 11 June. In a related YouTube piece ('More steam at Nottingham Victoria') I was amazed to see the coal in the tender of an O4 piled up like a pyramid, and at least 12" higher than the cab! With the forthcoming Bachmann release, a model of this apparent folly at an exhibition would certainly draw comments - but you'd have evidence to justify it!

I have seen other O4s in the area with well-filled tenders - was it a trait of one particular shed or route?

Brian Macdermott

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Friday 18.6.10

July Railway Modeller

The mass of layouts visited this month include John Chapman's SR/LMS 00 'Baddlesmere, Barham & Stowhurst', which is Layout of the Month, David Burns' 0 gauge BR steam WR/LMR 'Wrexham Hightown', Christopher Payne's small diorama O9 'Brink Valley Tramway', Jamie Mitchell's N gauge 1980s 'Market Street', Edward Sissling's 2FS DCC test-bed 'Niddbeck Bridge', Paul Cope's compact industrial 4mm 'Egypt Brewery' in EM gauge, Gordon Bulmer's 4mm scale 'Foxwood Park' (with its mixture of transport systems, including working street trams and a narrow gauge railway) and a third part in the return to the 'Craigcorrie & Dunalistair Railway' to see further developments.

Plan of the Month is 'Ashover Butts' and is a 'Y' shaped junction with two fiddle yards or hidden storage areas, one with a rotating traverser.

Practical articles cover N gauge freight transfers, a rotating traverser, operating passenger services on branch line layouts, getting started in 009 (part 5) and an introduction to 2mm finescale (2FS). There are also scale drawings of the Robinson Class O4 2-8-0 by the late Ian Beattie, with background notes by Tim Rayner.

Model reviews include Bachmann's Robinson O4 and Bulleid coaches, Skytrex 'Deltic', Graham Farish 4MT 2-6-0, various Hornby Pullman cars, Peco weathered N gauge CDA china clay hoppers and Model Irish Railways Tara Mines ore wagon. There is also the latest news of commissioned models.

July Continental Modeller

A quick look at Railway Modeller's sister publication reveals articles based on Swiss, Indian, German, Belgian and American practice. Practical articles of interest to modellers of British prototypes include one on recreating faded street signs.

Correction!

In my listing of mid-year Hornby additional releases, I referred to the livery on the former Tri-ang utility van as crimson and cream, as this is how it appears to me on the computer generated image. However, I am assured that it will be the Umber and cream of the Pullman Car Company, the model representing the vehicle used in Churchill's funeral train.

June Quiz

Please note that due to heavy work commitments, the quizmaster has been unable to put together a quiz this month but he assures me that the prize will roll-over, making a Ł100 prize in July.

As you know, everyone connected with MREmag gives their time free and we are grateful for the time put in by the quizmaster each month in preparing and marking the quiz - also to Rails of Sheffield for their generosity in providing Ł1,200 in prizes each year.

Hints & Tips No.267 - Holding Screws and Small Parts

by Josh Baakko (San Diego, CA, USA)

Did you ever lose loose screws and small parts when dismantling something for custom work or forget what they went to? I have always had an issue with losing screws and coupler boxes when I work on models.

The small screws in one of my coaches needed to be stored. I randomly thought about using a sticky note, flipped over so that the sticky side was up. This also allows me to write on the note, where they go. However I did not have any sticky notes! So I decided on some masking tape instead.

Starting with a 3 inch piece of tape, simply fold an inch or so back onto itself to allow for your writing, and leave around an inch of sticky surface exposed. Now stick the screws and/or parts to this, and there you have it, a 'fail safe' storage system.

Having Your Say...

Hornby 'Famous Train' Packs

I was pleased to see three Hornby train packs for sale recently (Hattons, R2794/5/6M), at prices below that for locomotives alone.

Upon receiving one of the packs today, undamaged four days after despatch, (congratulations Royal Mail and NZ Post), I was surprised by the rather poor generic packaging, with BR motifs, and no sign on the pack of anything to do with what was inside, except that it was an "00 Gauge Scale Model Hornby Train Pack". Even when the lid was removed there was no information beyond a tiny sticker on the side. Not a lot to whet the appetite of a potential buyer. It occurred to me that this might be why these sets were poor sellers at a recommended retail price of GBP135, or perhaps less.

On the other hand, my taste in packaging might be at fault; I prefer Cuneo or similar views of a prototype, or attractive pictures of the actual models. In any event, I was pleased with the purchase, a 'Royal Mail' with rebuilt Royal Scot and 3 maroon (B4 bogie, note!) Mk1s for a very good price. Also offered was a 'Red Dragon' with old-type Castle 5007 and 3 carriages, and an 'Heart of Midlothian' with A4 60025 and 3 blood and custard Mk1s.

Robbie McGavin (NZ)

This style of packaging was used with the early train packs from 1997. Its advantage was that the parts of the box could be produced in large quantities and a stick-on label added to denote the contents. The result would have been a saving in the overall cost of the pack. When personalised train pack boxes were introduced, the cost of having them specially printed had to be added to the wholesale price of the packs. As I believe is likely, they were used initially on only those train packs where it was felt that the higher price would not be a deterrent. Gradually, specially printed boxes have become the norm, presumably because, displayed in shops, they are more likely to entice a sale. The cheaper 'standard' boxes probably make sense for mail order train packs where the price quoted by Hornby has to be more competitive. This is all surmised on my part, but it does make sense - Ed.

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BR(WR) Mk1 Bogies

Many thanks to Robert and Brian for their postings (Monday). It looks as though I won't have to renumber W13074 after all. The picture referred to by Robert is great proof of running what you like - green class 47 with small yellow end panels and a blue and grey Mk1 behind the BSK. My source for W34885 is Parkin's British Railways Mark 1 Coaches Supplement.

However, I do wonder, if at sometime, W34885 was actually fitted with B4 bogies and these have been exchanged.

My reasoning:

There were very few chocolate and cream coaches still around in 1968 and most of those may well have been the ones on B4 bogies. There would not have been much call for BSK's on the West Coast Mainline where most of the B4 bogied stock was required. Is it possible that this vehicle gave up its B4 bogies to a catering vehicle or sleeping car? I am sure somebody will prove or disprove my theory such is the vast amount of knowledge held by MREmag readers.

Mark Abbott

I have also received the following from Dennis Lovett (Bachmann's Public Relations Manager):

Some further information has come to light regarding 39-154B which, although it carries the same number, depicts it at two different periods in its running life.

39-154 as originally released had B1 bogies (shop dates is 1961)

39-154B depicts the coach in a later form, fitted with B4 bogies - we have had several requests for this. (shop dates is 1965)

I hope this clarifies the position.

Dennis

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Snow Hill Remembered.......Anything Goes

The item about Snow Hill brought back memories from the last few years of the old station.

On an afternoon in the mid '60s it was possible to see 57xx/8751, 94xx and 74xx panniers, 41xx 'Prairies', 56xx, 43xx, 28xx, Stanier and WD 2-8-0, 9F, 'Hall', 'Grange', 'Manor', 'Castle', 'Black 5', 73xxx and 75xxx. There were occasional visits from 42xx and 72xx tanks, at least one 'Royal Scot', 'Bulleid Light Pacifics' on football specials (12 in one day), a 'Merchant Navy', Flying Scotsman and The Great Marquess.

Some days you could travel up to Lapworth, all stations, behind a Crewe-built 'Western' on its first revenue earning trip.

Coaching stock was just as varied, with Staniers on the Ilfracombe portion and Gresleys from Minehead arriving behind a 'Manor' on a Saturday evening.

Around 1964, on alternate weeks in the summer, it was possible to see a 'Castle' heading a rake of green Mk1 coaches on a Wolverhampton local, while Great Western liveried 4555 deputised for a DPU on the Wolverhampton parcels and also worked the Hockley trips.

It makes 'modern Image' seem a little boring at times.

Charles Steele

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Spare Tenders

On Monday (14.6), Dudley Jones, in his piece about modelling a 'Baby Castle'
(Collett 22XX), hinted at attaching a ROD tender to one. Now, as the new Bachmann model of an 04 (ROD) is about to enter the shops, is there any mileage in suggesting to both Bachmann and Hornby that they make tenders generally available as spares that can be ordered, either directly from them via their websites or through a mail order retailer (Tenders-are-Us)?

I'm not suggesting that there is a huge untapped market here or that profits will be enormous, but I'm sure many serious modellers would welcome the easy availability of separate tenders.

There are dozens of loco types that ran with a different type of tender at some point in their lifetime and, indeed, many hundreds of individual locos that had their tender swopped for a different type and in some cases an unoriginal tender.

Pedantic modellers like me may also like to have 2 tenders available for one loco, dependant upon which year is currently being run - e.g. 'West Country' 34041 Wilton, often seen on the S&D, still had a high sided tender in July 1958; but, by August 1959, had a cut down tender.

Peter Welfare

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R4451 Bogie Luggage Van

Pat announced on the 7th June last, on this site, that Hornby were introducing the ex (Tri-ang) SR bogie luggage van R 4451 in crimson and cream.

Can anyone throw any light on this livery as my records show that in BR days they were either plain crimson pre 1956 and green post this date. The only other version I am aware of is the chocolate/umber and cream version for Winston Churchill's funeral train which Hornby have already announced.

Ian Taylor

See correction in News Section above - Ed.

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Wednesday 16.6.10

Recent Hornby Releases

The following models should now be in the shops:

R4423 Pullman type K 1st class kitchen car Aurelia with matchboard sides.

R9636 Great Northern Skale Regis goods shed.

R9639 Great Northern Skale Regis water tower.

R7112 SkaleAutos Scammell Handyman arctic in Border Haulage livery with a timber load (ex-Trackside).

Equipment Stolen

A considerable amount of model railway equipment was stolen from the 47 401 sales coach at the Midland Railway Centre, Swanick site, over the weekend. Missing items include: Class 57 No.57315 in Arriva livery Ł68, Class 47 No.47612 InterCity Ł68, Class 47 No.47535 BR large logo Ł68, Class 66 No.66412 Malcolm livery Ł68 and Class 37 No. 37406 Railfreight grey livery Ł59.

The following Hornby 00 gauge locomotives have also gone: Class 67 EWS livery Ł59, Class 31 No.31105 grey livery Ł60 and a Hornby train set with blue LMS Pacific and coaches.

Missing ViTrains 00 gauge locomotives are two Network Rail Class 37s in a twin pack Ł120. Heljan 00 gauge locomotives include Class 58 coal livery Ł55, Class 33 No.33211 blue livery Ł49 and two Class 26 model blue livery Ł65.

40 to 50 coaches by Hornby and Bachmann (price range Ł18 to Ł30), in various liveries (blue/grey, maroon, crimson/cream and green) are missing and these include Hornby Maunsell coaches and Bachmann Mk1s.

Also missing are a selection of second-hand locomotives (10+) by Lima and Hornby mostly priced Ł25 to Ł30. e.g. Lima 26001, Hornby 56 etc.. Several Bachmann wagons including 'Intermodal' container wagons.

If anyone has any information about this, or is offered any of this equipment, please contact PC Lewis 2755 at Ripley Police Station or 401 Project via MREmag. The proceeds from the sale of these goods was to be used in loco preservation.
Thanks for any help.

Hints & Tips No.266 - Old Roadway

by Stephen Lynch

One way to get a brick road to look like it has been there for a few years is to go to a hobby store and buy some cheap plastic brick road. Lay it down where you want it. Then take black water colour paint and paint some on to the street. Before it dries, gently wipe the road with a cloth. This will leave the paint in the cracks between the bricks giving it a dirty worn look.

Snippet No.302 – 4F to the rescue

by Brian Macdermott

On Monday 3 July 1961, the 12.52pm York-Bristol failed at Mangotsfield North Junction, with D28 at the head. The train eventually arrived at Mangotsfield 45 minutes late with Bristol 4F 0-6-0 No.44523 acting as the rescue loco, tender-first.

(Source: Mangotsfield Railway Circle newsletter, The Mail.)

What's on TV?
by Brian Macdermott

Thursday 24 June
Channel 5, 20.00-21.00. Britain's Greatest Machines, with Chris Barrie. Trains (but I suspect it might be a rehash of previously-shown footage).

Having Your Say...

Station Announcers

Who could forget the lady announcer on Reading Station who would always begin her announcements with a high pitched almost incomprehensible: "Ridding, Ridding, this is Ridding" - in the style of the Cafe manageress in 'Brief Encounter' - wonderful! Sadly there are no characters like that left today.

Andrew Carter

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I know this line of correspondence really has nothing to do with models, but when I read the station announcements on your website today, I was reminded of an absolute classic from Haymarket Station, Edinburgh, a couple of years ago:

"All parts of Haymarket station are no smoking. So, if you're smoking, pit your fags oot or you'll find the police coming, quickly followed by the fire brigade".

David Fairgrieve

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In Hastings DEMU commuting days, there was little of anything remarkable to recall; the best being in the snow when pretty well everything else relying on the third rail was becalmed. But one memorable morning, the bucolic Sussex burr of the porter announced to those waiting at Wadhurst: "The seven forty seven to Cannon Street will be late, seeing as how there's been a fertility on the line".

Considerable speculation abounded about ancient (and probably illegal) druid practices, before concluding that maybe someone had found the whole process too hard to bear and jumped in front of our train.

Peter Coton

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Snow Hill Remembered.......

Reading the postings about station announcements did really do this. Was it really 50 years ago, the '50s and early '60s, when I spent every spare moment there? I must be getting old.

No accents at GWR Birmingham, announcements made in RP, received pronunciation, or BBC English. Trains really did call at stations. Trains were "all stations to... ", you were expected to know the route, no list of stations given. But sometimes there was a choice of route ("Dudley, via Gt. Bridge"), not "via Old Hill".

Expresses were for "Paddington, calling at Banbury, Princes Risboro' and High Wycombe (there is a restaurant car on this train)". Holiday extras for Ramsgate: you were just told it was "via Oxford and Reading".

Ah! the sound of steam. A 'King' barking its way up from the Livery Street direction, with a full load. The panniers and 41xx simmering. Rhose Wood Hall as station pilot. The Southern stock hauled in by a 43xx on Summer Saturdays. The 56xx on the through goods road, with a train of mineral empties from the Black Country.

Gone, but not forgotten.

David Rollason

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BR(WR) Mk1 Bogies

Further to Mark Abbott's posting, I'm not convinced W34885 had B4 bogies whilst in chocolate and cream, as a photo of what appeared to be that vehicle in 1968 showed it with older BR bogies:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barkingbill/2148494463/

Stock in chocolate and cream used on the 'Bristolian' and 'Red Dragon' was reported as having been fitted with the trial batch of the bogies in Autumn 1961. Colour film from around that time shows the 'Bristolian' set at Reading with all vehicles visible except the RB (W1646 on Commonwealth bogies) having B4 bogies. See B&R DVD Vol. 70 Along GWR Lines Part 1.)

However, vehicles moved around between sets, especially after the chocolate/cream livery was abandoned in 1962.

Positive identification of individual vehicles seems hard to come by, but there was at least one BG (from 'Red Dragon') as well as open and corridor firsts, corridor seconds, brake seconds, brake composites and a composite or two.

Restaurant buffet W1646 is the only vehicle I am aware of that ran on Commonwealth bogies in chocolate/cream.

A list of vehicles believed to have carried BR chocolate and cream livery is available on my Yahoo Group:

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/BRCoachingStock/

Robert Carroll

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Tri-ang Containers

In the 1960s, Tri-ang had a number of British Railways plywood 'BD' type containers finished in their own Tri-ang livery. The containers were branded Return to Wimbledon, and I certainly recall seeing them in Wimbledon West Yard and in their on private sidings at Merton. Tri-ang themselves made a model of the container, though this has several serious dimensional errors.

Are the colours used on the Tri-ang model accurate? Does anyone know how many containers were so liveried, and the number range of the containers in question? Has anyone produced any transfers covering these containers?

Finally, does anyone know what traffic flows the containers were actually used for?

Ian David Smith

I have picture, from an in-house magazine, which shows a train of 13 container wagons which the caption says left Margate full of Tri-ang model railways, all for one customer. The picture is an early black and white photocopy and has no mid tones. Consequently all the markings are missing and you cannot even tell whether they are in BR livery or a Tri-ang livery. I believe at the time the Lines livery used on their lorries was dark blue and so the Tri-ang containers were probably the same colour - especially as they chose to produce the model in that colour. The model containers carry a 'BK' number and load/tare/capacity data and, as some attempt has been made at authenticity, it seems reasonable to assume that the livery detail is also authentic - Ed.

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Bachmann FK W13074

Mark Abbott mentioned that Bachmann have duplicated the running number for their forthcoming FK in WR chocolate and cream under ref 039-154B.

Perhaps if Bachmann have done their homework his wish has come true regarding B4 bogies as this coach was one to be fitted with these.

Brian McCulluck

Bachmann have confirmed that the repeated running number was an oversight - Ed.

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Monday 14.6.10

Dapol Announcements

Network Rail Wagons

Over the weekend, Dapol announcd the following four new items for release to stockists within the next 30 days. Four versions of each will be produced, each with a different running number:

JNA ‘Falcon’ wagon (B855a-d) in Network Rail yellow. RRP Ł19.95.

JNA ‘Falcon’ wagon (B855e-h) in Network Rail yellow, weathered exclusively for Hattons who will quote a price.

IOA bogie ballast wagon (B856a-d) in Network Rail yellow. RRP Ł19.95.

IOA bogie ballast wagon (B856e-h) in Network Rail yellow, weathered exclusively for Hattons who will quote a price.

00 Catenery

Also being released is a catenary mast pack (OOcat1) containing 10 x Mk3 high speed pantograph masts. These use the Dapol ‘Easi-fix’ type of baseboard mounting screw used for N gauge catenary and each blister pack will contain 5 long arm and 5 short arm masts. RRP Ł9.95 per pack.

In conjunction with their announcement of 25v catenary masts, Dapol are also to produce the MSW masts and gantries as used between Manchester and Sheffield and currently still to be found on the BR network around Manchester and also in East Anglia. MSW masts should be available around the time of release of the proposed Heljan Class 76 locomotive models.

New 00 Wagons

Dapol are also to produce the following wagons in 00 gauge, as single units, in both weathered and pristine condition, and metal has started to be cut:

'Turbot' bogie ballast wagon (B857. RRP around Ł16.95

BBA bogie steel wagon (B858), with removable coils. RRP around Ł17.95

Ballast Train

MRA side tipping ballast train (B859) is also planned, which will be sold as a 5 unit set, including the generator vehicle with different sized hoppers. It will be possible to manually tilt each hopper and it is hoped to have opening side doors. All liveries will be produced, including weathered sets. RRP around Ł125.00 per set.

Bogie Ballast Wagons

In final stages of research and cad/cam design, and with correct bogies, are the following, with both weathered and pristine versions to be produced:

MLA bogie ballast wagon (B860a-d) in EWS livery.

MLA bogie ballast wagon (B860e-h) in Network Rail livery.

Cardiff - A Model Railway Exhibition

On Saturday June19th to Sunday June 20th (10am to 5.30pm), Lord & Butler Model Railways of Cardiff will be holding their 3rd annual FREE exhibition, collecting on behalf of local charity Ty Hafan children's hospice. Last year they collected in excess of Ł700 and hope to do even better this year. The venue is the Pumping Station, Penarth Road (A4160), Cardiff CF11 8TT.

They currently have attending at least seven working layouts, in various scales, including three with digital sound. Their own 'Dirty Boy' custom weathering service will stage weathering demonstrations with weathered locos, rolling stock and materials for sale. Bachmann will be in attendance to answer questions and display current and future models. Outside, Bridgend Model Engineers will be displaying a variety of large scale locomotives and providing rides throughout the weekend. There will also be special weekend offers and a large selection of new, used and collectable model railways.

Admission is free - but a donation to Ty Hafan children's hospice would be appreciated. Refreshments are available from the cafe on site and there will be plenty of free parking available. Public transport by bus is available with Nos.92/3/4 from Cardiff Central or by train to Grangetown station

All enquiries to: tel. 02920 667225 or www.lordandbutler.com

Graham Farish on the Way

The following Graham Farish models should now be on a container ship heading this way. This means that you can expect them in the shops next month:

372-135 'Black 5' 4-6-0 locomotive in LMS black No.5020

372-137 'Black 5' 4-6-0 locomotive in BR lined black with late decals No.45110

377-075A 7-plank end door wagon Harrisons grey livery No.5038

377-200A 8-plank wagon with coke rail Birley black livery No.1610

377-500A 3-plank wagon in Imperial Chemical Industries, Buxton Lime No.46

377-625 12 ton plywood fruit van in BR early bauxite livery No.B875800

377-626 12 ton plywood fruit van in BR late bauxite livery No.B875640

Vectis Model Train Sale

This auction is both room based and online with www.artfact.com and www.invaluable.com and commences at 10.30am on Friday 18th June. The room element will be at the company's headquarters in Fleck Way, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9JZ.

The sale includes the following lots: 00 British outline (155), N gauge British outline (19), Wrenn Railways (7), Tri-ang Minic Motorway (2), H0 gauge (102), N gauge Continental (3), narrow gauge (13), 00 kits and scratch-built (7), miscellaneous 00 (2), Meccano and steam etc. (17), books and magazines (18), LGB (51), 0 gauge and larger (28), railwayana etc. (12) and General trains (128).

July Hornby Magazine

Mike Wild devotes his editorial to the boom in the modelling of the less iconic diesels and electrics, thanks to co-operation between the manufacturers and retailers. While welcoming them, he rightly asks the question, whether they are coming too thick and fast for modellers to afford them all. The subject carries over into the next five or six pages which provide greater detail of some of the planned models.

Reviews include Bachmann's Robinson O4 (with an article on the real locomotives), Thompson and Bulleid coaches and shock open wagon, the Dapol N gauge Class 58, 'Silver Bullet' tank wagon and 00 KQA 'Pocket' wagon, the Graham Farish Riddle 4MT 2-6-0, Class 108 heritage DMU, BDA bolster wagon and GWR brake vans, Hornby's coaling tower and their Wrexham & Shropshire pack and, finally, the weathered Bachmann Gulf TEA and BR insulated vans by TMC. There is also an article on Hornby's Sapphire decoder.

Layouts this month include Ken Jones' 00 WR steam era 'Llangenydd', Ian Atkinson's 0 gauge, green diesel, 'Dalry Road' and Steve Jones' 00 BR blue era 'Devon Cliffs'.

Practical articles include creating a level crossing scene in a town setting, suggested track plans for an 8ft 'plank' layout, building an etched brass kit of an LBSC ballast plough brake van, the first part in a series on building an N gauge layout called 'Hatton Parkway' and, finally, using weathering powders.

There is a preview of the Hartlepool exhibition (July 10/11) and a realism article looks at tunnels.

Hints & Tips No.265 - Urban Structures

by Martin Smythe

To model an urban scene takes lots of structures of various heights. To begin with, I have used several DPM kits together, to gain the needed height. In an effort to achieve higher buildings, I raise up buildings further back on concealed platforms giving the illusion of even taller ones.

The backs and a side on most of the structures were never modelled and are only foam core board (to add strength) glued to the detail parts visible. Modelling an urban scene can be fun and will enhance a layout.

Having Your Say...

DCC Questions

The Bachmann Dynamis has an extremely sensitive short circuit sensor which is why Chris Martin is getting better results with the Gaugemaster Prodigy, which has a more usable design.

The advice on running-in is simply that it is better to determine any faults on a new loco before one has taken it apart to fit a decoder, so that, if it has to be returned to the dealer, there are no complications. This is particularly the case with the fine detailing parts that can be easily damaged.

Brian Martin

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'Baby Castle'

I don't think the name 'Baby Castle' was commonly used amongst enthusiasts in the days of steam, but I do recall hearing it occasionally.

Tony Elliot's efforts are remarkably similar to mine. I have a GWR green one in my collection, never used, but a year or so ago I picked up two 'spares or repair' on Ebay, with a single tender, for a 'song'.

One was done up and repainted in weathered black, with new etched numbers. The other hung around - but I never like to waste anything. A few weeks ago I got a tender (probably from a 'Manor') at a toy fair. Last week the loco emerged in heavily weathered plain black with 'British Railways' decals and new numbers - and very fine it looks too.

The shame is that now I don't want to sell it, as I had intended! How about an 04 (ROD) tender - they were used on the class.

Dudley Jones

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Bachmann On The Way

I note from Friday's posting of new Bachmann items, the following:

039-154B BR Mk1 FK in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W13074.

W13074 has already appeared under catalogue number 39-154. I do hope that this is a typo as there are many other FKs which appeared in chocolate and cream, with and without the roundel.

To add to the variety why don't Bachmann consider doing any of the number of coaches fitted with B4 bogies for the trials in the Bristolian and Red Dragon expresses? While I do not have the full list, there are many photos available and most types of coach were included. The one which I have details of is BSK W34885, which had the roundel. Likewise, FO W3085, a type not currently modelled by Bachmann. There were several SKs and SOs included in the trials. I am also sure that I have seen a photo of chocolate & cream coach on commonwealth bogies. Further evidence would be welcome.

I have already re-bogied an FK with B4 bogies and this awaits renumbering, but I would much rather purchase a ready-to-run version.

Mark Abbott

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Station Announcements

Regarding Richard Davies' letter today on station announcements. I think announcers were probably chosen for their good diction. I don't recall ever hearing a Brummie accent. I seem to remember that in steam days the announcements were very much like Richard has said in his letter. It is not that I remember so much though, there was a lady at New Street Station who used to pronounce every syllable, so Cheltenham would be Chelt-en-ham. Later, there was a young lady with a rather attractive lisp. These days the announcements are pre-recorded by a gent and mixed as appropriate for putting over the tannoy system.

Re Richard Simmons' letter on parallel universes, how about a universe where Dr. Beeching decided he would not make any cuts on the railways?

Ian Hutty

Or the decision was not made to scrap steam - Ed

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My dearly beloved, a true Black Country lass, fell about laughing after reading Richard Davies's posting (Friday). So much so that she has offered to make some recordings of the sort of announcements which would have been heard in Birmingham Snow Hill station in the late fifties. We will check our own archives (Argo Transacord is a starting point) to see what is included.

As regards positioning of first class and restaurant cars, from memory, the restaurant car may have been mentioned in the title: "The next train to arrive at platform 2 is the 10 o'clock restaurant car express to Shrewsbury". Most trains destined to places North of Wolverhampton were composed of two portions, one of which (usually but not always containing the restaurant car) was detached at Wolverhampton. As such, the first class accommodation was located in both portions. The announcement may well have mentioned that 1st class and 2nd class accommodation was conveyed. Many local trains around this time were having 1st class accommodation reduced or removed as demand for it fell.

If Richard would care to contact me off line at mark(dot)w(dot)abbott(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk we will be happy to discuss the matter.

Mark Abbott

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Richard Davis was asking about station announcements. On 'You Tube', at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw-Q-ijom58 , at the very beginning of the clip called ‘Train of events’, is an authentic ‘3.35 for Liverpool calling’ ....etc.

The time given was always departure times.

Ken Darville

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From memory, 'through' steam trains from Snow Hill on the former GWR did not
do something as common as 'stop' at places on the way to their destination.
They would be 'calling' at 'Such and Such General', much as gentry in their
carriages would 'call' at country seats along their way.

British Transport films such as 'Terminus' might include announcements in
the soundtrack.

Richard Coy

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Station announcements are few and far between on any of the audio CDs that I have. Those that I can hear are:

1. "All change on this train, please, all change. Go to Platform 2 for....(lots of stations on the LSWR)".

2. "Templecombe - change here for Bath and Bournemouth. No.3 platform for Bath and Bournemouth".

3. "The train arriving at Platform (garbled) is from London King's Cross, the (garbled time) for Darlington, Durham and Newcastle. Both restaurant car and buffet facilities are available".

Of course, there are some anecdotal, humorous variations. As far as I know, the one below (or something very much like it) was actually announced!

"We're not sure how late the eight-fifteen will be this morning, but passengers may like to know that copies of 'War and Peace' are available at the bookstall".

Brian Macdermott

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If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so, when you comment on their products, you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Friday 11.6.10

Dapol New Announcements

The Summer is becoming a time for new announcements by model railway manufacturers. We have already heard Hornby's plans, and this weekend Dapol will be announcing a number of completely new subjects, in both N gauge and 00 scale, at the DEMU exhibition. The information is embargoed until 11am tomorrow morning but we will not be announcing the details until Monday's MREmag. If you are impatient to find out what is coming, you could try the websites of the printed model railway magazines - after 11am on Saturday.

Bachmann are also expected to make further announcements which we hope to be reporting on Monday 26th July.

July British Railway Modelling

In his editorial, John Emerson comments on the joint ventures between manufacturers and retailers to fill gaps, particularly in the diesel and electric range of models.

There are pictures of the recently announced Hornby models and recent releases by Bachmann. Model reviews include the Bachmann Robinson O4, the Trains4u special edition 150/1 with sound and in Provincial livery and the Ixion N gauge 'Manors'.

Layouts this month include Ray Flintoft's compact 00 'Sowerby Road MP' (complete with coaling tower) and John Burton's N gauge 'Burton Wharf'.

Practical articles include building a 4mm scale Stanier kitchen car from a Comet kit, building an 0 gauge LNER 'Tube' wagon from a Connoisseur kit, updating Hornby's air-braked OAA open wagon, radio control for a gauge 1 'Black 5' and modelling canals.

Bachmann on the Way

The following Bachmann Branchline models should now be on a xcontainer ship heading this way. This means that you can expect them in the shops next month:

31-975A BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T in BR lined black with early emblem No. 82020

31-976A BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T in BR lined green with late emblem No. 82030

34-379 Thompson 63ft all 3rd in BR crimson & cream livery No.E1011E

34-404 Thompson 59ft composite in BR crimson & cream livery No.E1224E

34-429 Thompson 63ft brake composite in BR crimson & cream No.E1148E

34-454 Thompson 63ft brake 3rd in BR crimson & cream No.E1936E

34-479 Thompson 63ft all 1st in BR crimson & cream No.E1313E

39-126E BR Mk1 CK in BR maroon livery No.W16198

39-129B BR Mk1 CK in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W15110

39-151D BR Mk1 FK in BR maroon livery No.M13108

39-154B BR Mk1 FK in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W13074

39-176D BR Mk1 BG in BR maroon livery No.E80533

39-177C BR Mk1 BG in BR crimson & cream livery No.M85065

39-179B BR Mk1 BG in BR (WR) chocolate & cream livery No.W80713

39-226C BR Mk1 BCK in BR maroon livery No.M21026

39-229B BR Mk1 BCK in BR (WR) chocolate & cream No.W21080

33-079A china clay wagon in BR grey livery (no hood) No.W42833

33-080B china clay wagon in BR bauxite livery (weathered) with hood No.B743378 also carries 7405 on centre doors

33-081B china clay wagon with hood in BR bauxite livery (weathered) No.B743155

37-034 5-plank wagon with steel floor James Durnford & Son No.30

37-710A 8 ton cattle wagon in BR bauxite early livery No.B893111

37-711A 8 ton cattle wagon in GWR dark grey livery No.106909

37-712A 8 ton cattle wagon in BR bauxite late livery No.B893268

37-902 shock absorbing van with planked ends in BR bauxite livery No.W139556

37-903 shock absorbing van with corrugated ends in BR bauxite livery No.B852353

33-306B 20 ton 'Toad' brake van in BR grey livery No.W68476 marked' Roath Basin Junction – Not In Common Use'

38-240 MBA Megabox high sided bogie box wagon with buffers in EWS livery No.500028

38-245 MOA Megabox low sided bogie box wagon without buffers in EWS livery No.500327

Hints & Tips No.264 - Down Spouting and Piping

by David Russell

For down spouts and piping in general, look for florists wire. It is a very soft wire used by florists to bind bouquets. It is usually painted green and comes in many gauges.

Having Your Say...

Baby Castles

Despite being involved in the hobby and railways in general for more years than I care to remember, I have never heard this nickname before and was quite intrigued when Andrew Carter raised the question on the 2nd of June. Now we know the answer!

As a model, it was never particularly high on my wish list, but, being one who finds it difficult to resist a model railway bargain, I picked up at a local toy fair, some while ago, a very badly repainted Bachmann model of a Class 22xx (without tender) for next to nothing. However, the chassis looked OK and subsequent testing proved it to be a good runner. The plan was to strip down and repaint the body; a task I never quite got round to completing. At the Malvern Toy Fair, recently, I picked up a 22xx body in excellent condition (and fitted with etched cabside plates) for Ł5, but it was obviously designed round the original split chassis and required some modification to the internal moulding to accept the later Bachmann chassis, with the vertical can motor.

I am quite pleased with the result – now I just need to find a tender.

Tony Elliott

Any offers? - Ed.

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DCC Questions

Chris Martin's experience with no longer having short circuits after changing over from a Dynamis to a Prodigy is interesting. A DCC system will shut down under short circuit conditions both to protect itself and whatever is causing the short circuit - high current means something is wrong and is generating heat - an enemy of electronics.

However different manufacturers interpret a short circuit in different ways. For instance, one might set their system to shut down if the current exceeds five amps for longer than half a second while another might shut down if it exceeds 3 amps for a quarter of a second.

Chris's wagon wheels may be producing a short circuit big enough and long enough to shut down a system of the latter type but not the former. Some systems allow you to tailor these values while others don't.

As for leaving sound equipped locos on for extended periods they are unlikely to cause a problem. A sound decoder takes very little power when the loco is not moving even when its random sounds operate.

Stuart de Boer

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DCC control kit varies significantly between makers in sensitivity to momentary short circuits, from ultra twitchy to relatively tolerant.

As for running DCC sound for long periods causing damage. Loudspeakers do wear out, they are electromechanical devices. An easy way to damage a tweeter is a combination of a lot of high frequency content, played at sustained high volume, on a hot day. A moment comes when the heat build up softens the lacquer typically used to bond the motor coil to the former on the cone. The moment the motor coil comes loose it rattles itself to destruction. Plenty of us with considerably more advanced construction tweeters in our hi-fi have had that experience. (Note to self: don’t play a glass harmonica recording with the volume at 11.)

Also, the necessarily lightweight construction of the moving components, particularly the cone and its’ suspension, makes them relatively fragile. However, these typically deteriorate over time even if left unused, and a loudspeaker is an easily replaced component, so don’t worry too much about it is my opinion.

Paul Jansz

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P2 in Railway Modeller

I think if Tim Rayner goes back in the RM records he will find two P2 articles complete with photos and 4mm drawings which were featured in about 1972. One was of 2001 itself and the other, from memory, was one of the Bugatti nose variants. I drew these for Cyril Freezer as part of an LNER series, and the 2001 drawing is pretty accurate having been based on the Doncaster GA plus many photos from a variety of sources. Perhaps they should get that out again and give it an airing!

Nick Campling

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GW Locos on the GC

Further to Mark Abbot's letter, there is some very interesting footage on YouTube of 6911 Holker Hall derailing on the turntable at Nottingham Victoria in 1964. It is by by bigkris21 on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBvPRfkpS1A&NR=1 a 7 minute video, unfortunately without sound.

Nottingham Victoria would seem to be the ideal place for those who wish to mix their regions with LNER, LMS, Standards and the odd GWR engine thrown in for good measure.

Just sad to see how incredibly filthy most of them were at that time.

Colin Campbell

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The exploits of Woolston Grange on 15th August 1964 deserve further elaboration. At Sheffield, the left hand cylinder dislodged a three foot length of platform coping. A crew from Huddersfield were due to take over from Annesley men but the driver flatly refused to proceed. The train finally left driven by an off duty traction inspector in a homburg hat and a pin stripe suit with the Huddersfield fireman. The engine was removed to Hillhouse shed, where it remained for eleven days and eventually returned home as an out of gauge load, running via Micklehurst. Edgeley and Crewe with speed restricted to 35mph.

Nicholas Rothon

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Operation ‘Dynamo’

I’m sure a number of readers will refer Nick Stanbury to ‘Overlord’ - a port layout based on the preparations for the 6 June 1944 Normandy landings.

One of the ships depicted is a Tank Landing Ship (LST), not to be confused, as is often the case, with the smaller Tank Landing Craft (LCT). The LSTs were shallow draft vessels powered by General Motors 12-567 diesel engines as used on US locos at that time. They were designed and built specifically to transport about 20 tanks plus military equipment and troops direct to beaches and saw action in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio before returning to the UK for refit prior to ‘Overlord’. To beach, they blew ballast tanks rather like a submarine, then lowered the bow doors, whereupon vehicles could disembark over a lowered ramp. They were the only ships of the Royal Navy never to carry names - the expected losses were so high, but the RN never explained that to the crews!

Over 50 US and RN ships were converted with three tracks on the tank deck and transported 20,000 USATC wagons from Southampton to Cherbourg in 1944. Space precludes great detail here, but the loco pushing wagons onto the ships had 2ft square metal plates over the buffers to prevent buffer locking. The three tracks were accessed by slewing the ramp track to line up.

On one rough crossing, someone had forgotten to screw down the roof-mounted brakes on some of the US-type box vans. The vans started rolling back and forth, and LSTs bobbed like corks at the best of times! The brakes were too close to the low ceiling to access in such conditions, so the crew had to wedge wooden blocks under the wheels just as each vehicle reached its turn back point!

Brian Macdermott

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Wartime Model Railways

I can only think that Nick Stanbury doesn't go to many exhibitions or read model railway magazines. Has he not seen Pete Goss' "Rowlands Castle" layout at shows and featured in Railway Modeller? There are also at least 2 very large layouts that I've seen at shows portraying dockside scenes set in WWII, one of them about loading for the D Day landings. Unfortunately I can't recall their names but I'm sure some of your readers can. There are probably others that people know about too.

Steve Grantham

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With reference to Nick Stanbury's comment about wartime layouts, take a look at 'Rowland's Castle' by Peter Goss. I have seen this at several exhibitions and I am always impressed by the splendid modelling and recreation of a wartime scene. Not quite Dunkirk, a great representation of the Southern in the lead up to D-Day. You can view details at http://www.rowlandscastlemodelrailway.com/.

Martin Meggs

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Running What You Like

I have just enjoyed reading Neil Burgess's well ordered and apparently predictable life at Mangotsfield.

Of course, there were always well assembled coach sets for the principal expresses, the Southern Region even numbered their rakes. However, when deciding what to run on my Eastern Region layout, I often find myself too ordered. A look through my library of railway books frequently yields real train make ups I could never have imagined.

I would say that running what you like is good and, if you need to justify this, take a look at photo-books showing so called stock trains and the like. There is something for everybody in a single train.

Dudley Jones

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Parallel Universes

How does Neil Burgess know what happened in my parallel universe before Churchill was re-elected? Or, indeed, what the electoral system is there?

In this universe, I quite agree with him. My dad tells me that Churchill was also unpopular with those who, like him, had fought in the Italian campaign. They didn't have much time for their ex-public school officers either. He tells me that the ordinary soldiery didn't want to return to a country run by old Etonian toffs. Things are different now, of course, though not necessarily in my railway room.

Richard Simmons

That is not an invitation to start a political discussion. Let's get back to model railways - Ed.

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Running-in

Is there any reason to run-in a new loco?

It was often very necessary some years ago, with 00 locos showing considerable improvements to minimum crawl speed and smoothness, maximum speed and quietness. Some needed many hours of running to procure a more acceptable performance. The more recent product introductions from Bachmann, Heljan and Hornby now typically come out of the box pretty much running as they should.

An hour of medium speed running, alternating direction every 15 minutes, usually produces small gains which may be most easily observed in slow speed performance. Measure the minimum speed sustained crawl: compare as received, with the value after an hour of running, and the following day when the loco is ‘cold’. For those of us planning a decoder installation it is still worthwhile doing this, using an ordinary DC resistance controller. With the mechanism performing stably, the decoder may be set up with some confidence of repeatable performance; for the smoothest possible stops and starts, whatever progression through the speed step range the operator requires, and the desired maximum speed at full output.

Paul Jansz

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New Releases

Just a note to say thank you to Pat for his regular coverage of new releases. The photography is excellent, the history of each model interesting, and for someone attempting to model British outline from afar, the information on the prototype is very much an added bonus.

The latest group of new items is certainly a very lengthy one and I appreciate the time it would have taken to photograph, research and produce notes for all of these new models.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

To see the new releases, click on 'Model Railways' in the left-hand column on this page - Ed.

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Station Announcements in BR Steam Days

I am planning to make recordings of station announcements to go along with the timetable - I'm modelling BR late 1950s in the Birmingham area. However, I've forgotten the formats and now live in the US. I can't even go to a station to listen to today's announcements.

Did they announce like this? "The train arriving at platform 2 is the 9.10 express from Paddington to Birkenhead, stopping at Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Chester." Would the time given then be the time arriving at the station (featured in the model), that the train is an express/stopping train/semi-fast, and the stations it will stop at.

Did they announce more - like restaurant car, where the first class coaches are etc.?

Any help will be appreciated and oim werking on mi Brumijum accent, loik.

Richard Davies - Utah, USA

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Wednesday 9.6.10

Kernow 'Warship'

Kernow Model Rail Centre have announced that they are now taking orders for their D6xx 00 gauge 'Warship' model.

Their Beattie well tank and Class 205 'Thumper' models were laser scanned, which saved a considerable amount of time and resulted in them overtaking the D6xx 'Warship' in the development process. With no preserved prototype available, the D6xx 'Warship' model has taken longer to develop than they had hoped. But, working from original drawings and other reference sources, the CAD-CAMS are being produced and will be available shortly.

There will be five models produced: -

K2600 D600 Active in BR blue livery with full yellow ends, headcode boxes and mesh grilles.

K2601 D601 Ark Royal in BR green livery with no yellow ends, headcode discs and louvres.

K2602 D602 Bulldog in BR green livery with small yellow ends, headcode boxes and mesh grilles.

K2603 D603 Conquest in BR green livery with small yellow ends, headcode discs and mesh grilles.

K2604 D604 Cossack in BR green livery with no yellow ends, headcode discs and mesh grilles.

The models will be priced at Ł129.95 and delivery is expected during 2011. The models will be produced by Dapol, using tools owned by Kernow Model Rail Centre. Each model will be a certified limited edition of 750 and will feature etched nameplates, working directional and cab lighting, 5-pole skew-wound motor with flywheels and be DCC Ready.

No deposits are required and no funds are taken from debit or credit cards until the company is ready to send the models.

Further details are available at http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/page/28/Warship_Limited_Editions and in the company's weekly e-newsletter, available from the same web address.

Hornby Mid-year Releases

Yesterday I published a list of newly announced model releases planned by Hornby. I later added the information that the models in East Coast livery will be sold exclusively by ModelZone. I repeat that these will not be available from other sources.

New Railway Model Products

Photos and descriptions of 90 more model railway products in 48 new reviews have just been added to our New Products section. To see the pictures and read about them, click on ‘Model Railways’ to the left of this page and then click the item you wish to see from the index.

(Unlike printed magazines, MREmag has unlimited space and so I am able to review and illustrate every model received. However, as I am not in competition with the printed magazines, I tend to delay reviews until other magazines have had a chance to do their own. Also, I do not do critiques, as I don't have the required knowledge. Instead, I cover the history of the model and prototype. If you want to know how good a model is, as a replica, turn to the regular printed magazines as their reviewers have the knowledge to provide that information - Ed)

Hints & Tips No.263 - Laying Track... Backwards

by Trevor Gibbs (Melbourne, Australia)

The late John Allen, creator of the legendary Gorre & Daphetid, when laying track by hand, used to align his track by looking at it in a mirror. His rationale was that, because you were seeing it in reverse, you would pick out the misalignments and kinks in the track more easily because you were not looking at what you expect to see.

It's fairly logical and, yes, it does work, even for flexi track!

Snippet No.301 – Cycling lion? No...cycling Signalman!

By Brian Macdermott

Most ‘snippets’ deal with unusual train workings. I thought you might like the following as an ‘unusual scenic item’.

In a Norman Lockett photo taken on 29 August 1945 near Whiteball Siding signalbox, the fireman of a westbound freight is giving a broad, wry smile to the photographer.

The reason? In the 6ft way between the Down Main and Relief, a man is cycling eastwards towards the box! From the angle of the bike, he looks none too steady! Was it a signalman on his way to the box? Or was it someone a little worse for wear after a liquid lunch?

Another one of those ‘we modelled it because it actually happened’ moments!

(Source: The Norman Lockett Collection. Great Western Steam, 1934-1949. By Mike Arlett and David Lockett. Pub: Lightmoor Press)

Having Your Say...

Daydream Locos

If we are speculating on ‘possible daydream’ locomotives, then the P2 (which I too would join the queue to purchase) comes a very close second to the style and grace of GWRs The Great Bear. And I quote:-

"The first Pacific loco to be built in Great Britain, The Great Bear was an engineering experiment in large boiler design. It was an gigantic loco for the times and was the 'Pride of the GWR'. The loco spent most of its time working between Paddington, Bristol and Bath. 'The Bear' was eventually converted into a 'Castle' named Viscount Churchill in 1924".

Now here is a locomotive to really get steamed up about.

Ken Darville

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I'm delighted that the P2 photo has been well received; here's a bit more information than we were able to include in the space available. No.2001 Cock O' The North was photographed by the late Walter Boyden at Haymarket shed on 16 June 1935; the P2s were, alas, a subject for the 'drawn and described' series which the late Ian Beattie never got round to tackling.

As an aside, the reason it's in the letters pages, in the first place, is because it had to occupy the space from which a letter (requesting a copy of a kit's instructions which were absent from the box as acquired second-hand), was pulled the day before press day. The correspondent had emailed to say that he'd found a copy of the instructions, so didn't need his letter published, thanks!

Cue last-minute photo search - such is publishing!

Tim Rayner, Production Editor, Peco Publications & Publicity Ltd.

As they say, Tim - 'Its an ill wind that blows nobody any good!' - Ed.

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Well I'm glad Andrew Carter isn't too upset at the thought that most ex GWR tender locos might look the same. Let's face it, we S&D fans have had to put up with a far greater slur for years. Our favourite is referred to as the 'Slow and Dirty', but do we care?

Peter Welfare

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Running What You Like

I certainly have no quarrel with anyone who wants to run what they like on their layout, particularly in the privacy of their own railway room. However, one of the characteristics of railways was, and is, their regularity and consistency. They work on regular patterns of trains, working in set formations to an ordered sequence of movements and times. Much railway work is routine and that routine is essential in allowing the operators to get the job done as efficiently and safely as possible. This is not to say there were not exceptions to the norm, things that ran late or early, trains or locomotives that broke down, unusual or special workings, trains that were cancelled, extended, strengthened and run in several portions as necessity required: and there must have been days when operating staff couldn't wait to clock off because nothing seemed to go right.

Even so, if anyone wants a model that is railway-like, it needs to reflect that overall regularity and routine-ness. In my train-spotting days, I could more-or-less predict what I would see on the platform end at Mangotsfield; 4Fs 43924, 44135, 44264 and 44269 would be on trip goods, along with 48309, 48444 and 48706, etc.

Neil Burgess

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Sugar Beet Traffic at Bailey Gate

Thank you everyone for the interest in my recent postings. The questions about 'Baby Castles' and the 'Bailey Gate Belle' have been answered and Pat has passed on the details of the DVD on which you can see shunting at Bailey Gate.

Regarding the sugar beet train mentioned - well, I only remember ever seeing one. Maybe there was only the one; maybe a few more, but not very many; but I well remember the elevator they used. I had to pester my parents for a Corgi (or was it Dinky) toy version (no I don’t have it now). There was no sugar beet facility in that part of the world so it may have been unloaded for animal feed. I fancy that they may actually have been loading it so a local farmer or farmers may well have grown the beet for despatch to a sugar beet processing factory. People who could have let us know are sadly no longer in a position to do so.

That is all I can offer on this but hopefully there may be people who can let us know a bit more.

Geoff Sutton

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BR(S) Green BGs & GUVs

These were late arrivals on the SR and I do have a picture of a GUV behind a SR Mogul. Nearly all the pictures I have of BGs are of them behind Class 47s, with the exception of one poor photo of one behind a rebuilt BB or WC.

One point of note is that they must have been painted post 1964, as the end on both these vehicles has been painted green not black.

Ian Taylor

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Peter Welfare asks for evidence of green Mk1 BGs being steam hauled. I knew that I had the required evidence so, having forced myself into the loft to recover books I had as a child, I found in the Locospotters Annual for 1969. What Peter wanted was opposite page 17: lovely coloured photo of a filthy, nameless, rebuilt Merchant Navy 35007 (Aberdeen Commonwealth). I had been taken in April 1967, by J.B Snell, at Pirbright, and is seen the down 'Bournemouth Belle', with a very clean green Mk1 BG behind the loco.

Mark Abbott

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Parallel Universes

I think it only right to point out that. in 1945. the nation - grateful or otherwise - could not have re-elected the Conservatives under Churchill [we don't, even in these benighted days, elect Prime Ministers, but the parties they lead]. Churchill had not been leader of the Conservative party at the last pre-war general election in 1935; that distinction was held by Stanley Baldwin, after whom GW 'Castle' Class No.5063 was renamed several years later, when he resigned his office and was ennobled.

In the inter-war period, most Conservatives despised Churchill and most would not have had him made Prime Minister in 1940 had they had a chance: Lord Halifax ["the holy fox"] was the preferred choice.

Ah, the fickleness of politics!

Neil Burgess

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GW locos on the GC

Andrew Carter mentions the loco changes on the Ports-to-Ports express. According to C.J Allen, in Titled Trains of Great Britain, this train changed its locos at Banbury. LNER power worked the train North thereof while a GW 'Mogul' was employed South/West to Cheltenham.

GW locos had regular workings of the GC line to Leicester with the 'Hall' Class loco diagrammed to work the Poole - York express working back to Woodford on a local (or 'Ord' as they were referred to on the GC) service.

For more photos of GW power on the GC, I can do no better than to refer Andrew to Robert Robotham's book: The Last Years of the Great Central Main Line.

Evidence of GW locos working North of Leicester is provided by 6906 Chicheley Hall being turned at Nottingham Victoria after working the 10.34 (SO) Bournemouth - Bradford express on 22nd August 1964 while the 'Grange' Class loco Andrew refers to is photographed at Loughborough. On 15th August 1964, 6858 Woolston Grange was booked to work the 08.55 (SO) Bournemouth - Leeds throughout to Leeds, due to unbalanced loco working. The loco picked up the train at Oxford but, after the cylinders struck the platform edge at Denby Dale, it was removed at Huddersfield.

Mark Abbott

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DCC Questions

Some time ago, I wrote saying that I was experiencing problems with some items of rolling stock causing a short circuit on certain points on my layout. At the time, I was using a Bachmann Dynamis system and have since changed to a Gaugemaster Prodigy controller. The problems that I was experiencing have all disappeared, and I do not get any short circuits on any part of my layout. Has anyone had any similar experiences when changing from one manufacturer to another?

I also asked at the time about whether any damage can be caused by leaving the sound on sound chipped locomotives on for long lengths of time but, as yet, no one seems to have answered this query.

Also, a further question - On many new locomotives, the instructions say that it is advisable to 'run-in' the locomotive on DC mode. Has anyone got any reason why?

Chris Martin

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'Operation Dynamo'

The recent comprehensive TV coverage of ‘Operation Dynamo’ (the evacuation of the army from Dunkirk in 1940) scarcely mentioned the major role of the railways, although there were the usual library shots of trains at Dover and at the refreshment stops en route. It is worth remembering that the repatriated soldiers were not safe until they were well inland and this required an intensive and largely improvised programme of troop train movements. In all, the railway companies provided 186 sets of coaches (and the Southern 186 engines) and a total of 620 special trains were run over a period of 10 days to move more than 350,000 men from the Channel ports to destinations all over the country. As always, the many railwaymen involved proved equal to the task and worked very long hours under difficult conditions. In the following weeks, a similar number of specials moved the rested troops and their equipment back to their units.

Although I cannot recall ever seeing a model railway specifically representing the war period, the potential is there. What better excuse for running unusual services and ‘foreign’ stock – whilst that poorly-made wagon or building could be an ideal candidate for ‘remodelling’, courtesy of Mr Hitler.

Nick Stanbury

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Headcode Discs on The Twins

A few days ago, we were discussing the size of white discs as carried by 'The Twins' (10000 and 10001). I can add a little more to the complex tale.

In the current issue of Model Rail, a picture of one of the twins in black livery clearly shows her with one small disc and one black lamp (Class A headcode). Perhaps 44756 'half-inched' her other one? (See Neil Burgess' posting, Friday 28 May.)

18000 seems to have had very similar size discs, but these appear to be 'reversible' with black showing on the other side. Perhaps this was done to save them going missing? The lamp irons are much further inboard than those of 'The Twins'. Have a look at the photos on pages 13 and 19 of Kevin Robertson's book, The Last Days of Steam Around London, if you have it.

18000 was at the (excellent) Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway event last week - her lamp brackets have clearly been altered at some time. It just goes to show what lengths Rails et al have to go to on our behalf!

Brian Macdermott

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Monday 7.6.10

Hornby's Mid Year Releases

As we approach the halfway point through 2010, Hornby have announced their surprise package of additional models which were not in this year's catalogue but were hinted at during the press conference last December. These will be as follows:

R2964 HST powered and dummy Class 43s in East Coast silver & white livery. The power car will be 43300 Craigentinny and the non-powered car will be 43310. (Exclusive to ModelZone)

R4441 Mk3 TSO in East Coast white & silver livery as 42215. (Exclusive to ModelZone)

R4442 Mk3 TGS in East Coast white & silver livery as 44094. (Exclusive to ModelZone)

R4443 Mk3 Buffet in East Coast white & silver livery as 40748. (Exclusive to ModelZone)

R2966 A3 Brown Jack in BR green with late decals, German smoke deflectors, double chimney and a GNR type tender.

R2970 Class J83 0-6-0T in plain LNER black as 9805.

R2971 Class J13/J52 0-6-0ST in GNR fully lined green livery as 1250.

R4444 Mk3 HST open 1st class Inter-City 125 blue & grey as W41056.

R4445 Mk3 HST open standard class Inter-City 125 blue & grey W42082.

R4446 Mk3 HST TGS Inter-City 125 blue & grey as W44039.

R2972 Class 395 'Javelin' in South Eastern HS dark blue livery as a 4-car train pack consisting of 395003 Britain's Fastest - Sir Steve Redgrave (car 39036), 39032, 39033 and 39031.

R2975 Britannia Class 70000 Britannia in ex-works black livery.

R4447 Stanier all-1st in BR crimson & cream as M1063M.

R4448 Stanier all-3rd in BR crimson & cream as M2001M.

R4449 Stanier brake 3rd in BR crimson & cream as M5769M.

R4450 former LMS parcels van in BR crimson as M31014M

R4451 former Tri-ang gangwayed bogie luggage van in crimson & cream

R2965 A4 LNER 2509 Silver Link silver & grey

Quiz Error

The Quizmaster extends his apologies and asks me to point out that there was a typo error in Question 4 of this month's quiz. '76069' should read '76079'.

Trainlines of Derby is Now for Sale

Trainlines of Derby is up for sale. Any genuine enquiries should be made through their agents who are Turner Butler and may be contacted on tel. 01895 256000 The reference to quote when making enquiries is: AH088.

I understand that opening times during the coming months are subject to change at short notice. If you intend to travel to the shop, a quick 'phone call to 01332 343943, may save you a wasted journey!

For more information, visit the shop's website at: http://trainlines-of-Derby.co.uk

Track Plans

Tom Davidson tells me that he has recently launched a new website, dedicated to prototype track plans that can be replicated with standard Hornby or Peco track. The site is at:www.FreeTrackPlans.com

Hints & Tips No.262 - Factories

by Tony Segro

On many types of brick factories, the windows are painted silver (I suppose it's to keep the sun out). Some individual panes are painted; others are not.

To accomplish this, I take a 3x5 index card, and use dividers to measure one of the many window panes in the window. I use a metal square to draw the window panes on the card. I then use an X-acto #11 blade to cut the card on those panes I want to paint silver. When the panes are cut, it looks like a crossword puzzle.

I then tape the card to a clear piece of acetate, and spray it with metallic silver spray paint. I then poke four holes through the card at the four corners of the whole window. Remember the whole window may contain up to 40 individual panes.

I then cut the acetate at these holes, and place the acetate behind the plastic window, making sure the silver painted panes line up with the panes on the window. Once aligned, I glue the acetate to the back of the plastic window using drops of MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone - the best liquid bonding agent for styrene).

Having Your Say...

Only one 7F ( well 11 actually)

I'm sorry Paul Jansz (Wednesday), but a ROD is a ROD, and a Super D is a Super D, but there is only one 7F, and it has 2 big outside cylinders and a step in the running plate over them. And I confidently predict that Bachmann will be kicking themselves for not producing their model before. Mind you, judging by the pictures on their website, the wait has been worth it!

Peter Welfare

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Hornby Bell Inn Kit

Thom Ritter asked about the origins of the Hornby plastic kit of the Bell Inn and Simon Kohler has responded as follows:

Thom Ritter has asked if The Bell Inn was based on a specific pub. From memory I do not believe it was/is but rather an amalgam of what at the time Pola Kits believed an English Pub looked like.

From memory, The Bell Inn was part of a new range (Town & County) introduced in 1989. At the time, Hornby commissioned Pola Kits to produce the 'Town & County' 00 plastic kit range and I remember Rene Wilfer suggesting that The Bell Inn was added to the selection. Again from memory, I believe that they had tooled up the model but it had never gone into production. The kit was supplied with stick-on brick effect 'labels', which marks the difference between it and the rest of the 'Town & County' range, as they had all moulded brick effect.

I trust the above is of interest.

Kind regards

Simon

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Running What You Like

Thanks to Mark Abbot and John Philipson for their comments, I was aware of the Midland and LNER (GC) connection to Woodford Halse and beyond. Banbury is a fascinating area and provides huge scope for modelling, as does Oxford with its Midland, Western and Southern connections.

I have the book on the Banbury to Cheltenham (which I used to live within 100 metres of) line it is a superb reference to the line with a well written history and good illustrations. Of course, there were numerous stone workings around Banbury and lots of branches fed into the main. Some are still traceable as country walks. The Ports to Ports must have been one of the longest running trains in terms of distance. I believe the GWR locos were changed at some point (but not sure where) for LNER locos because of the width of the cylinders; although I did once see a picture of a 'Grange' up in the NE and wonder if it had snuck through?

I was not aware of the Andoversford connection which is useful to know, although, as stated before, I do not feel the licence other than artistic to run anything.

Andrew Carter

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Thank you Tony Elliot for his sympathetic recollection of 2nd-class non-corridor additions to the rear of a Euston-Blackpool train - and speculation about the comfort of passengers therein. Holiday trains... ahhh such days!

With accurate carriage selection, I must say that Hornby appear, to my relatively uneducated eye, to do fantastic job in choices for sets. I have just set up and photographed a 'Bournemouth Belle' and plan to do an 'SR 1938 Suburban' scene. I find the biggest problem in choosing exactly what to run is the work involved in unpacking and re-packing locos, especially those with 4-pin connectors! The accuracy of carriage numbers for a particular train or locale is simply another aspect of authenticity for any particular model, and is entirely a matter of personal priority.

For myself, I wouldn't generally worry about the numbers on holiday trains but would enjoy an authentic representation of the style and mix and appearance. Numbers would matter for an exact replica of a particular train, time and location of course. Another modelling challenge!

Robbie McGavin - NZ

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When a grateful nation re-elected Churchill as Prime Minister in 1945, Labour's plans to nationalise the railways were ditched. Yet something had to be done to renew the worn out system. A deal was worked out with the Big Four. They took care of the infrastructure and their old rolling stock. The government formed a leasing company which built Big Four designs until it had developed new standard locos, coaches and wagons. British Railways Equipment Leasing (BREL, or BR for short) hired its stock to the Big Four. It also bought some of their stock, refurbished it and leased it back.

When Labour finally got in, this system was working well. The only change Labour made was to insist that BR should brand their stock to show that it was there thanks to the government. So it is now quite common to see trains of brown and cream GWR coaches hauled by Brunswick Green BR locos, or maroon BR Mk 1 carriages behind apple green LNER Pacifics - at least on my Great Central London Extension model railway. It may be a parallel universe but I like it.

Richard Simmons

That's good rewriting of history - and why not? Many a good layout has been based on lines that were planned but did not come to fruition - Ed

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Red Face Department!

In Friday’s postings, I said (quote),"The tables themselves, however, were split Bath (Green Park)-Templecombe and Templecombe-Bournemouth West up to 1958 when the Western Region came on the scene. From then on, the whole line was timetabled Bath (Green Park)-Bournemouth West."

My apologies – this is only partly right! Further review of my ‘50s/early ‘60s WTTs (working timetables) showed that there was variation between the passenger and freight versions and whether the Mangotsfield section was involved. However, this doesn’t alter the fact that, where they appear in my WTT copies, maps of the line show Bath to Bournemouth inclusive.

Brian Macdermott

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Mk1 Green BGs

So, it appears the Southern Region used its green BGs on its prestige services
like the Bournemouth Belle (28th May), no wonder it didn't need many in the mid '60s. Has anyone seen any evidence of one being steam hauled ?.

It rather looks as though the nearest one got to a run up the S&D was Bournemouth West carriage sidings. I can see I'll have to spray mine crimson, and dirty at that probably as well!

Peter Welfare

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I could rise to Pete Welfare's good humoured jibe about the 47XX and GWR locos, but it's not for me to remind him that the 47XX provided useful revenue earning service on both freight and passenger trains, survived for many years from the early twentieth century to the early '60s, was based on a design that stood the test of time and was not a whim which quickly disappeared into history.

Oh no, I will not rise to his jibes!

Andrew Carter - posted with tongue in cheek

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A new P2 Picture?

For all those aficionados that just love the LNER Gresley P2 in its original condition, this month's Railway Modeller magazine, in its letters page (I think), also has some mention of the A1 Trust's idea of building a new one.

This is accompanied by a photograph of 2001 Cock o' the North, as originally built, but instead of being in pristine ex-works condition, as it's usually shown, it's weathered and, to my eye, it looks even more magnificent.

Readers of this may not realise that photographs of the P2s are supposedly extremely rare. Indeed, the quarterly periodical Locomotives Illustrated No.20 Gresley Eight-Coupled Locomotives, published by Ian Allan around 1979, featured the P2s and included a specially highlighted editorial note to this effect.

This particular photograph is not one that I've seen before and I'm not saying that I've seen them all, or that it hasn't been published before, just that this one is a little more unusual.

Peter Welfare

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I have noted Peter Welfare's comments regarding the 47XX, and favouring the P2.

Let me say that I model the LNER and would be delighted to see the P2 built. I have a strong preference for the Bugatti nosed version and, if one is produced in this form I would certainly have one or two.

My love is all things GER, despite growing up within earshot of the 'Marlow Donkey'. Having said this, I was lucky enough to have seen the 47XX type in service, and they were grand machines. I would say as impressive as any pacific other than the A4.

I know of no other type, except perhaps the 9F (and the J15!), designed for freight but promoted to express passenger. Also, they moved up to expresses when around 30 years old.

If ever a GW type deserved modelling it is the 47XX.

Dudley Jones

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What is Prototypical?

Tony Elliot posed this question (Friday).

In relationship to railway modelling, it's anything that you can replicate from what happened in real life on or near the real railway. That often means reference to photographic evidence.

Can you run a 'Streak' tender-first on an express? Yes. Can you run a 'Peak' on two non-gangwayed coaches? Yes. Can you double-head the 'Pines Express' with a 'Jinty' and a 'West Country'? Yes. Can you run a 14xx with two auto-coaches and a cafeteria car. Yes.

There's photographic evidence for all these and plenty more!

Brian Macdermott

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Any Questions?

Although his own posts do sometimes contain pockets of obfuscation, albeit unintentional, Steve Mann makes some good points about readers’ questions and answers on this and other forums (or ‘fora’ for those who still live in fear of a bygone Latin master). Steve does, however, appear to overlook a couple of fundamental issues.

It is surely common courtesy, as well as common sense, for the reader who has a question or problem to do a little basic research before asking others for help. Very often, a simple Google search will point the way to appropriate information, if not provide it directly and fully. Why should other readers waste their time (and MREmag’s limited space) in providing what may be very specific information that someone has simply been too lazy to find for himself?

As Pat reminds us, brevity is of the essence and it is often impossible to provide a proper answer in 200 words or thereabouts. The question may be perfectly clear and reasonable, but its breadth or complexity may require a detailed answer that, however interesting and useful, is too demanding of time and space to be answered properly. And that means it may not get answered at all.

Nick Stanbury

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More on the Bailey Gate Milk

I am delighted to say that ex-S&D driver Peter Smith contacted me in connection with Peter Welfare’s appeal. Although Peter (Smith) and I have spent hours talking about S&D workings, the milk question somehow evaded us - until now! S&D fans have often queried the fact that ‘The Milkie’ only ever took tankers out, but Peter has now explained to me the many ways in which tankers and vans actually went in.

He recalls a number of ‘Q’ paths from Templecombe to Bailey Gate and return. (Q = runs when required.) Additionally, a late Saturday evening example from about 1955 ran to Bailey Gate to drop the tankers, and then continued with just the passenger brake van and guard to Poole Goods Yard.

In his book, Mendips Engineman, Peter recounts working a Saturday 9.03pm passenger from Templecombe in 1954. The 2P-hauled train comprised four coaches (as the 6.02pm from Bristol) together with four more as empty stock and two or three milk tankers at the head from Templecombe. The tankers were unhooked and shunted to the yard at Bailey Gate, the process causing some consternation for the passengers, who were left wondering why their loco was steaming away into the darkness!

Brian Macdermott

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Friday 4.6.10

The LMS 'Twins' Website

by Dick Flower

To clarify a point, it is our intention at Rails to set up a dedicated website for the project which will provide information on the prototypes, livery details, structural differences between the two locos and the various changes that were applied to the locos throughout their working careers. Although only a class of two, when I conducted my research on them, I was amazed to discover how many differences there were between the two locos, and the number of structural changes they incurred during their relatively short lives.

These will all be clearly defined on the new website, which we hope to have live by the end of June. The main purpose of the web site though is to allow interested parties to register their interest and to indicate their top three or four preferred liveries, of which 10000 carried five and 10001 carried seven. This important feedback will provide us with the information we need to decide which loco/livery combinations we can viably produce in the two year exclusivity period.

As suggested, some of the details of the commercial agreement between ourselves and Bachmann have to remain confidential at this stage but we do have to commit to a minimum number of units over the two years and a minimum number of units for each loco/livery combinations we decide to produce. These are not small numbers but are hopefully achievable.

However, as we know, railway modellers, including me, are an impatient lot and many have insisted on placing orders for fear of missing out. Single orders for every possible combination are not uncommon but it is unlikely that we will go for every combination. Those that have placed orders for options we decide not to go with will be personally notified, but at least we won’t have the administrative nightmare of returning any deposits as we won’t be asking for any.

I’ll notify the editor when the website is available.

Hints & Tips No.261 - Window Panes

by Bob Brockel

My Cornerstone brand kit came with clear acetate windows with the panes moulded in. To add a little more realism to the windows, I wanted to paint the panes.

Rather than using a brush to try and paint them, I applied a thin coat of the paint to a piece of waxed paper. Next, I folded a short piece of Scotch tape in half, leaving approximately Ľ" (6mm) of the ends unfolded. I pressed the loose ends of the tape against the back of the windows. This gave a 'gripper'.

Then I pressed the windows into the paint on the waxed paper, carefully lifted the windows off of the paint and presto(!), painted window panes.

Having Your Say...

‘Golden Arrow’

Hornby’s train and coach packs represent the period between 1949, when the arrows were changed to the screw-on type (as opposed to painted on), and the complete modernisation of the train in 1951. Hornby’s packs include most of the Pullmans used in the First Class only period between May 1947 and October 1949 when the ‘Golden Arrow’ pool included: Adrian, Cecilia, Chloria, Niobe, Onyx, Zenobia, (all in Hornby’s packs), Sappho, the 12-wheeled bar car Trianon (no model available), and the guard parlour firsts Flora, Juno, and Montana (only two needed - see my previous postings). Hornby therefore did well, but nobody’s perfect because it seems that the screw-on arrows were probably introduced when second class was reinstated in October 1949, and car Nos. 294 (ex12-wheeled Cadiz) and 99 (ex 12-wheeled Padua) were substituted for Cecilia and Niobe! The 12-wheeled kitchen Malaga was also used in the 1949-51 period.

Trains were made up to include 8-12 Pullman cars, presumably depending upon the seasons and bookings, and cars varied to allow for servicing.

Refer to the SR Group records, Coupé News and RW Kidner’s and Anthony Ford’s various books, but information sometimes conflicts, so don’t get too pernickety!

Chris Spencer

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Running What You Like

It is a coincidence that Andrew Carter should mention his proposed new loft railway representing Chipping Norton on the Banbury to Cheltenham line. My own station is placed in my mind map at Banbury but does not attempt to model that station. It represents a joint GWR/LMS line and there are three routes feeding through the area, LMS, GWR and LNER; all of which give me great scope for train services. The timetable uses Banbury for most of the services. An additional mineral branch feeds into the area, with coal traffic dominating, via Grange Sidings and a GWR branch sets out to Cheltenham. My timetable sees a service over this route to Chipping Norton etc.

Last week I purchased a book on the Banbury and Cheltenham Direct Railway by Stanley C Jenkins, Bob Brown and Neil Parkhouse. Published by Lightmoor Press in 2004, this book would be valuable source material for Andrew. At least I know where my goods train is going to when it goes down the branch to Kingham. Please return the empties promptly, we are running out of general merchandise opens!

John Phillipson

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I know that some modellers like to reflect formations of particular trains down to the last detail and I have absolutely no problem with this. My personal approach is that, as long as my trains reflect prototypical practices, I am quite happy. For example, as long as an express conveys a brake vehicle (not necessarily on the end), possibly a first class vehicle, maybe a CK, FK or FO, some second class vehicles and maybe a dining car, that will do me – not necessarily all in the same livery either – it is what might be known professionally as a scratch set.

As a junior clerk in the district superintendent's office at Euston in the early 1960s, one of our overtime perks at bank holiday times was to carry out passenger counting duties on Euston Station. On one occasion, whilst carrying out this task, during one particular Christmas period, I saw a Blackpool service (first stop Crewe) about to leave from Platform 14 and on the rear were two very full second class non-corridor coaches. My instant reaction was: "I don’t envy those folk".

It was the only time I ever saw anything quite like that, but it just begs the question - what is prototypical?

Tony Elliott

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I, like many other correspondents, enjoy running trains that have no place in my chosen actual location, which lies on the GW&GC Joint Line, but I must applaud Andrew Carter for his choice of location. He actually needs very little artistic licence other than to bring the line up to date.

His 'off board' junction with the Midland and Southern actually existed at Andoversford where the Midland and South Western Jn. Railway started. The Midland connection being at Banbury Line Jn. (Cheltenham) while the other end of the line was at Red Posts Jn. (Andover).

And he needs no licence at all to run ER stock. The unofficially named 'Ports to Ports' express ran the entire length of the line with LNER and GWR stock on alternate days. It ran initially between Newcastle-on-Tyne and Barry with a through coach from Hull.

Long before the Cross Country Aberdeen - Penzance service started, a through coach between these locations also traversed the entire route, again with the GWR and LNER providing the vehicle on alternate days. It travelled overnight and took forever to travel from one end of the country to the other.

Mark Abbott

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'Baby Castle'

I always understood this to be a nickname given to Collett's 0-6-0 Goods.

Alan Tewson - Munich

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In case no one else has beaten me to it, for Andrew Carter's benefit (and any others uninitiated in the wonders of all things GWR), a 'Baby Castle' is one of C B Collett's wonderful 2251 Class 0-6-0 locos, several of which ended their days on BR in fully lined-out passenger green livery. They were often held in very high regard by the staff of sheds fortunate enough to have some on their allocation, and their pet name reflects this.

Richard Hompstead

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It seems that this nickname was applied to the 22xx 0-6-0s by Harold Gasson in his book about his firing days at Didcot. I have never seen nor heard it applied on the Somerset & Dorset or anywhere else.

Brian Macdermott

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Olivia's Trains Commissioned Models

I share Nick Lamkin's concerns about paying up front for an EM1/EM2/ Blue Pullman, especially the latter.

Hattons and Kernow seem to have managed without taking deposits and I hung back on pre-ordering the 95xx until I could see if the shape was going to be right. With the Pullman we don't even know which version it will be, or what trailer cars will come and when, but we're expected to put down Ł75 against a vaguely stated 'intent'.

The EM1, which might attract me (honest!!), has a difficult shape to capture and I won't even pre-order - let alone pay anything - until I know that is right.

I'm sorry, but this approach to commissioned models neither reassures nor inspires me and contrasts badly with Dick Flower's recent comments about the Rails approach.

Mike Romans

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Further to Nick Lamkin's posting in Wednesday's MREmag, I contacted Neil Bishop of Olivia's Trains asking him if he wished to respond (I have a commercial connection with Olivia's).

Neil sent me the posting below which he would appreciate going into MREmag to answer Nick's point.

You will see Neil's contact details below should you wish to verify they really are his comments.

I suggest you might use the heading "Deposits for Commissioned Models".

Stuart de Boer

In response to the comment made in your magazine regarding commissioned models, Olivia’s Trains is a newcomer on the scene but, in the two years we have been open, we have built up a large clientele and have acquired a very good reputation - and not only in the North East. We are not in the financial position, like the other shops you mentioned, but thought it would be a good idea to try to provide the EM1, EM2 and, in particular, the Blue Pullman - and so did many of our customers.

Olivia’s Trains have invested thousands of pounds into this venture and, if you read the terms and conditions of the deposit, you will find that, even in these uncertain times, our policy is that the deposit is FULLY REFUNDABLE, IF CUSTOMERS ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE GOODS. Or you can wait until the items are produced and hope that there are some left, as we have commissioned only a certain amount.

Regards

Neil Bishop - Olivia’s Trains

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Initial Slang

Dick Flower is, of course, correct in his statements (Wednesday). However, my statement was also correct - in the context in which it was given. On many early '50s BR documents you will typically find the words: 'British Railways, Southern Operating Area, Southern District, Somerset and Dorset Line'.

No map in any of the BR WTTs (working timetables) that I have makes any distinction with the old company boundaries. The tables themselves, however, were split Bath (Green Park)-Templecombe and Templecombe-Bournemouth West up to 1958 when the Western Region came on the scene. From then on, the whole line was timetabled Bath (Green Park)-Bournemouth West. I only have one WTT for pre-BR days and that is 1941 (Somerset and Dorset Railway Joint Committee). That showed trains throughout from Bath Station to Bournemouth West (or Bournemouth Central).

I realise that none of this is 'railway modelling' per se, but it helps to understand the provenance of one's modelling era. In looking up the data, I also found a 'snippet' which will be of use to another modeller!

Brian Macdermott

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Obfuscation for the Sake of it

Nick Lamkin suggests, unhelpfully, that people who do not understand terms used in posts (he focuses on acronyms but the principle holds for almost every aspect of what we discuss here) "read up".

I suggest that nothing is more conducive to getting a neophyte modeller to move into another modelling field than people obscuring what they are talking about. If you are going to try communicating an idea or suggestion, doesn't it make basic sense to make yourself clear?

Personally, I'm getting a little tired of being told to "read up" or "do some research" on these pages every time I ask something. If the questions asked are onerous to you, the simplest, least offensive way to deal with that is not to answer them at all. If the question is not offensive per se, but the asking of it is, you might, before putting fingers to keys, consider that the requisite research has either been done and come up wanting, or that the letter sent to this forum *constitutes* part of the ongoing research. This is especially so if the question includes some clause along the lines of "I've tried making sense of this but can't as there isn't enough context" or "All my research is drawing a blank".

Steve Mann. NYC

(shortened)

Obfuscation = the act of making something unclear (OED) - Ed.

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The P2 Queue

I'm sorry but a 47XX looks just like most other GWR tender locos; it's just a bit chunkier and has a couple more wheels than most.

Now, is our editor brave enough to publish this, ha, ha ?

Peter Welfare

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'The Elizabethan'

The final titled run of 'The Elizabethan' was on Friday 7 September 1962. In Summer 1962, the train was Deltic-hauled with a stop at Newcastle, initially for a crew change only, but made an official stop during the timetable.

Robert Carroll

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Palethorpes Sausage Vans

I know this is a bit late, but a few weeks ago there was lots of continuing discussion about these, and I've just spotted a colour photo of one in service. It's in the magazine Back Track, volume 20, No.7, July 2006 and is on page 414.

It was taken at Worcester, is dated 1.08.63 and shows the 4.55pm from Stourbridge hauled by 'Grange' No.6863. The Palethorpes van is the first vehicle after the loco and, although the angle doesn't help, it looks remarkably like my old crimson Hornby version - on second thoughts ..... hmmm !.

Peter Welfare

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The Bell Inn Plastic Kit from Hornby

On a hopefully non controversial note, I was wondering if anyone knows if the venerable Bell Inn plastic kit is based on an actual building anywhere and, if so, where is it?

Thom Ritter, bashing and weathering said kit in Allentown, PA, USA

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Cumbria Mystery

During the news coverage of the terrible events in Cumbria on Wednesday 2nd June (and my sympathies to everyone affected), a little railway mystery has been thrown up.

One report was from outside The Hound Inn, Frizington, which had a Mk I carriage in the background in Pullman livery. A little research on the net followed, and the carriage is now converted into a restaurant, and has the name "Orchid" painted on the side. Now for the mystery! According to one website I've looked at, it's rumoured this carriage conveyed the Earl of Mountbatten to his funeral but they've no proof to back this up.

Can anyone on MREmag shed any light on this?

Mike Liddle, Edinburgh

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Wednesday 2.6.10

May 2010 Quiz Results

There was a good set of entries this month, no doubt helped by the Ł150 prize.

This month’s winner is Scott Johnson from Watersun in Western Australia. Scott’s entry provided so much detail with each of his answers, especially to question 10. It proves that taking that little extra time in researching the answers avoids unfortunate little errors being made. I should know that more than anybody as I have been known to make the odd error or three when setting questions.

Congratulations therefore go to Scott and Rails will be in touch very shortly by email about how to claim his prize.

Here are the questions and answers. The Quizmaster’s decision is final.

1. What is the number of the Meridian unit derailed north of Market Harborough on February 20^th this year?

Answer: It is 222005

2. What is the name of the monthly journal published by the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RCTS)?

Answer: It is ‘The Railway Observer’.

3 What is the number of the Meridian unit that has received a new all-over yellow cab following an incident at Harpenden on January 26^th this year?

Answer: It is 222016.

4. Which two locos hauled the first passenger train over the new bridge 30 on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to declare it officially open on March 27^th this year?

Answer: They were BR Standard 4 2-6-0 76069 and class 25 diesel D5061.

5. What was the date of the final full day’s operation on the Woodhead route?

Answer: The key here is the use of the term "full day". It was Friday July 17^th 1981 although some trains were still completing their journeys into the following day.

6. How many different liveries did diesel prototype DP2 carry in its short career?

Answer: It carried two. They were Brunswick Green with small yellow warning panels and Two Tone Green. Unlike the production Deltics, the bottom area of green was Sherwood Green, which was the colour used on the bottom half of such classes as the two tone green Class 47s.

7. In which year did construction of the Severn Tunnel begin?

Answer: 1873.

8. Which Great Western branch line was the last to be built to broad gauge standards and in which year did it open?

Answer: It was the St Ives branch, which opened in 1877.

9. In which year was third class travel abolished on Britain’s railways?

Answer: 1956

10. ‘The Elizabethan’ ran non-stop between Kings Cross and Edinburgh, and vice versa. What was the date of the final steam hauled operation of this train and which locos hauled the northbound and southbound trains?

Answer: Well some of you spotted the trap in the question and that was the use of the phrase "non-stop". The final non-stop run of both the northbound and southbound trains was Friday, September 8^th 1961. The northbound (down) train was hauled by 60022 Mallard, and the southbound (up) train was hauled by 60009 Union of South Africa.

For completeness, the final running of The Elizabethan, although it’s unclear if the train formally carried the name, was on the following day, Saturday September 9^th. As was normal practice on Saturdays, both trains called at Newcastle. On this day, Mallard hauled the Up train and Union of South Africa hauled the Down train.

Rail Express Modeller No. 74

The main news is the sponsorship links between retailers and manufacturers that is leading to the funding of models and the grab being made for the missing diesel and electric production classes and prototypes. These include the Class 28 Co-Bo, LMS 'Twins' and the Class 76.

This month's reviews and news include the Dapol N gauge Class 58 and the 4mm scale 'Silver Bullet' bogie tank wagon, Bachmann's MBA and Dapol's KTA 'Pocket' wagon. Also looked at are DCC Concepts' rolling road and Hornby's Wrexham & Shropshire train pack.

The main feature article for modellers is a guide to whisky trains with another of those helpful illustrations which shows the consists of various trains involved in the whisky business. These make it so much easier to visualise the trains than just a list of rolling stock. Another article concerns the creation of a SWT refurbished Class 455/9 set.

In the main magazine, the article that caught my eye was one on the Freightliner grey livery and once familiar red triangle logo.

Diesel Driving Courses on the SVR

The Severn Valley Railway is offering enthusiasts the choice of four different locomotive types in its summer programme of ‘footplate experience’ diesel driving courses - including the opportunity to take the controls of one of the only two surviving Class 42 ‘Warship’ diesel-hydraulics, D821 Greyhound.

The Diesel Traction Group locomotive which celebrated it’s 50^th birthday on May 25^th has been allocated four of the nine ‘drive-a-diesel’ dates just announced by the Kidderminster - Bridgnorth heritage line and, with only four places available each day, the Ł240-a-head half-day sessions - all of which are conducted on a Friday - are expected to be snapped up quickly.

For the remainder of 2010, Greyhound carries the nameplates Chris Broadhurst - in tribute to the DTG’s inspirational engineer who died in 2008.

Also up for grabs in the SVR diesel experience programme is a chance to drive one of the railway’s three operational Class 50 ‘Hoovers’ (50031 Hood, 50035 Ark Royal or 50044 Exeter). It’s believed to be the only opportunity currently offered by any heritage line to drive a Class 50.

The Western Locomotive Association’s maroon-liveried diesel-hydraulic D1062 Western Courier and Railfreight-liveried English Electric Class 37 ‘Growler’ No.37906 are nominated for two dates each in the new programme.

Course participants who must be over 18 years and fit enough to climb a vertical 6ft ladder, get to take control of their chosen locomotive for a 12-mile stint, and to take the role of second man for a similar duration, after first receiving expert tuition and a full safety briefing. Further details are available online at http://www.svr.co.uk/Footplate_DieselDrivingExperience.aspx, or by calling the SVR’s administrative HQ at Bewdley, telephone: 01299 403816.

Dates for the 2010 diesel driving experience programme are:

Class 37/9 - 37906: FridaysJune 11^th, 18^th

Class 42- D821 Greyhound: - FridaysJuly 2^nd, 30^th, August 13^th, September 10^th

Class 50 - Friday September 17^th

Class 52 - D1062 Western Courier Friday August 6^th

Hints & Tips No.260 - Bashing A Bit

by Stephen Lynch

Using the Model Power Lumber Storage Facility, discard the plastic boards that come with it, but keep the logs. Paint the sides of the logs with Testor's 'Railroad Tie Brown' or similar, but leave the ends unpainted. Now you have realistic looking logs.

Next, replace the boards with ones of real wood. Then, 'weather' the roof with 'Railroad Tie Brown' and 'Grimy Black'.

Finally, purchase a low intensity light bulb and hang it under the rafters. The effect is quite nice!

(A note from Trevor – Such 'dulling down' of what could be seen as garish looking toys is often the difference between a scale model and a toy... and could be applied to many situations with various models... Thanks Stephen)

Snippet No.300

by Anthony Hinxman - Portland, OR, USA.

The new Class 5 4-6-0s Nos. 4762, 4763, and 4764, have been painted in shades of green similar to those used on the SR, LNER and GWR, respectively. The tenders carry the name BRITISH RAILWAY and the letter 'M' (denoting London Midland Region) appears above the numbers.

From Railway Magazine, May/June 1948, Notes and News, London Midland Region:

Having Your Say...

Initial Slang

Far be it for me to question Brian Macdermott’s vast knowledge of the S&D (Serene & Delightful by the way Steve), but in his definitions of initial slang, Brian stated that the S&D line ran from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth West. Now I know I’m being an annoying pedant Brian but, technically speaking, the S&D line ran from Bath Green Park to Broadstone. The line from Broadstone to Bournemouth West via Poole already existed as part of the LSWR network. In fact, to be an even more annoying pedant, the mile or so from Bath Green Park to Bath Junction already existed as part of the Midland Railway.

Dick Flower

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BMcD, I'm absolutely sure that if, on a board that has visitors avowedly attempting to model British prototype (whether freelancing it or not), the editor would forgive any attempt to add clarity at the cost of word count.

The editorial 'word count' issue isn't about how many words are used in a given post, but an attempt to cut down on the adjectival blither that has been used in the past mainly to incite the reader to rage in any response he or she might make.

Steve Mann - NYC

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There has been some discussion recently about use of Acronyms and Jargon. I personally have been interested in railways and modelling all my life and have worked in railway industry since 1968. Therefore, I use these terms day in and day out in personal life and at work. I can understand that a newcomer may find difficulty in understanding some of the terms and their meanings but the short answer (as I and others had to do anyway) is to read up on them and find out. There is even a book published now (that some newcomers to the railway industry have found useful) which explains commonly used railway terminology.

We found that we use an awful lot of three letter abbreviations (TLAs) in everyday conversation in the course of our work, such as AWS, ATP, TCS, TCA, EBS, ECS, STP, TDM, HST etc. One afternoon I tried to have a 'TLA' free shift, but gave up after a very short while. Yes, I know TLA itself is a three letter abbreviation – perhaps that why we failed miserably! Perhaps we would have done better trying to communicate solely in TLAs.

Nick Lamkin

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Rails 'Twins'

I don't know if this the proper place to asking this question but, on behalf of a few people who may be interested, may I enquire of Dick Flower and Rails how the release of the LMS 'Twins' models is likely to be managed? I don't imagine that all the various livery options illustrated on the Rails web page will be released at the same time (first ones early 2012?) but sense that priority will be given to those versions receiving the greater number of pre-orders. That would be logical and, if this is the case, is there any clue available at this time about over what sort of period the remaining versions will be issued?

I read Dick's letter (Friday 28^th) and was intrigued by what he had to say about Bachmann regaining the rights to this model after a period of exclusivity. This must influence which of the models will be issued by Rails if Bachmann are to be left with more than the crumbs off the table (unless Rails issue the 00 and Farish the N). I appreciate that most of the above will be commercially sensitive but I'd quite like to order four of them.

May I go over the 200 words just to thank Dick and the Rails team for their endeavour and wish them and Bachmann every success with it.

Roy Palfrey

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Commissioned Models

I should like to put my support behind Dick Flower and Rails, and Hattons, or any other firm who has the courage to invest in a new model for the market. As someone who had my own business for fifteen years prior to closing due to illness, I was always conscious that, despite how well I believed I had read the market, there is never any guarantee that the end result of a new product is that you will be financially in front.

I think we should be grateful that there are people out there who are prepared to take these risks to widen the choice of ready to run models on the market. Some modellers might complain if the price of a commissioned model is higher, but I think it pays to see things in historical perspective. In the past, if a model was not produced by one of the major manufacturers (and you were not a scratch builder), the only way for you to own this model would have been to ultimately spend more on a whitemetal kit, motor and gears and then build it to the same standard.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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The commissioning of exclusive models is a sign of market confidence, in my book. The customer is to be presented with a wider choice of product: this is emphatically good news. While none of the current round of announcements specifically interests me, if any of these models turn out to be stunners like DP1, and are available for casual purchase, there is every likelihood that the moths in my wallet will face a disturbance. A fine model has attractions that override considerations of modelling scenario applicability.

Thanks also to Dick Flower for his explanation of the deal relating to the commission of the LMS ‘Twins’. Personally I feel this is an excellent choice of subject, when the scope of activity of these locos is considered.

Paul Jansz

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I must admit I have been very impressed recently with the number of retailer sponsored locos proposed. I never ever thought I would have a ready to run Class 14 (courtesy of Hattons) or a Deltic or City of Truro (courtesy of the NRM). I am looking forward to the LMS twins from Rails, the Class 22s, etc. from Kernow Models and the Metrovics from Hattons. All of these models I have ordered by simply giving the retailers my credit card details and I know nothing will be charged until the models are despatched.

However, a newcomer has now come onto the scene, namely Olivia’s Trains. Now I must admit I have never heard of them, although they may be well known in the North East. Now Olivia’s Trains are offering models of the EM1, the EM2 and the 'Blue Pullman'. I looked at their website today and was astonished to see that they want a cheque upfront as a deposit. I would have had no qualms about authorising a credit card payment in full for these locos but I, for one, am not prepared to risk a deposit in these uncertain times.

I would be very interested to hear the views of others on this.

Nick Lamkin

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Bachmann P2

Just to let everyone know I will not be troubling the queue for a P2. If the queue were for a 47XX, then I would right there at the front.

'Baby Castle'
Could someone clarify?

Andrew Carter

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Other 7Fs

On the subject of use of acronyms, it is helpful if some thought is given to those which have multiple applicability. Fairly imminently we should see a second 7F model from Bachmann, in the form of the Robinson designed 2-8-0 of GCR class 8K, also known as the ROD when built for wartime service, both subsequently LNER and BR class O4. Presumably this class had GWR and LMS designations for its’ service on those lines, most likely ‘7F’ on the latter. The first 7F model from Bachmann was the splendid LMS G2A or Super D, and there were several other LMS classes which bore a 7F power classification on that line.

Really the only class for which the use of power classification alone is appropriate as an unambiguous identifier is the BR standard 2-10-0, which uniquely bore a 9F rating.

Paul Jansz

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A Complaint From The Antipodes

With current dark and foul winter weather here in New Zealand, I wish to complain to 00 scale model manufacturers about the relative paucity of new ready-to-run locomotives. Certainly, any model released this month would have sold well, down here, the collecting itch needs to be scratched.

Perhaps Northern hemisphere buyers are away on holiday at this time of year, just as in summer railway services of the 1950s, people preferred suffocating in tunnels on the Somerset and Dorset line - and these days they endure traffic jams?

If the current drought of new 00 RTR offerings continues, I shall have to write a stern letter to my MP. There's no moral fibre in young people, neither. And no respect....

Robbie McGavin (NZ)

Have patience Robbie. Hornby are about to announce a number of new models (read MREmag next Monday) and next month Bachmann will be holding their annual trade open days at which they traditionally announce their plans for new models - Ed.

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Sugar Beet on the S&D

As is usual when I need an answer to something about the S&D, I contact 'the oracle' - aka Mike Arlett! Mike kindly replied thus:

"As far as I can recall, there was no British Sugar Corporation processing factory anywhere near the area served by Bailey Gate station, so if such a train ran, then perhaps it was a delivery for use as animal feed? I know, for example, in the late '50s or early '60s, Midford Goods Yard would receive an occasional load of sugar beet which had been pulped (to abstract the sugar content) then sold on by BSC as cattle feed. I suspect such wagon loads were quite common as this was a popular (and presumably) inexpensive form of cattle food! I think it is still so used, but nowadays is supplied in pelleted form - and, needless to say, delivered by road."

Brian Macdermott

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Running What You Like

Thanks to Dick Flower and Roy Palfrey in Friday's edition for clarifying a point about this issue. The decision to run models outside the historical theme of your layout does not imply a lack of knowledge of the prototype on your part, in that you are fully aware of what you are doing, but your attraction to a particular model or prototype is strong enough for you to make a deliberate decision to allow such exceptions.

Of course it is totally legitimate to have locomotives and rolling stock themselves as the main interest in your hobby and, if so, it is actually likely that models from different geographical regions will appeal to you. I certainly fall into this group, and have deliberately designed my British layout to not only hold as many locomotives as possible, but to represent it as a 'typical' inner urban scenario, within a mile of a major terminus. To make it convincing I have tried to replicate archival photographs and limit buildings to railway infrastructure. Here one may find anachronisms with the stock running, but to me the immediate impression of a very busy steam railway system, in all its grime, overrides this.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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It is interesting to see the theme developing so I will throw in my views. I do admire those who stick rigidly to a time and place scenario. To me, they have amazing self control. I have most of the time built my layouts without any reference to one particular place, time or region. However, having just moved into my new home, I find I have a huge attic area which will accommodate my home layout.

My designs have always favoured a fictitious station on the now defunct Banbury to Cheltenham line and I have found my blueprint in Chipping Norton station, not for me the grand four track ECML. Although the layout will be 'Chippy' in design, it will not be exclusively GWR/BR, because somewhere 'off board' will be a junction which feeds in from the Midland region and Southern region, not forgetting the occasional cross country Eastern train. It will be a combination of fact and fiction which allows artistic licence. It will certainly be a busy junction with locos being changed and turned and rolling stock wandering all over the network - glorious fun!

Andrew Carter

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please read the Notes for Contributors which follow and keep your postings to 200 words maximum, as well as being positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so, when you comment on their products, you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Friday 28.5.10

Bank Holiday Again

Monday will again be a bank holiday (so called 'Spring Bank Holiday', although I thought that Spring ended on April 30th) and so there will be no issue of MREmag on Monday. We will be back again on Wednesday next week.

Hints & Tips No.259 - Using Shadow Box Miniatures

by David Russell

Look into shadowbox miniatures at your nearest craft stores. These are very small miniature items that people use to populate shadow box displays. These small items are also great for store signs.

I used a 1 inch size pump bug sprayer (the old fashioned kind you see in cartoons) out in front of an exterminators shop and a small rendition of an old water pump out side a tavern that I named "The Pumphouse." I have seen miniature coffee grinders, flour sacks, coins, etc.

Having Your Say...

Railwayscenics

I run a small business called Railwayscenics. I specialise in producing cardboard models in a range of scales, plus a range of downloadable texture sheets, again in a range of scales. The website can be found at http://www.railwayscenics.com. On the site we have included a range of free downloads, mainly in 4mm ft, but there are others, including metric and imperial scale rulers.

Stephen Lane - Railwayscenics.com

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Western Region Mk1 Numbers

Ian Taylor contacted me by phone to answer on his behalf as his computer is off-line for a few days. Suitable decals can be obtained from www.modelmasterdecals.com. If Martyn Cox wants to speak to Ian, he is welcome to email him: ian (dot) taylor (at) googlemail (dot) com.

Ian also suggests that Martyn might consult the book, British Railways Mark 1 Coaches, by Keith Parkin (HMRS).

Brian Macdermott

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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

I don't know if anyone else saw Countryfile on Sunday 23rd May, but there was an item about the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. David Sheppard was interviewed alongside Black Prince. City of Truro was featured, with it also travelling over the newly opened Laverton viaduct. If anyone wants to see it, they can view catch it on the BBC Iplayer.

Adrian Roberts

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Retailer Sponsored Locos

It was interesting to read George McKie’s comments on Friday May 21^st. George suggested that modellers may be losing out generally following recent announcements by the "big retailers" to produce exclusive models. That was certainly not our intention at Rails in announcing the LMS Twins; rather the opposite in fact.

Whilst not denying that we at Rails hope to make a decent return on our investment out of this exercise, one objective of commissioning these models was to supply the market with what we thought it was asking for. For example, both the LMS Twins and the 'Blue Pullman' have consistently achieved high scores in wish list polls over a number of years but there has been no apparent sign of the major manufacturers responding to these demands. With a retailer such as Rails with the LMS Twins, Hattons with the Metrovicks and Olivia’s Trains with the 'Blue Pullmans' and Woodhead electrics, the retailer is incurring significant cost and consequential risk. The costs of bringing a new loco to market now run well into six figures and the retailer has to commit to buying significant minimum quantities of a commissioned model to cover the manufacturer’s design and tooling costs.

Regarding the LMS Twins. Rails are giving careful consideration as to which livery options we will commission Bachmann to produce within an agreed two year period and hope that we can achieve a good return on our investment. We have to commit to commissioning a not insignificant quantity of items in that two year period and any failure to sell those models hits the retailer very hard. That’s a risk we have to carefully assess and a risk that has to be partially reflected in the retail price. That’s commerce I’m afraid, but without manufacturers and retailers taking risk, the range of models available to the hobby would be very limited indeed.

As Pat indicated in response to George’s posting, after an initial two year exclusivity period, the rights to market the model revert back to Bachmann and they can then release further examples of the models as standard issues and, as they have done with the Deltic prototype, release the model in other scales if they so wish.

Dick Flower

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The recent declarations of intent pose some interesting questions, apart from "How am I going to afford them all?".

Does a model's commercial viability depend on who's catalogue it appears in?

Are the enthusiasts who are more likely to have heard of the more obscure prototypes the same people who are less likely to 'run-what-I-like'?

And, across the board, how many people are currently saying to themselves: "I'll let everyone else put down the deposits; I'll wait until I see the things"?

Is it a case of putting our money where our wish listing mouths are?

Is it something deeper?

Is this the future for R-T-R?

If not, what is?

Roy Palfrey

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S&D

Simple Steve, S&D = Slow & Dirty!

Ken Darville

Everyone run for cover - Ed

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Southern Mk1 BGs

In response to Peter Welfare (24 May), Mk1 BGs did carry SR green, but not until the mid-1960s. The title page of Green Diesel Days, by D Huntriss (IA, 2005), shows a colour view of a green BG at each end of the Bournemouth Belle in 1967.

Robert Carroll

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Running What You Like

It was good to read the contributions from Brian Macdermott and Steve Boley last Wednesday. Special thanks to Steve, by the way, for reminding me of IBISI RAIL, I still stand by it. I can see the pros and cons of both points of view on this subject and, in my own case, have come up with what looks like an accidental compromise between the two.

I’m fortunate enough to have built a reasonably sized model of Seaton Junction in East Devon. All of my rakes of coaches accurately reflect formations of actual trains as defined in the Carriage Working Notices for 1959 and 1960, including the 'ACE', other West of England expresses, the 2 coach Seaton push-pull trains, 3 coach local sets running between Salisbury and Exeter, the Cleethorpes – Exmouth (Summer Saturdays in 1960) and the 'Devon Belle'.

What!!!!!! Has Flower gone mad, I hear some of you cry. The 'Devon Belle' never lasted until anything like 1959. What’s he up to? You’re right of course, but with the recent introduction of so many good Pullman vehicles, including the observation car, I just couldn’t resist putting some behind a rebuilt 'Merchant Navy' and convincing myself it wasn’t withdrawn until 1960. And didn’t you know there was a daily coal train from Bath Green Park and the Somerset coal fields to Exmouth Junction MPD via Templecombe? No, nor did I, but an S&D 7F trundling through the centre roads at Seaton Junction with 25 coal wagons behind it doesn’t half look good.

Dick Flower

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In the editorial response to Brian McDermott's posting, there is mentioned "A common love of railway models". This is what it's all about. I personally think of the history of real railway operation and model railway products as almost separate spheres of interest. I like to think that my knowledge of the former is equal to my appreciation of the latter. Therefore my layout is deliberately vague in concept but does provide a backdrop of sorts to a locomotive (mostly) collection. I have my dream layouts in my head. One would be a stretch of the six-track WCML north of Harrow (1970s), made a bit easier thanks to some historical documents gratefully received from Brian Macdermott. The truth is, I haven't at present the time, space or funds for these dream schemes, but still gain some pleasure from the research they would need. Likewise, I can gain a lot of pleasure in running what I like, but not necessarily at the same time.

The desire to extract pleasure from an attractive product doesn't necessarily imply any lack of knowledge of prototypical operation. Sometimes it does, but who cares? Someone at McLaren probably has a Scalextric set.

Roy Palfrey

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Modelling British From Overseas

It is indeed an interesting scenario attempting to create a British outline layout based on the steam era when one lives on the opposite side of the world and has never been to Britain. The hardest part is to give your layout meaning. I think a successful layout has to be convincing to you, within the parameters you set for yourself.

I don't have any of the wonderful recollections that many British readers have; I don't have pictures of British steam created from actually being there etched in my memory and even timetable references mean less to me when I have never been to the actual locations. So I have to come up with an 'impressionist' approach to modelling, with the impressions being gained from prototype and modelling magazines, from images that I create through the valuable contributions of this magazine, or knowledge from my good and ever helpful friend Brian Macdermott.

Learning more about the prototype is not only fun in itself but helps me get that elusive artistic 'feel' of my subject - a very urban setting somewhere in Britain where the stock changes according to how I feel, but the right stock runs together.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Whilst I would agree that UK steam locos are, in the main, aesthetically pleasing, they don't have it all their own way. To my mind, the most attractive steam loco of all time is the J2a Hudson that Raymond Loewy designed for the New York Central Railroad. Its smooth lines far outweigh anything that has ever run on UK metals.

Steve Grantham

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LMS Diesels And Headcode Discs

I think Neil Burgess has come pretty close to answering this one but perhaps a few more words might help. 10000 and 10001 had lamp irons and carried lamps at night and, judging by photos covering c.1950 - c.1962, discs by day; the latter probably because lamps were hard to see against the bodywork. 10800 by contrast has electric lights so of course it carried discs by day - the standard arrangement at that time for loco with electric headlamps.

This latter arrangement was simply carrying on the pre-nationalisation standard although I don't know if disc size had been standardised. Possibly only a minimum disc size was specified as the GWR used what looks from photos to be a smaller size of disc than, say, the SR. And one thing is clear from photos of 10000/01 carrying their own discs - the size of the discs appears to have ensured that they remained within the overall width of the bodywork in the Class A position, which suggests they were made to fit the locos.

Mike Romans

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I have been reading, with interest, the postings regarding the discs carried by the above locomotives and thought I would look up my Father's notes.

His log states that when 10000 was first trialed, the loco carried the standard black LMS lamps, this caused concerns by signalman, stating that they did not stand out enough against the black livery of the loco. Signalmen were used to looking for these lamps on a buffer beam top and smoke box but not on the front of a diesel, so the white disc was trialed and was successful for use for daylight workings.

When they worked on the SR, they were passed to carry the standard SR discs or their white loco lamps which stood out better than the black LMS(LM) version.

Ian Taylor

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Further to this correspondence, a perusal of Brian Haresnape's Stanier Locomotives [Ian Allen, 1981] reveals a photo [p.50] of Caprotti Class 5MT No.44756 at Bingley on the 'Thames-Clyde Express' in early BR days with the headcode using discs which are distinctly smaller then usual, probably the same size as those used on the diesels, so bang goes the theory they were only for 10000 and 10001. The 5MT has electric lighting, hence the discs.

However, p. 48 has a view of 44766 at Bangor in August 1952, also fitted with electric lighting, and carrying its headcode using two square white boards - so not discs! I hadn't noticed this before and don't recall seeing it before, either; try it out at an exhibition some time.

The oft-maligned Edward Thompson certainly used discs on the rebuilt pacific Great Northern, probably influenced by their use on the Great Eastern section of the LNER when he had been at Stratford; though I think all of these were the same size as the Southern ones. There is a wonderful story that an LMS signalman at Leeds wouldn't let the engine run on the main line because it had no headlamps and refused to budge until some high-level discussions resolved the matter.

Neil Burgess

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Brian Macdermott's item on the headcode discs led me to go through some of my source books. As is well known, 10000 left Derby works in December 1947 to ensure it was seen as an LMS product. (Bond mentions that it was recognised that the LMS lettering might be removed so cast aluminium floor plates in the engine room included an LMS logo). The photos of the locomotive coming out of the works do not include the small discs, but they appear in the early photos of the locomotive in service on the London Midland Region. On transfer to the Southern, there seems to be a mixture of small and large discs. Presumably the originals came south with the loco but as they were changed regularly for route indication, they became lost.

An interesting point is that the Brown Boveri gas turbine 18000 also carried similar small discs - though the Metro Vick seems to have used oil lamps. Could it be, as Brian originally suggested, that there was an early BR edict asking for the small discs to be used on the new forms of traction?

Nicholas Rothon

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Initial Slang

I take Steve Mann’s point about acronyms (Wednesday). The problem is that the solution is not as easy as it sounds. My 7F posting on Monday would have required an additional 138 words, thus:

S&D: Somerset & Dorset Line (Bath Green Park-Bournemouth West)

7F: S&D 2-8-0 loco, primarily used on freight, but often seen on passenger in summer months.

2-8-0: Whyte wheel arrangement

WR: Western Region of British Railways

M-F: Runs Monday to Friday

M-S: Runs Monday to Saturday

SO: Runs Saturday only

EBV: Engine & Brake Van (Class G)

Class G: One of the ten train classifications under the heading of the British Railways 1960 Standard Headcode of Engine Head Lamps and Discs. This one related to engine with no more than two brake vans.

Class E: Another of the ten above. This one related to express freight with not less than four braked vehicles (brake connected) next to the loco.

Class K: This one related to freight stopping at intermediate stations (otherwise known as pick-up freights or trip workings)

If Steve (or anyone else) has any difficulty with my acronyms, you only have to ask. Whilst Wikipedia is a useful source of initial answers, I would always recommend verification through at least three independent, unrelated and often primary sources.

Brian Macdermott

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Red Face department!

Apparently my website did not display correctly in Internet Explorer (didn't show the menu), of course worked in Firefox etc. However, I have now finished spending some not inconsiderable time in fixing this and have checked that it works in both IE8 and Firefox.

Also both www.borg-rail.com and www.borg.rail.co.uk are now working
properly.

Stephen Freeman - Finescale Trackwork and Signals - 4mm to 7mm scales

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Bachmann P2

I make no apologies for tying these two things together. Bachmann have worked with The A1 Trust to their mutual benefit and should the P2 feasibility study prove fruitful, I am sure a fund raising model won't be far behind. It would be nice to see both Bachmann and The A1 Trust tool up for the different front ends and valve gear. Tornado took 15 years and 3 million pounds didn't it? Bachmann and The A1 Trust are very different now compared to 1993. I think we can expect a P2 before 2025. I wonder what else?

Roy Palfrey

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Now look 'ere Scott Johnson, I've been number one in the P2 waiting list since about 1959, ever since my mum bought me a railway album for Christmas, that had an article about them. I thought then that Cock o' The North was the most beautiful engine I'd ever seen, and I still think so. It even eclipses a Bullied 'West Country' and a S&D 7F. And, anyway, it was that cheeky editor of ours that relegated me to number 2 !

Peter Welfare

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Bailey Gate

Geoff Sutton (Wednesday) mentions a sugar beet train working into Bailey Gate on the S&D in the early '60s. Well, I must have every S&D book 'under the sun', but I've never spotted a reference to that before, does anyone else have any more information? Also, what's a 'Baby Castle', is it a Collett 22XX? I'm not a GWR man. And the DVD showing a Standard 4 4-6-0 shunting the milk tankers at Bailey Gate, again, I've got quite a few S&D videos and DVDs, but not that one, which is it Geoff?

Peter Welfare

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Many thanks to Geoff Sutton (Wednesday) for his comments on the Bailey Gate milk train. A rare occasion (25 October 1961) did see four Pullmans go through the station. Bulleid 'West Country' 4-6-2 No.34107 Blandford Forum worked the short train from Brighton to Blandford Forum for a party visit to Flight Refuelling Ltd at nearby Tarrant Rushton. A photo appears in GA Richardson's Bradford Barton book, Steam on the Somerset & Dorset.

Could Geoff let us know the title of the DVD he mentioned? Thanks.

Brian Macdermott

According to Geoff, it is a DVD produced by Branch Line Video and titled Classic Southern Region Volume 2.

This includes, as well as The Somerset and Dorset (Broadstone to Templecombe), sections on the Lymington Branch, Brockenhurst to Broadstome (the Old Road), and West Moors to Salisbury - Ed

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G(WR) ATC Ramps

To support Charles Steele's item on ATC ramps, a perfect illustration appears in Diesel Heyday - Sulzer Diesels in the 1960s by Euslin Bruce (Ian Allan 1989).
D1727 is seen passing High Wycombe Middle Signalbox on 28th July 1964, with 08.35 Wolverhampton - Paddington. This shows exactly where the ATC ramp is positioned just as described by Charles. This particular photo is of great interest to me as, at this time, my grandfather was a regular signalman at High Wycombe Middle Signalbox.

And I hope Steve Mann has discovered the real meaning of the acronym S&D ........Sabotaged and Defeated!

And ATC stands for 'Automatic Train Control'.

Mark Abbott

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'Golden Arrow;' and 'Merchant Navy' Tenders

Please convey my sincere thanks to Chris Spencer, Geoff Ford, Peter Welfare, John Wylson and Brian Macdermott for their much appreciated information on the 'Golden Arrow'. Also to Graham Lee, Dick Flower, Mike Hines and Alan Gelson for their much appreciated information on 'Merchant Navy' tenders.

As the coaches in the Hornby 'Golden Arrow' train pack and coach pack appear to be unrepresentative, does anyone know if anyone produces kits of the relevant coaching stock for this train.

Barry Turner

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please try to keep your contribution short, positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so when you comment on their products you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Wednesday 26.5.10

June Model Rail

The magazine opens with an introduction to a number of commissioned models that the magazine has negotiated with Bachmann. Reviews include the Hornby 12-wheel Pullmans, the Graham Farish N gauge 'Black 5', Bachmann Class 47 Rail Riders, TMC weathered wagons and local pub, a DCP101 multi-scale rolling road by DCC Concepts, Bachmann Mk1 Pullmans and a CIE cement wagon kit.

A two page article reports findings of the 2010 Wish List Poll, an inspiration article takes a close look at the detail on a Metronet Class 66 and there is a preview of the forthcoming Perth MRC's 50th Anniversary show. This is towards the end of June and should be a really big one.

The special theme this month is stations and layouts visited include the impressive 00 'Hull Paragon' by Geoffrey Mower and, also in 00 scale, 'Cottleston' by Ben Adlington.

Practical articles this month include a station building in etched brass, the top ten timesaving tips, advice on station building, improving your ready-to-run coaches and Southern style halts, The Masterplan is called 'Likeleicester' and, not surprisingly, features a through main line station and the Supertest this month is for the best station platform kits.

Graham Farish Releases

The following Graham Farish models are on their way here and should soon be in the shops:

371-885 Class 108 3-car DMU in BR Blue (E50636 + E59384 + E50626).

371-886 Class 108 3-car DMU in BR green with half yellow ends (E50622 + E59388 + E50644).

372-278 'Battle of Britain' Class 4-6-2 No.34067 Tangmere in BR lined green with late decals.

372-302 'Rebuilt Merchant Navy' Class 4-6-2 No.35028 Clan Line in BR lined green with late decals.

372-478 'Jubilee' Class 4-6-0 No. 45698 ‘Mars’ in British Railways lined green livery with late decals.

372-504 J94 Class 0-6-0T No.68095 in BR black with late decals.

374-727B BR Mk2E TSO coach in blue and grey No.E5681.

377-350A twin Intermodal wagons with 2 x Seawheel containers SWL 451345 + SWIU 965241.

377-351A twin Intermodal wagons with 2 x Axis containers AXIU 716451 + AX 16370.

377-352A twin Intermodal wagons with 2 x Seaco containers SCZU 146924 + SCZU 147600.

377-354 twin Intermodal wagons with 2 x Malcolm Logistics containers WHMU 450015 + WHMU 450020.

377-375 'Toad' brake van in GWR grey No.68761 allocated to Birkenhead.

377-376 'Toad' brake van in BR grey No.W68834 allocated to Stourbridge RU.

377-377 'Toad' brake van in BR bauxite livery No. W114854.

377-378 'Toad' brake van in BR bauxite S & T department livery No.DW68786 return to Bristol St. Phillips Marsh

Hints & Tips No.258 -

A Simple Way To Identify Your Rolling Stock

by Mike Roque (NY, USA)

Sometimes identical rolling stock items from different owners get mixed up on club nights, in order to build up longer trains, etc.

To solve this problem, take two or three colours from your model paint range and three toothpicks. Use the toothpicks to make three different coloured dots on the underneath of each item.

In smaller groups, it is highly unlikely that anyone else would mark their models to the same combination of colours as you. Larger clubs could even have a register of colour codes.

The Model Railroad Club, Union, NJ, uses a three colour coded axle on the B end of each car. The advantage of this is that it is very simple, while the disadvantage is that you must turnover cars to see the codes. A possible solution to the latter is to use a dentist's mirror to examine the underside of the models while they remain on the track.

Having Your Say...

Wandering 7Fs

Back on 28 April, Pete Abbot asked about 7Fs off the S&D. Although there were plenty of answers then, the following may help.

An article by Richard Strange (Secretary, Mangotsfield Railway Circle and now Historical Consultant to Steam World magazine, as well as a member of the 'What Happened to Steam' Project) appeared in the May-June issue of the Bulletin of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust.

It was entitled The other side of 'The Mountains', and detailed workings of the 7Fs. Richard remembers them simply nicknamed '5-3-8ers' (said with a Bristol accent!), but some Bristolians bestowed upon them the title 'Mountain Climbers' - hence the article. Richard detailed four trip workings, which the WR numbered T42 to T45. In the workings below, Bath is Midland Bridge Road, Bristol is St Philips and Avonmouth is Old Yard.

T42 M-F: Bath-Westerleigh-Bristol-Avonmouth-Bath

T42 SO: Bath-Avonmouth-Bath.

T43 M-S: Bath-Bristol-Westerleigh-Bath-Westerleigh-Bath.

T44 M-S: Bath-Westerleigh-Stapleton Road Gas Works-Westerleigh-SRGW-Bath.

T45: Bath-Westerleigh-Bath (with variations depending on the seven days of the week).

Workings T43 and T44 had additional legs, but were probably dealt with by Bath as separate workings for operating convenience. All workings were Class K or EBV, apart from just one Class E (first leg of T43).

I can see the appeal of ‘whizzing trains round in circles’ – this lot nearly drove me loopy trying to figure it all out!

Brian Macdermott

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What Makes British Beautiful?

Thank you Richard Whitmore for raising this question.

Obviously the appreciation and love of machinery is very subjective and emotive, whether cars, aeroplanes, motorbikes or Heath Robinson's inventions. I personally think the harnessing of steam for high power and travel has never been more beautifully displayed than by British trains of the last century.

In terms of proportion, aesthetics and functionality, 6 foot 8-or-9 inch driving wheels, as on many express engines, provides a superb balance, under a boiler of somewhat lesser diameter and greater length. This, with pistons and propulsive arrangements ahead, the generally smooth outline and the small number of fittings made such as a 'Duchess' (racing through a still frosty morning with 14-behind at 75mph) an absolute delight to the senses. You can imagine the 'feather' of exhaust, the beat of the wheels and the whistle, as it passes - perhaps whistling for clear signals, or a kid watching from a station platform.

The proportion of everything in such scenes was very appealing, the British steam express train being sometimes the quintessence of beauty and art in engineering. The rotation of wheels, rods and motion at normal express speeds on British trains was supremely graceful, and that is not even beginning to address the complexities of engineering and railway operation itself.

Robbie McGavin - NZ

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Running What You Like

In Monday's postings, David Alexander said: "I commend and admire those who strive for historical accuracy, but please accept that not all of us share that viewpoint".

As one who strives for historical accuracy, and one who is in regular contact with like-minded people, I can assure David that those people have no intent to force those ideas on modellers who are not interested. When a topic arises that needs 'formal input', there are many ably-qualified who respond immediately and fully. Many are ex-railwaymen.

Richard Whitmore subscribes more to the 'run what I like' philosophy, whereas I subscribe to that of 'run it like it was'. What may come as a great surprise to David is that Richard and I are in almost daily contact and have built up an excellent modelling friendship as a result of MREmag. We both share a love of railways, but - like artists - our interpretation on canvas is vastly different.

Enjoy your railway at home as you see fit. The prototype argument only has a bearing when applied, for example, to a model railway show. If I saw 'Evercreech Junction, S&D in the late '50s/early '60s' advertised, I would expect just that. I would not be happy to see SDJR Blue coaches being hauled by a BR 'Duchess', passing Deltic going the other way, with nuclear flasks.

Brian Macdermott

I completely agree. As a collector and historian with only limited knowledge of the real railways, I am further out on the perimeter of the hobby than most readers. I don't even have a model railway! And yet it doesn't stop me having a great friendship with a number of people that I have met through MREmag and who have very different interests in the hobby from mine. What we have is our common love of railway models - Ed.

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May I continue the thread started by Richard Whitmore and continued by David Alexander in the post of 24^th May via the following.

I’m a fully paid up member of the I.B.I.S.I. - R.A.I.L. club, whose conception was by fellow contributor Dick Flower, some years back, in this very magazine.

I whole heartedly believe in this 'club' and run my layout to the one and only club rule. I believe that if you want to run prototypically then do so, but those that don’t, should not be castigated by those that do.

Steve Boley

PS - I.B.I.S.I. R.A.I.L? I Built It So I’ll Run Anything I Like!!

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Bailey Gate Milk

Thanks to Brian for his information on the 'Bailey Gate Milk'. It was known locally as the 'Bailey Gate Belle' - sadly no Pullmans, though. I had Bailey Gate as my local station for 20 odd years, in the '50s and '60s, and there were some very interesting workings. There was, for a spell, a sugar beet train in the early '60s, I think, and I remember a 'Baby Castle' on this working. I have also seen Standard 4 4-6-0s shunting the milk tanks in the sidings. Incredibly there is a commercial DVD recording of this taking place.

Geoff Sutton

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LMS Main Line Diesels

Brian Macdermott's enquiry about the smaller-than-usual headcode discs on the two LMS main line diesels, 10000 and 10001, doesn't seem to have a very obvious answer; certainly not one discussed in either the Wild Swan or RCTS histories of the engines.

My guess is that they were items designed for use on these two locomotives alone. The LMS didn't otherwise use discs for headcodes and they were presumably produced to give a more modern appearance than the conventional oil headlamps; although lamps would have been used after dark and in poor visibility such as fog or falling snow. Unlike the BR pilot scheme engines, the LMS arrangement was for removable discs, rather than permanently attached "flap-up" types. There are, however, a number of photographs, including one when the engines were working on the Southern Region during the early 1950s, showing standard-size discs in use. I get the impression that, in later years, the discs were dispensed with in favour of lamps.

Neil Burgess

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Many thanks to Nicholas Rothon and Mel Holley for their replies (Monday), but I don’t think we are any nearer the real the story.

Nicholas had a valid theory that the smaller discs were used because larger ones would obscure vision. A Ben Brooksbank photo in the book ‘Crewe’ by Bill Rear, however, shows the twins approaching the station with the ‘Royal Scot’ headboard protruding way above the level that the disc would have done. (Incidentally, the first vehicle in the train was a Hawksworth BG!)

In reply to Mel, and as far as I can tell, the ‘pilot scheme diesels’ (of which the twins were not part) all had flap-down discs. One photo I have seen, taken in 1956, clearly shows one of the twins at Euston with SR type discs and I have seen photos only of sister 'pioneer diesel', the Fell, with lamps.

My library doesn’t extend very far back into pre-BR days, but such photos as I have of LMS or MR trains indicate the use of lamps. Could the discs have been used to differentiate the twins as ‘the new boys’ on the LM scene?

Brian Macdermott

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Blue Pullman

Just to politely correct Julian Saunders (May 24th), Olivias Trains are producing the Blue Pullmans in conjunction with Heljan and not Bachmann as he suggested.

Anthony Johnson

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Initial Slang

After spending far too much time being directed to obviously wrong references by various search engines I finally tracked down what 'S&D' probably stands for. I have no idea what an 'ATC stand' is, and cannot glean much from the context of what was posted in MRE.

When I were lad, it were taught in UK schools that the first time you used acronyms or initials to replace a longer term, you should spell it out and place the 'placekeeper' in parentheses so the reader would know what in the blue blazes you were talking about.

In today's web world there's an even better option: a link to some relevant article, usually a page on Wikipedia.

So how about when people are talking shop here in MRE they let everyone in on the secret code they are using?

That way, if I talk about a FRED you'll know I'm speaking about a Flashing Rear End Device, the thing that replaced the caboose on today's unit trains in North America and not about a character in a Bernard Cribbins song, and if you drone on about ATC stands I'll know your speaking of some obscure bit of railway kit and not roadside Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis booths.

Steve Mann - NYC.

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(G)WR ATC Ramps

One reason why ramps are not seen on most GWR/BR(W) layouts is the position of the ramp rarely being within the area portrayed. For an isolated semaphore 'distant' it would be 440 yards on the approach side, i.e. approximately 17 feet from the signal at 4mm scale. The corresponding position for a colour light distant or multiple aspect signal is 200 yards or about 8 feet at 4mm scale.

One place where they would come onto the main part of the layout is with close-section working e.g. a signal box at each end of a station, where the signals had a lower distant arm for the next box. In semaphore areas, the ramp would be just past the signal. Another case is that of Shed Test ramps, which were two short ramps on the exits from a loco shed to check the adjustment of locos going into traffic.

The ramp is quite complex in geometry, but is basically an upturned metal T-section, 4 inches wide, 2 inches high and 44 feet 3 inches long mounted on a timber baulk. Beware that it does not lie along the centreline of the track, as that would groove the pickup shoe.

Charles Steele

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LNER P2

Can you please put me down in number four position for a model of this locomotive, as I have voted for it in every 'wish list' since to date. L.H. Loveless & Co. produce superb original and rebuilt versions in 0 gauge and include illustrations in a very attractive full page colour advertisement of their products in most British model railway magazines (you can also visit their website). If released in 00 for the proprietary market, it would be the first mass produced British 2-8-2 in this scale.

Now if only, as they say in horse betting terminology, I could get the 'double' up, and the next two models of steam locomotives announced were the P2 and an LB&SCR Atlantic, our Editor and I just might be simultaneously celebrating from opposite sides of the world!

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Bachmann P2

(sorry, but I couldn't resist that header as a cat-amongst-the-pigeons talking point... I'd be equally happy if Simon Kohler took up the challenge)

I'm afraid there is bad news for both Peter Welfare and Dave Poynter: they will have to be happy being an extra place down the line in the queue for an RTR P2, as I've already done my bit by helping make a business case for one, way back in Brian McDermott's 2009 loco survey!

While it is still a long way from ever happening, I think you'll agree the announcement from the A1 Trust has only made it more likely that one day it will happen.

Of course, if the A1 Trust do 'go for it', my additional argument now is that Bach-by should start by releasing 2001 in a year or two (2013 perhaps?), and slowly work their way through the variants, until they too are ready in 2020 to release a 4mm model of the newly built 2007!

Scott Johnson

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Monday 24.5.10

June Continental Modeller

Layouts visited this month include 'Feldberg' (German Z), 'Crystal Creek & Donford Yard' (American H0), 'Berlinerplatz' (German H0) and a micro layout in a box (Dutch HON30).

There is also an interesting article on highly decorative Indian steam and another on the TRAXX family of Bo-Bo electrics and diesels. Practical articles include making advertisements on buildings look old, fitting decoders and building a bridge and level crossing. Amongst the reviews is one for the Bergs Hobbies (Australia) Sydney Suburban electric stock and another for Code 75 Peco track with concrete sleepers.

New Railway Book Reviews

More railway books have been reviewed and these will be found in the Book Review section which may be accessed by clicking on ‘Books’ to the left of this page and then picking the title that interests you from the index. For quick movement through the index, click on the appropriate letter in the letter index at the head of the column.

The new books are as follows: Twentieth Century in Pictures - 100 Years of Railways by the Press Association, The Cars of Pullman by Joe Welsh, Bill Howes & Kevin Holland, Baldwin Locomotives by Brian Solomon, HST - The Second Millennium by Colin J Marsden, Solent Steam by Kevin McCormick, How a Steam Locomotive Works by Dominic Wells, Bulleid - Man, Myth and Machines by Kevin Robertson, Rail Blue by Paul Shannon, An Illustrated History of The Snowdon Mountain Railway by Peter Johnson, ABC Rail Guide 2010 by Colin J Marsden, Shrewsbury to Chester by Vic Mitchell & Keith Smith, Branch Lines East of Norwich by Richard Adderson & Graham Kenworthy, Hertford Loop by Vic Mitchell & Keith Smith, Bangor to Portmadoc by Vic Mitchell & Keith Smith, Railway Memories No.23 - Northallerton, Rippon & Wensleydale by Stephen Chapman, Railway Adventure by LTC Rolt, The GWR Story by Rosa Matheson and Heading North by Rod Steele.

Railex 2010 at Aylesbury

This coming weekend 29th/30^th May 2010 sees the Risborough and District Model Railway Club present its 6^th annual Railex model railway exhibition at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury. This is in Harvey Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and for those with satnavs, the post code is HP21 9PP.

Now firmly established as one of the best quality model railway exhibitions in the country, this year's show promises the traditional Railex combination of top quality layouts in both major and minority scales along with very best in specialist trade and demonstrations. From past experience many visitors travel to the show from all over the UK and abroad to see the both the layouts and the other attractions Railex offer.

Layouts include: 'Albion Quarry' [7mm (0 gauge) by Bob Alderman], 'Anderstaff Yard' [4mm (EM) by Brendan Walsh], 'Arne Wharf' [4mm (009) by Chris Nevard], 'Bawdsey 4mm (EM) by Paul Marshall Potter], 'Blakeney' [4mm (EM) by Geoff Kent], 'Clinkerford' [4mm (P4) by John Darch], 'Connerburn' [2mm by Jim Watt], 'Dainton Bank' [7mm (0 gauge) by Peter Talbot], 'Dinas Blaenau' [7mm (0-14) by Paul Holmes], 'East Lynn & Nunstanton' [S scale by Trevor Nunn], 'Grafenwalde' [3.5mm (HO) by Tim Hale], 'Grove Ferry Junction' [S scale by Robin Fielding], 'Kilbrandon' [S scale by Paul Greene], 'Lower Soudley Ironworks' [4mm (P4) by Shropshire & Herefordshire Group - Scalefour Society], 'New Mills' [4mm (00) by Cooperhire MRC], 'Quai' [87 3.5mm (P87) by Brian Harrap], 'Totnes' [2mm (N) by John Birkett-Smith], 'Treneglos' [4mm (00) by Stafford Railway Circle], 'Westford' [4mm (00) by Westford Modellers Group] and 'Whitchurch Road' [7mm (0 gauge) by Paul Bambrick].

Railex is fully disabled accessible. Opening times are 10.30-17.30 on Saturday and 10.00-17.00 on Sunday. On the Sunday, up to two children can be admitted free with each paying adult.

Although a massive show, Railex has a very relaxed feel about it, even when busy, as wide gangways and circulation areas provide easy viewing of all exhibits and demonstration areas.

A fully updated website http://www.rdmrc.nildram.co.uk/railex2010.html lists everything about the show including exhibits, traders, parking and bus service information. If you don’t have access to the web a call to David Lane, the exhibition manager, on 01296 437475 will hopefully answer any questions you may have.

Free parking for Railex visitors is available at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in marked bays and also in additional areas adjacent to the stadium. In previous years use has also been made of William Harding School, off the Wendover Road, for additional car parking spaces. This year, due to unannounced building work at this location, extra parking is unavailable at the school despite what is said on Railex flyers. All visitors coming by car should head direct to the stadium and you will be directed to an available space. Alternatively, it is recommend that visitors use the town centre car parks and make use of the free Routemaster bus from the railway station to Railex that runs every hour. Car parks in Aylesbury are free on Sunday and the long stay Friarscroft (588 places) car park close to the station is recommend. This costs Ł3 for all day on Saturday and free on Sunday. Details on all town centre car parks can be found here http://eplanning.ayl...s/aylesbury.htm .

Hornby Releases

Hornby have released their version of the magnificent coaling tower in their Skaledale range. It must be the largest model they have produced in Skaledale - previously this honoured belonged to one of the two windmills.

Also releases are a few more SkaleAutos including:

R7105 Bedford CDA mobile disco van

R7103 Bedford TK horse box

R7107 Armstrong Siddley saloon car

R7109 SkaleAutos Burrell road roller

All well be reviewed in due course.

Hints & Tips No.257 - Stumps

by Kurt Larson

To make a large quantity of good looking stumps, cut wild grape vines in the size you prefer. On the vine will be "bumps". Cut in the middle of the bump with a pruning shears, then cut the stump to the length you want.

The bump will be the part toward the ground. If preferred, a notch can be made after the stump is cut by again taking the pruning shears and cutting partially into the stump and by twisting the shears upward, breaking this part out. Mass production, no cost and realistic.

Having Your Say...

Running What You Like

I write in wholehearted support of Richard Whitmore's email regarding the use of 'Rule one'. I do the same (those of a delicate or dogmatic nature may wish to fast forward to the next article at this point). Mine is a preserved line, run by a fat, eccentric billionaire (who may or may not have a top hat). If he decides that a string of Seacows will be hauled by a Dukedog, then it happens. Bulleid Pacifics regularly haul GWR Clerestories. To be mischievous he's even been known to send out a consist of nothing but brake vans with a Y6 in the middle propelling it just to confuse the signallers. It's known as 'South Oxford & West Henley Area Trains' aka SO & WHAT and it's the most enjoyable place to drive an engine in a scale less than 12" to the foot that I know. I commend and admire those who strive for historical accuracy, but please accept that not all of us share that viewpoint.

David Alexander

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Clayton Allocations

Tom Gray is correct that there were Clayton Type 1s shedded at Staveley Barrow Hill (41E). The 1965 ABC Locoshed Book shows the allocation as being D8604-16.
At this time, the class was distributed between a surprisingly small number of sheds. The others were: 66A Polmadie(Glasgow), 64B Haymarket, 51L Thornaby and 52A Gateshead.

Anthony Hinxman - Portland, Oregon, USA

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The Twins

Brian Macdermott asks about the small headcode discs on the LMS diesels. Philip Conolly's book Southern Mainline Cameraman includes a picture of 10000 on a West of England Service at Salisbury. It carries the Waterloo-Exeter headcode with a standard large disc at buffer beam level and a smaller disc below the cab windows. The smaller disc projects slightly above the curve of the nose - presumably the smaller discs were used as larger discs would have obstructed the view from the cab window.

Nicholas Rothon

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Brian Macdermott asks about why the LMS 'twins' 10000/1 had "smaller-than-usual headcode discs". May I venture to presume that Brian is asking 'smaller than the BR pilot scheme diesels that followed'. If so, the answer is in the question! Perhaps the question should be, why did later BR diesels have larger discs? For this, no doubt the answer would be a design standard that was created by BR for all manufacturers to use.

Mel Holley

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Industrial Saddle Tanks

I agree with Stu List that a model of an industrial saddle tank would be a nice thing to have. It’s a great pity that, when Bachmann did their Junior range of locos, they weren’t made as more accurate models of real industrial locomotive designs enabling those that want industrial steam to have some choice. With both Bachmann and Hornby making colliery buildings, and in Hornby’s case a Gas works as well, the settings for these engines on layouts has increased a lot. This year we don’t have a Hornby Austerity in a new NCB livery as is often the case. I agree with Pat that the votes for industrial locos in the polls weren’t high although whether this is truly indicative of potential sales is debatable.

I am also surprised given the number of obscure private owner liveries that are produced on wagons we haven’t seen some NCB 16 ton mineral wagons, these could be done in red for the Yorkshire area or midnight blue for the Lancashire area. They would be very authentic for use with Hornby’s Harry and the colliery buildings.

Steven Oakden

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Now here’s a little story.....

.....to tell it is a must. It’s about my Hornby locos, and removal of some dust. (Well, fluff actually, but that didn’t rhyme!)

Over a period of many months, I became aware that some locos stuttered or stalled entering the toe of a large radius Peco electrofrog point in my loco shed. Logging which locos were affected surprised me - just Hornby unrebuilt WC/BBs.

I surmised that it might be a back-to-back problem. The wheels seemed closer together than many other locos in my fleet. I contacted Hornby, and they said that they could take a look.

The Repairs Department phoned me and explained that they could change all the wheel sets, but mine were already within known tolerances. They would be charging me for no advantage. They went on to say that they had found a lot of fluff jammed between the drivers, brake blocks and rigging.

I looked at my one remaining BB. Lo and behold...fluff! I cleaned it all out, the electrical pick-ups re-established and the problem was solved. Hornby kindly cleaned the others for me.

If your WC/BBs aren’t performing superbly, have a look at the brakes – you might be surprised! Many thanks to Hornby for their service attitude.

Brian Macdermott

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A1 Steam Locomotive Trust Announce Feasibility Study for P2

For those of you who missed it, they announced in April a feasibility study for producing a P2 - possibly as No.2007. http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=586:gesley-p2-study-announced&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=123

So, if that goes ahead, it might prompt one of the manufacturers to produce a model, assuming that one isn't already in the pipeline. I am not sure if it will be in original or rebuilt condition, or if it could be made so that it could run in either guise. If it can only be one or the other then my preference would be for 'original'. Bagsy second in the queue for a model!

Dave Poynter

You will have to be third in the queue, as Peter Welfare and I have the first two places. Indeed, I have been in the queue for many years and am on my twenty-third sleeping bag! - Ed.

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'Blue Pullmans' and Skaledale Buildings

I am so pleased that someone has finally decided to produce a 'Blue Pullman' diesel multiple unit that will hopefully quash the recurring pleas. I have noted that we are now getting the: "but it will be so expensive and I can’t afford one" emails. Well, that unfortunately is the way it goes with commissions and limited editions, my friends. Hopefully, we can move on to some other subject now – thank you Olivia’s Trains/Bachmann. By the way, my layout is set in Cornwall so I shall not be needing one and, in any case, I still have another 60 or so 'Westerns' to buy!

The other weekend, my wife and I had a quiet weekend in Lincolnshire where we visited a country park known as Hubbards Hills, on the outskirts of Louth. At the southern end of the park there is a toll house which has been modelled on the one in the Hornby Skaledale range of 4mm scale buildings. Unfortunately, we did not have time to stop and talk to the owner/resident, but well done for making such a wonderful job of a 12"/1ft replica of a 4mm scale model. The toll house can be found at grid reference 315860 on OS Landranger map No.122 on the road from Louth to Hallington.

It would be fun to see how many Skaledale (and Lyddle End) replicas we can find.

Julian Saunders

I understand that several come from Lincolnshire, so happy 'spotting' - Ed.

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'Blue Pullman' Options

Bob Kimber was asking in Friday's MREmag about the all singing all dancing 'Blue Pullman' from Olivia's Trains.

I have spoken to Olivia's (with whom I have a commercial connection) and they confirm that the standard 'Blue Pullman' will be analogue and there will be standard DCC and sound DCC versions also on offer.

So Bob can start saving his pennies !

Stuart de Boer

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Realistic S&D Train Formations

I share Peter Welfare’s wish to represent realistic train formations on his S&D layout. However, I do think that he is worrying unduly about the inclusion of occasional ‘foreign’ locos and coaches; very little licence is needed to expand the horizon slightly.

Several types of loco were either tried out for possible S&D service or pressed into use as a result of a local shortage or failure. As to coaches, the mixed composition of many of the summer ‘extras’ was legendary – just look at the photos. Given that these trains had very varied origins and routes, a couple of unusual ‘swingers’ could certainly be added at some point. Parcels and other van trains were as varied on the S&D as anywhere else and I would have no hesitation in including a Southern GBL (or any other item of NPCCS) in such a working at any time up to the nominal date of withdrawal, or even beyond it.

It can be safely said that no existing locomotives carried BR livery before 1948 and many did not gain it for several years. The photo of 44102 must have been taken after Nationalisation but before it got the early BR lion emblem; the likely date could be established from other photographic evidence.

Nick Stanbury

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Bailey Gate Milk

Many thanks to Peter Welfare for the follow-up information concerning the CorPMV (ex-GBL) running on the Somerset & Dorset. I don’t have that particular book, but am looking into the matter and will report back soon.

I can help with the Bailey Gate milk, though. The stock was often a 2-set of LM non-gangwayed coaches, although I have seen a photo showing a B-set. The coaches arrived in Templecombe at 11.00am as part of the 9.45am from Highbridge. Departure was at 3.35pm (SX summer, daily winter). The WTT makes no mention of milk, but this was a primary purpose for the train. It did, however, provide a useful connection off the 1.00pm from Waterloo.

Normal motive power was an Ivatt 2-6-2T, but 57xx pannier tanks, BR Standard Class 3

2-6-2Ts and 3F 0-6-0 and 22xx tender engines have also been seen. In 1960, the Stanier Class 3 2-6-2Ts worked the service on occasions. The return working was due back at Templecombe shortly after 6.00pm.

On Saturdays, an engine and BY or Bogie Van B went down around 2.00pm. The loco pulled the tankers out of the siding and attached them to the rear of the 3.40pm Bournemouth West to Bristol, then ran round to couple ahead of the train loco. I have seen photos of a 7F doing this.

Brian Macdermott - Peter can email me for more: brianmacdermott (at) hotmail (dot) com

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Southern Mk1 BGs

Talk of Western Mk1 coaches reminds me of a conundrum I had a couple of years ago regarding Mk1 BGs in Southern Region green livery. These are produced by both Bachmann and Replica Railways in 00 gauge.

I've never yet found any photographic evidence of these in use and, when discussing this with the nice gentleman on the Replica Railways stand at an exhibition, he told me that his 'spy' at Eastleigh said there were only ever 6 or 7 in green livery. I seem to recall him saying that none was originally delivered to the Southern in green, and that these were Eastleigh 'repaints' which took place in the mid '60s.

Does anyone have any evidence of these in use and on which services ?.

Peter Welfare

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The Great Western Limited, GW150

I'm afraid that I must take David Wilcock to task for his very misleading comments about the first GW150 Great Western Limited.

Firstly, the train did not 'come to a grinding halt' at Taunton but made a planned stop. However, it was quickly found that what had been suspected to be a developing hotbox on 6000 was the real thing and the loco had to come off.

The train was worked forward to Exeter by 7819 but assisted in the rear by the shadowing 'just in case' diesels which I had included in the operating plan.

Regrettably 7819 then had to come off at Exeter with a hotbox on the tender (I believe as a result of an incorrectly fitted dust shield) and the train worked forward to Plymouth under diesel power.

As reading my subsequent article in 'Railway World' explains, 4930 was also a prior arrangement I had made with Alun Rees on the Severn Valley Railway - again, 'just in case' and, indeed, the fact that it was in steam doing nothing for most of that day had led to a number of comments. Its quick move down to Plymouth was a result of a lot of hard graft by a number of people within BR who went along with my 'bending' of normal arrangements in order to get the loco there. And, thanks also to Alun Rees who dealt with a leaking tube enroute (and I got the rollicking for the 'bending' but better that than disappoint people). All credit too to SVR folk for getting 7819 back to full health for the next day.

Mike Romans

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Mention by David Wilcock (Friday) of the GWR anniversary locos reminds me that fast approaching is the centenary of ‘the last main line’.

The Bicester cut off was opened between Ashendon Junction and Aynho Junction on 1^st July 1910 to complete the GWR’s shortcut to Birmingham, undercutting the mileage of the competition by around 3 miles but at the expense of some severe speed restrictions and stiff gradients.

Since the line saw considerable use of the 'King' class and 'Castle' locomotives, many of which put up very creditable performances with the magic ton being reached on the ‘cut off’, I wonder if any manufacturer has considered producing a train pack or coach pack to mark the occasion. Hornby could even use the occasion to produce a special pack of Hawksworth coaches which I’m sure would prove popular.

Mark Abbott

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What Makes British Beautiful?

I love locomotives, both real and model, from all around the world. I started modelling German outline over fifty years ago and remain passionately active to that cause today, with my German layout.

About twenty five years ago, however, I finally succumbed to my other great love, British steam locomotives, and now I finally have a second layout exclusively for British models.

So, what makes British steam locomotives beautiful? You could, if you also run 'Big Four' or the occasional pre-grouping loco, say the sheer variety of handsome liveries. You could say - the simple, but classic lines. You could say - pure uniqueness; who could fail to recognise a GWR loco, a Bulleid Pacific or an A4, for example. You could say - the naming of locos gives an extra touch of romance, or perhaps it is the proportion between the size of driving wheels to the boiler and cab. The standard form of the classic Bavarian Pacific had six feet diameter drivers, yet those on many British express locos were that size or larger (over two metres on a 'Castle', for example), despite the smaller British loading gauge. Perhaps this 'high stepping' look is the beauty secret?

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please try to keep your contribution short, positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Remember! The manufacturers are our friends - not our enemies. They read this magazine and so when you comment on their products you are talking directly to them. Choose your words carefully as you would with a friend.

Friday 21.5.10

June Railway Modeller

As usual, the June issue of Railway Modeller is crammed with layout visits. Railway of the Month is 'Ferring' which features pre-Grouping on the Brighton line. Built in 4mm scale with P4 track by Michael Ball, it is set in the Edwardian era. The next layout is a modern era northern setting in 00 scale by Trevor Bottomley and is based on an EWS traction depot and yard called 'Finger Post'. For S&D fans there is Jerry Clifford's N gauge 'Midsomer Norton', a 8' by 18" layout is featuring a small rural yard. The next layout is 'Dinas 1869', an O-14 narrow gauge slate quarry line by Paul Holmes (a gem), followed by 'Port Pennan', a tabletop terminus in EM gauge by Ken Gibbons. The last layout this month is 'Aberddyngwmmu' by Steve and Ann Lewis. This is a 00 layout, featuring late GWR main line running, with an oval of tracks and a terminus station. It also includes a tramway.

Practical articles include one on the Southern Electric 2-BIL EMU with scale drawings, building a 3F in 00 from a London Road Models kit, constructing Glenfinnan signal box with a kit conversion, making a yard crane with plasticard, modelling a Cornish holy well and 'Plan of the Month' is Barnton Station near Edinburgh.

Reviews include the Heljan 00 Class 86 and 0 gauge Mk1 coaches, Hornby InterCity Mk3 DVT, Bachmann 'Jubilee' with sound and 'Warship', Ixion 'Manor', Graham Farish new 'Black 5' and the Metcalfe Regal cinema.

Hints & Tips No.256 - Bottle Caps as Model Holders

by Andy Smith (Nottingham)

I model in N scale. I was throwing out an old shampoo bottle today and taking off the screw cap, I realised it had another use. I stuck a wad of Blu-Tack on the bottle top, and now, whenever I need to hold a model while I am painting it, I can stick it into the blue tack and hold the bottle cap. It saves getting paint on your fingers, and is more flexible than if you were holding the model itself.

(A note from H&T editor Trevor – those with larger scale models, such as 00 and H0 (and even 0) could use aerosol can lids for this. Thanks for the idea Andy!)

Having Your Say...

Clayton Workings

Further to Andrew Parr's letter (MREmag, Monday) about Clayton workings, check out the book Great Central Railway North of Nottingham - Vol 2, by Terminus Publications. There is a picture of double headed Claytons working a freight through Woodhouse station near Sheffield with a Rotherwood freight heading East and I do believe some of these locos were shedded at Stavely in the early years. The picture is dated 1965.

Tom Gray

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(G)WR ATC Ramps

Has anyone ever considered installing on their 00 layouts a representation of the original Western Region ATC ramps?

The later BR version has been available from Peco for some years now, but I feel that there have been many excellent (G)WR layouts, some of which incorporate detailed signalling, yet the accompanying provision of such ramps would surely enhance realism still further.

Any ideas for making them, please?

Stephen Derek

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What Next?

With the possibility of models of a Blue Pullman, the Metrovick and the LMS twins, there is little left for new models of diesels.

I note with interest that Bachmann has given advance information of a detailed model of the Platform Shelter at Sheffield Park. Up to now, many buildings have been based on actual prototypes - one of the most famous being the Hornby house based on the residence of one of the staff from Margate. Is it possible that we are moving to an era of models of actual railway buildings? It would be interesting to suggest suitable subjects. I would favour a model of the station at Alresford. Model buildings are tending to become very expensive; a possible solution might be to produce unpainted models which could be decorated to reproduce the different eras.

Nicholas Rothon

The model Nicholas refers to was in the Tri-ang Model-Land series of self-coloured plastic kits and was the home of the then model maker at Rovex. The house is in Margate and I visited it at the invitation of the owner who still lives there in his retirement. From the house you can see the windmill that was later modelled in the Skaledale range. I believe I am right in saying that the Hornby Skaledale buildings are all based on real buildings as too are the Bachmann Scenecraft ones - Ed.

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New Announcements

Whilst I too am pleased to see the announcement of the forthcoming 10000 and 10001, I disagree with Andrew Carter that: "most of the post 1960s diesel and electric locos have been made". Certainly on the electric side of things we do not have a contemporary standard AL1 (Class 81) planned, nor an original style AL6 (Class 86), whilst Southern modellers lack the iconic Class 71 (surely due a model to run alongside Bachmann's 4-CEP hauling a rake of Golden Arrow Pullmans!), or their rebuilt Class 74 electro-diesel cousins. Also, the existing Hornby ex-Lima Class 73 can't really be described as being to contemporary standards. Of course, there are three other classes of West Coast AC electric which, whilst arguably unreliable, were more successful than the diesel Classes 15 and 17 which Heljan have recently launched.

It would be unrealistic to expect a model of every class of electric to be made, but I would have thought an AL1, an non-refurbished AL6, and a Southern Class 71 wouldn't be too unreasonable. However, I do agree with Andrew that full marks are due to manufacturers for tackling models of less popular classes - perhaps now "That Pullman" is planned we might see more DMU and EMU types as well!

Mark Wiles

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The Twins

Congratulations to Dick Flower and Rails who, along with Bachmann, have announced their plans for the LMS 'Twins', 10000 and 10001. I intend to be first in the queue!

Some time back, we discussed on MREmag how these locos had smaller-than-usual headcode discs. At that time, no-one was able to come up with an answer. Can anyone tell us now?

Brian Macdermott

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Models of Early Diesel Locomotives

With news that the LMS Diesel Electric Nos. 10000 & 10001 ('Twins') are to be made as a joint venture between Bachmann and Rails of Sheffield, I wonder how long it will be for the Southern Diesel Electric 'Triplets' - Nos. 10201, 10202, 10203 to be considered?

London Midland fans could also take advantage of these prototypes, for they ended their days on local duties in the Euston area, as witnessed in June 1961 when 10203 was seen banking 'The Ulster Express', out from Euston at 5.40pm.

By then these locomotives were in lined green livery. Unusually, the rearmost vehicle was a WR external-framed 'Siphon G' van.

Stephen Derek

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Heljan Class 28

In response to Ian Taylor's question (MRE Wednesday, 19 May) regarding the forthcoming Heljan Class 28 Co-Bo and whether it will be produced in both running versions (i.e. with original 'wrap around' cab windows) as well as the later 'flat' modification, the answer appears to be yes. This model is a joint effort between retailer Hattons and Heljan. If you visit Hattons website, you will see, stated under the product description for the plain green model (D5700), "Wrap around windows as delivered". This text does not appear against any of the other liveried versions available for order. However, it still prompted me to call Hattons prior to reserving one. The person I spoke to assured me that two versions are to be produced. As to whether the later modified version ever appeared in plain livery, again, the answer appears to be in the positive as this link will show:

http://nicwhe8.freehostia.com/d5705/gallery/gallery2/gallery2.html

Presumably, this must have been for a fairly brief period as the small yellow warning panels were introduced not that long after these locos were modified.

Great publication Pat, essential reading every other week day, keep up the fine work!

Tim Sizer

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I am responding to Ian Taylor’s query on the Class 28 and its running (or not) in all over green livery with the revised windows. There is a picture of D5711 in 1961, without the yellow warning panel, but with the revised windows on the Co-Bo World website at: http://www.d5705.org.uk/ It’s the first picture on page 2 of the gallery section.

From the looks of the side of the loco, it appears to have a bit of weathering on it which suggests some use in service with this window/livery combination. Ian was right to query the lack of evidence for the revised windows/no yellow panel combination, as photographs do seem rare.

There has been some conflicting advice from Hattons regarding whether the wrap-around windows will be modelled or not, but the latest is that they will be present on the all-green model. One thing to be aware of, however, is the limited numbers that the model will be produced in, as it’s only a few hundred per livery.

David Yates

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In response to Ian Taylor, Heljan are to produce the Class 28 with both styles of cab windows. A member of the RMWeb forum has been in contact with Hatton's regarding this and the response can be seen in post number 18 via this link: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/15065-heljan-class-28/

Paul Winterbone

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Western Region Mk1 Coaches

In response to Martyn Cox (May 19^th), the best source of information on the numbers of Mk1 coaches is Keith Parkin’s bible on the subject. This book gives full details of every Mk1 coach and the regions they were allocated to. Unfortunately for Martyn, it’s not just a simple case of replacing the ‘E’ with a ‘W’, the whole number will need replacing. Fox Transfers (http://www.fox-transfers.co.uk), Modelmaster (http://www.modelmasterdecals.com) and Cambridge Custom Transfers (http://www.cctrans.freeserve.co.uk/products.htm) all produce good sets of Mk1 coach waterslide transfers with sheets including fully made up numbers. These will need varnishing once they have been applied to the coach sides. I won’t go into detail as to how to remove the old numbers as various methods have been well documented before.

It may be of interest to Martin that Cheltenham Model Centre still have available their sets of 4 Mk1 Western Region maroon coaches which they commissioned from Bachmann last year.

Anthony Johnson

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Retailer Sponsored Locos

With regard to the recent and past exclusives that many big retailers are now planning, or have had made by manufacturers, are we not in danger of losing out generally with models?

If one retailer makes available a particular loco then he has a monopoly over that loco and the high price it commands. I realise that Dapol have made many wagons for many years for retailers as limited editions but they still produce that wagon style for all and sundry to buy if wanted (with a couple of exceptions). Do we really want our RTR locos made this way with a monopoly by one retailer? If people accept this, I can see that loco prices will go through the roof. Many people will pay the price, as I did with Deltic and City of Truro from the NRM, but it is becoming a very common method of producing models now, and may even become the norm for more obscure locos. Hornby could easily have done it with the 'Clan' being a small loco class. What do others think?

George F McKie

This makes the assumption that the arrangements prevent the manufacturer from using the tooling themselves, for other releases. As we learnt, in the case of City of Truro, the restriction on use of the tooling has a time limit (2 years), after which Bachmann has use of it themselves to produce models for their catalogue. In my view, what we are seeing is more money being pumped into model development than would otherwise be the case and so we are getting greater choice than was possible before - Ed.

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Blue Pullmans

It is indeed good to hear that somebody has bitten the 'Blue Pullman' bullet at last. However, the initial publicity that I have seen suggests that they will only be DCC 'all singing, all dancing' sound machines. What about those of us who can't afford to convert to DCC or don't like sound? Are we to be forced to fork out a hefty chunk of hard earned cash for sound and DCC that we can't use to get our dream machines or are those promoting the idea wise enough to realise that DC and silent versions would also be real money spinners? I for one sincerely hope so!

Bob Kimber

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Bogie Luggage Vans

Brian Macdermott has requested more information about the GBL on the S&D.

The photo is published in Legends of the Somerset & Dorset Railway by Alan Hammond and is on page 94. It shows 4F no. 44102 with British Railways on the tender on an 'up' milk train near Stalbridge, but it's dated 1947 which surely must be wrong, after all, the railways weren't even nationalised until 1948, and I doubt whether renumbering and branding started beforehand.

I'd be interested in more information about this train. Presumably its an afternoon milk and perishables service ?, so has it originated at Bailey Gate ?, and what were the timings and how long did it run for ?.

I do realise though, that the GBL's were nearly all withdrawn by the end of 1961, so I doubt whether they would have appeared on the S&D in my modelling period (1960-1965).

Peter Welfare

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Industrial Saddle Tanks

Although it is very pleasing to see all the new and planned releases from various manufacturers, I still find it difficult to believe that none of them have seen fit to produce an industrial saddle tank. Many of the new locos being produced were restricted in area and/or era, whereas e.g. a 'standard' Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST could have been seen anywhere from the later steam era, right up to the 1980s. This is not meant to be a "why don’t they make a model I want" gripe, but more a plea for something that was seen a lot more than 'Blue Pullmans'! Perhaps industrial steam just isn’t glamorous enough?

Stu List

I'm afraid not many voted for them when we had them in the poll last year, which was the reason they were dropped from this year's poll - Ed.

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'Condor'

Very many thanks to Mark Abbott for such a comprehensive and enlightening reply (Wednesday). I hope he has given Hattons an excellent idea for some very interesting 'spin-offs'.

Brian Macdermott

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2010 Oxford Diecast Releases

Images from the catalogue pages are available online at:-

http://www.themodelbus.fotopic.net/c1466506_1.html

Ambulances, fire engines, car transporters, cars, trucks, buses, coaches, trams and tractors, from ancient to modern in 00 and N sizes.

Mike Harvey

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Running What You Like

I have to agree with Australian Richard Whitmore's sentiments when he says occasionally 'run what you like'. I'm modelling Bailey Gate on the S&D in the '60s, and I intend to run one year at a time, with my train service gradually moving through one year to the next. The locos and rolling stock on the S&D seemed to have been quite specific, with only occasional strangers, and I don't want to see loco/coach combinations that didn't happen.

However, if one of the manufacturers were to produce my most favourite loco ever, the Gresley P2, 2001 Cock o' The North, in original condition, I'd be first in the queue.

How I'd justify to myself it heading the 'Pines Express' through Bailey Gate in 1962, I don't know. After all the preservation movement had hardly got moving then, let alone the thoughts of re-creation!

Peter Welfare

You will have to take second place Peter, the first place in the queue is already occupied - Ed.

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GWR 175

Twenty-five years ago, we were all going barmy celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Great Western Railway. Among a series of national events, staged to mark the anniversary, were a handful of special steam excursions on the main line between Bristol and Plymouth - a classic Great Western route. The first of these, 'The Great Western Limited' on Easter Sunday 1985, came to a grinding halt when one of the two locomotives in charge (GWR 'King' No.6000 King George V) failed at Taunton with a melted axlebox bearing.

The celebrations took a big dive, until the Severn Valley Railway came to the rescue by sending one of its own GWR icons - 'Hall' Class engine No.4930 Hagley Hall - all the way to Plymouth, to bring the train back on Easter Monday. It worked in tandem with another Severn Valley engine of GWR origin - No.7819 Hinton Manor.

Now, 25 years on, and to mark this year's 'GWR 175' anniversary, the heroics of Hagley Hall and Hinton Manor have been remembered through the production of a limited edition 'gift set', featuring the two Severn Valley locomotives as 00 gauge models, in a polished wooden presentation box. They have been produced exclusively for the SVR by Bachmann.

The 500 sets won't be delivered until the end of June, but already some 50 of the sets have been sold to model railway enthusiasts. It may have been 25 years ago now - but clearly, the heroics of the two SVR steam locomotives have not been forgotten.

David Wilcock

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Trailer Markings for Parcels Vans

The BR model road vehicle supplements included in the June Hornby Magazine and Vintage Roadscene show van trailers hauled by a variety of mechanical horses and tractor units. Some of the trailers carry a waistband made up of black and white squares or black and yellow squares according to the era.

If I remember correctly, these were reserved for 'cross town cartage' in London between the main stations and depots such as Somers Town and Bricklayers Arms. They were not intended for delivery work.

Can someone confirm that these vans were found just in London?

Mike Harvey

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In the case of e-mails published in MREmag, individual responses from the editor are not usually sent unless there is an issue to be raised or answered. Our thanks to all those who contributed their thoughts, questions and answers which develop the topics covered above. A special thanks to Brian Macdermott, Trevor Gibbs and Dick Flower for their regular features.

If you have suggestions for the model manufacturers to consider, or if there is anything else you would like to discuss within the British railway modelling and collecting subject base of this magazine, please send me an e-mail, giving your ‘first’ name and surname (no pseudonym please) to Pat@mremag.com Please try to keep your contribution short, positive, polite and definitely not libellous. Anonymous comments cannot be published. Your contributions will be edited for readability and acceptability within the unbiased policy of the magazine. Care will be taken not to alter the views expressed but they remain those of the writer of the e-mail and are not necessarily shared by the Editor.

Wednesday 19.5.10

June Hornby Magazine

The magazine kicks off with the results of this year's Wish List Poll and asks whether there is enough demand for a 'Blue Pullman', bearing in mind the likely cost of a proprietary model.

Layouts visited this month include the P4 'Charlotte Road' by Wirral Finescale Railway Modellers, Mike Kelly's 00 Leicester based compact 'North Bridge' and Ian Mellors' suitably grimy 00 scale 'Summat Colliery'.

Practical articles include turning the Hornby Skaledale fire station into a realistic scene, building a Slaters 0 gauge coal wagon kit, ballasting options, weathering N gauge and signal wiring and installation.

There is also an article on parcels railcars and an accompanying one on building the DC Kits' Cravens Class 129. In a 'classic' article, Evan Green-Hughs looks at the Tri-ang Rocket and coaches and a further feature looks at dockside railways.

Reviews this month include Hornby's 'Bournemouth Belle' train pack and 12-wheel Pullman cars (with an article on the real service) and other Pullman releases, the new Graham Farish 'Black 5', ViTrains' Class 47 in Cotswold Rail livery, Bachmann's latest GUV and 'Intermodal' twin set releases, the Ixion N gauge 'Manor', DC Concept's multi-gauge rolling road and TMC's weathered vans and commissioned model of their local pub.

Two useful extras this month are an index to the current volume and a 16 page supplement guide to diecast vehicles in BR liveries.

Hints & Tips No.255 - Ground Putty Recipe

by Bengt Fasth (Sweden)

Back in the old days before DCC I heard about people who used something called landscape putty to make the first ground cover with. So, even if it's the days of DCC, I decided to make a test and make my own putty.

I mixed 1 cup of alabaster plaster with 1 cup of sawdust and the added paint made from 1 part brown, 1 part green acrylic colour and 2 parts of water.

I added the putty to the layout and I am quite satisfied with the result.

Snippet No.299 - Redhill to Reading Stranger

by John Cherry

On 23 September 1964, 'Black 5' 4-6-0 No.45346 of Annesley worked the 16.04 Redhill to

Reading service and was photographed leaving Betchworth. An interesting story, as the loco arrived on the Southern on the Newcastle–Newhaven car sleeper.

It failed on arrival at Newhaven, whereby it was despatched to Redhill shed for repairs. When eventually completed, it made four trips over the Reading line, leaving on 29 September. The homeward trip involved towing two condemned N Class 2-6-0s en route to Kings of Norwich via Reading, Oxford and Bletchley.

A nice ‘stranger’ for anyone modelling the Redhill–Reading route.

(Photo: Roy Hobbs. Magazine: Steam World, January 2009)

What's on TV?
by Brian Macdermott

Thursday 20 May
Rural TV (279), 21.00-22.00. Trains and Locomotives. US steam locos 8444 and 4449.

Sunday 23 May
BBC1 (South East), 13.30-14.00. The Real Railway Children. A train-driving family on the Bluebell.

Having Your Say...

New Announcements

Just when we thought that things could not get better, we get 10000 and 10001. Also, another company has announced that they are commissioning a 'Blue Pullman' and the early EM1 and EM2 locos.

Now that most of the post 1960s diesel and electric locos have been made, these iconic forerunners of their types will be a very welcome to the steam/diesel transition period and happily run alongside steam locos. It looks as if we are in for even more goodies over the coming year or so.

Full marks to all those who are willing to stick their necks out and bring some superb early diesel and electric locos to the market.

Andrew Carter

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Running What You Like

I have the greatest respect, and am honestly sometimes in awe of, modellers who recreate a certain railway's operations at a real or 'might have been' location at a given time in history. These people are genuine 'railway modellers' and their efforts inspire others to do better, raising the standards of the hobby as a whole.

The question then arises, what happens when a modeller, who has limited themselves to a certain subject area, is strongly attracted to a model outside that area? I think railway modelling should be fun rather than self imposed torture, and I would agree with what Andrew Carter wisely said last week in that I would buy that locomotive anyway.

The fact is, you are really not doing yourself any harm or reducing the purity of your endeavours. When you feel like it, you can run that loco around your layout and enjoy it. The rest of the time, it can sit off your layout in your storage cabinet and your layout is suddenly totally authentic again. My own two layouts can be operated either way, and I am very glad I bought what I liked.

Richard Whitmore - Australia

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Glen Douglas

I am puzzled as to Wye 62472 Glen Nevis changed its name?

Braid Anderson - Papua New Guinea

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Bogie Luggage Vans

Peter Welfare (Friday) is right in saying that a GBL (Gangwayed Bogie Luggage Van) was often at the head of the 'Golden Arrow'. GBL was the SR code, but, by the 1950s (the period Peter discusses), the BR code was Cor.PMV.

There were three versions (diagrams). These vehicles were quite distinct from the bogie GUVs (General Utility Vans) but the terms are often confused. Readers may like to consult An Illustrated History of Southern Coaches (Mike King) and Southern Railway Passenger Vans (David Gould).

The GBL is a very useful vehicle. They were used in WWII ambulance trains with many being used for pigeon traffic in later years. The most famous vehicle was No.2464 which was painted in Umber and Cream and used in the Winston Churchill funeral train.

I wrote some weeks back that Hornby could well retire their current vehicle with grace and honour to the RailRoad range, and bring out a scale version BGL/Cor.PMV in time for 2015 - the 50th anniversary of death of Sir Winston.

Finally, could Peter give a reference to the photo of the GBL on the S&D, please? Thanks.

Brian Macdermott

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Class 28 Co-Bo

I am delighted that this loco is to be introduced, but have one small query. Will Heljan produce this model with both styles of cab windows, as I do not have evidence that they ran with the modified version without a small yellow warning panel?

Ian Taylor

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