We are offering these around on local basis in North West as a communication tool for anyone to pick up ideas, offer comments, or join us at one of our monthly presentations, which are held elsewhere than at our premises. Details of these are also in our website and blog. On other Tuesdays or any Friday evenings we are always pleased to welcome visitors at 57A Portland Street, map etc. on our website.

We are open to thoughts and ideas for improvements.

Tony Kuivala - Exhibition Manager & Deputy Chairman.

As a buyer of RTR 00 scale BR steam-era models, I am impressed by the way tender locomotives have lately been packaged, and applaud Bachmann and Hornby for their clear plastic cradle inserts. I also applaud semi-permanent engine-tender connections.

I notice however that with fully detailed models including front steps, cylinder pipes, hoses, couplings and coal rails, and sometimes even cab steps, details sometimes foul the plastic inserts, leaving me no option but to butcher the plastic, or to never store the model in its original box. I know that some people accept this state of affairs and devise ingenious custom storage systems, but I am lazy.

At least with the old foam inserts I could cut things up a little. Perhaps there is some obvious idea which has passed me by which can help? It won't be the first time! Or perhaps the magnificent models will arrive already fully detailed, at no extra cost... ?

Robbie McGavin - NZ

Grahame Hedges (Wednesday) is right that the list I gave was for 00. The list for N gauge comprises:

26 Gas Turbines/Diesel locos

50 Railcars/DMUs

19 Electric Locos

80 EMUs

Please note that we don’t list every type that ever ran and that is in response to the calls for ‘rationalisation’. If you find that the 2012 Poll doesn’t include your chosen ones, you will find a box at the end in which you can suggest up to five items for 2013.

Brian Macdermott (on behalf of The Poll Team)

I read with interest the article John Isherwood wrote about the above two locomotives and their liveries, John in quite correct about D5578 never carrying lining but to set the record straight the colour blue was known as 'French Blue'.

Again, John is correct regarding the colour used for D5579 but the lining was the same as carried on the later green versions which was a creamy grey.

These locos did not carry white lining until some of the rail blue versions carried a white line at waist level with larger numbers, the first batch delivered carried duck egg blue with the window area painted the same colour, the second had the same colour lining omitting the window area and the third batch to the above creamy grey.

I hope this helps.

Ian Taylor

Happy New Year Pat and my fellow readers.

Thank you Hornby for an interesting range for the new year, but I've just received the new Hornby Magazine and inside is a piece about Hornby's 2012 range including a broadside shot of the M7/push-pull train pack. It seems, from the photograph, as if there is a small, but important error, inasmuch as the outer end of the SO vehicle has ordinary buffers and not the correct EMU type, which are fitted to the other end. I hope this error is corrected before release as otherwise the set looks like a winner.

What a shame that the Brighton Belle is to be released in a livery it only carried for 3 years from 1933 to 1937, the later pre blue and grey liveried version would have much more general appeal, though I'm sure that version is in their future plans.

John Simmonds

Having been built? at the same time as 10000 and delivered on the same day 12th December 1947?, I can forgive the very minor discrepancies in the Hattons/Dapol model of 10000, after all I have suffered some 'Mods' in the intervening years, too. However, I never ever thought I'd see these locomotives in model form and all credit to Hattons for making it possible.

Pete Williams

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John Cherry

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The box claims that the model has all-wheel pickups but it only has pickups on the outer wheelsets of each bogie.

The brake hangers for the middle wheel-set are moulded onto the bogie. Unless viewed from exactly side on, they are so obviously out of line with the wheels that I think they are better removed. The outer wheelsets don't suffer from the problem - they have no brakes at all.

The tail light is fine but the four headcode lights are very obviously not of the same intensity. Until I received the model, it hadn't occurred to me that 10000 appeared before BR introduced folding headcode discs. Consequently it isn't possible to conceal some of the lights with folded discs. It would have been better to install lights just for one class of train - say express passenger.

There are directionally-switched cab lights but no provision for switching them off, nor is there provision for switching the tail light off.

Curiously, four black squares of plastic are included as extra fittings. I suppose that these are meant to be round and white and to represent the headcode discs (smaller than the BR folding pattern).

Colin Hewitt

Come on Graham Holman, where have you been hiding? I’ve got my Hattons confirmation of order for my Garrett dated 14^th August 2011…old news friend…do keep up.

David Richards

I must admit being mystified as to why my mention of Hornby's 'Brighton Belle' in my post (MREmag, Monday) made Mark Wiles 'chuckle'.

The 5BEL units may have originally been introduced in the 1930s but, far from 'it might as well be another steam age coaching rake', the ongoing Bringing Back The Brighton Belle project will see a hybrid 5BEL unit being very much a part of the 21st century railway.

Yes, it will have a certain amount of modern modifications, compared to Hornby's version, but railway modelling is inherently a hobby of compromise.

In the same way that VSOE has been running 'steam age' Pullmans on the national network for the past three decades, what prototypical reason is there for a 'modern image' modeller not to feature some umber and cream in amongst the plethora of modern, vinyl-applied liveries - even if it is with a diesel or electric loco on the front?

Or even, heaven forbid, one of the main line certified, air-braked steam locos which regularly feature on today's railway?

Robin Johnson

It is nice to see that Paul Goldsmith models GER, but he is very much mistaken in thinking that GE engines stayed in East Anglia.

Some, more than others, were allocated or wandered far beyond.

The J67/9s were found throughout LNER territory, from Scotland to N Wales, NER, GNR and GCR. They were also seen on the LTS and Southern.

B12s were also allocated to Scotland and saw the GWR, SR & LMS during the war, and ran to Manchester and to York.

The F4s, etc. also operated in Scotland and elsewhere. J15s were allocated to York at one time, were seen on the GNR, cross London freights and one was used industrially in Scotland. They served on the Western Front in WW1.

Thus the J69s only territorial challenger might be argued to be the J72, and we have those.

Probably only the J11 and J39 could get near to challenging the J15 'small goods'.

The GER was a proud and major player, yet all we have ever had is the ancient Tri-ang B12.

Dudley Jones

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John Cherry

I cannot speak highly enough about Hattons' service, but I had a moment of nostalgia when I got my latest delivery from them a week ago. No more brown paper, string and Liverpool newspapers for packaging. The package was just like everyone else, bubble wrap and a cardboard box. Everything in great order as always.

Richard Davies - Utah, USA

By Brian Macdermott

In November 1953, two 0-6-0 diesel hydraulic locos built by the North British Locomotive Company for the Mauritius Government ran trial trips in the Glasgow area: one was a goods over the Kipps Rawyards line (which included a section of 1 in 23); two others were on passenger trains between Glasgow and Lanark and Edinburgh.

(Source: Railway Magazine, February 1954)

I find it incredulous that an organisation renowned throughout the world is putting up barriers to customers in other parts of the world who wish to buy their products on-line and be able to provide confidential information via a secure connection to enable them to do so.

The NRM says the customer can phone their shop but why should somebody in Australia or New Zealand have to get up in the middle of the night to place an order, and at significant levels of expense. The NRM also suggests using email but you won’t get me sending card details via this insecure route.

I note that phone orders for the 'Compound' are being taken at an 0151 telephone number (not York) and presumably therefore not being handled by the NRM themselves. I’m sure they must have good economic reasons for doing this but why can’t the NRM’s agents do the same as all the big mail order retailers and supply to all parts of the world in response to web orders? Maybe the NRM should consider using a different agent for their next release and move with the times. I would have thought in these difficult economic times they could do with all the income they can get.

Anthony Johnson

Hattons are showing on their website, 12 versions of the Heljan Beyer Garratts in various liveries with two motors and some models having a revolving bunker. Pre-order the price is £(GBP)199 each.

Graham Holman

I found Robin Johnson's comments on the Hornby 2012 range interesting, but not really something I could address in 200 words. In any case, Brian Macdermott's list for the forthcoming poll shows that, while there have been many vintage diesel, and some electric releases of late (far fewer coaches though), there remains a way to go, especially in DMU and EMU classes.

However, I did chuckle when Mr Johnson listed the 'Brighton Belle'. Yes, of course, it's an electric unit, but it was introduced in 1934. That is ten years before the Thompson L1, and the O1 they've just announced. For the majority of it's life, it was more part of the steam era than the D&E market. Although it worked what the Southern called "the world's first electric mainline", most of it's life-span was spent alongside similar vintage Maunsell designed units. For the majority of D&E modellers, it might as well be another steam era coaching rake. It will sell and I'll probably get one as well, but it's not really what D&E modellers are looking for, when it comes to investment in new models!

Mark Wiles

A good friend brought his new acquisition of LMS 10000 round for a test run. I never saw the real thing in any form, but the model looks like what photographs I have seen. Very pleasing rendition of the body shape, especially the curvatures around the cabs, well detailed, the livery crisp and sharp. The marker lights and cab lights well done, with DCC control installed to set to a dim glow will be yet better.

On DC it ran completely smoothly, from a creep into motion up to a top speed scaling about 95 mph around my half mile test circuit. There was a little gear noise, of the type that usually fades away with a few hours running; it was quieter than the sound of the loco’s wheels on the rails; with a train on it was inaudible. Traction capability far exceeds the minimum necessary for full size trains.

The one thing I would do to it if it were mine is to investigate dropping the ride height of the body above the bogies to obtain a scale gap between the bottom edge of the bodywork and the top of the bogie frame. That’s no criticism, the makers have to turn out general release ready to run models able to negotiate set track, and a slightly raised body relative to the bogies is the best compromise available to enable this.

Paul Jansz

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The model of 10000 in LMS Black is a model of many compromises. They say it’s of the loco as built in December 1947, but the bogies are modelled on the modified versions fitted in September 1948. The body on the model largely represents the loco as built with the fuel and water feeds at the top of the body side, however, these were blanked off during the same works visit, so the model is basically a body/chassis combination that didn’t exist.

There are two further errors on the body, !0000 did not have rain strips above the cab doors when built but the Dapol model does, and the buffer beam valance has the widened cut outs that were applied in May 1949. So, even the body on its own does not represent the prototype in any correct form.

It looks stunning. The black paint is somewhere between satin and matt, with enough sheen to match the aluminium paint - a beautiful job. A nice touch is black axleboxes in the aluminium bogies. The cooling fan is well modelled. On close examination, it looks as if it is a well-recessed part of the roof moulding, with the grill separately attached. Side grills are not see-through but only the large body-side grills are obviously solid. The LMS letters have not been removed from the sprue cleanly, leaving obvious studs, which is a shame. The same with the numerals, although these are less obvious.

How frustrating for Dapol to clear the pre-production sample with a 21-pin connector only to have the production batch appear with 22 pins. Apparently Hatton's burnt the midnight oil removing the surplus pin from items left in stock as soon as the problem was discovered. If you buy one now, the fault should have been rectified.

Colin Hewitt

John Cherry mentions Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane and a shop nearby. I would just like to point out that the model shop, Hattons, was much further up Smithdown Road in the '60s, when Norman Hatton was alive and the Beatles were in full swing. Although the new shop is only a few yards from Penny Lane the old was quite a distance away.

George F McKie - Hattons customer for 50 years

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I doubt I’ll be the only one to point out (John Cherry’s note of Monday) that the "banker has a motor car", not a model shop. What on earth would a banker want with a model shop?

Ian McMurray

I wholeheartedly agree with Trevor Gibbs' suggestion about the usefulness of marking fouling points, those places where vehicles on converging lines will strike one another, but please don't use ground signals for this.

Ground signals allow for movements not covered by main signals, usually controlling situations like crossing between two lines by a crossover, setting back into sidings from a running line or leaving them to regain a running line. Ground signals are usually not provided for shunt movements within a yard, directions being given to the locomotive crew by hand or flag signals, so it wouldn't be right to provide them here. In any event, if the signal is there to control something, vehicles shouldn't be left in advance of it.

Neil Burgess

John Cherry

Although I would have preferred the announcement of a GER loco or item of rolling stock by Hornby, I can understand the risk this might present in commercial terms for the company. In general terms, GER stock remained in East Anglia until the end of steam operation in September 1962, fifty years ago. Cue special model release?

However, the recent choices by Hornby of a Thompson L1 2-6-4T, B1 4-6-0 and O1 2-8-0 are welcome, as they are all classes of locomotive which worked over former GER lines. Hopefully, Hornby will announce this time next year a Thompson K1 2-6-0, another class seen all over East Anglia, especially on excursion traffic and no doubt has common model parts with the releases to date.

The Gresley and Thompson non-vestibuled carriage stock is also good news and perhaps those who will complete the MREmag & RMweb Wishlist Poll 2012 later this year will consider suggesting a Lavatory Third. This was a very common vehicle in East Anglia, which to my knowledge is not available as a kit and would enable a prototypical train to be formed with the items released to date.

Paul Goldsmith

If there's a subject certain to cause disputes, it's livery colours and this seems no exception. A look at Brian Haresnape's 'Railway Liveries, BR Steam 1948-1968' [Ian Allen, 1989] indicates that the 1949 colour for painting non-corridor coaches and passenger train vans was carmine red, which is a bright shade, often unrelieved by any lining out - a picture on p.36 shows a Gresley articulated twin looking almost orange. The same colour was applied to the lower body-sides and at cantrail level on corridor stock, but the perception of the colour would have been modified by the cream upper panels and, to a lesser degree, the lining.

The 1956 liveries specified maroon for passenger vehicles, with lining out. Although this was not officially admitted, the late David Jenkinson, who researched the matter at great length, was certain that the colour was the same as LMS crimson lake. Given that the 1949 carmine red would have had chance to fade and discolour, a carriage so painted would look very different alongside a freshly-painted vehicle in 1956 'maroon'.

Neil Burgess

Described as a 'Bumper Reviews Issue' and with a 32 page special on the stars of 2012, the February issue was in the shops before Christmas and controversially carried news of Hornby's embargoed 2012 programme. Today there is fierce competition in the model railway magazine market with each trying to outdo the others with news of planned models. Indeed, the news and reviews section of three of the for leading magazines has become a battleground to capture the hearts and minds of readers.

Model Rail's news section contains advanced images of Bachmann's 'Blue Pullman', MLV, new V2 and Class 85, Dapol's A3, A4, measurement train and MRA side-tipping ballast wagons, Heljan's DP2 and Maschinenbau railbus, the Graham Farish BAA steel carrier, FNA, Mk1 GUV and JJA Autoballaster, the 0 gauge Golden Age Peppercorn A1, A2 and 'Merchant Navy', Ixion's 0 gauge Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST, RealTrack's Class 144 and the OnTracks/Electrotren industrial 0-6-0T. There are also images of the Skytrex 0 gauge engine shed and cattle van (with news that 00 buildings are planned), Provincial's Irish resin R-T-R brake and cattle vans and TMC's Whitby engine shed and chevron-liveried 'Conflat A'.

The all important model reviews include Hatton's LMS 10000, Hornby's and Bachmann's B1s, the Graham Farish 4-CEP, Bachmann's Class 350 'Desiro' and 'Derby Lightweight', Hornby's Gresley non-gangwayed coaches and Bachmann's 'Collett Goods' and Cravens GTi.

Visited layouts include Don Pearson's large N gauge 'Peak Rail', Roger Swann's 00 'Neptune Road' and Steve Jones' 0 gauge 'Sutton Parva'.

I was quite amused this morning to read some people moaning about the lack of models that would interest them in this year's releases from Hornby as, only yesterday, I was counting up just how expensive this year would be and making up my list so that I can tick them off as I get them.

I will be buying many of the Gresley suburban coaches (last year I know, but only just!). Book Law was based in the north-east in 1938 so that will have to be bought and Great Snipe, with its corridor tender, would have come all the way, although it was Kings Cross based. Then there are all the corridor full brakes, I could justify a dozen of those for my layout!

I can hear my bank manager panicking already!

Graham Crawford

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I feel a bit sorry for Hornby this year as we must appreciate they can't please everyone, but it does seem to be lacking in the late 60s to early 80s period.

I wonder if they could do the 101 in refurbished White Rose type livery at some point. I don't think they have ever done that livery (but I am open to correction). Also, a few years ago, they modelled a passable Calder Valley Birmingham RCW standard.

Perhaps Hornby would look at the available Class 47s out there. Most of them are a bit lacking - for next year, up to the level of the Class 60 specification please!.

A good one to do would be 56 036, which was painted in large logo livery, very early on, by Toton Depot.

Tom Gray

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Sadly there is no pleasing some people, I am at a loss to understand why some spend time worrying whether Hornby are giving up on fine detail locos and then berate them because they did not announce their particular favourite.

I must confess I am more than happy with their announcements and I believe Hornby have served us well for 2012, they have reaffirmed their commitment to the hobby.

In a couple of months we will all be able to vote in the 'Wish List' and we know that they do take notice of what we want; it is a matter of enjoying what we have and lobbying for what we want, it does tend to come in the end.

Regards and a Happy New Year to you Pat and all MREmag readers

Andrew Carter

In response to manufacturers announcements on new products, I keep reading with increasing regularity the complaint that there is ‘nothing in it for me.’ I know some of it is tongue in cheek but given the absolute plethora of new models we’ve seen delivered over the past 18 months and with plenty more still to come, even before the recently announced merchandise start to hit the shelves, I do think that is being a bit unfair.

Whether it is Steam, D&E or rolling stock, I think, in general, we’ve been extremely well catered for in recent times. Clearly manufacturers are going to produce firstly, what they think will sell, not specifically to please any particular region because it hasn’t received so much attention recently, although I do think they try and spread their favours in this respect.

Bachmann didn’t announce anything that I wanted, in their new catalogue last year, but I actually welcomed that as a bit of breathing space for my poor wallet. So, in these difficult times, I say 'well done' Hornby for having the confidence to announce some excellent brand new products, some of which I will certainly be buying.

Tim Sizer

Once again the aftermath of the Hornby 2012 announcement proves that it seems that the poor old manufacturers can't win - on the one hand there's some people complaining about the duplication of models, on the other those in the D&E fraternity that there's not enough for them.

Regarding the latter, given the way that Heljan, Dapol and Bachmann have taken up the baton of diesel and electric modelling over the past few years - not to mention the special commissions by retailers - I don't think there is a great deal of cause to moan.

It seems that some people have remarkably short memories. It was only a few brief years ago that there were complaints that there weren't enough R-T-R early DMUs available, since when we've seen six different types appear (three from Bachmann and three re-introductions from Hornby, if you include the ex-GWR railcar), plus the prospect of four different types of railbus and a parcels unit from Heljan, plus a 2H DEMU special commission.

There were also complaints that there weren't enough third rail EMUs available, since when we've seen Bachmann's excellent 4CEP, 2EPB and forthcoming MLV, with Hornby's 'toe in the water' 4VEP and the Brighton Belle imminent. Complaints about lack of AC electrics have begun to be answered by Bachmann's Class 85 and the Heljan 86. We now even have the prospect of the fabled Blue Pullman in modern R-T-R form!

On top of all that, who could have believed just a few years ago that we would see such niche interests as Baby Deltics, Class 15s/16s, the Metrovick Co-Bos, Woodhead electrics and a range of diesel prototypes all available as R-T-R models?

I think Hornby is doing exactly the right thing by concentrating on the 'steam era' market. There is so much more 'not yet done' in terms of locos and rolling stock from that era, compared to the D&E market. Largely leaving Heljan, Dapol and Bachmann to continue their work in covering the last 60-odd years of railway traction seems like an eminently sensible decision.

(Cue the replies complaining that all the aforementioned R-T-R diesels and electrics are wrong in some way or other...!)

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On Friday, Pat mentioned that there are not many D&E types left to make and that is perfectly correct. In the forthcoming Wishlist Poll, we will be showing the following (subject to any deletions due to announcements before we go live).

17 Gas Turbines/Diesel locos

47 Railcars/DMUs

16 Electric Locos

76 EMUs

It is a matter of debate as to whether some of those listed would actually ever be made. However, if you take a rough average of, say, two items in each category being made per year, it gives:

8.5 years to complete Gas Turbines/Diesel Locos

23.5 years for Railcars/DMUs

8 years for Electric Locos

38 years for EMUs

Brian Macdermott (on behalf of The Poll Team)

An important question to many, which is 'unanswered' by the pre-production photos released to-date, is whether the new catalogue entries for 2012 will feature NEM pocket couplings, or not?. For example the Mk3 coaches shown 'clearly offer' differing bogies and couplings! When last released, the breakdown crane used 'very old' Tri-ang wheelsets - will these now be to a common modern standard....

Which brings one to mention ... isn't it about time that 'System 6' track was improved to match current wheel standards; or is that (both) manufacturer's assumption (since Bachmann sets have contained track marked with Hornby numbers and even 'Made in Austria'), that UK users will adopt Peco track anyway?

Hopefully, despite the release of a Railroad Schools Class loco, this year will not see further confusion between the ranges, such as created by the Hitachi Javellin/Rapier and extra coaches; for which Hornby used the same pre-production photo which has
been used since by many retailers. To which standard IS the White-liveried Olympic
Set?

Phil Spiegelhalter

My thanks to Mark Alden for correcting me about the introduction of the 'tent' style (blue) china clay wagons. I had forgotten that they did not come into service until around 1974, or so, and, having a further look at some photographs, that would seem to be the starting point. I would concur that a further set of flat top china clay wagons from Kernow, with different running numbers, would be most welcome.

John Cherry

Although I am not a steam enthusiast, maybe the missing BR standard will be included. Due to the lack of any new freight stock from Hornby, maybe it will be another banner year for new freight stock from Bachmann, with predictions including the BR vanwide (VEV/VEA) and a new chassis for the bulk grain wagon?  Hornby seem to concentrate on pre 1950s coaching stock. Maybe from Bachmann we will get a TPO stowage van to go with the sorting van... a new Mk1 catering vehicle or FO, new runs of the Mk2 TSOs missing from catalogue for last 2 years and, hopefully, MK2Ds - all five variants.

Multiple units should include a brand new Class 101 (as in their current N range), or even the TransPennine 5-car set.

Diesels could include a retooled original non-refurbished Class 47 (This should have the faults removed that were in the original release i.e. rivets around windshields, drivers cab door window heights etc.)

Greg Palmer - Kingston, Ont, Canada

Robert Carroll was quite right to raise the question of Hornby's use of the above colours. It has confused me a few times, as the colours were quite obviously different when seen together.

Pat will of course have been keeping tabs on this, and the ‘Models of the Year’ voting form will indicate the extent of the introductions. To a well known and only just out of season tune:

Six all-new steamers,

Five M-Us,

Four types of BR diesel,

Three reheated steamers,

Two prototype diesels,

A DC loco and class 201 IE.

So it wasn’t just my imagination that practically every other week something new on the ready-to-run loco front became available. I wonder what sort of torrent we might have faced had there not been a recession on?

Paul Jansz

John Cherry (reliving the 60s yet again)

There are 172 pages in this month's Railway Modeller and one cannot help but wonder how that can be produced for just £3.60. No doubt the 80 pages of advertising pay for a lot of it but that still leaves 90 pages of articles etc. You also get a free Metcalfe signal box card kit to make up and with assembly instructions in the magazine.

Railway of the Month for January is Taunton Model Railway Group's beautifully modelled 4mm scale 'Bath Green Park' which includes the terminus station and yard, presenting one of the few places were the LMS and Southern Railway met.

Other layouts visited this month are Geoff Green's N gauge extension 'Ocean Quay', Richard Coleman's 4mm scrapyard 'Albion Metals', Ian Clark's 4mm 'Midland Iron Co.' industrial feature, Martin Coombes' delightful compact O-16.5 'Whiteoak Light Railway' and Alan Matthews' massive loft based 00 'West, Park and General which covers an area 28' x 13' and additionally has three layers. Plan of the Month is 'New Mills East Goods', a Midland Railway main line in 00.

Practical articles include enhancing models built from card kits, upgrading a Lima N gauge GWR horse box, researching an Irish 3ft narrow gauge (Schull), creating 4mm scale broadleaf trees and making permanent way.

Railway of the Month is Peter North's American H0 Virginian railway and other articles take us to Germany x 3, Napal, San Juan Valley Railroad and Wisconsin Central. With many of the reviews being of German and American models, there is an unusual bias towards just two countries this month.

By Brian Macdermott

Monday 9 – Friday 13 January (and for the following three weeks)

BBC2, 18.30-19.00. Great Railway Journeys. Michael Portillo is on a new series of trips around the country. (They started on Monday 2 January, so you might have to catch them when repeated.)

I am sure at the previous years announcements we heard that D&E modelling was alive and well at Hornby and several projects are just bubbling under the surface. Well where are they? The Class 67 is welcome but that was leaked last year so is that it? I know Mr Kohler is reading these pages so can he assure us that there is something for those of us who model D&E to look forward to. Hornby have proven that, when they do it well, they can do it brilliantly (Class 60 I am thinking here).

So how about it Hornby, instead of endless re-liveries on dated and inaccurate tooling how about a surprise or two with the wow factor!

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What's there for the S&D modeller?

Hornby certainly have a packed program for 2012, but S&D modellers (like me) may well be wondering how much is in it for them, given that we are already very well served by our 'big two'.

Well, a Maunsell open 2nd was often added to a Maunsell 3 coach set (sets 390-399), as a strengthener coach up until the end of 1961, when virtually all remaining Maunsell coaches were withdrawn.

The bogie Van B was used on the afternoon 'perishables' from Highbridge and, by 1965 (possibly sometimes earlier), the 2 coach Highbridge sets were often a brake composite (Mk1, Hawksworth or Collett) plus a Van B.

Plenty of Gresley Full Brakes were seen and, in 1962, one of the Highbridge sets was comprised of a Mk1 suburban composite plus a suburban Thompson brake (although I don't know if Hornby's is the right type).

Lastly, buried away in all that detail, there is the ex-GWR maroon horse box, but now with CALF BOX branding. These ran from Binegar to Scotland and also from Scotland to Wincanton. The publication The Somerset & Dorset Files No.5 has a picture and other details.

Peter Welfare

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In today’s posting, Dudley Jones questions Hornby copying Bachmann regarding new loco releases mentioning the B1.

For those modellers who model railways in Scotland circa 1956 onwards we are delighted that at long last a Scottish based B1, the late emblem 61243 Sir Harold Mitchell, is now available ready to run. These were easily identifiable by the curved lining on the front and the rear of the running plates as Cowlairs Works modified the great many Scottish and Carlisle based B1s with strengtheners due to excessive cracking. For decades now it has been a real pain making these up from spare etchings etc. for either the Bachmann B1 or the Nu-cast kit then painting and lining them, which involved eight curved lines (four red and four grey).

Well done! to Hornby for doing their homework and providing for the main variants of locos which shows commendable attention to detail.

Eric Kidd

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Re Hornby 2012 items, 10 out of 10 for the Brush 2 but 0 out of 10 for wagons. It looks like I will have to see what Bachmann might do for this year.

Happy New Year!

Kevin P Mulhall

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Hornby’s announcements are certainly very pleasing and, as Pat says, Simon Kohler is clearly listening. He is to be congratulated for some (possible) ‘forward thinking’ with the push-pull set.

The ‘unconverted SO’, which has spun off from the set, is actually a Diag.2005 vehicle. It is a very useful ‘loose’ vehicle in its own right, but also has great appeal for S&D modellers to add as a ‘strengthener’ to the recently released 3-set No.390.

Furthermore, if you model such West Country branches as Callington, Exmouth, Sidmouth and Lyme Regis in the period late 1959 to June 1962, you can pair this vehicle with the existing R4320 BCK to form 2-sets Nos.104/5/9/10. Hornby’s S1314S was actually in Set No.104 (with BCK No.S6589S).

If tables were added to the SO, it could be paired with a new-build restaurant first to form a catering set that was widely used across the SR and on many inter-regional workings. The relevant RF had four diagrams (2650/1/5/6), but the differences largely related to the catering equipment. It could also ‘spin off’ some 1947 onwards conversions to RB/RKB.

The BCK could 'spin off' a Diag.2403BCK; however, this would be of more use if Hornby was to make the ‘matching’ Diag.2113 BSK and Diag.2008 SK. This would facilitate various 2-, 3- and longer sets, mainly in conjunction with existing Maunsell models.

Brian Macdermott (with input from Chris Knowles-Thomas and Glen Woods)

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Having taken much interest in recent speculation here and elsewhere about the future of Hornby, I must say that I am relieved and pleased by their 2012 program. Fine scale modelling appears to be very much a part of plans, and I hope that the other parts of the business do well, so that I may continue to enjoy my choice of beautiful British steam-era models.

I presume that the very high standard of modelling recently attained can be profitable. May the company which is well liked by so many continue to flourish.

Thank you and well done Hornby!

Robbie McGavin - NZ

Kevin Lee wrote, "Having always admired this attractive model in lined 'electric' blue, I've often wondered if the prototype was ever painted like this. Can anyone provide further information"?

The answer is 'Yes' and 'No' - D5578 was painted in an experimental blue, but it wasn't lined in white as per the model.

See http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6260142719/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6260141365/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6260140943/; & http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6260667504/ .

At the same time, D5579 was painted in 'Stroudley Improved Engine Green', (actually a golden ochre), and this was lined white - see http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6191521745/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6191522121/; & http://www.flickr.com/photos/59835095@N02/6260667686/ .

I hope that this information helps.

John Isherwood

The model was introduced in 1962 by Tri-ang as R357 and was finished in electric blue with pale blue/grey around the cab windows and blue roof. This was available for about a year when the livery was changed to green with small yellow panels and grey roof, still catalogued as R357 but with the running number altered to D5572, although some early green ones were released as D5578. In 1966 Tri-ang Hornby released R357B which was D5578 in rail blue and white stripes with small yellow panels and white roof, presumably their interpretation of the corporate image as yet to appear on the real thing. A green version, still with the number D5572, continued to be available as R357G. Whilst the application of the white stripes was not applicable to the prototype, it was similar in style to sister locomotive D5579 which was out-shopped from Brush in Golden Ochre with white stripes and grey roof.

I have suggested to Simon Kohler of Hornby that they ought to produce a limited edition of D5578/9 in original liveries to celebrate 50 years of the model, especially now they have just announced the green version back in the range for 2012, for which I am most grateful. Lima also produced two limited editions of these models back in the late eighties.

Grahame Wareham (Brush Veteran)

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No doubt I will not be alone in telling Kevin Lee that D5578 did indeed appear in that very attractive 'Light Electric Blue' livery when new and that its successor, D5579, appeared in 'Golden Ochre' (or 'Bronze Gold') at the same time. I've never seen a model of the latter, which was also extremely attractive.

Jeremy English

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I understand that it was quite common, in steam days, for the Great Western Auto-trains from the 'Golden Valley' line, from Stroud to Gloucester, to 'race' northbound trains from the Bristol direction on the LMS lines from Standedge Junction towards Gloucester.

Jeremy English

Unfortunately, John Cherry is wrong in thinking that the 'tent' style china clay wagons are good for Class 22s. This type of hood did not come into service until around 1974, or so, so they are no good for 'Warships' either. I hope that Kernow bring out more flat top china clay wagons (with different running numbers please).

Mark Alden

As referred to in my report yesterday, Hornby have released quite a lot of new models before the end of year deadline. Before Christmas the following models arrived:

From The Poll Team (Neil Burgess, Robert Carroll, Chris Knowles-Thomas, John Lewis, Jeff Lynn, Brian Macdermott, Nick Stanbury, Ian Taylor and Glen Woods).

We are delighted to have been asked by Pat Hammond (MREmag) to run the Wishlist Poll from 2012. We bring with us over 400 years’ combined experience of modelling – some members of the team are published book/magazine article authors; some have retail experience; and some are ex-BR staff (with some still working on preserved railways).

We are also delighted to say that Andy York of RMweb has kindly agreed to design the computer elements of the Poll for us, working from our text, and to run the Poll concurrently with MREmag.

Hence, the new title: The MREmag & RMweb Wishlist Poll – 2012.

The purpose of the Poll is: To enable the railway modelling and collecting community to let the major ready-to-run manufacturers and those who ‘commission’ models know which railway models they would like to see made from new tooling.

We have worked hard since May to respond to feedback from pollsters that they wanted to see ‘rationalisation/consolidation’ of the content and we have:

• ‘stylised’ the presentation of the text for consistency;

• arranged steam locos by order of wheel arrangement, making the lists easier to navigate;

• added BR running numbers to steam locos (and others) to aid identification;

• added diagram numbers to rolling stock where appropriate to aid identification;

• split BR Freight into two for greater clarity (Steam/Diesel Era and TOPS-coded types);

• cut the content to just 700 items (without material loss);

• enabled pollsters to vote for what they would realistically purchase (previously 10 votes only); and

• written a maximum of six lines of easily-digested text about every item listed (The Guide).

How many people know the differences between an LNER A2/1, A2/2 and A2/3? How many people understand the features and build-dates of the various BR Mk1 catering vehicles? How many people know that there are three distinct time-spans/styles/liveries for the Tavern Cars? You will find answers to all these questions – and many more – in The Guide.

We don’t have a ‘go live’ date to give you at present, as we are awaiting confirmation of when Bachmann will announce its future programme. This is normally early in March, so you can expect to see this Poll by April and probably earlier. Full details will be announced in due course on both MREmag and RMweb. Both will carry N and OO versions.

This is an excellent book by an expert. It follows on from Bob Essery's excellent books on railway operations for the modeller. The author has brought his own personal experience to bear on the operation of model railway layouts. In an era when many model railways feature such complex details as large locomotive depots and goods yards, this book is designed to provide the modeller with a comprehensive guide to the working practices of shunting and marshalling passenger and freight trains. In this, Bob Essery applies to the subject his insistence on 'realism in miniature'. The book is well illustrated throughout with many photographs, but also track plans and a series of sketches demonstrating how wagons in a train can be sorted. Hopefully this will lead to a lot of fun and satisfaction in getting manoeuvres right.

The Golden Age of the Big Four

Source: Strike Force Entertainment - Railways in Britain Archive

Length: 120 minutes

Picture: 1.33:1 monochrome

Language: English

Subtitles: none

The following Hornby models have been released:

Many thanks to Tony Walmsley (MREmag) and Chris Knowles-Thomas (via email) for alerting me to the error in my posting about non-gangwayed stock on Monday.

Tony and Chris are, indeed, correct that the Airfix LMS ‘Inter-District Stock’ and the Dapol re-introductions are the same item. I had been working for some time with some LMS non-lavatory, non-gangwayed stock photos, and – somehow – these went into my mind as the recent Dapol types!

Brian Macdermott (with red face so bright that it is now being mistaken by trains in the Milton Keynes area as a ‘stop’ signal!)

As a regular reader of your magazine I have, up to now, never felt a need or desire to contribute. However, I think that your readers might be interested in a problem which I have had with my new (weathered) Bachmann B1 (catalogue No 31-716).

Purchased recently and tested (on analogue) it worked perfectly. As I operate a digital layout, I removed the body and fitted a decoder, as per instructions, programmed it, tested it and all was well. After refitting the body, all was not well; I has a total short circuit and destroyed the decoder. The problem was the beige coloured suppressor connected across the motor terminals at the rear of the chassis; the 'legs' of this item are not insulated and there is only a hair's breadth clearance. Replacing the body caused one 'leg' to touch the other terminal - on removal of the body it sprang up and - no problem. The simple answer (prevention being better than cure!) is a small piece of insulation tape over the terminal.

I felt that Bachmann might wish to know of the problem and telephoned them this morning. Their response was a little ambivalent and my suggestion that they might like to reimburse me for the decoder was turned down.

John Cherry (living the BR Green era yet again)

I fear DCC converts must wonder if it was worth the effort and expense when here is yet another example of a DCC failure.

Pete Blencowe

A further prediction, as I was reading between the lines at Reading Station - the re-launch of the Tri-ang Battle Space range.

Naturally, these will be DCC Ready, be powered by AC or DC, have BC Lamp fittings and come with a CD of DCC Sounds and optional DB livery e.g. perfect for a New York Railroad layout?

Edwin Chappell

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As Paul Janz points out, it is rather difficult to separate wish from prediction, and as I enjoy the very high standard of recent BR 00 steam models from both of the dominant manufacturers, I predict a Duke of Gloucester as a flagship new model for Hornby.

I have absolutely no reason for this except that it's hard to see such a model NOT selling. Pity about the lack of variants.

Also nice and logical would be the 'bedding-in' of recent models with weathered variants and reliable deliveries. Congratulations to Hornby for negotiating the recent production and delivery problems.

Robbie McGavin - NZ

Many thanks to Pat and everyone who contributes to MREmag to make it an essential thrice-weekly read. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

And the same to all the manufacturers who have given us a feast of superb products throughout 2011 – long may it all continue.

Brian Macdermott

Over the past few days it has been brought to Bachmann's attention that purchasers of item 31-129, the Great Western liveried version of the ROD 2-8-0, who are using DCC operation, are experiencing difficulties after the decoder has been fitted.

In this event Bachmann suggest that the item be returned to their Service Department at the address shown on the paperwork enclosed with the model, so that their service team can check and resolve the problem.

Please note:

1. There is no need to return this locomotive if it is intended only to use DC analogue operation.

2. Only the GWR liveried version (31-129) is affected – the LNER or BR (ER) versions are not.

3. Any further releases of the GWR or BR liveried versions (31-127 and 31-128) will be delayed until each locomotive has been tested under DCC conditions to establish if it is affected.

This book is the latest in a growing series for the railway modellers bookshelf. With over 300 coloured photographs, the author demonstrates, stage by stage, the various processed he recommends adopting. Anyone can weather a model but very few people can produce a result which, when photographed close up, is hard to tell from the real thing. Today, the leading model manufacturers offer weathered versions of most of their basic locomotive models, but the economics of mass production make it impossible to produce really realistic results. It is the time consuming detail that makes all the difference and this book will help you to achieve it.