'USA' 0-6-0T models - painted samples

[dibber25]

We had a top Christmas present from Bachmann in the shape of these first painted samples of our exclusive 'USA' tank locomotive models. Four different black samples have arrived at Barwell with the blue LMR and green BR ones to follow. Here's a first glimpse. (CJL)

[WD0-6-0]

I think I'm in love

seriously though it really looks the part, I'm looking forward to the BR Green version

[gwrrob]

One of those and some of the forthcoming warflats would look superb.

[Fireline]

Am I the only one looking at this who thinks that something about the chimney doesn't look quite right...?

[olivegreen]

Am I the only one looking at this who thinks that something about the chimney doesn't look quite right...?

From my examination of photographs (and only that), the model's chimney is possibly very slightly too tapered towards the bottom, and the ring of rivets seems to be missing, but I had to look hard to see that.  Not something I would worry about - getting a RTR USA tank at all is pretty good!

[locoholic]

Am I the only one looking at this who thinks that something about the chimney doesn't look quite right...?

It looks OK to me.

[papagolfjuliet]

Crikey. If the black ones look that good then the Longmoor blue one should be a real bobby dazzler. can't wait.

[Downer]

They do look great. Were these locos ever used for anything other than shunting?

[SRman]

No, Downer. They weren't really suitable for anything else. Their axleboxes tended to run hot if they were run for any length of time, so they didn't even suit trip working.

[Poor Old Bruce]

They do look great. Were these locos ever used for anything other than shunting?

 

The Worth Valley Rly used one for passenger work at one time, perhaps they still do.

[Downer]

No, Downer. They weren't really suitable for anything else. Their axleboxes tended to run hot if they were run for any length of time, so they didn't even suit trip working.

 

Pity.  I know one was briefly loaned to Kentish Town in the early 50s for working in Somers Town yard, and I had vague notions of employing it on Tottenham & Hampstead line parcels traffic.  I know it's my layout, but we all have our own notions of how far we want to stretch reality. 

[SRman]

Poor Old Bruce is right about their use on the Worth Valley line. I'm not sure if they have done something to make theirs more reliable for distance running, or maybe they simply maintain it more frequently than in BR days (per mile or operating hours).

[dibber25]

Poor Old Bruce is right about their use on the Worth Valley line. I'm not sure if they have done something to make theirs more reliable for distance running, or maybe they simply maintain it more frequently than in BR days (per mile or operating hours).

I had a cab ride in one on the Kent & East Sussex back in the 1980s. It was a very bumpy, very hard ride. But model railways aren't the real thing. If we want something and enjoy how it looks when its moving, we shouldn't have to invent excuses for running it! (CJL)

[TonyA]

Downer,

 

If  you want trip working, model Longmoor. The Longmoor Military Railway, vol. 3 describes the last trips of WD300 before it was withdrawn on 26th Sept. 1958.

 

To summarise, on 17th Sept. it ran from Longmoor to Oakhanger five times each way with eight wagons and two brake vans.

On 22nd Sept. it ran with one coach seven times between Liss and Oakhanger, a total of 51 miles.

 

Although I am modelling Longmoor in 1964, I will either run a 1958 service or stretch the withdrawal date.

 

Tony

[SRman]

I would like to add that I was not saying to Downer "Don't use it"; I agree with Chris (dibber25) in saying it's your layout, you can run whatever you like. While my answer to his question seems fairly definitive, there is every possibility that there were exceptions to the rule (not that anyone needs that as an excuse, either).

If you really need an excuse, there is always the old Modeller's Licence to fall back on.    

[dibber25]

I've been 'playing' with one of the finished samples on my layout at home. It's smooth, VERY quiet, with good slow-running - and I've had it hauling a 'boat train' of 14 coaches including four Hornby Pullman cars without a trace of slipping. (CJL)

[The Stationmaster]

I had a cab ride in one on the Kent & East Sussex back in the 1980s. It was a very bumpy, very hard ride. But model railways aren't the real thing. If we want something and enjoy how it looks when its moving, we shouldn't have to invent excuses for running it! (CJL)

That sort of ride is typical of large 'industrial' engines I think, the big ex Longbride tanks were very similar when running on the West Somerset.

 

As far as 'excuses' are concerned who needs one when one thinks that the records of some sold into industrial use were lost forever and no photographers ever got to the sites where they finished up operating (that doesn't sound too bad at all does it? ).

Edited January 14, 2016 by The Stationmaster

[dibber25]

That sort of ride is typical of large 'industrial' engines I think, the big ex Longbride tanks were very similar when running on the West Somerset.

 

As far as 'excuses' are concerned who needs one when one thinks that the records of some sold into industrial use were lost forever and no photographers ever got to the sites where they finished up operating (that doesn't sound too bad at all does it? ).

I once had a day 'playing trains' at Longbridge on the footplate of Victor. There was a spot where you had to slow to a crawl and it still felt like the loco was on the sleepers! (CJL)

[Captain Kernow]

I really liked the big Bagnalls on the WSR in the early days, they had such a purposeful feel to them, even if they weren't really suited to hauling passenger trains.

[Arthur]

No, passenger service was not their forte but they were good at this;

 

 

 

Under the original Steel Company of Wales ownership, 401 pushes hot metal cars into the mixer bay of the open hearth melting shop.

[dibber25]

I thought the black samples were good. Now I've seen the green, blue and ochre samples I'm wondering if I can negotiate a staff discount for buying the complete set! Seriously, I think you're going to like these. (CJL)

[HOTTODDY]

Does anyone have a good guestimate of when they will be available? I dont subscibe to MR so a current advert is not available to me. They do look fantastic, The Southern or USA livery would be my choice. The BR version suitable for a mate.

 

Tod

[dibber25]

Does anyone have a good guestimate of when they will be available? I dont subscibe to MR so a current advert is not available to me. They do look fantastic, The Southern or USA livery would be my choice. The BR version suitable for a mate.

 

Tod

Soon. Livery samples are final stage before production and we've now seen all the livery samples.  (CJL)

[HOTTODDY]

Soon. Livery samples are final stage before production and we've now seen all the livery samples.  (CJL)

Thanks for the update. I shall look out for the next MR magazine, which hopefully will have the ordering details,( prices plus postage etc.)

 

Tod

[dibber25]

Thanks for the update. I shall look out for the next MR magazine, which hopefully will have the ordering details,( prices plus postage etc.)

 

Tod

The price is £124.95 inc postage. The phone number for orders is 01209 613984. There are currently 7 versions available to order:

MR101 USATC black No. 1968

MR102 SR black/sunshine lettering. No. 68

MR103 BR black/early No. 30069

MR104 BR lined green/late No. 30064

MR105 LMR blur No. WD300 Frank S Ross

MR106 Weathered BR black/ late No. 30071

MR107 NCB black No. 36

The magazine advertisement includes illustrations of the liveries. (CJL)