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Wickham Trolley


Combe Martin
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I attempted some research on these when Bachmann announced these, but failed to get the info. I wanted, so someone here might know?  Were these used on the BR Southern region (west) and would they have been green or maroon in 1962 if they did? 

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I must admit to looking forward to these arriving nearly as much as the recent class 40's...I only hope their gestation period is not as protracted!

 

On a serious note it will be interesting to see how they manage to hide the drive mechanism?

 

On a less than serious note I wonder who will be the first to commisssion a version in Loadhaul livery :jester:

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I must admit to looking forward to these arriving nearly as much as the recent class 40's...I only hope their gestation period is not as protracted!

 

On a serious note it will be interesting to see how they manage to hide the drive mechanism?

 

On a less than serious note I wonder who will be the first to commisssion a version in Loadhaul livery :jester:

From the little information that has been released, it appears that it will be produced with a trailer. That being the case, I would expect the mechanism to be in the trailer, hidden by load, side sheets or whatever.

 

That would allow the powered trolley to be open, providing the opportunity to include suitable figures, tools etc.    

 

John

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As those who have built the kits know too well - the biggest problem with these is traction (ie getting sufficient weight into what is an open platform) I sincerely hope that they will not be making this of plastic. The motor is an important part of the weight - if you can find one small enough to fit and to propel anything. In addition, there is a real issue with keeping these very small (and they are small - think N scale wagon) on the track let alone through points - potentially dead frog points.

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They were fitted with canvas curtains which covered the entire open sides. If modelled with these closed you've basically got a small box to contain a mechanism. Perhaps not what you'd prefer but it is an option Bachmann might consider.

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They were fitted with canvas curtains which covered the entire open sides. If modelled with these closed you've basically got a small box to contain a mechanism. Perhaps not what you'd prefer but it is an option Bachmann might consider.

That's what Silver Fox Models do on theirs.

 

I am rather hoping that Bachmann will go for one with the curtains furled and putting the drive in the trailer would allow that. 

 

John

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I seem to remember reading when it was announced that the motor was going to be in the trailer, so those St Trinians style chases won't be possible. Imagine Dora Bryan and suitable attired young ladies chasing your trains !!!!!!!

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As I recall, the trailers were rather small. I can't see a mechanism fitting there but it might accommodate the DCC chip.

 

Many years ago, Bachmann produced a USA pump trolley: "Gandy Dancer", always a good one for the silly hour at the end of exhibitions. But it actually runs quite well and would fit comfortably in a Wickham with the side curtains drawn.

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Hi,

 

I assume that all of these have now been withdrawn from mainline service and the only surving examples are on preservation lines?  If so, I can't really justify one on a 21st century layout.

 

Regards

 

David

Correct. The nearest thing to one that you will see these days is a road-rail Land Rover and only permitted within possessions.

 

John

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Hi,

 

I assume that all of these have now been withdrawn from mainline service and the only surving examples are on preservation lines?  If so, I can't really justify one on a 21st century layout.

 

Regards

 

David

The Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickham_trolley  doesn't give any date for withdrawal. When did it happen?

 

Regards

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Many years ago, Bachmann produced a USA pump trolley: "Gandy Dancer", always a good one for the silly hour at the end of exhibitions. But it actually runs quite well and would fit comfortably in a Wickham with the side curtains drawn.

I've been trying not to get too excited by this announcement (small chassis always useful) by expecting something based on the US Gandy Dancer or perhaps Speeder. The latter has a crane car and trolley which I assume improve pickup; hopefully we will see something more than a relivery.

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Weren't there some later vehicles built by someone called Permaquip? I recollect Barrie Swann building a motorised one in 00, which appeared on Tonbridge West Yard.

I remember our PWay trying out a motorised inspection trolley with 4 seats mounted within an exposed square-tube chassis frame, not entirely unlike a bigger Ariel Atom, i.e no weather protection! Also, it looked as if it was designed only to be driven one way, presumably it needed turning in order to come back!

 

It might have been a demonstrator as it wasn't around for long but IIRC it had a fair turn of speed!

 

John

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