Mr Pilcher

I was delighted to receive my new Bachmann improved precedent from RoS last week. Joy soon turned to disappointment when I tried the loco on the club layout. The loco seems to stutter and stall and didn't like the 4 foot radius curves on the layout. It seemed to smooth out with more power, though the speed was way too high, indicating a gear selection issue. Mine still has the traction tyres, as fitted. I also feel that the front pony is oversprung and perhaps is lifting the drivers a little? Power is good (on higher voltage) but there isn't much torque on the curves. Has anyone else experienced these issues and found a cure? It is one of the most expensive locos I have ever purchased, which adds to the frustration.

I've come back to the hobby recently after a long hiatus. Being from Crewe, I'm building a BR/MR layout set c.1960. I started to collect mk1 coaches both preused and new. I avoided the old Hornby coaches and bought later versions secondhand...they seemed ok with flush glazing and fine lettering but with the old d couplers. I thought these were the current body moulds. I've just bought some new railroad mk1's and despite the economy measures, the bodies appear more finely moulded and more true to scale. So, how many generations of Hornby mk1's have there been since the old triang designed versions were dropped?

I bought a railroad black 5 recently, thinking it would be a budget version of the superdetailed item. I was a bit disappointed when I received it. It's very inaccurate and it wouldn't pull a boy scout off yer grannie. Somehow I still like this model and so I've resisted reselling it. As long as I keep it away from my other black 5s, it looks OK. But that tender has to go. It weighs a massive 182 g and is less well free running then an old triang wagon with non pinpoint bearings. It's a disgrace really. In fact it operates as one big brake. I know it's a relic from the old days of ringfield, but surely Hornby have better chassis available? So rather than mess with the mess, I bought a cheap mainline LMS stanier tender. Their version weighs in at 82 g, is much better detailed, and is a very free runner. I have to repaint it in early BR as well as fit wipers and a drawbar pin. Nothing tricky. Just wondering if someone else has done this and maybe the best finish/ shade of black to match the Hornby body? My aim is to get this loco to be able to handle 8 coaches rather than the current 2-3 on level track. I will also add some extra weight to the loco body. All help gladly appreciated. Craig

Does anyone know what locos and stock were travelling the line from crewe to stoke and beyond in the days before dmu's?

Thanks again for all your contributions. Having discovered all of this, may I ask does anyone know what stock was used on the line between crewe and stoke prior to dmu operation in the same period?

A big thanks to The Johnster for all that info...just about covered it all for me. Yes a model of Crewe station appears a daunting task. However, I have scaled the layout down somewhat. I have decided to not model the 1913 extension which was platform 1 (now defunct) and just model the pre 1913 station arrangement which was contained within 2 rows of these brick screens. As for the track layout I am using something similar to the rationised 1985 plan. That would make 3 sets of double bays, 4 main platforms and 2 through lines. The current platform 12 is excluded as it's part of the extension. Max platform length at Crewe is 1700 ft. I have a large room, but will scale that back, for sure. The only thing that frightens me is the mess of roofing that seemed to evolve with time. Having been born there, grew up as a boy travelling by train to school, I can visualise a lot of aspects of the station. That included trainspotting as a 8 year old with Dad back in 67/68!

Thanks again for all your help. I'm now looking at either a 3D design or scratching a master. Either way I reckon I'll be pouring rubber! I've co designed 3D tram bodies in O scale and these prints are expensive for sure. (I don't own a 3D printer) These arches would quickly mount up in price given the volume of material that would be required if I solely used 3D. There are 2 basic designs... open and bricked up. I think they'd look great with glimpses of the train on the other side. Reminiscent of my youth as a Crewe boy back in the 1960s in fact. Next issue is getting the correct dimensions. Being in Australia it's difficult to go and have a quick sizing expedition. In the end I'm not the type that needs to have it dimensionally spot on. I'd rather capture the character faithfully. All help and guidance is always welcome and appreciated. Craig.

Thanks everyone. I'm looking at either 3d or making a master and creating a mould. I'm guessing that 3d is the easiest route but also very expensive.

I'm looking to recreate these italianate arched brick screens as seen at Crewe station. Does anyone have any advice as to model these? I will be needing quite a few....

Hi all I'm at the planning phase of a new layout based on Crewe in the late 50s. Can anyone inform me as to what type of coaches and locos that were used on the former GWR routes into Crewe in this period? I see that Halls and Manors were commonplace. What particular coaches were uses fir Wellington and Shrewsbury? I'm guessing at former GWR B sets and cascaded mainline ex GWR stock with some mk1's also. Did chocolate and cream make it to Crewe? Thanks in anticipation. Craig. (Formerly a Crewe boy)

Well, you know that I know what this is. A strange brew of traditional tram and newer streamliner influence. They also ran on 4 different systems to my knowledge, so it should be easy to recognise! Who's that favourite Australian, BTW........ A 7mm Manchester fan downunder.

What an excellent result! I cannot wait to see the Manchester cars in 7mm! Maybe you might have the CAD for it? It's sort of hard to see what the finish is like from the photos. Is there much to do in order to get a fine finish? This is a very good way of acquiring those rare models, and maybe not as expensive as one might think, given the current cost of standard kits and the time and resource required to build these kits. Keep it up! CF.

Hi there, I joined RM because of your excellent blog. So when are you going to do the 7mm Manchester standard? - if you have the CAD already then I will have it printed if that's alright with you. - Let me know. These models are a great effort and somewhat of an achievement. It must feel great to be a pioneer! CF