cravensdmufan

That is an interesting theory regarding over optimistic bids. But the bottom line is that both private operators since privatisation have had to "hand the keys back" because presumably they found they were unable to make enough money out of the operation. Which makes me wonder how long will it be before the same thing happens again? Incidentally - the frequent on-train announcers now just say "Virgin Trains" - they have dropped the Virgin Trains East Coast name already. But I have to say every train I travelled on was either on time or a few minutes before time!

There's a bit of a pattern developing on the ECML (personal opinion based on my extensive useage over the years). GNER - Good National Express - Poor East Coast - Good Virgin - Poor Next?.....

Travelled KX to Leeds rtn on Monday and KX to Doncaster rtn yesterday. Monday I upgraded to 1st Class but noticed a definite deterioration of the "complimentary offer" of food and drink and also no "Times" newspaper. Exteriors on new livery vehicles looking worn and dull already. Dread to think what they'll be like when winter sets in! Return ex Leeds was East Midlands HST, and interior very shabby - toilet not working etc. Overall impression was that many corners are being cut. Shame to see this flagship service now looking so tatty.

Really excellent BRM article - I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks, I'd forgotten about the upsweeps on the 121's. Interestingly the livery on the 104 in my photo looks more or less ex works and is in the revised (darker) NSE blue, yet still has upsweeps. Anyway, at least all the cars look nice and clean! I reckon Western Region (or should I say NSE Thames) depots always did their best keeping the old rattlers going in very difficult circumstances in the year or so before the arrival of the Turbos

I used to work at Paddington until 1995. Took lots of photos in the NSE era mostly locos but regrettably not many of DMU's. However, this is one of a cobbled together Paddington to Reading service (unfortunately undated) - Class 104 DMBS, Class 117 DMS, and Class 121. Interestingly all powered so no lack of acceleration here! I remember exhaust fumes coming up through the floors could be problem, so there was no escape on this occasion (those regular commuters in the know would hope for a full 3 car 117 and head for the unpowered centre car!). Interesting variations of NSE livery on each car. Apologies for the quality of the scan from my print, but only had a cheap 35mm camera at the time!

What I guess would have been a Class 156 substitute working, on 14 May 1990 142 017 worked the 12.54 Liverpool to Great Yarmouth throughout! Anyone doing the whole journey must have needed a full week by the seaside to recover! Back to the OP, yes I remember 156 and 142 combinations on the S&C in BR Provincial and Regional Railways days.

I hadn't thought of the paper crumbling. If that happens I may try a square of Plasticard. I don't trust myself with the soldering iron!

I have recently had problems with my Bachmann 101's which have began running erratically. Wheel dirt does seem to be more of a problem with DMU's and Silver Sidelines' comment in post #5 regarding lighting diodes was interesting so I turned the lights off and the wheels do seem a little better after a week. Time will tell. However, today I have discovered another possible cause. The trailing bogie of the power car is supposed to pick up it's juice via axles points in brass bearings which are linked to a couple of probes that stick up through the floor which should make contact with a pair of brass plates under the seats. I discovered that my trailing bogie wasn't picking up too well, but I found an easy cure as follows: 1. Remove body (4 small screws in each corner). 2. Unclip black lighting PCB (by removing 4 black clips and 4 silver strips). 3. Unscrew seating (4 tiny screws). 4. Fold (3x) a small square of paper to make a springy cushion to go between the seats and the brass plates. (This will hold the contacts tighter against the bogie pickup probes.) 5. Re-assemble in reverse order of above. Sounds too simple but it really works! Power now picks up reliably from all 8 wheels!

I remember the 309's AM9's when they were in maroon livery with wrap round windows. My local station (Shenfield) had a lady announcer: "Front four coaches for Walton on Naze, Rear coaches for Clacton". The Clacton portion contained the "Griddle Car" where passengers could partake in a freshly cooked steak sandwich (to go with their draft beer). Those were the days my friends! Now I really do feel old!

Fabulous photos, thanks very much for posting. Shenfield was my local station back in the 60's/early 70's and I did a lot of trainspotting from the iron footbridge just south of the station. Alas, no camera in those days! Loved seeing the Hook Continental and Day Continental boat trains usually class 37 hauled (often followed by reliefs which were 31's). Those were the days! If you have any more GE section photos they'd be very much appreciated.

Ordered from this company for the first time this week having read about them here on RMW. Started by emailing them as I wasn't sure on a couple of items, and got a very helpful courteous reply almost by return. The transfers arrived the next day. I have started using a few and they are brilliant. Definitely recommended.

I agree. Just single arms and one type of double gantry (maybe even a simple kit to expand to 4 track) would surely cover most people's needs. Hornby had a go years ago but everything was so over scale presumably to cope with the train set market. Even Tri-ang did one back in the 60's. Presumably neither sold well. But now that times have moved on and lots more electrification on real railways must make this worth another effort. Come on manufacturers - who is going to grasp the nettle? There's a lot of us "sparky" modellers waiting out here!

We need nice 4mm British scale (and preferably working) OHLE to go with the superb Bachmann class 85 and forthcoming 90.

Will be following this as I'd also like to add WCML type OHLE and would welcome advice as well! I spoke to Dapol about a year ago who said they would be doing the wires to go with their nice masts, but couldn't give an estimated date. Also, do I seem to remember the same company would be making two types of pantograph in 4mm? Single arm and Faiveley? Or was I dreaming?

Maybe I was unfortunate but I got a Voyager both ways. Down service was Holyhead bound, the return up service I believe started at Chester. Must plan it better next time! Although I find Pendolinos a bit claustrophobic. I much prefer the ECML with it's Mk4's and Mk3 HST's.

I'm afraid that I find the whole Virgin branding thing looks cheap - which the service is not! There's no escaping it these days - WCML, ECML, planes, broadband, money shops, spaceships etc. etc. - I know it's called entrepreneurship, but really! Virgin owns just 10% of the share of the ECML operation (not a big gamble should they end up handing back the keys like the previous two operators) - I feel they only bought into it to get their logo splashed over the place. I travelled WCML from Euston to Crewe and back yesterday, and thought the whole operation looked a bit tatty - although I must admit it was on time both ways! My "Super" (?) Voyager seat had a grand view of a window pillar and ride was noisy and vibrating from underfloor engines. Oh, for an 87 and Mk3 set - those were the days my friends!

purgatory was a train at about 8.30 from KX all stations (it seemed) to Cambridge on a 105. Would love to have done that, preferably sitting at the front of the 105. But would agree that an everyday commute must have got weary!

Good photos, thanks for posting. But I still don't like anything about Virgin. The walk on fares are far from cheap and the livery doesn't make me cheerful! Sorry!

I will really miss East Coast. In my opinion it was a quality service which was making good money for the taxpayer rather than private shareholders. I have travelled many times over the past three years on both WCML and ECML often upgrading to 1st Class. Some comparisons: Virgin WCML: Very cramped trains (often with a window pillar for a view!), woeful catering ("you want a snack box mate?!"), station staff wandering around in scruffy fleeces. And much more expensive walk on fares. East Coast - Roomy Mk3 and Mk4 stock (room to stretch the legs), Nice hot meals on proper plates, smart looking staff in quality uniforms. Very sorry to see it go.

At least the executive light grey colour looks better than Hornby's usual (deep cream) shade. But the stripes look a little high Need to see it properly though. Maybe at the NEC tomorrow?

Very many thanks Brian. All looking good. Think I'll work on one which I'll hopefully buy on Saturday at the NEC. Best regards.

Looks really excellent Brian, great inspiration. Interesting to read your comment that you like them. Looking at what you have done and seeing it with an RB, which I have, I am now tempted to get one and have a go myself. Would it be possible to show how it looks buffered up to a Bachmann Mk2a TSO if you have one?

Looking great now Brian, excellent work. Too much for me to even contemplate doing a rake though. I'm looking forward to reading the various magazine reviews for this effort from Hornby. Just what went so wrong I wonder? It's almost as though it was a rush job to get the coach out before the Bachmann 2f without doing proper research. I'm afraid it's almost like going back 25 years. Shame, because the latest SR emus, steam locos etc. all look good - but unfortunately they are not my era. The only thing I have on order from Hornby now is the Trainload Coal Class 60, and I've been told by my supplier that's not due till summer next year! For a model which is just a re-livery! Dear oh dear.......!

Many thanks to Brian for the updates on these coaches. Seriously good work on improving the Railroad versions - but really, none of this should be necessary in this day and age to get a good model. I looked at the Railroad Mk2e's at the Spalding exhibition at the weekend but couldn't bring myself to purchase even at £21 each - the grey colour looked so wrong let alone the "sole bar" issue. Come on Hornby, you've produced some excellent stuff in the past, and continue to do so - but what went so wrong with these? As a 1985-95 BR modeller, (heart sinks when I read of more ancient SR emu's) I was really looking forward to these, so major disappointment. Just have to wait for the Bachmann 2f's now and hope for the best with those.