davesol

I think that, as Hornby have pictured CIWL coaches behind the class LN on the front of the new catalogue, the chances of them producing a Wagons-Lit sleeping car are very good. Just need some luggage vans to run with it. Have an E1, L1, WC/BB, KA diesel and HA electric all waiting................ Oops forgot the JA electro-diesel! Dave Solley

Branchlines produce a good chassis with correct wheel spacings as well as alternative wheel splashers to correct the leading axle position on the Hornby Dublo / Wrenn R1 body. The 'power bulge' on the firebox was to accommodate the old H/D motor. Iain Rice's book ISBN 1-871608-54-4 from 1994 shows the Wrenn body conversion. Dave S

I finally had chance to run my E5004 on my club's layout on straight DC. Oiled as recommended and it ran sweetly and silently straight out of the box. Was a little apprehensive having read some other's experiences, but mine is perfect. A most satisfied customer, now to fit the accessories and wait / save for a GA one!

The Southern Railway's three to diagram 3091 are shown in David Gould's 'Southern Railway Passenger Vans' ISBN O 85361 428 8 if thats any help. Dave Solley

Thank you for that, I thought I had rejected these models when Hornby first issued them. Not only were the windows and underframe incorrect, the roof was not cut back over the doors, the door windows were smaller and the bogies were 'Gresley' pattern. In spite of the length the old Hornby Dublo 'Aries' was more accurate. My visit to Rolvenden was to check window depth and spacings. I think one other 'U' is 'Orion' at Peco's Seaton facility. Biggest problem with this hobby is that when you know something is inaccurate it is rejected. However ignorance of errors can make a model more acceptable. We all have our pet hates, mine is brake shoes in line with bogie sideframes, losing track of how many I have corrected to MY satisfaction. Pernickety or what! Dave Solley

I echo the hopes of previous recent posters regarding suitable stock for the HA electric loco. Havng ordered the Hattons E5015, (and patient enough to wait) some type 'U' Pullmans are now needed. Contemplating stretching a Dublo Aries but must visit the K&ESR to check the salient dimensions of the preserved coach. Endorse the desire for some type 'F' Wagons-Lit, need four but a) cost prohibitive if using the admirable brass kits and b) are my skills up to it? Could a resin body be designed and made? One line I am investigating. Forgons for the 'Night Ferry' would be nice and ferry vans? Just keep hoping Have drifted away from the core subject of this topic, but I am most satisfied with my E5004 and that I stuck with DJ model and think the end product is excellent and to be recommended. Dave Solley

The HA electric (class 71) were limited to 15 mph when approaching or running under the trolley wire.

For information, there is insufficient power available from the third rail, and the electric sub station to enable two locomotives to run together. I believe the only electric units the type HA (and the HB) could run with were a single 2-EPB or a MLV. As it was the HA was the most powerful loco of its type at the time. Any help? Dave Solley

What a refreshing reaction from both Daves (Hattons and DJM), and would not expect similar from the bigger manufacturers. If anything it increases the confidence that the GA version shall be the best when finally released to their customers. Gives me a little more time to acquire the funds for a green one, I hope that they still have some space on their order book! Most satisfied and impressed with E5004 I received this week, so am prepared to wait for Hattons version. Now just need some 1951 Pullmans, some Wagons-Lit and some 4mm ferry stock...... Hoping for too much? Regards Dave (Solley).

Most satisfied, E5004 arrived this morning, superb example of miniature engineering. Looks right and hope to visit the club soon to lubricate and run in this loco. Complements to all involved. Dave S

Fantastic! Order placed January 2015, e-mail received to say it has been posted. Well done Kernow and well done DJ Dave Solley

I thought the type 'HA' designation was for the original locomotives (later class 71) Logically the electro-diesel (class 74) would have been type HB to the Southern Regions nomenclature. My reference to this is 'Diesel and Electric Locomotives of the Southern Region' by N Pallant & D Bird printed 1984. Am I right? Regards Dave As an aside the HA electric was the most powerful of the electric or diesel locomotives at the time with the 2552 hp machine developing 3800 hp at full excitation, far exceeding the Deltic's 2600! My reference is O S Nock's 'British locomotives of the 20th Century Vol 3. Kept up the Southern tradition of most powerful locos;- 'V' 4-4-0, Q1 0-6-0 and LN 4-6-0 (before the GWR King) Dave

Sticking with the DJM model, will probably give me a little more time to save for the GA one from Hattons as that is also delayed.

Did I read ferry vans, that is mouth watering. Saves me trying to work out how to scale up HO models.

Awaiting with eager anticipation the arrival of SR HA electric (latterly class 71) Will be ordering one DJM model through Hattons for the Arrow later. Next wishes;- 1951-2 Pullmans for the Arrow Wagons-lit for a Night Ferry Living in hope Dave Solley