mikjd

I've ordered direct from Bachmann in the US previously, with success. If you register with them you get periodic offers by email. https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68

An ex Reading VO that had been EMD'd around 1959/60. Apparently a couple made it to Conrail blue, but without the usual logo's.

Thanks Jack, it certainly looks darker on the cap. I'll have to stick with Tamiya French Blue and Vallejo Andrea Blue.

Can I ask what paint you used for the blue, it looks a good match for Conrail?

Some of the 2R conversion articles: https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/24339 https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/converting-williams-44-tonner There are more on the OGR forum, it depends on how far you want to go.

I have the Williams version, dissasembled and ready for conversion (for at least 12 months!), with a set of Atlas wheels (33" freight truck wheels) and a tube of Loctite 638. I can recommend the Williams model, as mentioned it has a plastic moulded body, but comes with a heavy cast frame and trucks. There are 2R conversions detailed online, and the Atlas wheels press fit on the original axles, 'just' needing pickups to be fabricated. The Williams version is also available more cheaply, particularly second hand, mine arriving in the UK for less than £200.

MTH make an acceptable Jordan Spreader, used both as a plow and for Maintenance of Way Work (MoW). Unfortunately finding one in the UK is like looking for unicorns. I was lucky enough to find two for the price of one from the US, so even with postage and VAT the price was reasonable. https://conrailphotos.thecrhs.org/photos/cr-64619-jordan-spreader Just google it and you will find plenty of prototype photos. Many have been rebuilt and modernised, for which the model is an ideal starting point.

I would recommend J-T Prantle for decals and small detail stuff. Their postage is always reasonable. With any old or dodgy decals I always give them a spray of dullcote or similar before use.

It was rationalised a long time ago now ..........

Don't forget Clever Models: www.clevermodels.net You have to download and print yourself, but they have a wide variety of designs in all scales.

I've bit the bullet and have several parcels of O scale on the way to Shipito. One includes 6 freight cars from Trainz, for $28 combined shipping (the same as a single car to the UK using the GSP), and a weight of 8lbs. Whether I combine this with the other parcels, each of 2 Lionel PS4427's I dont know yet. I will let you know how I get on, hopefully it won't be a totally expensive disaster ....... If nothing else it spreads the cost over a couple of weeks. If it is cost effective, then there are a lot of bargains about at the moment, as people look to bring in some cash. Lionel PS4427's and PS5 gondolas at less than £30 are not to be sniffed at.

I've picked up a couple of Canon motors from China thru ebay, at the price I thought they were worth a punt. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swiss-Maxon-A-max-204443-32mm-64mm-Dual-Shaft-Mini-Coreless-Motor-DC-12V-3000RPM/253637248873?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 There are many others of differing sizes available, at reasonable prices, some with gearboxes. They seem to run well, but I've not fitted them to anything yet.

Hi Colin, I'm lucky I'm still using a Polly Scale jar smuggled across the Atlantic. The old saying goes: Q: "How do you mix Brunswick Green?" A: "Open a can of black paint and whisper 'green' over it." Not much help I know. Humbrol appear to do an enamel and acrylic Brunswick Green, although it could be too light ....

How does this work with the 'Delivery address must be the same as Billing address' which is often a requirement?

The Post Office/Parcelforce handling fee has now gone up just to rub it in ......