Lissadell

Thanks very much for taking the trouble to pass on that information. Much appreciated! regards Adrian

I am interested in the diameter across the tread of the current/re-tooled model compared with an example of the last production of the original model. I think the “cutoff” between the two versions might be the release of R3767 number 32655 around 2018/19. So the chassis from this point compared to a release shortly before? I wonder if an owner of Hornby Terriers could check out the wheel sizes with their Vernier for me please? I’m intrigued to know what they come out at, compared to the real thing, and what if any is the difference between the two Hornby model types. Thanks very much for any help Adrian

Thank you to Mol, Red Devil and Colin for their contributions - much appreciated. London Road platform 1 eh! I have great memories of lined green EM2s with names like Electra, Minerva, Ariadne, sitting there waiting to leave for Sheffield. One question, if I may, please ……….. did 156s ever see any use on the Marple lines? thanks again for your comments Adrian

I lived in the area I’m enquiring about in the 1960s and travelled regularly on some of the last steam hauled trains (albeit to Central not London Road). However, around this time Derby Lightweights handled all the Marple/Hayfield workings and did so for many years, before being replaced by Metro Cam units (??) I think. But after that, having moved away, my knowledge of types of dmu in use becomes very, very sketchy - hence my request for guidance please. Did 101s take over these services in the 80s/90s and continue in use until their final withdrawal in 2002(?) or was it more complicated with other units operating? After 2002, did the Marple trains then become the responsibility of the Pacer class 142 ie from around 2002 until about 2015/16? When did the 150s appear in all this? I’ve seen photos of 150s on the line around 2015/16 - did they continue then as the mainstay until replaced by the latest 195 (?) I wondered if someone on the forum might be familiar with operations in this part of south Manchester and could clarify things for me. I was friends with Greg Fox (of Foxline Publishing fame) at the time - both when he went to Hyde Grammar and later when he went to work at Guide Bridge. Unfortunately, he passed away quite a few years ago now so ……….. Hope this makes sense to another Forum member! Talking of “Hope” - I’ve deliberately avoided mention of the Hope Valley and trains to Sheffield!! regards Adrian

Sorted now - have ordered some Slideway oil and was advised iso32 would be fine rather than the stickier iso68 Thanks Adrian

I wonder if I could ask for owners experience of this model, having owned/run one over the last few years. Specifically with regard to the gears ................ The 4mm version seems to suffer from a split gear on the axle. I think I've heard this has happened on some larger Heljan 7mm diesel locos, but I've never seen the railbus mentioned with this problem. Have railbus owners experienced this problem (if it exists) and if so is there a remedy? Referring back to the defect on the 4mm version - I have one of these models and was able to source brass replacement gears which cured the nasty "click click". Again, with reference specifically to the 7mm railbus rather than the large diesels, are such replacement gears available (if they are needed). I'm looking to purchase an AC railbus, hence would really value forum members comments (or offers!!!) Thank you Adrian

Searching for info on these models, I found postings on the Forum from 2016 and 2018 (apologies if I’ve missed later). I wanted to follow up on something that was mentioned in these earlier threads ie the belt drive system that is rather different to the “standard” Dapol Pannier arrangement. Several years down the road, since the release of Dapol, as opposed to Lionheart 64/74xx locos, I would be very interested to hear from colleagues as to their experience with these models. I’m particularly interested in the sound of these models when running, after they have been fully run in. I have read somewhere about them being rather noisier than the Dapol 57xx/8750 Panniers - but perhaps this opinion isn’t justified after proper running in?? I’d like to buy one, but having several Dapol 57xx and 14xx, I’d like something comparable in running characteristics. Any comments, based on colleagues experience of these Dapol (not Lionheart) models over the last five years or so, would be very welcome and much appreciated. thank you Adrian

Wonder if someone who’s been at the York museum very recently could tell me whether the Stirling Single is currently on display to the public. I know NRM advise making such an enquiry prior to visiting (if one particularly plans to see something) but I hoped to book some accommodation later today and pop up early next week - so time is a bit short. I hoped a colleague here on rmWeb might be able to give me a quick heads up! Thanks Adrian

I recently picked up s/h one of the Dapol 7mm scale 14xx locos. It was in need of a bit of care and attention but all is nearly sorted. So I come now to the patch painting of odd corners and areas …………….. My question is: can a colleague, who has undertaken this type of refurbishment, recommend please a good match for the standard Dapol black paint finish? I appreciate a full repaint would be easier, but would like to try a minimalist approach - with some weathering application later to blend the painting in. The key therefore is “best match” eg perhaps one of the Halfords spray blacks followed by some kind of varnishing?? I’d welcome any advice from colleagues who have successfully completed restoration work on Dapol’s 7mm scale black locos. best regards Adrian

I knew Tony Hammond quite well when he lived in Prestatyn. Several times when I visited he was doing battle with an etched kit for an 08 shunter. One feature In particular I seem to remember figured highly was the radiator grill assembly! Someone will probably be able to put a name to the manufacturer of the 08 kit ………… I’ve a feeling Tony “withdrew” from the modelling world and (I might be wrong here) became a union officer of some sort

I purchased a built and painted O gauge GW van from eBay this week - it was advertised as being Parkside. Very pleased with its condition when I examined it earlier today, but intrigued as to its “pedigree”. I have one of the Peco vans and this new arrival bears more than a striking resemblance to it - except for a couple of features. Most obviously, the doors can be opened, but I also noticed that the ends of the bufferbeam are not square (as the Peco van) but “cut back” at an angle. However, the presence of a rocking axle assembly mirrors the Peco van and does I think dispel the notion of it being Parkside. So what have I got? I’ve done a little research this evening and learnt that Richard Webster - nowadays of Lionheart - once produced O gauge “Webster Kits”. I did read that the Peco Brake Van came to them from this source. I wondered if this might be the explanation for my van? Just interested in the history here - no other motive. For my part, I developed a range of loco and coach kits under the trading name “Northstar Design”. When I retired the majority went to Geoff Stratford, becoming part of his “Gladiator”range. When that range changed hands, all but one kit - the tiny NE class Y8, came into David Hill’s careful hands. Along the way the small number of Irish kits I produced went to a guy in the west of Ireland, whilst all the tooling for the 4mm scale Southern coaches I produced in RTR form, was withdrawn rather than sold on. This to protect the investment of a loyal band of customers who supported me over a good few years! Well that’s my bit of kit history, now back to the main focus of my posting ……….. Does anyone know the background to my recent GW van purchase, especially what age it is? The mouldings are very good if this is a 70s/80s kit It will be great to hear from those “in the know” Thanks in anticipation ………….. Adrian

Could I just follow up my original posting ………….. Have any colleagues run a Quarry Hunslet successfully around a curve a bit less than the recommended minimum of 9inch radius? probably when using yard lengths of track rather than fixed radius Set track curves. thanks adrian

I’ve just been given a very nice vintage leather suitcase. The internal dimensions are: length 62cm width 39cm height 18cm Just wondering if a simple oval, running a Bachmann Quarry Hunslet etc would fit in there. I know the recommended minimum radius is given as 9inch but has anyone run the little Bachmann round something less? seems a shame to waste such a lovely suitcase …………… thanks for any practical first hand experience with these tiny models - not my area of knowledge at all. very willing to learn though! Adrian

My current interest in plate dimensions relates to me wanting to renumber a 7mm scale Dapol Pannier. When I did this job on the Collett 0.4.2 from the same manufacturer, I found that plates had been prepared by Narrow Planet that were adjusted from their standard size plates to suit the moulded rectangle that Dapol created on the cab side. I must admit I don’t recall how the originals were located, probably because I was very nervously attacking the edge of the plate with a scalpel to “flick” it free!!! However, I seem to recall the replacement parts sat down inside the moulded rectangle ……… When I came to do the same job on the Pannier (5717) I did take careful note of how Dapol located their plates. They were sitting on the raised moulded rectangle, not within it. However, when I approached Narrow Planet I was advised to purchase the “adjusted for Dapol” version, rather than the “suits Minerva” standard size version. I checked some “adjusted” plates a friend had had and they sit within, not on, the moulding. So I thought, if I knew what size a “standard” plate was, maybe I should order the “Minerva version” and it would fit the same as the Dapol plates I’’m replacing. Of course all this is influenced by Dapol’s interpretation of a standard size GWR cab side plate…………….. Sorry for the saga! Interesting though Hal, after we exchanged messages the other week. Adrian

Sorry, Miss Prism, just to clarify, would you add to the dimensions Jim gave? what dimensions do you have please? thanks Adrian

Apologies to start with - I’m sure this question will have been asked before. But having searched for the answer across the web, I’ve been unsuccessful. So ………. Could I please ask what is the length x width of a cabside numberplate? I don’t know if they changed over time, but I’m thinking of the plates carried in the post war years ie 40s to 60s I ‘d be interested to learn the dimensions of a full size item in ft and inches (or metric equivalent!) Thank you Adrian PS my location does not provide an easy opportunity to visit one of the preserved lines for this information.

I have an 0 gauge Dapol loco fitted with an MS440C decoder. The sound file that is loaded provides for some features to be operated by the keys in different ways. One method effects an on/off change by toggling the appropriate key. Fine if you can hear a difference eg coal shovelling. Not just as easy (at least to the less experienced ear) for something like Reverser control (F5) which can change from Full Gear to Cut off. My present controller, Digitrax DCS51, can’t indicate when such a switch is “enabled/disabled”. My question is, can the newer model, Digitrax DCS52, present this information? May I ask another question please, does the DCS52 display speed steps? Thanks for any help from experienced colleagues Adrian

Some rare (unobtainable ?) HMRS/PC transfers on eBay just now. Don’t remember seeing them in recent times! Lissadell

Most directional lighting installation videos I’ve seen seem to link the front and tail lights together. Such that when the loco reverses both sets of lights “swap ends”. Fine for running light engine but perhaps not so good when attached to the front of a train. Unfortunately my knowledge in the field of loco lighting is somewhat limited, so I apologise if I’m touching on a tough subject here, one that does not have an easy solution. I’m sure, like in many things, better informed folk can resolve problems such as this. My problem is that I may unwittingly have asked a tricky question for which the answer may be beyond me. So can I ask please, for an electronics novice rather than an experienced worker, is a switchable tail lights solution achievable or would it be best just to stick with the headlights/ tail lights combo? I did wonder if a wiring diagram might exist that I could attempt to understand. best wishes for the New Year Adrian

I’m sure this is well trodden ground for those modellers whose memory extends back aways and I guess it’s been covered before on rmweb ( ii it has I’d really appreciate a pointer to help me find it). But I’d like to understand, just in outline form, how todays incarnation of the Hornby Britannia has emerged. My limited knowledge is that R2562 in 2006 heralded a major rework of the model - in particular DCC ready, loco drive, super detailing, the fixed truck under the cab. Are todays models much changed from this set up? With regard to earlier tender drive models I quickly become lost! I believe mention of “China made” models is significant, but in what way? Also which catalogue numbers fit this category? Is R2484 the last China made tender drive model and which would be the first. I’m guessing that the lower numbers refer to the early days of Hornby after they took over the Triang operation………. So sometime in the 90s or later, is that when production switched to China (and when a “revision” of the Britannia model took place?). I’d welcome a PM from a forum colleague who knows this story in detail and would be happy to run through things with me to clarify best regards Adrian

I’m sorry if this subject has appeared before but I can’t find any details after “interrogating” the web. The Bachmann family of LMS 4.6.0 have been around for a long time, even back to the days of Airfix and Mainline in some cases. I wanted to enquire about the feasibility of fitting a more modern, ie non split frame chassis, to earlier bodies. I wondered if the bodies of these locomotives (models of course, not the real thing!) might have undergone an evolution in the same way as happened to the chassis - making such a modification rather tricky ……….. In simplest terms, is it fairly straight forward to fit say a “more recent” Jubilee chassis to an earlier jubilee body or indeed a Scot or Patriot? I’m sure I’m very late to this particular party - hence my opening apology - but I would appreciate very much any guidance Forum members might be able to offer as to what is practicable.. Thanks in anticipation Adrian

I’m looking for a recommendation for a small/light bottle jack that I want to use in a non automotive situation The reason for a bottle jack, rather than another type, is their compact nature and lever operation - which suits the severely limited location I want to use it in. I am familiar with working with larger examples, but can’t use them because apart from their size, they’re typically heavily coated in grease and muck and would be a no-no in the situation I want it for. I’ve looked at sources such as Screwfix, Toolstation, Halfords but customer reviews are a bit off putting - hence this enquiry. Does anyone own and could recommend a light bottle jack that has been used over a period of time without failing? One that is currently available in the shops etc rather than an “antique”! Thanks Adrian

Really appreciate the willingness of forum colleagues to share experiences and offer advice. Thank you to all! adrian

On the back of a bottle of Humbrol Maskol that I have it is suggested that brushes should be cleaned with cellulose after use. Is this substance still available? If so, can it be obtained in small quantities? If it is no longer freely available, what is now recommended for cleaning rubber solution from brushes? My bottle of Maskol may have been on the shelf “some time” - hence the cleaning instructions may have been revised. I would appreciate any guidance from colleagues who have used Maskol recently but who did not have a stash of handy cellulose squirrelled away!!! Thanks

Thank you for that additional information, Stan Adrian