Analogue Man

Hi. Firstly, the loco in question here is: BR era 1 black ex-LMS Fowler Class 4F 0-6-0 Tender Engine No.44447 - Hornby No.R2276. I am trying to find a way to improve its crawl from a standing start as it needs, in my opinion, too much increase in voltage to start it moving thus resulting in a not-too-smooth take off. It only has a 3-pole motor but I am entertaining the idea of replacing it with a 5-pole motor as my locos with a 5-pole perform much better from a standing start. I am aware of the technical difference between 3 and 5-pole and the reason behind the improved performance of a 5-pole so, my question is, can the above loco be fitted with an upgrade (no room for a fly-wheel)? I would very much appreciate some input on the matter before I go ahead and purchase a new 5-pole as I don't want to end up buying a 'white elephant' so to speak. Thanks in advance, Paul.

To andyman7. I took your advice and Bingo, spot on. I started with a Peco rail cleaner but that was too cumbersome and abrasive, so I reverted to a wooden cocktail stick slanted at a 45deg angle so as not to scratch the surface. Moving it around very carefully and with much patience, I eventually removed everything that shouldn't be there. I was going to mix some matt and satin varnish but once I had brushed off the residue and given her a wet wipe, you wouldn't even notice the difference between the door and the rest of the body, so I decided to leave it at that as you could easily overdo it. Job done, thanks to your advice, so I owe you a pint my friend. As for everyone else on here, I thank you for your input. To crompton 33 (a lovely loco indeed), I have railmatch paints but I no longer use enamel unless it's an emergency. I find acrylic so much more flexible and if enamel had been the problem on my Class 29, it would have been much harder to remove. Also, if the consistency of acrylic bothers you, you can easily thin it out with water, and then apply a 2nd coat if anything shows through. Watercolour etc. painting is another hobby of mine, so I am at ease with that particular medium. Most modern day artists have now ditched oils in favour of acrylic. As for 21C1's suggestion, I won't be visiting my local Dulux centre in B&Q's as I have no intention of decorating my loco with wallpaper, no matter how original it may appear. Once again, many thanks to everyone for their advice. Paul.

Hi. Firstly, my response to 'crompton 33': Thanks for the info but I have read on other forums that Railmatch colours are aimed at representing the prototype, and not the actual shades used by different model manufacturers. There are so many shades of green by other paint makers that you can only know which is closest by purchasing one of each. Not a good idea. Secondly, my response to 'The Johnster': What I'm looking for is suggestions regarding paint names and colours and not varnish. I have my wagons heavily weathered but, with certain locos, I like to keep them looking 'clean'. Thanks anyway. Finally, my response to 'andyman7': I think I will give your idea a try as if it doesn't work, I will only have to resort to painting it which was the original intention anyway. We will see what transpires. Thankyou everyone for trying to help. It is very much appreciated and I look forward to future exchanges on this forum. Regards, Paul.

Hi all. I'm new on this website so, if I'm in the wrong place, please redirect me. My problem is this: I've recently purchased an old R080 Hornby Class 29 BR diesel (with the 'sad eyes' windows). One of the driver's cab doors needed some touching up so, using various brands of acryllic i.e. Tamiya, Vallejo, Humbrol etc., I tried but couldn't get a match. She's a lovely runner and although she is not a true representative of the former prototype i.e. headlights not in correct position, she is in very good condition, and I have even added some detail using old b&w piccies from the 'net so, I need to know how close I can get to the colouring of the plastic body that is used by Hornby. P.S. It is plain BR green all over and not like Hornby's recent model of two tone green. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Hi Peter F. If you want to be prudent with the spending, use good ol' Vaseline. It's cheap, it works, and it's probably Hob-E-Lube white grease advertised under another name and 5 times the price. Give it a whirl and see what you think!