Dogmatix

It is a pity that manufacturers of British outline OO gauge models just do not seem to be able to get the NEM pockets in the right place. Close-coupling kinematics and NEM pockets are not new technology; they have been standard on H0 scale models for nearly 40 years.

Yes, well, I found those extension pieces, but they are not good for use with the fitted NEM pocket cams, as the couplers cannot latch into place with the extension in between. Those extensions are for use with the supplied replacement shorter pocket cams to bring them back to the correct pocket length if required. So, as I say, contrary to what the yellow card says, the NEM pockets do not appear to be correctly placed. Is this also the case with the Mk1 coaches?

The inclusion of buffers in extended and retracted positions is a nice touch. And I like the mag(net)ic light-switching wand. However, there is an issue with the couplings. Included with the 2b's is a small yellow chitty which claims that the NEM pockets are positioned to NEM standards. This does not seem to be quite the case. Using my NEM pocket gauge, I find that the pockets are at the correct height, but are set a bit too far back. Standard Roco couplers do not lock when fitted to these coaches. Using a standard Roco coupler in one coach and an extended Hornby-Roco coupler in the other works, but with a gap. Using the supplied magnetic couplers works, but again, there is a gap between the gangways of about a millimetre. I fitted the magnetic couplers to a pair of Roco coaches which normally couple gangway-to-gangway - quite a gap. Thus once again, a UK OO-gauge manufacturer has not got the NEM pockets right. Fortunately, I have some old Märklin coupling bars which are a bit too long for normal use but just right for the Accurascale 2b.

This was my experience. I have now received my shipment from Ireland at the second attempt, and never did find out whether DHL or Zoll caused the parcel to be sent back on the first attempt.

Thing is, between Ireland and Germany, being both EU members and thus in the Customs Union, there should be no need for customs controls.

My batch of four Mk2b's was dispatched to me in Germany 5 weeks ago, but got stopped and sent back on arrival in Germany; unclear whether by customs or by DHL, or why. According to the An Post tracking, they were last recorded having been sorted in Dublin on their return journey over two weeks ago. Accurascale say they are waiting to get them back before sending them out to me again. This is most frustrating, as we know that these models are close to being sold out. If that parcel has got lost, that would proably mean I'd have to wait for another batch to be produced - if there'll ever be one! Long story short: anyone still waiting? Yes!

I have some Bachmann VBA vans which I have also de-pivoted the axles; it improves running - and especially shunting - greatly. I have also fitted close-coupling cams to them. They run well with my VIXs, using standard Roco couplers (not the long-shanked ones supplied by Hornby). The tightest curves on my model railway are Roco R4, 48.1cm (19") radius on hidden curves. The tightest points are a pair of Peco medium radius turnouts in sidings, forming a reverse curve, and the close-coupled VIXs have presented no problems being pushed over those. Rapido have done very well with the close-coupling mechanics there; amonsgt the best (if not the best) on British-outline OO scale models.

Finally received my trio of Rapido Ferry Vans, and I must say, I am very pleased with them. The level of detail (including underneath) is excellent. I am particularly pleased that the vans are not only fitted with close-coupling cams, but correctly fitted - on too many OO models with cams, the pockets are too high or too far inboard, or the cams are too loose. Not so with Rapido's vans, and I hope that Rapido will similarly fit more of their models (I understand that the B-sets will be so fitted). Two Rapido ferry vans, coupled with factroy fitted tension lock couplers, with the usual big gap. And here coupled using standard Roco couplers. The inevitable comparison to a Hornby ferry van (body lowered, axles de-pivoted, Fleischmann close-coupling mechanisms with Roco couplers fitted). The Old and the New (the former now to be retired). SLW Class 24 with Rapido Ferry Van. I have run the vans around my track (includes tight hidden curves), and reversed them into sidings through reverse-curve Peco medium points, with no prblems. I did have to put a wee drop of oil into the axles boxes as the axles on two of the vans were squeaking and scraping a little bit. Just a pity that no-one has ever brough out models of these vans in H0 scale.... come on, Rapido, you could be the first!

Olivia's Trains offer a very attractive repaint of a Hornby 50 no. D400 into Hymek-style two tone Green (https://oliviastrains.com/product/Hornby-class-50-d400-two-tone-green/ ). I'd love Accurascale to offer their 50 like that.

Orange cantrail stripes! Ugh!!

I didn't keep it. But I have come across a pair of Brawa H0 DB coaches that have offset bogie pivots, which puzzled me, and this reminded me of the Warship, and wondered if there was a genuine valid reason for it, like it being thus on the prototype.

By the way, does anyone know why the bogie pivots on this model are not central, but offset inwards? Is this prototypical, or is there some other construction reason? As I said before, it does cause excessive sideplay of the loco ends on points & curves. I just wonder what the reason for this rather unusual "feature" is.

Oh dear. No kinematic close coupling. In fact, with NEM pockets fitted to the bogies, not even close to close coupling. Accurascale 37's for me.

I just received four SR 'Genesis' ciaches from Hattons. They do look very nice, and are just the thing for, say, a Terrier or a P Class. But I do have one major gripe: I was under the impression that these coaches were to be fitted with kinematic close coupling. I believe that I was informed thus by Hattons themselves, shortly after the coaches were announced. But - long story short - they're not. They have NEM pockets mounted on a simple screw pivot. They also don't have sprung buffers.

Wouldn't mind some of these in H0. There are some ferry wagons around in H0, but no British ones that I know of.