Silver Sidelines

Yes I had been pondering this issue. I had come to the conclusion that the provision of suitably large stay alive capacitors does away with the need for fly wheels. Watching the 'bargains' on the box shifters web sites and the prices of second hand models on eBay has me wondering how long before the buying and selling of steam outline models becomes a niche occupation with the bulk of the market devoted to modern image. I will let you think about the definition of modern image remembering that green liveried steam engines and marroon lined coaches dispeared off British Railways around 1964 - sixty years ago. Cheers Ray

It always puzzled me why Heljan thought we needed a new Peak. I was equally baffled with the Accurascale Deltics. Then if we look at the Manors there is much to puzzle over and to question why Bachmann never updated their model. As to Sam I am puzzled by his statement that the Hornby model will haul 20 coaches. His coaches look like trucks to me. Have I missed something? He does say the haulage is similar to the new 2MT so 20 trucks would be about right. I doubt there are many steam outline models out there that will haul twenty coaches. The Accurascale Manor is quite impressive but not that good.... Cheers Ray

That is very interesting - are all the blanking plugs faulty? I 'reached out' to you in January (terrible phrase should be reserved for the Four Tops) and exchanged two or three emails and videos with your man Simon. No mention of faulty blanking plugs. I have a number of these models which on and off all exhibit the same rough start. So what's the story. Regards Ray

Thank you for that confirmation. I suspected that Hornby would have used a standard design and there must be many more coaches out there with similar problems. The use of the 'lip' or step on the cam seems an unnecessary complication but might mean that Hornby can use the same close coupling mechanism over their whole range of coaches. In contrast Bachmann had to make different couplers for their Mk1 and Mk2 coaches to accommodate different thicknesses of coach floor. I started off by trying to smooth the inside lip of the cam. It was only then that I realised that the rubbing 'post' on the close coupling mechanism was no where near touching on the cam because the tooth was poking out too far. Regards Ray

Thanks for the interest. It's great isn't it. Even my sister commented. It is such a smooth runner, quite a contrast to the 15xx from thoses other people. Cheers Ray

I bought a rake back in 2021. The detail is very impressive however they have been parked up in a siding because they wouldn't stay on the track . Well actually just one kept leaving the track. I have finally got to investigate and have had to remediate the close coupling mechanism. I needed a suitable rake to go behind a Bachmann 94xx. The offending coach I have written a Blog Post here:

It would be January 2021 when Bachmann introduced their 94xx models. I bought the basic version. It had a lovely copper cap to its chimney and it ran perfectly without any trace of a wobble. Three years later and I have just purchased a sound fitted version. Bachmann 9479 – 32-27SF I have titled this Post ‘The Long Haul’ in recognition of the time that I have spent in recent weeks changing CVs to enable the engine to run on analogue. It would help if I knew what I was doing! The 94xx has a coreless motor which is super efficient. As a result the engine needs a whole different range of CV values to the ones I would usually apply. I would say it is still a work in progress. However I would say work is sufficiently advanced that I would give the engine a run around the layout. Hornby Bow Ended Colletts What carriages might be suitable? I had rake of Hornby Bow Ended Colletts parked up in a siding. These arrived on the layout in June 2021, so not long after the Bachmann 94xx. Why were they parked up? Ah well a quick trip around the layout reminded me that one of the coaches had a tendency to leave the track. After exiting a section of curved track the leading bogie was reluctant to rotate and would jump the track. The offending Bow Ended Brake Coach These Hornby coaches are super detailed models. Perhaps a little light weight. I have close coupled my set using Roco 40270 couplers. Now why don’t they stay on track? Hornby Coupling Mechanism Exposed! Removing the suspect coach from the track confirmed that the offending bogie did not always rotate smoothly. With the coach upside down on the kitchen table the bogie could be popped out of its housing with the blade of small screw driver. To fully investigate the close coupling mechanism it is then necessary to remove the keeper plate which is held in place with two screws. Bogie and Keeper Plate How straight is your Keeper Plate? On first inspection my keeper plate was bent in the middle and rubbing against the underlying close coupling mechanism. A quick massage to straighten the plastic and ‘all sorted’ – so I thought. Well it was nearly very good, especially after I had smeared it all with Vaseline. Sadly a little later and the leading coach was still leaving the track. The coach and the Close Coupling Mechanism was given a further closer inspection. Studying the mechanism at the opposite end of the coach suggested a possible cause. Stepped Close Coupling Cam Operation of the close coupling mechanism relies on a ‘Cam’. I have retrofitted such a mechanism to a Mainline Buffet car and simply cut a Cam shaped opening in the coach floor. Home Made ‘Cam’ for Mainline RB Hornby however have made a stepped cam to accommodate the protruding ‘tooth’ which is used to hold the mechanism up against the coach floor. Hornby Mechanism with tooth. Comparing the two mechanisms from opposite ends of the coach showed that the faulty mechanism had a much larger tooth which was presumably interfering with the smooth rotation of the bogie. A few quick cuts with a craft knife to shorten the ‘tooth’ and the issue was sorted. Now how does the 94xx perform with its rake of Bow Ended Colletts on analogue? I would say rather well!

Now then that 's a good answer. Where is it recommended? I tried discussing this matter with your Patrick and Simon and they never mentioned 14v. You do realise that this is an analogue layout? Cheers Ray

Design clever or just a mistake. Sadly like dogs they are only allowed one bite. I have to admit to not reading this thread before purchasing 48518. It is a nice model now... When D0G first arrived I had to fit sprung buffers and a smoke box dart. Move on to 2024 I was not expecting to find another model with a moulded smoke box details. I think I was so taken aback by the gap between the engine and tender that I didn't notice the smoke box, What were Hornby thinking about with nearly an inch gap between engine and tender? I estimate that as supplied the engine to tneder coupling is 7.5mm too long. As said it is a nice engine that runs and starts off smoothly - unlike the Accurascale Manor that it is deputising for in this little video. Cheers Ray

Cheers Al, I don't know - but my Bachmann Manor will 'just' haul the same rake but it makes a bit of a fuss. Note that ex Mainline Lydham Manor is fitted with a later Bachmann mechanism. Regards Ray

There was an article in Model Railway Constructor in April 1964 with drawings for the Thompson coaches. https://flic.kr/s/aHsjDyfNFf There is an aside about some windows being square conered and other round cornered to minimise damage from condensation. As regards painting the article states: Later, the B.R. crimson lake and cream livery was used on this stock, but, unlike other regions' coaches, there was no top band of crimson lake, the cream being taken up to the roof on most vehicles. Some at least of the full brakes, however, did sport a top crimson band on a level with the toplights. Most, if not all, coaches are now in the B.R. maroon livery. Nevertheless, "teak', livery survived for a long time on a few vehicles. One, a full third, No. 1499, was still in teak in 1957. The "L.N.E.R." had been painted out but the L.N.E.R.-style numbers had been merely supplemented with Gill Sans "E" prefix and suffix.

Just buy one - it would be sixty years ago. Lots happened. If you don't want to spend +£150.00 then the Bachmann 2MT Ivatt is an equally good model on eBay for a fraction of the Hornby price. There are pictures of 78028 and 78029 in their later years on Flickr. Cheers Ray

Fifteen Up! I feel I need to share this video link: I made this video to confirm the haulage capacity of the model. It is rather good. The shots have been carefully selected to show a smooth start. On other occasions the model will jump into life, something that Accurascale appear to be not willing to know about. Cheers Ray Fifteen Up! by Longsheds, on Flickr

As usual I am late to the party. I have been attempting to run these models with the lid off. This removes a lot of weight. It is soon apparent that the springing in front and rear pony trucks is mega strong with a tendancy to lift the driving wheels off the track. Without the body on mine cuts out in all manner of places. It is a rigid six coupled mechanism and the cutting out issue may simply be down to a loss of rail contact. As an aside the springing arrangement for the front truck is hardly fit for purpose. There is a small diameter 'washer' that is supposed to fit inside the spring. My spring is too large a diameter to grip the washer and the whole spring arrangement has a tendancy to jam up inside the bogie. I have removed the Sonic washer and replaced it with a standard shiny steel washer on top of the spring and between the spring and bogie. It seems to work fine, the bogie rotates perfectly and I think there is less tendancy for the bogie to lift the driving wheels. Cheers Ray

After not a little bit more time I have changed some more CVs and I have a better controlled sound fitted model running on analogue. Apologies for the ex GWR influence as the engine seems to have been transported both in time and place. Cheers Ray

Love your descriptive writing! Very entertaining. Now, let's have some pictures, especially of the sheep, since all your travellers are still indoors! Ah Pink Floyd - after my time.....

Tell me about them - I think Hornby have upped their game but at a price. Cheers Ray

Thanks John, I think it is old age but I find it difficult to stick to one task and get it completed. Regards Ray

I'll let Martin know , cheers Ray

Thank you Mike, I also enjoy seeing what others have done. Cheers Ray

For those interested in hearing how the little people were fitted I have add a Post to my Blog.

For years my wife has been pointing out that my layout lacks people. Enter my son-in-law Martin. He likes his technology and he has invested in a 3D printer. After making some War Game figures for his son he would turn his attention to some little figures for the railway. Not only did he print the figures but he also painted them – that is skilful. Some of Martin’s 3D Printed and Painted Figures Problem is that printer files for suitable little people are in short supply, or are expensive. Given that finishing and painting the newly printed figures also takes a lot of time and patience I would instead explore the range of readily available finished little people. Suitable UK figures are available from Bachmann, Hornby and Modelu. Bachmann USA, Preiser and NOCH also market figures but these are generally to HO scale which at 3.5mm to the foot is rather small for OO gauge at 4mm to the foot. For layout use where the viewing distances are greater I chose some ready painted little people from the Bachmann Scenecraft range. I thought these were a good compromise between cost and detail. These figures are described as being 00 scale and as far as I can tell are mostly around 22mm tall, equivalent to 5ft 6in full size. By shopping around these ready painted figures can be obtained new for under £2.00 per person. At this price level it is even worth buying and making subtle changes to better fit with my 1960s period layout. Bachmann 36-043 before backdating (top) and after (bottom), Brown paint on the barrow, silver badges and buckles, blue ties, not forgetting the green flag Historically to aid positioning of the ‘little people’, they came with a pre-attached paving stone. What if I didn’t want the paving stone and what if I didn’t want to fix them permanently in place with glue? My platforms are all topped with balsa wood. I decided to ‘pin’ my figures using a short piece of wire, poked into a hole drilled in one of the feet. The figures are formed from soft plastic. It is a relatively quick job to make a hole in one of the feet using a sharp micro 0.5mm twist drill bit rotated with the fingers. It is then a quick job to gently poke a piece of 0.6mm wire into the opening which will generally stay in place without the need for adhesive. Painful! The wire is then trimmed to size to suit the thickness of the balsa wood topping. The Team prepared + Proxxon micro 0.5mm twist drill bit Members of the Team in situ In addition to the railway staff there is the ‘travelling public’. Waiting Then of course you have to be careful with the time frame. Would the lady have been studying her mobile telephone in 1960? No, it would have been a pocket timetable! (Thank you John for the notion.) Still Waiting Adding ‘little people’ is quite addictive and it is soon apparent that figures are needed in locations with no balsa wood. Most of my baseboards are a ½ inch medium density fibre board and it is relatively easy to drill a 0.75mm hole to accept the pin on the base of the figures. The biggest issue I had was finding the hole after I had drilled it. If the combination of 0.6mm wire and a 0.75mm hole produces too much movement, simply use a longer length of wire. A tool for making fine adjustments After the passengers and the porters there are the train crews. It is not so bad if you are running big engines or locomotives of the LNER with their spacious cathedral sized cabs where you cannot tell if there is a driver or not. However if you favour the old GWR locomotives where the cabs were too short to even need side windows it becomes very obvious that there isn’t a driver present. It bothers my wife. The idea of gluing a driver or fireman to the footplate of a £200 model also seriously bothers me. As an alternative to gluing to the footplate I would attach the driver and his fireman to a piece of black cartridge paper shaped to fit snugly on the cab floor. I used offcuts of the Daler – Rowney A4 Canford 150g/m Jet Black card that I had used previously for making corridor connectors. First time lucky – my ex Mainline Dean Goods I should point out that you need to be prepared to trial two or three pieces of card. Having cut out an initial piece of card this can be used as a template to shape and better fit a second piece. The crew for the Dean Goods in the making The little figures are pressed down onto tiny strips of 3mm wide double sided tape. In order to achieve the best possible bonding I lightly file the base of the figures so that they are perfectly flat. As a check I test to see if the figure will stand vertically without any support, the majority are able to. To date I have been able to slide my cartridge paper and figures into position without the need for any adhesive to touch the footplate. This lack of glue is a huge advantage where expensive models are concerned but there is also the ability to remove the crew whilst on shed and to transfer them to another similar engine. Now what about those models where some of the space on the footplate is taken up with a seat? Ex Mainline 43xx I guess the easy solution might be to stick the driver on to the seat. However to maintain the freedom to swap the crew to another engine I included a fold in the card to raise the floor beneath the driver’s feet sufficient for his backside to rest on the seat. As said already you need to be prepared to have two or three attempts at shaping the card! Preparing the crew for the 43xx The crew for the 43xx are historic, a bit like the engine. The driver had to be carved off the lump of plastic that he had been originally attached to. Spot the raised foot rest The next challenge was to fit a train crew into the cab of a tank engine. I have been playing with a sound fitted J72 and I would give it a crew. Having removed the bodyshell from the chassis, the lid of the Bachmann J72 is easily removed by undoing three pairs of screws. This makes the fitting of a train crew relatively quick and easy. Bachmann J72 dismantled Bachmann J72 with crew Not all engines can be dismantled as easily as the J72 and my Bachmann / TM G5 falls into the category of “difficult”. The plan for the G5 was to follow the same process as for the J72. However I couldn't easily lift the lid. The shape of the cartridge paper was cut initially from the J72 but because the lid on the G5 couldn’t be removed I gradually trimmed down the cartridge paper until I was able to feed the paper with the crew attached through the cab door opening of the G5. Ready and waiting for the Bachmann G5 The result I think is nearly very good. Manipulating the card has interfered with its snug fit so that the crew are a little bit more lively than I would have liked! Bachmann G5 + loco crew As already said I have become quite addicted to these little people. There are more of my pictures in an Album on Flickr https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBd8P8 Time now to finish writing this Post and to clock out. The end of another shift

Have to agree Jamie, one of the best models and the Zimo chip plays nicely on analogue.

If it was mine I would put a drop of Butanol / MEK in the hole and then screw the parts back together. Some types of liquid super glue should work the same way, softening the plastic and allowing the screw to make a new thread. With care you should be able to remediate the situation. Good luck Ray

Yes - I am very disappointed with Rapido. My 15xx is a permanent reminder of Rapido's poor quality control. Regards Ray