Ruffnut Thorston Posted July 30, 2020 Share Posted July 30, 2020 Hornby (Rovex) finally made a mechanically operated TPO with pick up and set down on the same side, using a mechanism similar in operation to the old Playcraft (Jouef) model. But the operating levers also work when the TPO coach passes over the operating ramps in ‘reverse’...unlike the old Tri-ang Railways system that had hinged operating strikers under the coach, that (as long as the hinges are not seized) only work when travelling ‘forwards’... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted July 31, 2020 Share Posted July 31, 2020 It's an LMS prototype if I'm not mistaken, despite appearing in GWR livery! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockershovel Posted July 31, 2020 Share Posted July 31, 2020 How much mail was really handled by these things? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted July 31, 2020 Share Posted July 31, 2020 An awful lot... There was a network of TPO services the length and breadth of the country, with key interchanges, such as Crewe where mail could be routed onto another service towards its destination. Have you seen the 1934 film “Night Mail”? https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-night-mail-1936-online 1 2 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Belcher Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) On 31/07/2020 at 08:30, Il Grifone said: It's an LMS prototype if I'm not mistaken, despite appearing in GWR livery! GW, I think, as Stanier TPOs had the thin toplights high on the bodyside like the Rovex model. Unlike the latter, the HD coach also has the offset gangways that many TPOs had. I have a non-working ex-LMS mail coach made from a Rovex body on an Airfix underframe which does away with some inaccuracies of the original chassis (also the Airfix roof vents supplanted the cruder originals). No offset corridor connections though!! David Edited August 1, 2020 by David_Belcher Pic added. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 The Hornby Dublo TPO has a W prefix number. The Tri-ang Railways short TPO (R.23, etc.) has an M prefix number. The Hornby Railways model was first released in LMS livery. Later versions were in Royal Mail Letters, and BR Blue and Grey Liveries. GWR Royal Mail livery was also used. For some reason probably connected to licensing liveries these days, recent Hornby releases have the “Royal Mail” title replaced by “Night Mail”. Both LMS and GWR versions with Night Mail inscriptions have been issued. There has also been a Night Mail train set supplied with a LMS maroon “Jinty” tank loco! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted August 1, 2020 Share Posted August 1, 2020 (edited) I was referring to the Hornby model which has the toplights. How accurate it is I've never bothered to investigate. The Dublo model is W807, one of three to dia. L18 (806/7/8), which finished their days on the Southern Region. Apparently it survived until c 2000. Within the limits of tinplate and a functional toy, it is reasonably accurate. I gather there is a variety/manufacturing error with the gangways on the wrong side. (Easy to fake, but pointless!) https://www.steampicturelibrary.com/carriages-wagons/travelling-post-offices/post-office-sorting-van-c1950-523455.html?prodid=676 https://rcts.org.uk/carriage-conundrums/gwr-br-non-passenger-carrying-coaching-stock-disposals/gwr-travelling-post-office-vans/ Most long distance mail used to go by rail. Some politician (probably preparing for giving away privatising the Royal Mail) decided it should go by road. Edited August 1, 2020 by Il Grifone 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Belcher Posted August 4, 2020 Share Posted August 4, 2020 On 01/08/2020 at 21:35, Il Grifone said: I was referring to the Hornby model which has the toplights. How accurate it is I've never bothered to investigate. The Dublo model is W807, one of three to dia. L18 (806/7/8), which finished their days on the Southern Region. Apparently it survived until c 2000. Within the limits of tinplate and a functional toy, it is reasonably accurate. I gather there is a variety/manufacturing error with the gangways on the wrong side. (Easy to fake, but pointless!) https://www.steampicturelibrary.com/carriages-wagons/travelling-post-offices/post-office-sorting-van-c1950-523455.html?prodid=676 https://rcts.org.uk/carriage-conundrums/gwr-br-non-passenger-carrying-coaching-stock-disposals/gwr-travelling-post-office-vans/ Most long distance mail used to go by rail. Some politician (probably preparing for giving away privatising the Royal Mail) decided it should go by road. My mistake - misread 'GWR' as 'WR' and thought it referred to the HD one! The Hornby (Margate) TPO is similar to some small-batch 57' TPOs based on reference to Essery & Jenkinson's books on LMS coaches when I was building mine some years back. Although they had the net recess, not all were kitted out with bag exchange equipment. David 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 Not quite sure where this fits in the forum.It`s a what if project based on a Kitmaster/Airfix /Dapol BoB loco.92 squadron.The tender fits very nicely on a Dublo/Wrenn WC tender and the loco body modified to fit a Dublo Barnstaple chassis that i had going spare.As you can see,the valve gear has been modified.It`s being finished in SR 1948 Malachite green.I`m waiting for a set of etched plates and yellow British Railways lettering for the tender. Ray. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 (edited) That reminds me I must get on with mine! She has a Dublo A4 chassis, but fitted with Wrenn (maybe Dublo?) driving wheels. They are not strictly accurate as they have balance weights but never mind. She is 34007 'Wadebridge'. I've got the plates somewhere and have got as far as cab numbers. One of the Blinkers has gone walkabout.... Edited August 30, 2020 by Il Grifone 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 Hi. I presume that the third, centre, yellow line is awaiting the Lettering and nameplates? https://www.hattons.co.uk/166706/hornby_r2220_ln01_streamlined_battle_of_britain_class_4_6_2_34081_92_squadron_tender_in_early_br_/stockdetail.aspx I do like these locos. In 1976, I was at the Bluebell Railway when Blackmore Vale was returned to traffic. West Country and BoB locos were basically the same, just a different naming subject. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted August 30, 2020 Share Posted August 30, 2020 Might do,i havn`t decided yet. Ray. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted September 12, 2020 Share Posted September 12, 2020 (edited) I succumbed,it didn`t look right without the 3rd line,not finished yet but progress so far. Ray. Edited September 12, 2020 by sagaguy 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Hot off the bench,the completed model. Ray. 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted September 19, 2020 Share Posted September 19, 2020 Well,i have to say that i`m pleased with this loco,it doesn`t look bad even though it`s posed with BR Mk.1 coaches.I`ve just ordered a book of drawings for Bulleid coaches so hopefully,i`l be able to produce some overlays for Bulleid coaches. Ray. 7 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
97xx Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 Is the HD Technical Manual still available? If so, could someone provide me with contact details? (I did find the MKN site, but believe there is a UK contact? Thanks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruffnut Thorston Posted October 15, 2020 Share Posted October 15, 2020 The main UK contact is Mr. Bob Hamilton. Note that the email address has two “h”s. And a “d”...This is correct! @ 97XX You have a PM.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted October 19, 2020 Share Posted October 19, 2020 I havn`t posted for a while but here is one of the latest videos of my layout.Two Trix AL1s modified to run properly on Dublo 3 rail track. Ray. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Belcher Posted October 20, 2020 Share Posted October 20, 2020 Not the most flattering photo going, but progress is being made on my 2-railed 'Montrose' from eBay ending up as 'City of Sheffield'. I'm not sure why it slants downwards in the pic as this isn't the case in reality. Probably my camera work... 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted October 21, 2020 Share Posted October 21, 2020 I'll try and post a photo of my repainted 'Montrose'. It'll be a while as I'm in Sardinia and she is in England. With the new wave of Coronavirus and 'No deal' it might be a considerable time. Flights to Stansted that get in just before midnight don't help. (You are not allowed to stay in the airport and public transport does not get me home at that hour.) 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Il Grifone Posted October 22, 2020 Share Posted October 22, 2020 19 hours ago, Il Grifone said: I'll try and post a photo of my repainted 'Montrose'. It'll be a while as I'm in Sardinia and she is in England. With the new wave of Coronavirus and 'No deal' it might be a considerable time. Flights to Stansted that get in just before midnight don't help. (You are not allowed to stay in the airport and public transport does not get me home at that hour.) Thanks for the sympathy. It's sunny today, but there is a chill wind blowing. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted October 23, 2020 Share Posted October 23, 2020 Dapol deltic body on Dublo Co Co chassis trial fitted for bogie spacing,the chassis bar needs lengthening by 35mm,that`s the next job. Ray 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Coming up to the transfer stage! Ray. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagaguy Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Todays job,one side of the transfers applied. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cypherman Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 Hi all, Just found this thread. Some of my H/D engines get modified some what like this, In to a couple of Drummond engines. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now