Hornby Bulleid Pacific Brake Rods

[Middlesea John]

Can anyone suggest a glue that will attach the brake rods to the locos ?  We have tried all sorts and nothing seems to work.

[SRman]

Simon Kohler recommended a Loctite glue when we spoke to him many years ago on exactly this topic, but I can't remember which number Loctite he said. I do recall I could not find that particular one in any of our Australian hardware shops. It could be worth sending a query to him through Hornby.

My own solution is a bit more laborious but works almost permanently: that is to drill a #76 hole centrally through the pins on the brake rods, and insert Peco track pins through from behind the hangers. The track pins are a good interference fit into the rods, and are cut off flush with the outside of the rods. They can be additionally secured with a drop of superglue if desired.

I hope the photos make this a little clearer, in spite of being a little out of focus.


Bulleid Brake Rigging Mod - 3 cropped by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr


Bulleid Brake Rigging Mod - 4 cropped by Jeffrey Lynn, on Flickr

[Right Away]

If using "Superglue", opt for the Gel product as it is controllable; apply with point of cocktail stick or similar to the hangers.

[Middlesea John]

Well I've tried 3 different superglues - two gels and a fluid and all have failed.  I'll try to contact Simon K.  I wonder if he'll be at the York show.  Maybe he'll read this and approach us on the Ladycross layout.

[Middlesea John]

FYI I Emailed Hornby about this and within about two hours I had a guy called John on the phone.  To cut a long conversation short he told me that Hornby avoid all the supposedly top name superglues like Loctite, Bostik and Gorilla Glue - they use the stuff that you get 3 tubes for £1 at Poundland.  I went and bought 6 tubes like you do and they appear to have worked.  3 days at York will probably be the proof of the pudding but they seem OK.

Thanks fr the replies though - one from a million miles away and one from where I was born - near to 75A.  

[Middlesea John]

I can now report that the "El Cheapo" superglue from Poundland does in fact work.  Hard work on Ladycross at the York show has had no casualties - yet.