Wright writes.....

[Bucoops]

2 minutes ago, grahame said:

 

I dunno. It's a centenary product so it's a model of what trains looked like 100 years ago.

;-)

 

 

 

 

But it appears to use electrickery instead of clockwork

 

[davidw]

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

I have,

 

But I knew already!

 

I've assisted Hornby in the development of the A2/2 and A2/3 models. Not in a major way; just meetings with the designer, poring over photographs, books and drawings and loaning models. I've also loaned books and documents. Am I the ultimate model railway hypocrite? What is one to do? I'm regularly approached by manufacturers for assistance in the research regarding new products. If it's an RTR manufacturer, do I say 'I'm a builder. If I help you (in a minor way), it'll mean the end of an equivalent kit?' No doubt it will, though I still have Thompson Pacific kits to build, and the W1! That's the irony, really. RTR Thompson Pacifics or the W1 will be of little use to me

 

At least the A1/1 and A2/1s are still 'safe'. But for how long? 

 

Who would have thought it? RTR models of Thompson Pacifics!

 

Models of locos like these.....................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please (all) observe copyright restrictions.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Some lovely photos Tony. I'd a suspicion that Hornby had these in their sights.

[JamieR4489]

The first thing I thought of when I saw the Hornby announcement was a certain Mr Wright, who'd built tens of Thompson pacifics, and his claims that one would never appear RTR. With regard to the W1, it wouldn't surprise me if several SEF kits turn up on eBay now at good prices. I'd happily take one rather than wait for the Hornby offering.

 

My first project of 2020 is complete (for now).

A Bachmann O4 picked up for a bargain price and converted to an O4/3 (thanks go to Graeme King for providing notes and pictures of his conversion). It still needs three link couplings but apart from that I think it's done.

 

Regards,

Jamie

[60027Merlin]

Tony,

 

Great news about the Thompson Pacifics – at long last!

 

Referring to the A2/2s;

 

As you know, the DJH kit suits 60505/06 without modifications to the cab etc. are Hornby tooling up for the variations for the other four?

 

Eric

[The Johnster]

Why is that the set back outside cylinders on Thompson Pacifics look odd and ‘gawky’, whereas the same feature on Stars, Castles, and Kings, not to mention Princess Royals, looks absolutely perfect!

 

I’m not really asking, just musing...

[The Johnster]

3 hours ago, Woodcock29 said:

Its pleasing to see people talking about prostate cancer. I wouldn't have known I had prostate cancer without annual PSA tests from age 50. I was also in a high risk group with both my father and maternal grandfather having had prostate cancer (each of which doubles my chance of having it). I had a slightly elevated PSA for my age when I was about 58, so the GP referred me to a urologist.  He suggested a biopsy, although there were no physical indications I had a problem. The biopsy showed two small spots of cancer cells, so my PSA was monitored 3 monthly for 12 months with minimal change and then I had a further biopsy which found a few more spots of cancer cells, so I made the decision to have my prostate removed which occurred early in 2015. I didn't require any further treatment but have regular PSA tests, which are now on a 6 monthly frequency. PSA tests might not be the best answer for monitoring for prostate cancer but its probably the best we have at the moment.

 

Too many men aren't prepared to talk about their health but its important that we do, particularly if we want to see our grandchildren grow up and to complete the vast store of unmade kits that many of us have!  I became a member of what we call 'The Wednesday Club' when I took early retirement at 56. 'The Wednesday Club' was a group of 6 BRMA members and one former member who operate each others railways on a  weekly rotational basis. Apart from railways we regularly talk about our health issues. The group now comprises only 5 as 2 have passed away over the last couple of years. I'm the youngest by quite a few years!

 

Andrew 

Count me in as a member of the prostate club, chaps, recently diagnosed after complaining to GP about frequent urination.  I’m actually in the waiting room now for an exam and planning session for Radiotherapy, the bottom of a learning curve!

 

Happy to talk about it any time.  PSA test is what led me here, I have a ball of type 2 cells apparently close to the gland wall, which is causing concern that they might make a break for the border and cause trouble elsewhere.  Early treatment is clearly the key to survival, and the RT has a claimed 80% chance of completely and permanently eradicating the cancer.  I am obviously not delighted about the situation, but am feeling positive about the outcome. 

Edited January 6, 2020 by The Johnster

[Erichill16]

2 hours ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

Now who was it that told me there would never be a RTR Thompson Pacific, I can't quite recall but I think that person posted such on this very thread.

 

Did you know about the BR Standard Class 2 as well, especially as you sold me the parts of a cab for one so I could convert a Bachmann Ivatt Class 2.  That is a nice surprise and the only thing on the announcement that I will be buying.

 

As for your photos, behind 60503 is an early BR RMB, there are not many photos showing these before they were altered to conform with the others.

 

 

Hello everybody,

Regarding the A2s that’s  the reason I  posted.   I think the reason was  there were too many detail difference s between such a small class. Anyway it’s only an opinion. 
regards Eric

 

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, davidw said:

Some lovely photos Tony. I'd a suspicion that Hornby had these in their sights.

I never told a soul!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, Bucoops said:

 

But it appears to use electrickery instead of clockwork

 

Interesting isn't it, that even all those years ago (I assume the advert is old) compilers couldn't spell 'gauge' properly?

 

In my proof-reading, that's probably the word I have to correct the most!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, JamieR4489 said:

The first thing I thought of when I saw the Hornby announcement was a certain Mr Wright, who'd built tens of Thompson pacifics, and his claims that one would never appear RTR. With regard to the W1, it wouldn't surprise me if several SEF kits turn up on eBay now at good prices. I'd happily take one rather than wait for the Hornby offering.

 

My first project of 2020 is complete (for now).

A Bachmann O4 picked up for a bargain price and converted to an O4/3 (thanks go to Graeme King for providing notes and pictures of his conversion). It still needs three link couplings but apart from that I think it's done.

 

Regards,

Jamie

'The first thing I thought of when I saw the Hornby announcement was a certain Mr Wright, who'd built tens of Thompson pacifics, and his claims that one would never appear RTR.'

 

Who'd ever believe a word I say?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[robertcwp]

 

Never mind the pacific, look in the left background - one of the first batch of RMBs without the cupboard and with the curved rainstrip.

Edited January 6, 2020 by robertcwp
Typo.

[Tony Wright]

3 hours ago, Woodcock29 said:

Actually A2/2, A2/3 and all 3 versions of W1 (Hush Hush, skirted streamlined LNER and BR!)

 

Be interesting Tony to hear your comments on the models down the track! Of course I don't expect they will go anywhere near pulling a train of 13 kit built coaches!

 

Edit comment - of course the posts above were all made whilst I was trying to get onto the Hornby site and then writing my short post!

 

Andrew

Paul Isles (Hornby's designer) has been in touch and the moment the 'proving' models are available, he'll let me see them Andrew.

 

Given the amount of research undertaken, they should be outstanding models. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Jesse Sim]

Tony, after our conversation earlier on the phone about the news of the W1 I have been thinking....

 

I have a mixed view on the announcement, I’m happy as it’s a model I’ve been wanting to build for a while and it’s now been made easier to obtain, however, I’m disappointed in the announcement as well. My reasons being is that not everyone had a model of the W1 it was almost like the real thing “Hush Hush”, if you looked at an LNER layout you’d get a real kick out of seeing a W1 running, just like it would have been in the days of its original form....

 

Did that make sense? Or am I becoming a cranky old git?

 

I am pleased it has been announced and it will be on my shopping list, but I think I’ll still do the Graeme King conversion for the rebuilt LNER W1, making it sounds more appealing to me. 

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, 60027Merlin said:

Tony,

 

Great news about the Thompson Pacifics – at long last!

 

Referring to the A2/2s;

 

As you know, the DJH kit suits 60505/06 without modifications to the cab etc. are Hornby tooling up for the variations for the other four?

 

Eric

'As you know, the DJH kit suits 60505/06 without modifications to the cab etc. are Hornby tooling up for the variations for the other four?'

 

When I next meet up with Paul Isles, I'll know for sure, Eric,

 

When he was last here, we discussed the A2/2s (at any one time were any two exactly the same?) and the problems regarding so many variations were brought up. 

 

I haven't checked, but if an A2/2 is to be offered in LNER green, it'll have to be fitted with the original, shortened P2 boiler and full 'V'-fronted cab (which 60503 and 60504 retained to withdrawal). For later BR days, then a variation with a Thompson/Peppercorn boiler will be necessary, complete with part 'V'-fronted cab - 60501/2/5/6. There's also the issue of the different positions of the 'S' in the footplate. I'm assuming (speculating?) that Hornby will do both, although it'll also mean two further styles of cab and two styles of tender. In fairness, Hornby already does the two tenders necessary for an A2/2 - a fact I pointed out to Paul. 

 

I've made both 60501 and 60502 from DJH's kit for an A2/2. It requires (as you know) slight alterations to the cab's rear and tender's front, and the addition of beading. When I was helping DJH with the development of their Thompson Pacifis, it was decided it wasn't cost-effective to make the different smokebox/boiler/firebox/cab/footplate arrangements to accommodate 60503 and 60504. 

 

Talking with a friend just now, I was astonished at how long ago my work took place with DJH regarding the A2/2s and A2/3s. It was in the last century! Which means DJH will most-likely have sold as many of the Thompson Pacific kits as they're ever likely to have done, at least in some numbers. 

 

All the above said, it's unlikely that the forthcoming RTR Thompson Pacifics will be able to pull what a kit-built equivalent will manage with regard to hauling long, heavy trains (if my experience with RTR ER/NER/ScR big locos is anything to go by).

 

Another thing, of course, is that a month or two after any new RTR loco is released, we'll see them populate so many layouts at shows, often unaltered. Seeing a Thompson Pacific on a layout means (up until the end of this year at least) somebody will have had to make it!

 

Regards,

 

Tony.  

[Clive Mortimore]

2 hours ago, The Johnster said:

Why is that the set back outside cylinders on Thompson Pacifics look odd and ‘gawky’, whereas the same feature on Stars, Castles, and Kings, not to mention Princess Royals, looks absolutely perfect!

 

I’m not really asking, just musing...

There was me thinking Specsavers had stopped selling their GWR tinted glasses

 

Hoping for all the best with your treatment.

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, Jesse Sim said:

Tony, after our conversation earlier on the phone about the news of the W1 I have been thinking....

 

I have a mixed view on the announcement, I’m happy as it’s a model I’ve been wanting to build for a while and it’s now been made easier to obtain, however, I’m disappointed in the announcement as well. My reasons being is that not everyone had a model of the W1 it was almost like the real thing “Hush Hush”, if you looked at an LNER layout you’d get a real kick out of seeing a W1 running, just like it would have been in the days of its original form....

 

Did that make sense? Or am I becoming a cranky old git?

 

I am pleased it has been announced and it will be on my shopping list, but I think I’ll still do the Graeme King conversion for the rebuilt LNER W1, making it sounds more appealing to me. 

You're cranky and you're a git (among many other gifts), but you've not lived long enough to be classed as 'old', Jesse. Yet!

 

That said, I understand exactly where you're coming from. There is an 'exclusivity' in having made/built/altered/modified/improved/weathered/etc something yourself, which no straight-from-the-box model or model built for 'you' will ever have. The last-mentioned are just possessions (desirable though they might be). 

 

And, as I said in an earlier post, seeing something like a Thompson Pacific on a layout (or the W1 in any of its forms) meant that someone will have built it. Whether it is as good as the RTR one will be is irrelevant in the long run (at least to me), it's the personal model-making which is crucial. 

 

As I've stated on many occasions, I've been very lucky in my model-making, in that where I've had any 'success' (open to question?), it's always been through working in a group. I've thus been able to concentrate on doing what I like - building locos/stock. Thus, when visitors come to see LB, or watched Stoke Summit and Charwelton at shows, they know/knew that what's running will have been built (not just by me, of course); unique, and not just the product of an ability to 'open the box'! 

 

The above said, from what's been just announced by Hornby, there'll be a load of very happy people who just can't wait to get their hands on those red/yellow boxes, and open them! 

 

I'm just not one of them, that's all; even though I've helped with the research on what's inside. If they're right (and they will be!) it'll be down to Paul Isles and his diligence. If they're wrong (and they won't be!) it'll be down to me. It comes with the territory............. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Clive Mortimore]

1 hour ago, Jesse Sim said:

Tony, after our conversation earlier on the phone about the news of the W1 I have been thinking....

 

I have a mixed view on the announcement, I’m happy as it’s a model I’ve been wanting to build for a while and it’s now been made easier to obtain, however, I’m disappointed in the announcement as well. My reasons being is that not everyone had a model of the W1 it was almost like the real thing “Hush Hush”, if you looked at an LNER layout you’d get a real kick out of seeing a W1 running, just like it would have been in the days of its original form....

 

Did that make sense? Or am I becoming a cranky old git?

 

I am pleased it has been announced and it will be on my shopping list, but I think I’ll still do the Graeme King conversion for the rebuilt LNER W1, making it sounds more appealing to me. 

Hi Jesse

 

I know what you mean. I have built many types of diesel, conversions or scratchbuilt only to see them slowly be done by the RTR manufacturers.

 

Gone are the days when one of my Baby Deltics appeared on a layout and I would be asked which kit was it. I would then have to look to see which number it was so I knew if it was a handmade one or a Tri-ang 37 made shorter. At one show a chap from the Deltic Preservation Society got excited at seeing a Baby Deltic, nearly wet himself when he saw a second one. Quite surprised he didn't have a heart attack when my mate drove the other eight on the layout. Today every one who wants one has one and those who wanted all ten just need deeper pockets.

 

All ten, I did have all ten finished but when I started to make the unpainted one I gave away D5909 to a good mate.

 

It takes the uniqueness out of a model I have made , but it doesn't take the pride of making it and fun of having run it in the case of my oldest Baby Deltic since 1981.

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, robertcwp said:

 

Never mind the pacific, look in the left background - one of the first batch of RMBs without the cupboard and with the curved rainstrip.

What would the working be, Robert?

 

I've slightly cropped the original scan, but only 'ristol' was present. A York-Bristol? Or a Newcastle-Bristol? Or an Edinburgh-Bristol?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Clive Mortimore]

6 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

What would the working be, Robert?

 

I've slightly cropped the original scan, but only 'ristol' was present. A York-Bristol? Or a Newcastle-Bristol? Or an Edinburgh-Bristol?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Hello Tony

 

Any idea which loco shed we are looking at, that might give a clue to the working.

[Tony Wright]

6 minutes ago, Clive Mortimore said:

Hello Tony

 

Any idea which loco shed we are looking at, that might give a clue to the working.

It's not actually 'on shed', Clive.

 

60503 is standing on the Up side, just south of York Station (in the remains of the ex-L&Y or ex-LNWR depot - I forget which), acting as main line pilot/standby. 

 

I have the same picture in a colour album. I'll see if I can find it and see if the image reveals more.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[landscapes]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

'As you know, the DJH kit suits 60505/06 without modifications to the cab etc. are Hornby tooling up for the variations for the other four?'

 

When I next meet up with Paul Isles, I'll know for sure, Eric,

 

When he was last here, we discussed the A2/2s (at any one time were any two exactly the same?) and the problems regarding so many variations were brought up. 

 

I haven't checked, but if an A2/2 is to be offered in LNER green, it'll have to be fitted with the original, shortened P2 boiler and full 'V'-fronted cab (which 60503 and 60504 retained to withdrawal). For later BR days, then a variation with a Thompson/Peppercorn boiler will be necessary, complete with part 'V'-fronted cab - 60501/2/5/6. There's also the issue of the different positions of the 'S' in the footplate. I'm assuming (speculating?) that Hornby will do both, although it'll also mean two further styles of cab and two styles of tender. In fairness, Hornby already does the two tenders necessary for an A2/2 - a fact I pointed out to Paul. 

 

I've made both 60501 and 60502 from DJH's kit for an A2/2. It requires (as you know) slight alterations to the cab's rear and tender's front, and the addition of beading. When I was helping DJH with the development of their Thompson Pacifis, it was decided it wasn't cost-effective to make the different smokebox/boiler/firebox/cab/footplate arrangements to accommodate 60503 and 60504. 

 

Talking with a friend just now, I was astonished at how long ago my work took place with DJH regarding the A2/2s and A2/3s. It was in the last century! Which means DJH will most-likely have sold as many of the Thompson Pacific kits as they're ever likely to have done, at least in some numbers. 

 

All the above said, it's unlikely that the forthcoming RTR Thompson Pacifics will be able to pull what a kit-built equivalent will manage with regard to hauling long, heavy trains (if my experience with RTR ER/NER/ScR big locos is anything to go by).

 

Another thing, of course, is that a month or two after any new RTR loco is released, we'll see them populate so many layouts at shows, often unaltered. Seeing a Thompson Pacific on a layout means (up until the end of this year at least) somebody will have had to make it!

 

Regards,

 

Tony.  

Hi Tony

 

I am sure there will be mixed feelings about Hornby's announcement to produce a W1, A2/2's & A2/3's amongst Railway modellers.

 

Regards

 

David

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

4 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

It's not actually 'on shed', Clive.

 

60503 is standing on the Up side, just south of York Station (in the remains of the ex-L&Y or ex-LNWR depot - I forget which), acting as main line pilot/standby. 

 

I have the same picture in a colour album. I'll see if I can find it and see if the image reveals more.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Quoting my own post,

 

I've found the colour image, and it's a York-Bristol set. 

[Tony Wright]

1 minute ago, landscapes said:

Hi Tony

 

I am sure there will be mixed feelings about Hornby's announcement to produce a W1, A2/2's & A2/3's amongst Railway modellers.

 

Regards

 

David

 

 

 

 

There probably will be, David,

 

But most of those 'feelings' will be of joy. 

 

For those who wish to make a BR steam ECML layout, then Thompson Pacifics (and 60700) are essential. Hitherto, it was up to folk to make them (or get others - like me - to make them for them). By next year that won't be necessary (unless the trains are very heavy).

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[micklner]

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

'The first thing I thought of when I saw the Hornby announcement was a certain Mr Wright, who'd built tens of Thompson pacifics, and his claims that one would never appear RTR.'

 

Who'd ever believe a word I say?

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

I can remember Bachmann blanking the Thompson's a while ago when asked to make them, Dennis Lovett replied saying no wants them . I thought it was a short sighted attitude, as Bachmann already had the A2/3 Tender made.  Time will tell if that it was a big mistake by Bachmann. Hopefully Hornby  will sell the lot .

Shame that are not tooling for the original A2/2 version , perhaps they are waiting to see how much demand there will be for them first.

 

Another bigger  surprise is they are still not making the Mikado Streamlined P2 when again most of the chassis already which already has the correct front end casting and Tender is also already tooled.

Edited January 6, 2020 by micklner

[Denbridge]

1 minute ago, Tony Wright said:

There probably will be, David,

 

But most of those 'feelings' will be of joy. 

 

For those who wish to make a BR steam ECML layout, then Thompson Pacifics (and 60700) are essential. Hitherto, it was up to folk to make them (or get others - like me - to make them for them). By next year that won't be necessary (unless the trains are very heavy).

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Mind you, Hornby have in the past demonstrated that they can produce locomotives capable of hauling a heavy train. Just the other day I stumbled across your video review of the P2.