Removal of Hornby Hawksworth Gangways

[Right Away]

Would any member know if it is possible to EASILY remove/unclip the "huge" corridor connections (gangways) on Hornby Hawksworth coaches or are they part of the coach end mouldings.

 

I modify my couplings in order that coaches run close coupled with a 1-2mm gap between buffer heads (I have generous track curvature) and am contemplating buying a Hawksworth but it looks from photographs as though those gangways extend as far as the tension lock hoop in its factory fitted position.

I would rather not resort to surgery on a new vehicle.

Thanks in anticipation.

[HillsideDepot]

I have a BG which is part dismantled ready for a repaint (BR Blue, which no doubt will horrify some).

 

The gangway comes off reasonably easily, I'm not sure if it is glued, or was fitted to wet paint, but gripping firmly between thumb and fore-finger at each corner and sort of rolling finger and thumb against each other gently eased the gangway off.

The gangway is a rubbery plastic.

 

[Steamport Southport]

They're meant to be like that.

 

If you want to close couple them, just use the close coupler provided.

 

 

 

Jason

[Right Away]

Thanks fellas.

The point I should have made was that the gangways, as produced, appear to place the coaches an inordinate distance apart when coupled together.

In addition, to my eye they project disproportionately at the end of a rake.

One would have thought Hornby could have followed the same practice as with their excellent Stanier stock; providing alternative gangway connections.

[Bernard Lamb]

One would have thought Hornby could have followed the same practice as with their excellent Stanier stock; providing alternative gangway connections.

 

What!

Hornby adopted consistent procedures across the range.

This is Hornby.

Part of the fun is anticipating what you will need to do in the way of modifications to get coaches to close couple.

Try to assemble a mixed manufacturers parcel train with a few kit built items mixed in and the fun really starts.

I have a tray of Hornby and the Roco equivalent, Bachmann and Keen bar type couplings and then have to resort to wire loops and pegs as per Tony wright to join them all up.

Even then the odd gangway amputation and Modellers mecca or home made equivalent will be required on some, as it would seem you are discovering.

Bernard 

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

...The point I should have made was that the gangways, as produced, appear to place the coaches an inordinate distance apart when coupled together.

In addition, to my eye they project disproportionately at the end of a rake...

 Which begs the questions of just how far they should project from vehicle ends on a train end with the cover on, and the typical distance between vehicle ends when all coupled up with gangways connected?

 

Being a drysider, I know nothing except the Pullman gangway, but there will be interlopers from other parts West. The period 2 LMS design BG at the back of a fully braked parcels probably didn't run around with a scale yard of gangway hanging off the back did it...