What's your latest Swiss railway-themed aquisition?

[chb2488]

 

18 hours ago, cornish trains jez said:

That’s a good photo Gordon, thank you for posting. The roof grills are white too. Perhaps I’ll alter some of mine to reflect both the “just repainted” look and “worn” look.

 

The grilles don‘t commonly seem to get cleaned/replaced upon repaint, as seen here on 11193:

 

https://www.sguggiari.ch/1_archivio_news_2023_1.php?id=ffs-re-4-4-ii-11193-rossa

 

Compare to that 11173 that has been restored by DSF (also note that the grilles aren‘t white but aluminium coloured, as was the roof upon delivery):
 

https://www.dsf-koblenz.ch/index.php/04/04-4-1

[MOB 2002]

Just a small acquisition, but one I’ve been after for ages. An Arnold model of an ex SNCF luggage van to go with a steadily growing rake of EW IV. They’re all intended for a second layout that’s currently a bit stalled in construction. 

I’m off to Switzerland in a few days and hoping I might find time to stumble across a model shop or two. Any recommendations? Particularly interested in N gauge stuff that’s hard to get in the UK - including second hand.

 

Mark

 

[Gordonwis]

2 hours ago, MOB 2002 said:

Just a small acquisition, but one I’ve been after for ages. An Arnold model of an ex SNCF luggage van to go with a steadily growing rake of EW IV. They’re all intended for a second layout that’s currently a bit stalled in construction. 

I’m off to Switzerland in a few days and hoping I might find time to stumble across a model shop or two. Any recommendations? Particularly interested in N gauge stuff that’s hard to get in the UK - including second hand.

 

Mark

 

 

 

A couple of comments:

 

Two of the best models shops have closed down / are closing down (Wemoba some time ago and Modellbahn Centre Eurobahn in Aarau-Rohr. BUT the latter closes 15 July so you might get there in tome for their closing down bargains (although the closing down sale has been going for a few weeks now so the best stuff might be gone.

 

My favourite shop in Lausanne had virtually no N gauge last time I went in December - having been full to the brim of s/h N gauge on my previous visit. The prop said that N gauge was getting rare! 

 

My other experience in recent visits to Switzerland was that the "Swiss stuff you can't get in the UK" often isn't available in Switzerland either (because it is limited edition and thus sold out!)

[Samedan]

On 13/05/2023 at 18:44, Keith Addenbrooke said:

The most expensive coach I’ve ever bought - and maybe the most expensive I ever will…? I factored in the cost of two packs of Preiser figures as they came already fitted, and I personally think Panorama coaches look very empty without passengers.

I acquired one of these second hand (pre-loved?) quite a while back. In decent condition, but most of the passengers are rattling around out of their seats. I can’t get the roof off with the usual method of squeezing and prising the lugs out, as it were, and I’m afraid to force it too much and damage what’s still a very nice model. Can you remind me of the best roof-removing technique please, just in case I’m doing something wrong with this specific coach? 

[Samedan]

On 25/05/2023 at 14:11, DaveF said:

The layout has looked like this for some time (years), I have just made a start on the rest of the scenery, including station platforms.  For some years I was caring for Mum then after she died spent nearly a year sorting out her estate, now I have some time for modelling again.

My sympathies regarding your Mum. Caring at end of life is a big responsibility and, as you say, sorting things out afterwards -  both emotionally and administratively - seems to go on for ages. 
My Mum died just as a massive auction of European HO models, for which I’d prepared, researched, saved up etc was taking place in my part of the world over several days. Possibly a “chance in a lifetime” to affordably acquire numerous vgc HAG, Roco etc models, many never run.
My initial instinct was, oh well, there are more important things in life, too bad; but my wife and kids persuaded me that I should still go to the auction, as I could fit it in around the necessary procedures and duties I had to fulfil.
It was a weird couple of days, as I shuffled between hospital ward and chapel, undertaker, Priest and the auction. I like to think that it actually helped me through a difficult moment in time and that Mum would’ve endorsed my actions. I came away with some terrific purchases that form the core of my collection. If only I’d been able to find the time to really crack on with my layout, but that project is still progressing rather slowly. 
So, well done for coming back to modelling. I hope you are able to make good progress. 

[DaveF]

34 minutes ago, Samedan said:

My sympathies regarding your Mum. Caring at end of life is a big responsibility and, as you say, sorting things out afterwards -  both emotionally and administratively - seems to go on for ages. 
My Mum died just as a massive auction of European HO models, for which I’d prepared, researched, saved up etc was taking place in my part of the world over several days. Possibly a “chance in a lifetime” to affordably acquire numerous vgc HAG, Roco etc models, many never run.
My initial instinct was, oh well, there are more important things in life, too bad; but my wife and kids persuaded me that I should still go to the auction, as I could fit it in around the necessary procedures and duties I had to fulfil.
It was a weird couple of days, as I shuffled between hospital ward and chapel, undertaker, Priest and the auction. I like to think that it actually helped me through a difficult moment in time and that Mum would’ve endorsed my actions. I came away with some terrific purchases that form the core of my collection. If only I’d been able to find the time to really crack on with my layout, but that project is still progressing rather slowly. 
So, well done for coming back to modelling. I hope you are able to make good progress. 

 

Very many thanks for this.  I am now making progress with the layout, the platforms are part built and I am designing the village scene (not visible in the photo I posted).  I'm also working on my small 0 gauge layout.

 

David

[Keith Addenbrooke]

4 hours ago, Samedan said:

I acquired one of these second hand (pre-loved?) quite a while back. In decent condition, but most of the passengers are rattling around out of their seats. I can’t get the roof off with the usual method of squeezing and prising the lugs out, as it were, and I’m afraid to force it too much and damage what’s still a very nice model. Can you remind me of the best roof-removing technique please, just in case I’m doing something wrong with this specific coach? 

Hi there, good question - I’m afraid my answer won’t be much help, but maybe someone else knows.  I’ve had a look at mine and the only instructions in the box are for fitting an AC shoe, presumably in case lights are fitted.  No clues there, then.

 

While there does seem to be a bit of flex in the sides around the bogies, I couldn’t see any lugs there and I suspect the sides and top moulding may be is fastened to the full-skirt underframe?  Like yourself, I didn’t try and force it.

 

My passengers seem well glued to their seats at the moment, but it would still be helpful to know how to remove the body sides when the need arises.  Hopefully someone who has succeeded in removing these body sides and roof can advise, Keith.

 

 

[Frutigen]

Can anyone recommend a model shop for Swiss N in Basel or Davos?

[MOB 2002]

1 hour ago, Frutigen said:

Can anyone recommend a model shop for Swiss N in Basel or Davos?

I was in Davos last summer (and will be again shortly) and didn’t see any model shops. There used to be one in Chur but I don’t remember seeing that last time I was there either.

 

Mark

[Gordonwis]

4 hours ago, Frutigen said:

Can anyone recommend a model shop for Swiss N in Basel or Davos?

 

Sadly, these empty windows in Basel  used to be a superb model railway shop with lots of N...

 

https://goo.gl/maps/n2PvDmd1aT5Hbee6A

Edited June 20, 2023 by Gordonwis

[Gordonwis]

And 10 minutes walk away was Beltrami, also vg - and now a picture framing shop...

 

https://goo.gl/maps/7Knbs19SzPM7rWEUA

 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOcAO-Gmj-3L5vlsudjSSapysBfV60Enk7yWM8R=w408-h306-k-no

[MOB 2002]

I found a list of model shops in Switzerland on 1 zu 160, and quite a few seem to have vanished. I suppose even Switzerland isn’t immune from the pressures high street retail faces.

 

On the plus side I stumbled across Zuba-Tech in St Gallen, which seems to have a decent range, a couple of things I’m after, and reasonable prices for everything except Hobbytrain. If I can squeeze in a trip to St Gallen I’ll give it a try.

 

Mark

[MikeB]

If you are a member, The Swiss Railways Society website has a list of shops, but it's worthwhile checking shops' websites before visiting to see if shops are (a) still in business, (b) opening hours and (c) what ranges  they stock.

As far as I know, there is nothing in Davos, although the specialist MBA is based in a house in Igls. It seems strange to me that despite all the Bemo and Kato RhB stuff, there is no big model railways retailer in Graubunden. Depending on your route, some shops I've visted that are close to stations are Kolibri in Zug, Zubatech in St Gallen (both near main stations) and Modellbauland near Hauptwil.
 

[Frutigen]

Thanks all for confirming my suspicions on the model shop front, at least in those areas.

[MOB 2002]

Despite the lack of a model shop, Davos definitely still has its attractions, including the opportunity for some Ge4/4 I action on the historic train to Filisur at the moment. 

 

Like an instant flashback to the early 1990s.

 

Mark

[Frutigen]

Now there’s a coincidence

 

[MOB 2002]

Oh wow … we should have arranged an RMWeb Davos meeting! Taking over the world one train at a time 🤣

 

Mark

[2E Sub Shed]

SNAP

 

 

[MOB 2002]

Well, I can thoroughly recommend Zuba-Tech in St Gallen. Great stock in every scale from Z to G, including lots of good pre-owned models. And it’s on the route between the station and the old city, so easy to build into a trip out.

 

I decided to be practical and get some extra Piko EWI carriages, and a couple of decent value used Roco ones - but I could have spent an absolute fortune.

 

Mark

[Bundah]

Hobbytrain/Lemke SBB DE 4/4 in the 1980's 'warning stripe' livery, used in the Seetal Valley. Paired with 1960's Lima EW1 coaches.

 

Close your eyes to the USA boxcars in the foreground.  I'm running the DE 4/4 on my local club layout, which is scenic'd in a hybrid Australian / US environment to reflect the interests of the vaste majority of the club.

 

[MOB 2002]

I’ve always had a bit of a thing for the Swiss Express livery, so when this Re 4/4 II popped up on a well known auction site at a rather low price I couldn’t resist.

 

 

 

It’s the Hobbytrain rendition, and as it’s the later rectangular headlight variation it also comes with the better under frame detailing. Looks like it’s never been used too.

Mark

 

[SBB1]

Latest additions to the collection: this ubiquitous pair, new from Fleischmann. The Bt is DCC fitted for controllable lighting. I pre-ordered mine but Scograil currently has them at a good price.

 

 

I'm halfway to being able to field an 8 car Re460/EW IV rake - just need to get on with building a layout to run it on! What I have in mind is a scenic test track based on the well-photographed, snaking section of line between Burgdorf and Wynigen. It would be a double-track oval with a through fiddle-yard off-scene; the idea being a relatively simple layout to test and run full-length trains on, as well as practice my scenic skills. My question is: does this sound like a good idea for a first big project, or will I regret the lack of operational interest? Keen to here your thoughts if you've ever done something similar.

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew

[PaulRhB]

Less glamorous than a loco but very useful for the works train a Fad hopper in Om for the RhB. Need to get some modern RhB logos to replace the 70’s lettering only RhB and then some weathering and re-profiling of the wheels to finescale. 

 

[Keith Addenbrooke]

1 hour ago, SBB1 said:

Latest additions to the collection: this ubiquitous pair, new from Fleischmann. The Bt is DCC fitted for controllable lighting. I pre-ordered mine but Scograil currently has them at a good price.

 

 

I'm halfway to being able to field an 8 car Re460/EW IV rake - just need to get on with building a layout to run it on! What I have in mind is a scenic test track based on the well-photographed, snaking section of line between Burgdorf and Wynigen. It would be a double-track oval with a through fiddle-yard off-scene; the idea being a relatively simple layout to test and run full-length trains on, as well as practice my scenic skills. My question is: does this sound like a good idea for a first big project, or will I regret the lack of operational interest? Keen to here your thoughts if you've ever done something similar.

 

Cheers,

 

Andrew

Personally, I’d love a layout like that - and for the reasons you give: running full length trains and practising scenery.  It also gives practise at baseboard building and track laying (plus DCC wiring).  Not to everyone’s taste, as your comment basically acknowledges, but could still be very enjoyable, and somewhere to run in those new locomotives.  Just a thought, Keith.

[Frutigen]

10 hours ago, SBB1 said:

My question is: does this sound like a good idea for a first big project, or will I regret the lack of operational interest?

Oh yes, long trains on snaky track would be very satisfying.
 

When I was trying out layout ideas on the tabletop (lots of unitrack and nowhere for a permanent layout at the time) I discovered that I just liked chilling out and watching the trains go by, even without scenery. So I eventually built my layout with that in mind, and I’m very glad I did. 
 

And I thought I would just need some basic scenery to provide a setting while I ran the trains, but I found the scenic work absorbing and it became a major part of the project. As for the fiddle yard, with a bit of thought you might make that scenic too, it doesn’t have to be a station.