Hornby's Best Ever Models

[railroadbill]

On 22/07/2019 at 23:05, toboldlygo said:

Not enough coaches get a mention as Hornby's Best Ever Models..

 

I submit their Southern (ex-LSWR) Non-Corridor Stock...

 

Dia.99 Brake Third 

 

 

Dia. 418 Brake Composite

 

 

I'd also suggest the Maunsell corridor coaches that Hornby did.

 

These were a step up, particularly with the underframe details.  I gather that the underframes were also used with the ex LSWR 58' coaches.  The Maunsell corridors I've got (just 2 of them above)  run freely so a bit of a mystery why there have been complaints about the wheel sets on the exLSWR ones. Different factory or batch of wheels?

[railroadbill]

 

Closer pic - good finish, good detail.  Good ones, Hornby.

 

[Hilux5972]

I still reckon as far as coaches go, Hornbys Pullman’s are hard to beat. Yes colour wise they are a little off, but these are as popular as ever and with table lamps lit are a real eye catcher! 

[sncf231e]

33 minutes ago, Hilux5972 said:

and with table lamps lit are a real eye catcher! 

 

Regards

Fred

[railroadbill]

 

Re dragging wheels,  I got one of these devices. It fits between the axle boxes, and has a short 2mm drill bit in one end. Rotating it (the 2 halves are joined by a  screw thread)   makes a deeper hole to fit a brass pin point bearing.  You then turn it round and do the other side.  I've used this on plastic wagon kits where it lines up pin point bearings very well, since it rotates between the bearing holes.

 

34theletterbetweenB&D 's  techniques should do the job with Hornby bogies, I think, also worth trying different wheel sets (or Bachmann ones that look remarkably similar).  But if brass bearings were wanted this does the job.

 

I got it from "Knowle wagon works" ,  Tom Silsbury, who had a thread on RM small suppliers. No connection, just bought one.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

3 hours ago, Hilux5972 said:

I still reckon as far as coaches go, Hornbys Pullman’s are hard to beat...

The best aspect is that the choice of vehicles is sufficient to make complete authentic grouping period express trains. Seven or eight of their 1928 QoS cars make a lovely job behind a (Bachmann!) LNER liveried C1 atlantic, the usual traction when these cars were introduced, an authentic representation of a late 1920s express that just falls out of the box.

 

Rather ironic that it is the rarest group of passenger vehicles then running on the network with which this can be done. It's not until we get to the BR period that the good choice among BR's coach selection, makes the same thing possible.

[Hilux5972]

5 hours ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said:

The best aspect is that the choice of vehicles is sufficient to make complete authentic grouping period express trains. Seven or eight of their 1928 QoS cars make a lovely job behind a (Bachmann!) LNER liveried C1 atlantic, the usual traction when these cars were introduced, an authentic representation of a late 1920s express that just falls out of the box.

 

Rather ironic that it is the rarest group of passenger vehicles then running on the network with which this can be done. It's not until we get to the BR period that the good choice among BR's coach selection, makes the same thing possible.

Yep very true. I’m recreating the Belmond set at the moment and for the first time it is going to look pretty accurate, not completely of course, with K-Type, All-Steel K-Type and ex Brighton Belle Coaches too, thanks to the latest Belle release having NEM couplings. 

[robmcg]

The subtleties of Pullman sets are many, I had never realised the QoS set could be used behind the C1 Atlantics, now there's an idea for a picture or two. I have an A1 2569 somewhere too...

 

Meanwhile I have 'created' a 60052 'Prince Palatine' in final BR form, it being the last withdrawn, from St Margarets in 1/1966. I rather like the same engine in BR blue too so include that ...

 

 

 

 

I sold a lot of Hornby Pullmans a while back in order to eat....   they all look the same to me. 

 

 

Edited July 25, 2019 by robmcg

[Hilux5972]

 

1 hour ago, robmcg said:

I sold a lot of Hornby Pullmans a while back in order to eat....   they all look the same to me. 

 

 

I recently had to the same with the 12 wheelers I bought off you Rob. Although mine was for car repairs so I could work lol

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

2 hours ago, robmcg said:

The subtleties of Pullman sets are many, I had never realised the QoS set could be used behind the C1 Atlantics, now there's an idea for a picture or two. I have an A1 2569 somewhere too...

Let me throw further temptation in your path. The LNER C1, A1 and Southern area D11 can also be used on Pullman services, using the six wheel and earlier K type cars, for an early 20s trains. The C1s were the standard power for Pullman trains on the LNER until the pacifics had been built in sufficient number by the 1930s. Pullman trains were not the monster 15 vehicle affairs, but typically about 8 cars, so well within an atlantic's ability to start. And once going the final Gresley superheated C1 had greater maximum power output available above 70mph than any 4-6-0, until the Rebuilt Royal Scot was introduced. (The C1 had a large superheater/grate areas ratio by UK standards, pretty much the same as on the A4.)

 

Then heading South, the closely related LBSCR Marsh Atlantics were also deployed on Pullman services. Lots of very attractive picture composition possibilities...

 

(I am very pleased that we at last have RTR atlantic models, double the joy that the right selection was made. Just a little surprising that they are from the competition, rather then the 'everything express' specialist.)

[robmcg]

Here's one which Hornby, Bachmann or maybe DJM could do CADs for...  less likely than an SECR D or pigs flying.  Mind you, there is such a thing as a Flying Pig, but I won't go there...

 

 

I always liked the GCR...  the Pullman cars are, um, approximate...  

[Hroth]

We need more Atlantics!

 

Surely Hornby could do a run of GWR Atlantics, they just need a new chassis, they've got bodies that would suit.....

[robmcg]

14 minutes ago, Hroth said:

We need more Atlantics!

 

Surely Hornby could do a run of GWR Atlantics, they just need a new chassis, they've got bodies that would suit.....

 

But, but, Swindon rejected it in favour of narrow long fireboxes which required skilled firemen, Welsh coal and haycocks...

 

besides, they didn't look 'right'...     don't mention the de Glehns...

 

here is wot looks right,

 

 

 

 

[Hroth]

But the "Atlanticised" Saints were striking looking locomotives

 

 

and did the same work as the de Glehn compounds more efficiently and with less mechanical complexity. You also get more oomph with 6-coupled wheels, which is not to be sniffed at!  Having a pair of trailing wheels to support the middleaged spread of the wider firebox is only pandering to the fireman and the GWR style only became a problem some 30 years after the class was designed.... 

 

Of course, if you want 6 coupled wheels and a trolley behind, there's always The Great Bear!

 

btw, Nice pic of Firdaussi. I bought a Woolwinder from Hattons, one of their "open box" offers, with an alleged mark on the boiler (I personally can't see it) because I decided I wanted an A1, but didn't want a ruddy FS.  It came out at the same price as a Railroad FS...

 

Edited July 25, 2019 by Hroth
Thort of sumthin else...

[robmcg]

I will concede that the 2-cylinder Swindon 4-4-2 had a lot going for it, but don't say I said so, there are people around here who go all religious about these things.

 

Woolwinder was a nice choice, my 2569 A1 is similar but for the paint , here is is to compare with the 2503 a couple of messages back.. 

 

 

I think I bought a Woolwinder at full price and then sold it, I may have sold 2569 too, hard to check when you have to lie around being waited-on (pressure sore).

 

Both finishes look great to my eyes. 

[Hroth]

4 hours ago, robmcg said:

there are people around here who go all religious about these things.

 

I know no-one expects the Southern Inquisition, but we're talking about things Western and Eastern here, so they may not notice....

 

 

The thing about 111, apart from being blighted by the hidebound weight restrictions of the Civil Engineers, might have been that the huge firebox, coupled with the standard/traditional GWR firebuilding methodology, contributed to its alleged breathlessness.

 

Also its not that pretty, compared with almost all contemporary GWR locos (apart, that is, from the Krugers...)  You can see where Stanier got the idea for the Princess Royals from, and the placement of the outside cylinders is Thompsonesque to say the least!

 

(Sorry to hear that you're indisposed, I do know that pressure sores can be a bu@@er to shift.)

 

Edited July 26, 2019 by Hroth
bits and bobs...

[Hilux5972]

1 hour ago, Hroth said:

 

I know no-one expects the Southern Inquisition, but we're talking about things Western and Eastern here, so they may not notice....

 

 

The thing about 111, apart from being blighted by the hidebound weight restrictions of the Civil Engineers, might have been that the huge firebox, coupled with the standard/traditional GWR firebuilding methodology, contributed to its alleged breathlessness.

 

Also its not that pretty, compared with almost all contemporary GWR locos (apart, that is, from the Krugers...)  You can see where Stanier got the idea for the Princess Royals from, and the placement of the outside cylinders is Thompsonesque to say the least!

 

(Sorry to hear that you're indisposed, I do know that pressure sores can be a bu@@er to shift.)

 

Cylinder placement is the same as the Castles and Kings. Nothing Thompsonesque about them

[toboldlygo]

15 hours ago, robmcg said:

I will concede that the 2-cylinder Swindon 4-4-2 had a lot going for it, but don't say I said so, there are people around here who go all religious about these things.

 

Those Men in Malachite, sub-contract for all of those organisation's affiliated with the GWR (in fact the Grand Inquisitor is a GWR man) and have tailored their 'corrective treatments' accordingly- wait till you try the Safety Bonnet of Despair* 

 

10 hours ago, Hroth said:

 

I know no-one expects the Southern Inquisition, but we're talking about things Western and Eastern here, so they may not notice....

 

Oh dear you must of missed the missive - they are also affiliated with the Eastern organisation's as well. They have Tumble-homing** - that's one for you to try 

 

*Basically a relabelled Iron Bulleid.

 

**Re-branded from Spam-canning for their Eastern Region 'Clients' 

[robmcg]

12 hours ago, Hilux5972 said:

Cylinder placement is the same as the Castles and Kings. Nothing Thompsonesque about them

 

Not to mention this Autumn 2019 release from Hornby.... a tour de force. Even if the boiler and breathing took a couple of years to sort.

 

 

Which is a lot different than going into paroxysms of despair over empty threats of treatment for that Eastern disorder sometimes referred to as Tumblehoming.  There are people in areas adjacent to the ECML at Little Bytham who suffer greatly through lack of tumblehome, and does the NHS care? 

 

[robmcg]

3 hours ago, toboldlygo said:

 

Those Men in Malachite, sub-contract for all of those organisation's affiliated with the GWR (in fact the Grand Inquisitor is a GWR man) and have tailored their 'corrective treatments' accordingly- wait till you try the Safety Bonnet of Despair* 

 

 

Oh dear you must of missed the missive - they are also affiliated with the Eastern organisation's as well. They have Tumble-homing** - that's one for you to try 

 

*Basically a relabelled Iron Bulleid.

 

**Re-branded from Spam-canning for their Eastern Region 'Clients' 

 

Antidote for the tumblehome-disease..

 

GCR main line, c1950

 

 

What a terrible picture!   The tumblehome! the tumblehome!    brass etchings!  brass etchings!

 

NOT...

 

Excessively ornate erudition,  it's the cups of tea you know.... I'll probably buy a weathered blue 60103 to compensate. And the ski-jump may or may not be on the model,  see how life can take on new meaning? 

Edited July 26, 2019 by robmcg

[Trev52A]

On 25/07/2019 at 05:27, robmcg said:

 Meanwhile I have 'created' a 60052 'Prince Palatine' in final BR form, it being the last withdrawn, from St Margarets in 1/1966. I rather like the same engine in BR blue too so include that ...

 

 

 

 

I sold a lot of Hornby Pullmans a while back in order to eat....   they all look the same to me. 

 

 

 

Don't forget, Rob, that in its final, final form (i.e. approximately the last 18 months of its working life) it had the yellow 'electrification ban' stripe on its cab side (unless you think that is a step too far!)

60041 and 60100 were also so afflicted.

 

At Newcastle on a 'special' on 6th June 1965

 

Cheers

Trevor

[robmcg]

Thanks Trevor, I have been made aware of my warning stripe-less errors on my Facebook page.

 

For some reason I find the warning stripes very depressing, as on Duchesses,   but have no good excuse for my failure to add them.

 

Lovely pic of 60052, what an old soldier! Built 1924,and going out in style in late 1965.   Thanks.

 

interesting to note the angle of the walschaerts valve gear horizontal...   many say Hornby got that wrong, but Hornby are pretty close with it.  

Edited July 26, 2019 by robmcg

[robmcg]

oh, I see 60052 ended up with an A4 boiler....  hooray!  I thought I may have got that wrong when I used 60043 Brown Jack as a basis for my pic of 60052 in late BR days.   I have all the books, RCTS and Irwell etc  but they are out of reach.  try telling a lay-person to find a book titled 'A3'....    albeit my library system is, shall we say, rather random. 

Edited July 26, 2019 by robmcg

[Trev52A]

18 minutes ago, robmcg said:

Thanks Trevor, I have been made aware of my warning stripe-less errors on my Facebook page.

 

For some reason I find the warning stripes very depressing, as on Duchesses,   but have no good excuse for my failure to add them.

 

Lovely pic of 60052, what an old soldier! Built 1924,and going out in style in late 1965.   Thanks.

 

interesting to note the angle of the walschaerts valve gear horizontal...   many say Hornby got that wrong, but Hornby are pretty close with it.  

 

Yes, you are right, Rob  - the valve gear doesn't look too bad after all on the model when compared to the real thing!

 

Trevor

[No Decorum]

On ‎24‎/‎07‎/‎2019 at 21:34, railroadbill said:

 

Re dragging wheels,  I got one of these devices. It fits between the axle boxes, and has a short 2mm drill bit in one end. Rotating it (the 2 halves are joined by a  screw thread)   makes a deeper hole to fit a brass pin point bearing.  You then turn it round and do the other side.  I've used this on plastic wagon kits where it lines up pin point bearings very well, since it rotates between the bearing holes.

 

34theletterbetweenB&D 's  techniques should do the job with Hornby bogies, I think, also worth trying different wheel sets (or Bachmann ones that look remarkably similar).  But if brass bearings were wanted this does the job.

 

I got it from "Knowle wagon works" ,  Tom Silsbury, who had a thread on RM small suppliers. No connection, just bought one.

That looks a nifty device indeed. I usually open out axleboxes with a drill bit. The problem, of course, is that the bit drills at an angle. I tried the DCC Concepts version of the Knowle device and found it totally ineffective. With thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I have found that substitute wheels have solved the drag. The new wheels are smaller, which has led to the foreseeable (but not by me) problem of the droppers on couplings fouling point rails. My next step is to see if I can raise the bodies on the bogies. Life persists in getting in the way.

 

Knowing how het up people can get (the well-balanced folk on this thread are exceptions, of course) I usually have to emphasise that my opinions are just my opinions and other opinions are perfectly valid. With that in mind, I believe that we are astonishingly well served by the RTR manufacturers and it is becoming increasingly difficult to select a model of the year or a best-ever model. I approach the task by looking for obvious flaws and eliminating models suffering from them. However easy or not it is to correct coaches which do not run freely, I would instantly eliminate Hornby’s Southern (ex-LSWR) non-corridor coaches as best ever models.