dibber25 Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 Model Rail 209, on sale May 7. News: All of the hobby’s hottest news stories. · Locomotion Models announces GNR Stirling 8ft Single as the next ‘National Collection in Miniature' project. · Revolution Trains announces ‘N’ gauge TEA tank wagon. Reviews: Our in-depth, accurate and frank reviews are at least one step ahead of the rest! · Bachmann’s second try at the ‘6959’ class modified ‘Hall’ (is it right this time?), and Hornby’s LMS non-corridor coaches, plus OO Works ‘I3’ 4-4-2T are the highlights of this month’s review section. Layouts: An in-depth look at some perfect re-creations of real stations: · Clutton GWR (‘P4’ gauge) · Rolvenden (‘P4’ gauge) · Bryndulais (‘OO’ gauge) Masterclass: Singles – a look at the single-wheeled speedsters of the late 19th century, the ‘Pacifics’ of their day. Workbench: · Build a diesel fuelling point with Chris Nevard. · Build a customized warehouse – two kits examined by Peter Marriott. · Build your own Network Rail New Measurement Train in ‘OO’ · Chris Leigh looks into grounded vehicle bodies and works on a couple of models. Regulars: Q&A : Guide to identifying DMUs Exhibition Diary Backscene Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adams442T Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 Just dropped on the mat! Another good issue I think, the P4 layouts in particular look good and the Stirling Single article has decided me to reserve one from Locomotion. Does it fit in with my new layout? Not yet, but at this rate the tracks will be moving 'oop North!' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted May 5, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 5, 2015 Nice issue having just had a quick pass through, and a good review of the Bachmann 6959 - very fair I think (but please tell Mr Foster that it is not 'a superheater cover' but is actually an oil pipe cover ). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium John M Upton Posted May 5, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 5, 2015 Like the Class 40 supplement I must say! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisf Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 My sub copy came yesterday and has made interesting reading. First - multiple cheers for TWO P4 layouts! They both come across well and the pic of Clutton on the cover is particularly good. Chris Leigh's DMU recognition guide tackles a complex subject very well indeed and to get all that into four pages is quite an achievement. The differences between 108 and 116/117 also include the number of doors and body length and I'm sure that Chris wished he had had a few more lines of text at his disposal. Complementing that feature is Chris Nevard's piece on the diesel fuelling point, which is well worth reading for the section on achieving a realistic concrete finish. Was it really as long ago as January 2011 that the method he describes last appeared? Gosh, how time flies. I do not envy Richard Foster in having to write about Bachmann's Modified Hall. I have not followed the unfolding saga all that closely but it must have been difficult to contemplate saying that Bachmann have blown it. I look forward to seeing their response to Richard's suggestion of hunting down the old Replica model, and to seeing an article in a future issue on turning the new model into an accurate one. The review of the Hornby non-corridors worries me a bit. As far as the shade of red is concerned, this has caused endless arguments in the past and will do again. If you don't like it, either buy a paintbrush or ask Hornby if it is meant to be maroon or crimson and half expect the answer Yes! More worrying is the report of the damaged review samples. A split in the chassis moulding mirrored by a large split in the body and roof? This is serious. Chris Leigh's feature on grounded bodies is a good read from the twin aspects of prototype information and commemoration in model form. It reminds me that I used to pass a farm shop regularly which was partly housed in a 12 ton van body. Not any more it isn't. Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibber25 Posted May 6, 2015 Author Share Posted May 6, 2015 My sub copy came yesterday and has made interesting reading. First - multiple cheers for TWO P4 layouts! They both come across well and the pic of Clutton on the cover is particularly good. Chris Leigh's DMU recognition guide tackles a complex subject very well indeed and to get all that into four pages is quite an achievement. The differences between 108 and 116/117 also include the number of doors and body length and I'm sure that Chris wished he had had a few more lines of text at his disposal. Complementing that feature is Chris Nevard's piece on the diesel fuelling point, which is well worth reading for the section on achieving a realistic concrete finish. Was it really as long ago as January 2011 that the method he describes last appeared? Gosh, how time flies. I do not envy Richard Foster in having to write about Bachmann's Modified Hall. I have not followed the unfolding saga all that closely but it must have been difficult to contemplate saying that Bachmann have blown it. I look forward to seeing their response to Richard's suggestion of hunting down the old Replica model, and to seeing an article in a future issue on turning the new model into an accurate one. The review of the Hornby non-corridors worries me a bit. As far as the shade of red is concerned, this has caused endless arguments in the past and will do again. If you don't like it, either buy a paintbrush or ask Hornby if it is meant to be maroon or crimson and half expect the answer Yes! More worrying is the report of the damaged review samples. A split in the chassis moulding mirrored by a large split in the body and roof? This is serious. Chris Leigh's feature on grounded bodies is a good read from the twin aspects of prototype information and commemoration in model form. It reminds me that I used to pass a farm shop regularly which was partly housed in a 12 ton van body. Not any more it isn't. Chris I'm afraid that, after taking the Hall to bits and examining it, I won't be trying to tackle the frame alterations in an article. I'm sure, if anyone makes a successful job of it, we'll be interested in seeing how it was done but the fact that the parts which require alteration are metal not plastic makes it a very tricky job with a high risk of ruining an otherwise good model. A job that I'm not willing to attempt. I do have the old Replica '6959' and I'm wondering whether i can adapt that to take the Bachmann chassis but I have my doubts. CHRIS LEIGH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold gwrrob Posted May 6, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 6, 2015 Nice to see Tim Venton's masterpiece 'Clutton' in the model press again.A stunning layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium ardbealach Posted May 7, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 7, 2015 Enjoyed the article on Clutton - exactly my philosophy on model railways and well said. I couldn't have put it all better myself. A very enjoyable issue. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gismorail Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 Well done to Richard for delivering an excellent and honest review regarding the new Bachmann Hall. That must have been a difficult bit of journalism to write ..... am very surprised that the same has not been picked up in BRM review. The review on the LMS coaches is worrying lets just hope that its a one off Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted May 7, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 7, 2015 A good issue, I enjoyed the article on the Network Rail HST especially. The articles on singles and first generation DMUs were also very good. Some nice layouts too. The reviews were good and provided some valid criticisms. As ever I am left wondering why OO Works are like the forgotten company of OO RTR. They produce models of subjects that are often overlooked by big manufacturers yet which represent important types for those interested in the eras and railways they model. OK they are a bit basic compared to Bachmann, Hornby etc and lack the finesse we take for granted in plastic but considering they are effectively batch built metal kits made in Britain and finished to a higher standard than most kit built models I see the value for money is really quite astonishing. I find it both odd and a bit disappointing they are so overlooked. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan452 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Some gremlins I'm afraid. In the DMU recognition guide there appears to be a mix up in the description and pictures of the Class 115 and 127. It might have also been worth mentioning specifically that the Class 125's also had Rolls Royce Engines/Hydraulic Transmission. (ala the Class 127's). In the Class 40 supplement on page 7 it states that the Class was transferred to the Great Eastern in 1962 following the introduction of the Deltics on the East Coast Main Line. Were they not introduced on the Great Eastern from new in 1958? The illustration on page 23 certainly suggests this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted May 10, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 10, 2015 I think most mags have gremlins of some sort. For example it might have been nice to give a bit more detail on the later years of D200 when it was rostered for a daily return trip Carlisle - Leeds - Carlisle over the S&C, I remember at that time being sick of D200 as every time I went to Leeds that was the motive power. Strange that I could get tired of a celebrity, the last of her kind, well turned out in BR green but true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westerner Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 Slightly surprised in the DMU listings nothing about the length, that classes upto 113 were57ft long and classes 114 onward were 64ft 6ins long. I would have thought that was a fairly fundamental distinguishing difference. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibber25 Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share Posted May 12, 2015 Slightly surprised in the DMU listings nothing about the length, that classes upto 113 were57ft long and classes 114 onward were 64ft 6ins long. I would have thought that was a fairly fundamental distinguishing difference. Not easy to identify the lengths in many instances (three-quarter angle photos for instance) also there was a severe limitation on space. I tried to keep it as brief and simple as possible. Similarly, how many novices would be able to identify a RR engine unless they are close enough to read the maker's plate? Doing these 'instant' guides requires taking value judgements all the time as to what you can leave out. CHRIS LEIGH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westerner Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 I take your point Chris, but it might have been possible to mention the 2 lengths in the introduction. I still enjoyed the article, it was good to see an article about all the DMUs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Torper Posted May 14, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 14, 2015 Well, hats off to Model Rail for featuring two P4 layouts in this issue. If BRM had featured even the occasional P4 layout I might not have cancelled my subscription. DT Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stroudie Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Got quite a few issues with the article on the NR NMT, which I thought was pretty poor.... - Why use the Lima model as a base for the conversion, it's years old and the Hornby one is far superior - The coaches in the NMT have grey roofs, not the black shown, which is correct for the power cars only, as the article's pictures clearly show! - The actual standard of the completed model was adequate at best, it certainly didn't set a high standard for modellers to aspire to. - Any well-thought through article would have illustrated the coaches, showing both sides, to assist modellers - 43062 carries a centre headlight, why was this not modelled? In my view this is the latest in a succession of poor modern image articles, but hey, this is just my opinion! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jongudmund Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 I saw the measurement train heading west out of Cardiff Central yesterday morning. Couldn't see the roofs, unfortunately. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted May 24, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 24, 2015 I can see the logic of hacking into a Lima HST set. They can be found at reasonable prices and if you drop a klanger you haven't lost that much. I thought it a good effort that may inspire others to have a go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibber25 Posted May 31, 2015 Author Share Posted May 31, 2015 Got quite a few issues with the article on the NR NMT, which I thought was pretty poor.... - Why use the Lima model as a base for the conversion, it's years old and the Hornby one is far superior - The coaches in the NMT have grey roofs, not the black shown, which is correct for the power cars only, as the article's pictures clearly show! - The actual standard of the completed model was adequate at best, it certainly didn't set a high standard for modellers to aspire to. - Any well-thought through article would have illustrated the coaches, showing both sides, to assist modellers - 43062 carries a centre headlight, why was this not modelled? In my view this is the latest in a succession of poor modern image articles, but hey, this is just my opinion! Unecessarily harsh comment, given that the modeller and writer of the article actually worked on the real NMT. Perhaps before making sweeping statements about 'succession of poor articles' it would be worth having a word with the Editor. I'm sure he'd be delighted to receive an article from you. CHRIS LEIGH Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 40-something Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 Got quite a few issues with the article on the NR NMT, which I thought was pretty poor.... - Why use the Lima model as a base for the conversion, it's years old and the Hornby one is far superior - The coaches in the NMT have grey roofs, not the black shown, which is correct for the power cars only, as the article's pictures clearly show! - The actual standard of the completed model was adequate at best, it certainly didn't set a high standard for modellers to aspire to. - Any well-thought through article would have illustrated the coaches, showing both sides, to assist modellers - 43062 carries a centre headlight, why was this not modelled? In my view this is the latest in a succession of poor modern image articles, but hey, this is just my opinion! Why not submit an article yourself to redress the balance? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted May 31, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 31, 2015 Got quite a few issues with the article on the NR NMT, which I thought was pretty poor.... - 43062 carries a centre headlight, why was this not modelled? I suppose it depends on whether or not you are modelling 43062 with or without the headlight (as the photos show it hasn't always had one and it wasn't on the original spec as far as I can recall although I think I might have dumped all my paperwork now for the work I did in connection with the train). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted May 31, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 31, 2015 Magazine articles like this have to walk a bit of a tight rope. Model Rail could just get Dave Lowery, George Dent and other pro-level modellers to do their articles. That'd result in all of the models being splendid, I think it'd also mean many readers would find it a bit intimidating. Clearly a model in a magazine should be of a good standard but I actually support putting models in that are projects that most readers could have a go at and which may not be perfection in miniature. I find such projects can actually be more inspirational than professional efforts as it sort of says "go on, have a go, you won't know if you don't try". And I think some of the comment on the Network Rail HST are very harsh, I'd be happy with it in my fleet, I really thought it was a good effort. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GordonC Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 I dont think the Lima HST power cars are that bad ... as a novice, I'd certainly prefer to hack them around than the £200 per pair for the latest Hornby ones Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim R Posted June 1, 2015 Share Posted June 1, 2015 Thanks for your support, guys. My NMT is a representation of it as it was when I was involved circa 2005-2007. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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