Patriot87003

I couldn’t resist .... and recently purchased a another Intercity Swallow Class 87, but have backdated the livery a few years - I’m not the best artist in the world but I’m pleased with how it’s turned out so far. This backdates Black Douglas to her 1993 condition as shown in several pictures I found online including: Flickr 87030 Black Douglas, Manchester Pic 1993 I used Railmatch warning panel yellow, executive dark grey and executive light grey, finished off with Railtec transfers. I’ve not varnished or weathered her yet. I’m a bit tempted to buy and repaint another, with the executive dark grey wrapped round the front being a favourite, although if I do, I bet Hornby will announce for 2020!

A question/suggestion from me regarding the ‘black dot’ function of jumping to the last unread post of each topic ... Can the size of either the dot/hyperlink be increased or spaced out from the other links? I’m finding that when using my 9.7inch IPad, I’m often accidentally clicking a forum members name/hyperlink instead and jumping to their profile page (some must now think I’m stalking them!). The probability of clicking the wrong link is greatly increased when using the forum when riding a bouncy MK4 carriage along the ECML! Using the black dot function is a great way to navigate and is probably my most common method of jumping to read a topic page, so it does seem a bit of a shame that it seems to be the smallest sized button/link when compared to the bigger sized buttons/areas that are adjacent. Also, I confess that it took me about two or three years of using the ‘old’ forum format before I discovered the handy functionality of the black button! So a suggestion is for a small and simple key/legend to be included on the forum homepage to explain the functionality of the black dots - especially to help any new users or those that haven’t yet discovered that shortcut. There’s plenty of spare space on the homepage for a simple legend to be included. Overall, great work with the forum and getting the transition to the latest software up and running.

Thanks Mike - don’t know how I didn’t see post 42 .. oops! Sidings and existing rake of BAAs measured, pre-order now submitted.

A quick question: what length will the BBA wagons be over couplings? I just need to double check the length of the sidings on my layout before I place my pre-order. Many thanks in advance of the info.

Meanwhile, sales of Railmatch RM200 Executive Light Grey appear to be going well; only 4 currently in stock at Hattons .... https://www.hattons.co.uk/349673/Railmatch_Paints_RM200_Intercity_Executive_light_grey_15ml_bottle/StockDetail.aspx

Credit to Hornby for announcing two additional liveries for the Class 87/0 to arrive during 2019, as don't forget the Virgin Liveried 87019 is still shown as due during July 2019. I was also a bit surprised to see 87001 in it's current dual-named NRM static display announced, especially following the release of the as-built BR Blue 87035 in the first batch last year, but having thought about it, is quite a versatile move: - The proposed dual-named version is 'current & modern', has been in that configuration since 2005 (so one of the longest durations of the same livery and name of any 87: Amazing how time whizzes by!), and who knows how long it will remain dual-named in BR Blue in the future. Also, a technicality is that it has been seen on the main line in this guise .... during it's light-engine move to the NRM on 11th November 2005: https://www.rail-net.org.uk/jpgpage.php?picid=9132&storyid=246 - For those modelling 87001 in BR Blue between 2003 and 2005 when it was named STEPHENSON on both sides - a simple re-naming of one side will be required. Or as others have mentioned, simply operate the model with the Royal-Scot on the non-seen side! . Note that Hornby currently have Virgin liveried Mark 3's and a Mark 3 DVT out and available in many shops ... so a bit of joined up thinking. - The model could also be renumbered and renamed to 87002 Royal Sovereign in it's 2008 to 2015 BR Blue livery (I think that's when it was repainted into it's current Caledonian sleeper livery). Already within a year or so of it's release, Hornby have covered most of the life of the 87's with at least one livery/operating configuration: - 1974 As-Built until fitted with Brecknell Willis Pantographs: 87035 BR Blue - Sectorisation until Post-Privatisation: 87004 IC Swallow - Privatisation until fleet withdrawal during 2005: 87019 Virgin - After-life/current: 87001 BR Blue and 87002 Caledonian Sleeper The only significant gap not covered as ToF has mentioned is the post-BR Blue/experimental period of IC-Exec during the 1980's. It's also top of my wishlist ... but I can understand why it's probably lower down Hornby's to-do list as the time period is relatively small, also the number of sub-liveries/variations/TDM & detail configurations was probably at it's greatest. Also, the only coaches currently/recently in production in IC Exec livery are in the form of the Bachmann Mark 2F's ... so less likely for Hornby to produce the 87's in IC Exec until other options/liveries are produced that better match it's own plans for coaches (eg. Hornby Mark 2F's in IC Swallow as announced yesterday). Overall, I'm very happy that Hornby are showing continued commitment to further 87's ... fingers crossed the 2020 range will contain a few more liveries and variations

I’ve seen a few clips of the Cobblers on YouTube, the following link at 8:25 has a rake of 13 Mark 1’s being brought into Euston by a Class 85. An IC Exec Class 86 departs north with it at 15:00. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk62oogz4Ms&t=1362s

I have also given into the the temptation of purchasing The Burma Star! I used to live near Selhurst Depot and often saw and heard the real machine as a youngster. I’m now modelling a WCML layout and have been good so far sticking to WCML stock and loco’s, but agree with some of the comments in this thread .... that Burma Star looks great in this livery, and Heljan have produced a lovely model of her. Here she is during running-in ... runs really smooth so far and a decent weight for haulage, very pleased.

Following a bit of research on RMWeb about the Bachmann Mark 1’s being susceptible to derailments, I’ve checked the back to backs of each wheel set, re-reamed each axle box, checked/loosened the screw retaining each bogie, changed the couplings to Hornby’s R8220 and the NSE rake is performing much better. In the meantime, I’ve seen that the recent release of the batch of Heljan Class 33’s included 33056 The Burma Star. I saw one on EBay on the day of a 15% discount offer and I couldn’t resist! The real machine often used to idle outside my garden near Selhurst Depot as a youngster and the model looks mighty fine. Here she is during running-in ...

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable festive period so far. Santa was kind to me and delivered a Cobbler rake for me in the form of 10 x Bachmann Mark 1 NSE liveried coaches. I’ve used the close couplers as supplies within the box and given the rake a test run. They look good but I’ve had a few derailments so far; I’ll check the back-to-backs and may replace the couplers.

Hi all, a busy few weeks with work, domestic duties and DIY chores but a bit more modelling progress made .... Some more cable routes and location cabinets installed Flashing tail lamps added to several rakes including the freight stock (using Train Tech’s AL1) One rake completed with lights and passengers fitted (including a stay-alive pcb that keeps the lights lit for several minutes) I also attended and enjoyed the Warley show and picked up a few of the excellent Bachmann Mark 2’s to complete a mixed liveried cross-country rake ...

No - I didn’t say the flicker ... and so far, no sign of any flickering. The main reason I fitted them with a stay alive pcb/capacitor is that my layout is currently DC only and the module I found on EBay keeps the lights on for several minutes after the power is turned off, ideal for station/signal stops etc. It has also worked out at least £10 per coach cheaper than buying the light-fitted DCC version.

NBrass produce some WCML style portals that I’ve used for my layout and can thoroughly recommend them. https://www.nbrasslocos.co.uk/oocat.html I do like the Bachmann Mark 2F’s and bought a few more at Warley last weekend to create another rake for my layout. I’ve bought the non-light fitted version but am going to fit my own lights to keep me amused over the winter months, but fitted with a stay alive pcb that I’ve found on EBay at a reasonable price. I’ve already fitted them to a Mark 2F and it’s really handy that Bachmann have provided decent wheel pickups.

I’ve had a work trip to London today and am aboard the 5pm from King’s Cross to Edinburgh. The booked HST has had a set swap for a Class 91 set ... a bit gutted by that! However, a decent consolation prize that made me smile is that it’s hauled by 91119 in the new livery ... it seems to be following me about! I managed to get a couple of quick pics before departure ....

91119 is definitely working the 11:30 from King’s Cross to Edinburgh today as I’ve just been lucky enough to see it at Doncaster ...

Will it be 90023 by any chance? Looks great by the way ...

Yes, the non-DCC versions are fitted with electrical pickups. I have a non-DCC layout and have now bought three of the new Mark 2f’s and just completed fitting passengers and lights inside. I’ve used the lighting kits found on eBay using the Coach-lighting.com kits (linked below - no connections ... just a happy customer!). The PCBs are fitted with a small but useful super capacitor that allows stay-alive for several minutes for us non-DCC users. The very low friction pickups that Bachmann have installed are very useful and has made fitting lights a doddle. http://www.coach-lighting.com

That’s ok, more than happy to help as I’ve received so much inspiration and so many tips on RMWeb so far. Very true about the differences in shades between various manufacturers ... I’ve recently reformed a few rakes so they are formed of vehicles from the same manufacturer where possible. I didn’t use any primer on the coaches but did make sure the body sides were clean, also used decent quality masking tape and thankfully had no paint bleed. I used the enamel paint neat - but only applied a small amount at a time and made sure I used many brush strokes for a thin coat. I just need to finish it off with transfers but so far I’m happy with the results. I’ve repainted two other Oxford Rail MK3’s and I might install LED lights inside them this weekend.

Many thanks. I used the Railmatch version of Executive Light Grey (200). I brush painted using a decent quality brush, only used one coat and pretty pleased with how it’s turned out. I used Darkstar molten metal tarnished steel for the frames with two coats applied using a very fine brush and steady hand.

I’ve progressed some detailing around the layout including the approach to the terminal station. A few location cabinets, cables, bonding to the OLE masts and cable troughs added. Still plenty more to do.... I’ve also commenced a project to keep me busy over winter to install some lighting inside my carriages. I’ve bought an Oxford Rail Mk3, repainted the lower body side and classification strip executive light grey, painted the window frames, installed some passengers and LED lighting with a capacitor unit that keeps the carriage lit for a few minutes. I’ve also treated myself to this beast for railtours .... very smooth runner and currently running in. Just need to fit the details supplied.

Well I’m glad you’ve posted on this thread ... I like the rules in your signature and I clicked on the link to your own layout thread and am now a follower. I smiled when I read your update from 20th Oct where you said that GMRC has inspired you to get off your behind to progress your own layout - that for me is what GMRC is about, just like model magazines, RMWeb etc ... to inspire. To inspire non-modellers to maybe talk about modelling, maybe even nip to a shop to buy a magazine or visit a show and that may lead to buying a train-set or get back into more specific/detailed modelling. Also to inspire existing modellers to maybe spend an extra hour or two per week than they would normally spend, or to get the ad-hoc modellers (like yourself) inspired again to progress your own layout. I’ve not updated my own layout thread for a bit .... too busy modelling as I’m extra inspired! Great credit to all those involved in the creation of GMRC, to the teams and all those behind the scenes that’s created a show that’s showcasing the hobby in an entertaining and respectful manner.

I’ve given the 2nd class coach classification strip a coat of the Railmatch Exec light grey and given the window surrounds another coat. I’ve also given the 1st class coach an upgrade and really happy how they’ve turned out.

Many thanks. I’ve installed two other trap door corner boards as well. They really help with accessing other parts of the layout for engineering works, also give either myself or others a different vantage point to watch the trains go by. The roundabout and station approach is on another board ... The board in its dropped down position ... (also gives better access to the 2nd door to the shed) A view of the board in it’s locked position under the baseboard - the street lighting still works and gives better lighting under the board! Another corner has a farm under construction ... The farm in it’s dropped down position ... Finally, a double-headed Class 87 empty steel train waits in the loop line ...

Afraid not ... but I did see the Weaver Hill layout at the GCR show earlier this year - very impressive and action packed layout. I remember seeing 87002 in the current Caledonian livery.

Another tip could be to use cab ride footage to see how the elevated cable trunking progresses along the track side. There’s quite a bit of footage of the WCML on YouTube from a few different years. An example linked below - hope this helps. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g9pye6N7aK0