mark axlecounter

We had the apprentice going mad because the car was pre tech 1. It was when I was at vantage bury (Vauxhall main dealer) we gave the apprentice a D reg nova to work on (poor idling) So he brought the car onto the ramp and went straight to the diagnostic cage where tech 1 and tech2 are. (Tech 1 is the first diagnostic for Vauxhall 1990 onwards to 1998 tech 2 is after1998) so he grabs tech 1 goes to the nova and spend 30 minutes looking for the plug. In the end I took it off him and carried out checks (the old way ) fixed it found out it was the carb setup wrong. Old school mechanic 1 new tech 0

I was in the box when you took that.

I was in the box when you took that.

I am lucky there is 4 all within 30 minutes drive transport models (Preston) ,Arcadia (shaw) ,Loco shed (whitefeild) and standard 4 in bury (east lancs railway). I go to shows for bits what I can’t get from them. I do use eBay for stuff to but most of my purchases are from one of the local shops.

That’s the problem with the job now. I was trained at Land Rover with old school trainers but now the old hands have gone and the new ones are more like computer mad.

Intermittent faults are a nightmare to find. If the ecu has no fault codes it could be mechanical or electrical but the way you are describing the fault it could be cam sensor what is faulty or it could be egr valve sticking. Without the car in front of me I don’t know. Get a Holden Commodore Or as we know them as VXR8.

Clive you are the master of building locos from plasticard. I can’t do what you do, I’ve tried and failed. I enjoy building locos from brass or white metal, here is one I am just finishing it’s a Djh BR standard 2, 2-6-0 When I started to look at building Loco kits I bought Tony’s two dvds on building locos (right track 1&2 ) and got advise from Tony when he and Mo go to shows, I’m not very good but the kit comes together well. Mark

I was a mechanic at a main dealer (10 years ago ) before I joined the railway so I can advise on why the diagnostic or the tech didn’t pick up the fault before. When the sensors communicate to the ecu they all have to work together. Right that is how the modern car runs but when a sensor is failing but still works to a fashion the ecu needs to have the fault for more than 6 seconds at a time before the ecu puts the eml (engine management light) on if it fails for less than 6 seconds the ecu won’t identify there is a fault and thinks everything is ok. The ecu doesn’t feel the car how you do because you are a human and we have this ability to feel that something is not right. Mark

The gibbo wheels look a lot better than Hornby's. But as for lateral I use some spring wire bent to a side ways U then glue one side on the pony unit and the other side is pushed agenised the chassis. I'm not near the locos or I would show you what I have done. Mark

Not on points anymore but they still crab a bit on curved peco track ( my curves are 50 inch radius )

Its this new thing called tinterweb My locos have been modified to have lateral springing and I have put Gibson wheels on mine plus I know the back to backs are ok its the way they are designed what is the problem on peco track. Just trying to get them right is the problem but what I have noticed is the way they are the locos I mentioned have like a tear drop on both sides. I know what your saying and I agree with you sir

Hornby 8F, stanier 2-6-4t, fowler 4p 2-6-4 t keep doing that on my layout

He also needs the sound of " Not another bl##dy train" I might be sending A pm to you Martin about details about your layout for a future show. Mark ( the angry signaller)

I have not been posting updates on bucks lane ( as you can tell ) because there has been a lot going on with work, family, other commitments, but there has been some work going on with BL. I took BL Fareham in October last year and what a weekend it was. A very good show and BL ran very well with all the operators doing a fantastic job at keeping things moving. BL also went to My clubs show at the Rochdale masonic hall in March and like Fareham it ran very well. But the same thing was said by people at both shows saying why I haven't done anything on the sides of the layout ( the curves). So when we got back and put BL back up I stared to think about what people had said about putting scenery on the curved sections, so the decision was made to redo the curved sections. First section to be redone is going to have a viaduct then goes into a tunnel just like Summerseat ( parts of the layout are based on things around the North West ) I will be taking photos as I am building it. Here are some photos so far Bucks Lane at the masonic hall This is the NEW curve section. The viaduct will be next then the tunnel More photos will appear and I will be updating it here to. Mark

A few of us (relief signallers) went to York to watch it but ended up playing operating the frames. Its better than what we have now

That standard looks good mike. Got your email will let you know asap Your black 5 is stripped now ready for its transformation

That black 5 now pulls all them mk1’s with ease now. Glad you like the locos

Yay it’s coming back it it was nice to see you mike and thank you for the nice words about bucks lane. It’s made me smile

Hi Andy hope all is well. Ive been busy and have only just caught up but this is becoming an amazing layout keep up the good work buddy.

I've done that method on bucks lane, so the 4 fiddle yard boards split Into 2 sections and fold over so its better for taking to shows.

Or smear a thin layer of epoxy on the brake hangers and the cylinders where there is a risk of shorting.

I go to work for a rest lol As I say I never get chance to do anything at home

I am allowed to build my kits at work because it keeps me alert and vigilant and when there are problems then they are put out of the way. I try and build my kits at home but when you have 3 kids a pug and a Mrs all wanting you to do stuff there is no time to do them. I go to Heywood model railway club on Mondays and I have bucks lane there so the only time I can build my kits is when I'm at work.

I roll the lead up into a sausage shape then use my BIG hammer and think its my ex ( she cheated on me) bash it to the shape so it fits inside the boiler. Its amazing how much weight you can get if you condense it down. Mark (not always angry)

Thanks to Barry I will have a copy of him. Bucops I have got spares off them last week but i didn't know they did them plus i don't like to mither them to much because i need bits for this duke kit.