Johng

The  Roley Moundings (Snowhill) one is very good, I have got one in my all to large 'too build' pile, all the castings, except the backhead are lost wax, the backhead being WM. The MM1 (JLTRT) has the benefit of a resin boiler, but you will need to check as to availability, Laurie of MM1 is a great guy and only to happy to help. 

There has been a debate as to the best, the Snowhill has a minor compromise to the wheel spacing to get the brake shoes in, this has often drawn comment, but you would never have known it, just use the coupling rods in the kit, they are of the right 'construction' in any case. There was an article over 2 MRJ's about its design and construction.

There is a 2-10-0 version for sale on the Guild site complete with wheels.

Usual disclaimer

Trust this helps.  Johng

Summer 1986, Jim Read articles,  I have a scan of the page, if you pm me I will send it to you. Mike Bragg, an ambassador for micro layout  is a personal friend and went on the build more (than a few!), I know, I have 2 of them!

John.

John,

Volume 9, number 11, page 27,

Trust this helps,

John

Was it in the  Gauge O Guild Gazzette? if so then if you are a member you can download it as all the gazettes are archived.

John.

Adrian

Go for a log cabin without doubt, I did the exercise about 5 years ago, I ended up spending about 2k but I ended up with a 3m x 4m,  34mm logged wall cabin with double glazing, tilt and turn windows, the price has gone up a bit over the last 5 years the same today is about 2.7k. I started looking at sheds and the plans grew into the cabin in the end due mainly to value for money, the more you spend the more you got, beyond proportion. I got mine though 'Sheds Direct' ( no connection, other than a satisfied customer), I think it is called 'Shedstore' now, you can find it on the net, look in the log cabin section, I bought the 'Chiltern' due to the space I had, I treat it once a year with 'Creacote light' from Wicks. I am sure there are others.

I don't live far from Malmsbury, the engine shed is still there, now an MOT station, I have some photos somewhere that I took a while back when they were re-opening the pit in the shed, the builders foreman thought it was all a bit odd, but hey.

Regards,  

John.

Gloucestershire Gauge O Group presents the 36th 'Hardwicke Meeting' Event.

Sunday March 24th 10am till 4pm

Hardwicke Village Hall, Green lane, Hardwicke, Glos GL2 4QA (just off M5 Jct 12)

Test track (2rFS DC/DCC), layouts, refreshments, Bring and Buy, Trade support, Refreshments.

Admission £3.00 and concessions

5717 came today, and it is a little gem.

 

Heavier than the Jinty (and similar in weight to the Minerva model) it is well packaged, with the bunker lamp iron the only casualty of the journey from Blackpool. This was a simple refix.

 

I believe mine would run the wrong way on DC, however this is not an issue for me as I have reversed this with CV 29 on the decoder. This was a simple install, 6 screws removing the upper body from the running plate - very similar to the 64xx. Indeed, aside the omission of a drive belt, the chassis layout is similar to the 64xx, with speaker box over the front axle pointing down.

 

The model runs beautifully, the firebox flicker is not turnoffable, and remains on on DCC.

 

The chassis is open around the internal valve gear, which is made of red self coloured plastic. The void around the gear is painted red. Pleasingly, the brake linkage doubles to pass inside and outside the rear drivers. This is not present on the Minerva model.

 

The valve gear runs reasonably smoothly, with a slight tick as the motion oscillates.

 

The body is cleanly moulded, cab detail is fine, and although visible, the extra clear plastic around the cab windows is hard to see from most viewing angles. The roof is easily removed however looks a little heavy compared to the Minerva. Paint finish (in my case black) is very good. The safety valve is noticeably more detailed on the Dapol model

 

I like the fact that the ash pan is coloured differently to the frames, however this is a little bright, and could do with weathering down. I think you will see this on other UK models in the future. The ashpan is much deeper than on the Minerva model, others might advise whether this is right.

 

Cab side plates are etched and very nice, the smoke box plate and shed plate are perfect and accurately located.

 

My opinion of the model is that it may just edge the Minerva loco, however it lacks the loose bits to allow variations to be modelled easily. There are no additional parts to fit yourself.

 

The working motion is hard to see from trackside viewing angles - but it’s nice to know it’s there! However being of plastic, time will tell as to how durable it is. The valve gear colour is a little bright, and it could do with some dirty oil to tone it down. Any ideas what could do the job on this plastic?

 

The removable cab roof is far more useful that the Jinty, however compromise for this might be the coarser edge of the roof where it sits on the cab sides.

 

For those running DC, if you are unlucky and your loco runs the wrong way this will be frustrating. However access to the motor terminals is good, and a switcheroo would be simple to achieve (if you don’t want to send it back!).

 

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You’ve gotta love that padlock!

 

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Hope this is of interest, I look forward to others impressions and opinions.

 

Neal

Good honest review Neal,

Picked mine up from Antic's today, with corrected 'running' direction, all part of their excellent service.

This is a Richard Webster inspired triumph, innovative and accurate.

I have driven one a few times and this catches the essence I'm sure. The ashpan is correct as it is lower than the brake gear for the rear axle- hence the double brake rodding, so compromise free. The 'working' valve gear adds to the fun with just that bit of movement to add interest. Opening doors on the BR one, different backheads on topfeed models. Full rivet detail, tank top detail, shrouded topfeed pipework... etc.. etc.... and padlocks, all for sub £200! 

Sorted, well worth the wait

John

These look splendid and are a bit of a bargain. I'm seriously thinking of dipping a toe into N gauge with one of these, would they run with one of the Dapol autocoaches or the Lionheart B set? At one time the idea of a GWR branch line end - end was a complete anathema to me but it is now rather attractive and would be something different from the train set I share with the boy.

The 64xx were 'Auto Fitted',so could run with the autocoach, either hauled or propelled, when crewed by a Driver and a 'Passed Fireman', Typically the 74xx  were not so fitted and all of the heavier 57XX,8750 and the 94XX were also not Auto fitted, however they could run with the Autocoach and did in the Stroud Valley on the Chalford Auto, but would need to 'change ends' and 'runround' the coach at each terminus to haul the train, all could haul the B sets.

Johng

The 57xx panniers carried the 2301 type boilers (class P) which were unsuperheated.  Could it be a cover for the oil pipes?  I seem to remember some discussion about this cover when the San Cheng/Tower 57xx came out.

Ray.

I concur, the panniers I think where saturated, the 94xx aside, and then only the first ten being superheated. The cover is a cover for the lubrication system, if you look closely you can see the two isolation cocks with the 'saw cut' indicator markings, take a look at other GWR engines, there is a cover that bridges between boiler cladding and smokebox which in essence is the same.

The superheater header when fitted to a GWR locomotive was in the smokebox, not a nice place too work when it requires attendance I can assure you.

John

Here is a link to Antics:  https://anticsonline.uk/N751_/16325_.html

Can't go wrong, the Ixion ones are great value, a full set of irons, oil cans and a working bucket to-boot and change from £4

Come on Fred anyone would think it was heavy

 

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It could be a critic with a chip on his shoulder?

So what about the resulting hole in the footplate through which the filler pipe had previously passed?  Was that left as a hole or was it plated over?  (I'm not referring to the keyhole in the tank side

- I know that remained).

It did indeed remain a hole, you could gain access to the repositioned sandbox filler cap through it or under the valance. The first 50 built had no keyhole and the filler was on the tank top, the remainder were build with the keyhole with the filler,  The LMS issued a work Order in Dec 1944 for the removal of the pipe, this took time to complete, most likely a few years as the loco's were overhauled and lead to jokes about the 'Keyhole' ,aka 'clockwork toy'

johng

Johng 

I now have examples of the Dapol Jinty both the BR crest versions and neither has had the sandbox filler in the 'keyhole' fitted. My mate has the LMS version and that does have them. I have emailed DCC supplies as the Dapol spares people and await a response.

The model is correct, by the time of nationalisation the sandbox covers in the keyhole where removed due to water ingress which caused a problem, the cover was placed directly onto the sandbox itself, the order to modify the arrangement was an LMS one and it would be correct for some late LMS one not to have the cover in the keyhole, all locomotives were modified by 1947.

Trust this helps,

Johng

Paul

 

I am very much inclined to agree with you. don't forget the Dapol/Lionheart BR standard 3 is still listed albeit at a price tag of £999 which somebody suggested would be significantly less if produced under the Dapol label but given there were only 20 built the Ivatt 2-6-2 might be a better choice and certainly so from a geographical point of view. One was even tried on the Aldborough branch

 

regards

 

Paul R

Hi Paul,

I concur with Paul B's comments about numbers built and there widespread use, I was involved in a conversation with Richard (Lionheart) as a kernel of an idea to produce a model of the 82xxx, as I had some drawings. I have no formal connection with the project whatsoever, just a supporter of the superior quality that Richard has brought to the RTR market, either through Lionheart or Dapol, It may follow the upcoming 45xx in a similar production style and at a similar price? so about half the price against the original quoted spec. Room for optimism one thinks, Like the idea of the Ivatt, Johng 

Plenty of examples of main line auto work, admittedly not all 14xx.  Cardiff-Newport 'Marshfield Flyer', usually 64xx but 14xx occasionally, Cardiff-Pontypridd via St Fagans (as far as St Fagans Junction), Plymouth-Saltash, probably more.  And more intense high frequency urban 'suburban' and South Wales Valleys routes than you can shake a bunch of bananas at; the bucolic rural branch idyll was actually the exception for auto work rather than the rule.  Gloucester-Chalford was the last to remain in service, though, and probably the best known in consequence.

Some wonderful colour footage in the Jim Clements DVD series, some of the station name pronunciation a bit dodgy, some great scenes of the last years of the Chalford cars and the last trains from Tetbury and Cirencester. 

All this sounds like a minefield. I am sure however, that the ex LMS Black Fives are one of the biggest minefields in railway history in the UK. Apart from the huge number built 842 in all there were different builders, different lots and a great deal more. I feel that an accurate model of a specific Black Five at a specific time would be a nightmare to research and build.

 

I may of course be wrong but over to you!

 

Rod

Rod, I think you have summed it up rather well, the LMS Locomotive Profile's books help, they can be sub divided and it is a lot more complex, but again the same situation arises regarding changes during overhauls, the best advice is to try and get a dated photo and work from that, I do have two of the series on the Black Fives, interesting reading, well researched, a tribute to the authors, even they add 'if you know different',,,, In the words on Lieu Col AD Wintle "I'm never bored when I am present", Intrigued, semi confused no doubt.  Good Luck,  John

What was the number of the loco that was nicked from the turntable ?

One of mine will become 1401 for sure

1462

There is something called "Peto" which documents all sorts of things including liveries, when top feeds were fitted etc but I've only had others refer to it and not seen it myself.

 

By the way there is already a thread on these locos in the Dapol part of the trade section. Might be worth posting there.

The 'Peto's' book is very good when it comes to information relating to liveries and Top feed/boiler swaps, etc, You have too remember that locomotives sent for overhaul would be the subject of boiler swaps as part of that process and would be fitted with the next overhauled 'spare' boiler, it is possible for a top feed boiled version to be next outshopped with a non topfeed boiler and therefore the backhead will change as the clacks are either on the backhead or in the topfeed, which ever boiler is fitted, same is true for the Panniers, the backhead detail is NOT the same on both versions, Dapol have this right and no doubt it will be right on the 14xx.

Great it coming,   Johng

Fiddle yard board almost complete after my total spend at Guildex on 2 yard lengths of rail. Narrow boat to finish and paint, then add the water to the canal. Buildings in place just the final weathering to do.

 

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Glad to see you pushed the boat out with you spend at Guildex, no pun intended, so please amend to 'barge', no sorry .......narrowboat. More Mike Bragg 'ships' (masterpieces) on display, Ashwood is at WSM this coming Sunday.  Nice one Mike, regards John.

Not if you model the GWR mainline......

14's and Autocoaches ran main line, Chalford to Gloucester, can just about remember it, my Auntie lived in the flats directly opposite Brimscombe Shed. It must have had an impact, now a choo choo driver on the ESR. Happy days, John.

As you know the injectors, used for replenishing the boiler water, come in two types. On the left hand (driver's) side is the live steam injector; on the fireman's side is the exhaust steam injector, which uses exhaust steam from the blast pipe to make the injector work and improve efficiency by saving steam. This injector can also work with live steam if required, so the pipe work around it is more complex.

 

I don't have the Book of the 9F's (and am not well up on the Crosti versions) but it should tell you which type of injectors they use (e.g. type J, type J/K or type K) so if you know this I'm sure Ragstone can tell which are the correct castings from his range if you drop him an email. Alternatively, let me know and I can identify them from the complete diagrams in the Engineman's Book. If you have any particular questions on pipe runs not covered in the 9F book then I can possibly look at the 9F, no. 92240, at the Bluebell Railway where I'm a member, although it's not a Crosti of course.

Brian,

You are right, well almost, for clarity, the injectors and water valves on the 9's are both on the firemans side (right hand facing the front), live steam feed from the manifold on the firebox top in front of the cab, your description of the action of the exhaust injector is spot on and the largest pipe in the selection under the cab feeding the low pressure exhaust side of the injector and an automatic shuttle to live steam on closure of the regulator.

Good stuff,  John.

I would be attracted to post 1920 GWR plastic RTR corridor coaches costing £200 to £250 each, but then who wouldn't?  

 

A good start was made with a B-set and an auto coach, so I imagine people want Collett's bow-enders with 'G' or recessed door handles and 1930's low waist stock......The kind of vehicles found all across the post-grouping GWR and Western Region. 

 

Whoever much people fancy them, 6-wheel coaches, clerestores and toplight coaches were not typical by the mid 1930's. This market therefore is too small.

Just some lateral thoughts regarding the cost of coaches, the reasoning around £200 a coaches surely shows that 'conditioning' or perceived value based on price in O gauge still persists, no insult intended. The superb 0 gauge RTR loco's that are currently on offer relate very well with their 00 counterparts at roughly double, using that simplistic concept the RTR plastic coaches at £200 a piece are overpriced and by some, use the 'double the 00 price' is more the mark, after all, artisan, hand built brass, fully painted are available from a reputable supplier for £250! Just thoughts.

Dear Sir,

 

Since buying Baggeridge Coal, I have bought no other....

 

 

 

Impressive, Baggeridge coal, rub 2 boy scouts together to light a fire and Hey Presto

Cuts are well and truly on the mend, had to wear a glove in bed just in case it started to bleed again. No real modelling, but a little bit of playing trains.

 

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Pleased your on the mend, never had you down as a miserable bleeder anyway, railway modelling is safer hobby than sword swallowing, honest....some say, leave the cuts to Theresa, although see seems to be practicing  herself of late. Nice to see the trains moving, take it steady, regards John. 

Some days are great, whilst others simply grate and today is a grate day. Just back from the doctors with yet another treatment to continue for a month when he will see me again, oh deep joy.

I still need to keep my left hand gloved when modelling which is a little restricting but hey-ho I'll just keep plodding on and try to complete Harts Hill Iron Works. Thoroughly depressed miserable me.   

Chin up Mike, even when you plod you make better progress that me. John