mastanec

Hi the track numbering is correct as you say, but I've gotten mine from this picture: Nádraží v Dačicích roku 1975. Na první staniční koleji stojí M 131.1 - „Hurvínek“ s přípojným vozem Balm, na druhé staniční koleji se připravuje k posunu 556.0. "Station in Dacice. M131 "Hurvinek" stands at first station track with a Balm car, on second a 556.0 is getting ready to shunt (the loco is hiden behind a box car on right)" Therefore, the photographer stood with his back to the main station. Looking it up now

Hey Squeaky, nice choice for layout. I have only few comments in regards to your plan. The track that you have close to the station building (T3) is straight. The track (T2) on the oposite side of T1 (though track always marked 1 or 0) should be further and not converge, see here on http://mapy.cz 49°5'9.397"N, 15°26'21.732"E is much clearer than on google maps. If I'll have time I'll put into anyrail what I mean and post pic. Here are some historical pictures, thre does not seem to be too much photo material online alltogether: http://para.unas.cz/vlaky.html 3 way switches would have been used in the past and rather than on main lines their domain would be industrial complexes and branch lines. Marian

I back it up, it is Tatra T87 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatra_87

Hello, together with class Bee they are modernized Y coaches, used on fast trains. http://www.vagonweb.cz/popisy/popisy.php?k=CD#n378 http://www.vagonweb.cz/fotogalerie/CZ/CD_Beer.php BR Marian

If more Czechs spoke English I bet you all our 2nd calls coaches be called: Set Beer by Tillig, limited to only shop Modely A Sport (click image to display full size)

So no one likes steamers? http://kolejiste.webgarden.cz/ Here some more track buffers/ track ends: http://marekho.rajce.idnes.cz/STURCY/ BR Marian

Scroll down http://diskuze.modely.biz/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=1484&start=600#p143672 br Marian

Massive assortment of accessories (all scales) @ http://www.modely.biz/modelova-zeleznice-2/ostatni-vsechna-meritka/ scenery http://www.modely.biz/modelova-zeleznice-2/krajina-vsechna-meritka/ and also A.C.M.E. CD 151 (E499.2) is now out, all thought I am fan of the A.C. 25000V system in real and this loco is DC 3000V I like it better than the dual system 350. I would buy the 350 if a pre-reconstruction model was made in Blue/Ivory with yellow stripe (I really like the narrow yellow stripes at the front) and here the 350 in livery I want, if ACME makes this I buy even if I have mostly diesels left old PIKO (1980 +-) right rebiult of PIKO by Igor Sevcik (IS Model, same whom makes the expensive T679.0) (edit: Please note that the old piko model has been remotorised with piko 180 DR, same for the pantographs, IS model is most likely on roco chassis and has hand built pantographs)

Hey, this is Jan "Houmr" Vacek page, he is great inspiration for many Czech modellers, including myself. The pictures he takes clearly document the processes. http://houmrovyvlaky.bluehost.cz/ Ian, fancy the burning engine To be honest some of these machines are in use nearly 40 years, low to no maintenance in many cases, often they burn from the exhaust stack thanks to not complete burning of fuel. And yeah many people coming to close to stare, such a nation on gaper we are: "Oh gosh, the train is on fire, I better come closer and take a look if its really burning!" ...sigh... I drink Budweiser, but the original from Budweis, the American cannot be true original Budweis if they do not have Budejovice! Kozel is nice too tho, the dark I like. Btw. I got a call for a new job BR Marian

the S2 is an excellent source for locos that have truck wheel span 2400 mm as the American locos have 8 ft which is 2438 mm - perfect, either Bachmann or ROCO/Atlas also I think there may be certain possibility of negotiating with MTB to get a set or 2 of their trucks Alco S-2, S-3 locos are a Millimeter longer than 742. Also any frame fitting will be easier into etched brass model, as you have decent space. 714 has 7600mm truck center to truck center, which is 900mm more than 742, so you would only need to extend the chassis which is easier than making a complete new 1 or shortening it. I am considering making some unified chassis kits for CZ locos that would be compatible for few locos only with adjustable length. At least for the 4 wheeled shunters. Have look at that Picasa gallery in my previous post, I think good picture documentation will say more than 1000 words. Also if you have look on MTB's webpage http://mtb-model.cz/ they have some CAD drawings of locos on the page backdrop that haven't been produced as a model yet - 735 and 714 , however they have not made statement when what will be available. I can try to ask Vitty if he knows anything more. Fro mwhat I knwo for now MTB wants to make mostly locos, wagons and coaches will come later. BR Marian

Hi Ian, yes, an etched brass or a resin cast. http://cekul.sweb.cz/motorove.htm http://www.modely.biz/komisni-prodej/odlitek-714/ the etch looks better tho... Marian

one more here http://houmrovyvlaky.bluehost.cz/Galerie/Doplnky/img00011.htm again by Houmr

Also here 742 weathered, it don't look that bad if its decently done, if it was being sold like this I may be easier to convince to buy 742 MTB weathered by Houmr one day I'd like to learn to weather like this guy... I believe you are looking for something like this, don't buy, build it!!! Its an easy built: http://mtdepo.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/zarazedlo.html otherwise here http://www.sikulovesro.cz/produkty/zeleznice/stavby/doplnky/zarazedla.aspx , but mind you that for this price you will build yourself a number of track ends - a length of Peco flex track costed me 3£. Once you start building a layout you will see how many of them you need. There are several types of these in CZ, as above, with buffers, or steel beam, a wooden sleeper over the track, a track ending with a pile of rubble ect..

Hey Rob, how was holiday in Cz apart from shopping ? I hear the weather is not well disposed towards winter sports at all, whilst getiing an echo from friends mum that next week temperatures will drop below 0deg and it wll also snow... brr The brass colored detail are made by hekTTor, I tried contacting the manufacturer via his eshop but no response, I spent a while looking for them elsewhere and finally found them in Vitty's eshop. Plus Vitty's eshop speaks english so does he in person http://www.pojezdy.eu/eshop/203-model-kits-1-87-h0-h0e He also does etched number plates from nickel silver with custom number, couple of runs per year. Currently no update on new batch orders closing. For a fair price 0.9£ The nickel silver ones are made by Detail http://detail.vyrobce.cz/produkty/index.php?vel=H0 I see that in my previous post I've kinda ot finished on how to get "proper" scale 742, check here, I know that you are not too keen to start building an etched brass model, but have a look here maybe you will change your mind, so did I having no experience I've given priority to the etch rather than to a cast. For my 731 I'll stick to the Bachmann trucks but will look for a biger motor than the one from the Bachmann chassis as the kit I got is actually made for roco motor. BR Marian

Soooo, I've been really good boy last year and got me a lot of pressies for xmas, I've only been too lazy to take pictures This will keep me busy for better part of this year I am considering to open a blog, perhaps here on rm web where I will be documenting kit and scratch building of Czech rolling stock. As you may have already noticed I am very fond of scratch and kit building, below pictures will only confirm. This year I would like to build that said diorama too, to take pictures of models I made, I've a lot of space for layout, but since I am only renting the house I live in and my future planning for longer than year ahead is uncertain, therefore larger layout is nogo for a while Photo 1 etched detail, from top left corner, then right on bottom following shape of an L catch point 3xL + 3xR, level crossing multiple tracks warning sign, end of track signal, point lever and signal, mechanical shut signal III-IV era, 2light dwarf AZD 75 signal. Rest of picture, left to right - set of deatil for freight vagon, brake wheels, locomotive roof lifting hooks, wagon side lifting hooks, grill and full steps for shunter and 2 shapes of boxes for wagon/cargo documentation Photo 2 etched detail by "Detail" CSD and CD signs (the CD I'll give to first interested person for free), stairs and intercoach gang for Ce/Be "Rybak", mechanical signal and advance signal pack, steps and detail for classes 751 + 753, detail for cement car, metal buffers and horns Photo 3 from top left: 4-axle tank car heating spiral, tank car outlet, tank car filling top and manhole - for Bramos Zas/Ra 4 axle tank cars bottom wheel axle bearings 59V and etch manufacturer plates for Russian locos Photo 4 resin kit of 730 by BV model, also got new ploughs with holes for coupling cinematics, air tanks, 2 more of these casts on way from Mr. Bek, this is a v1 that I bought a while ago. the resin truck sides will be replaced with MTB ones (grey piece, bottom left) Photo 5: now, anyone wanted a decent priced 742, well detailed and good quality? watch this then, bottom is Bachmann Alco S-2 truck with MTB truck side on top, thats a crude demonstration of the axle to axle center is matching (alco s2 8ft wheelbase = 2438mm, CKD diesel locos mostly 2400mm). A Bachmann S-2 complete chassis was purchased to be sacrified for greater good of its far related Czechoslovak sister. The Alco S-2 are great donors for Czech diesels, only such a pitty the Bachmann's motor is so tiny... will chance it w atlas/rocos S-2 motor or some mashima. Also the S-2 is almost like made donor for CZ class 742 as it is only a 1 mm longer on truck center to truck center (and if you think you have seen an american truck under CZ loco you are right as well, the plans were left to Czechoslovak industry and with some modifications used till late 50es, last loco to use them was class 720 - smaller and older siter of 721 in Robs post above) Photo 6: a Ce "Rybak" kit from 90-es made model by LUTO, prototype 1939 - 1949, note that the missing stairs and second axle bearing and some small pieces are hidden so i don't lose them. Photo 7: at some stage I may finish these beauties, 2 will have to leave the house. These locos hold word prime, they are the fisrt ones ever made with full laminate body. hence nickname "Laminatka" such a pitty noone makes 775/776 (Pomeranc/Orange) in this quality And pictureless, I got and old container wagon PIKO that will be reconstructed to CSD Res/Nas. I will post a pic or 2 of each project here how they coming up, as well as in said blog. PS: Looking for well paid job in Ireland, can do anything (legit;) ) PSS: Rob, same number on the 753, will renumber, placed order for numberplates for loco from Brno (found 4 that match this livery and so far do not know of anyone from Czech rep. too who'd change number so I may as well be the first 1 ). Marian end of another mega-post

Heya! I like your new toys Rob! I see you also have a bit of track laid so you can give them a run, needs to build me at least a diorama with a switch on it or something. Roco went up with prices in last weeks, the Goggles in Robs post above cost me 145eur, now they are at 179eur in Roco's eshop, MTB Bardot now comes about 30 eur cheaper. I'll be back later on today. Marian

Railway modeling in Czech Republic, There has been always interest of adults and young ones in the puffing steaming machinery of iron ever since railway has entered my country so they tried to reproduce it in scale. In poorer families starting with pieces of wood joint together and roughly resembling of a train at first. But it did no long remain only with wooden bits. There was a demand for certain scale accuracy and functionality, functioning steam powered engines, slide door, moving cranes... electricity later replaced steam and engineering technologies allowed for mass production. In the 1960 - 1980 few East German manufacturers did produce some CSD models - ES499.0, T679.1, T679.2 and 2 steams that could have been re-built into after war loot locos that remain with CSD. Few coaches and wagons was made, but that would be about all. Yet the Czech folk is creative and demanding so they have helped themselves and started building models on their own, since no one has manufactured the other beautiful prototypes. Thanks to this we have developed long tradition in self making models out of different materials and we are famous because of this at our neighbors in Germany. They do not understand why we have to do this and want purely Czech rolling stock when we have the option to buy models of their ugly (no offense intended, but some are not the best designs ) trains. Since after 1993 the modeling situation is better and international manufacturers have discovered our small market and turned their attention towards us. We have seen some nice models and some disastrous ones, usually repaints of some kind, eg. German or Austrian loco in Czech livery There will always be problem with purely Czech locos and rolling stock as 99% of the prototype were made under licenses in Czechoslovakia with only small import. This is okay with some freight and passenger cars, but a lot of rolling stock remains not covered by production of manufacturers. There are some come and go small manufacturers ADA Plastic, LUTO, Vacek, Zerba (yes same zerba as ben-zerba), CS Train, etc. some of these still function, but mostly there are gone now as it it almost non profit to do injection plastic molding of this kind in my country at the current rates (plastic molding of different articles is being done on daily basis by many companies in CZ, but not everyone can afford a mold for model train and if so then due to low quantities the order is at the bottom of priority list, unless you own injection press yourself). To date we have seen some decent Cezch/oslovak models, lets talk serious now, more precission, DCC ready, 5pole motors with fly wheels, NEM coupling, possibility to fit RP25 wheels, there is no point to spend money for pre 90es stuff, maybe for kids, but it really not worth it otherwise. I am glad to see interest on CZ prototype outside of Czech Republic, if it will be shown enough we may see yet another model from PIKO or ROCO, maybe someone else. I, myself model H0 scale, situated in late 80'es just around the revolution and early 90'es when the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic was formed, the topic should be single track main/branch line adjacent to a mainline, so occasionally a train originally be hauled by an electric, but pull over the bit where is no wire by tandem of diesels. I currently have no plans to built a layout just yet, or at least until I have my own house/aptment/ stable future till then I specialize on rebuilds, kits and scratchbuilding of locos and wagons. Rob is keen to early CD when it was possible to still see a coach or loco with CSD logo and Ian seems to model the era just after him, thats almost like documeting the history, that'll look legit in my better halves eyes Come on out, those whom are interested in Czech railways, don't be shy show yourselves! I will gladly advise where needed, google translator is handy, but sometimes translation by person is just better. I will also try to improve my English so I can reduce the word count in my posts. I took this from Ian's Dobris as those questions are not directly at his layout. Rob, all, nice comparison of Tillig and Roco coaches here: http://www.modely.biz/magazin/clanek-rychlikove-vozy-rady-y-v-h0-od-roco-vs-tillig/ Those photos show the difference between the prototype well, I am struggling to find a picture from side where both types would be coupled together, if not the originals, then at leas the rebuilts because they have kept the shape of the body. Tillig has big round corners and 2 stairs, Roco has sharper corners of the body and 3 stairs and is therefore supposed to represent the newer version of the car. Models from both manufacturers have decent driving abilities, tillig appears to sit a little lower. Tillig's model is based on old Sachsenmodelle model. Do not swap with Schicht. I have 2 B coaches (PKP, DR) from Tillig/Sachsenmodelle (still in green boxes) 1 BDs DR that appears to have way smaller windows that the later ones, but on lenght is in scale made by Sachsenmodelle and finally 2 B CSD coaches from Roco with different numbers. I like both roco and tillig , they all have their pros and cons. The only thing I do not like on the Tilligs are the roof wents, but neither roco has them correct, but looks beter, I will replace mine with brass casts (dont remember if Weinert or Modellbahnmanufaktur-crottendorf). I am also planning on drawing etch detail kit for the steps and some detail addon for both types as soon I get to stand besides the prototype to make pics and take measurements. Tillig model represents early series made by VEB Wagonbau Bautzen, Germany, very similar to those manufactured by RABA Gyor in Hungary which had electric resistive heating. The Roco model is supposed to represent the later version of German coaches made from 1973 onwards from Bautzen that were supplied to many former socialist block countries. Wait a bit if you want to get the Tilling coaches, it looks like they are preparing something and that we could eventually see model truer to prototype. One careful reader found this on Czech forum, compare to the original model it will have an extra handrail (Tilling has been using the original very little modified tools bought from Sachsenmodelle) compare with previous mold, this is how it used to be, the railing used to be part of the body. For a branch line, yes you need BDs - a passenger car with baggage compartment and a B (2nd class) coaches . Careful with the A class, you will not find an A on a branch line so often, not even today, that's a first class, on branch-line maybe rather an AB car (half 1st/2nd class) on evening/morning train to adjacent district town (likely hauled by Goggles ). May 1995, the loco no longer had the CSD logos 2 months later. Most coaches pre 1993 were painted dark green RAL 6005/RAL 6020, grey roof, black bottom, after 1993 also green white, I do not have the RAL number for that green atm.. Also if you have seen cream-red colored Btn coach in H0 by Tillig, do not buy! this never existed, its juts a repaint of there express coaches. There is currently noone manufacturing typically Czech passenger cars. Curently only available are the fast train coaches and 010 Btax for 810 railcar, and a kit of Be/Ce with Rybak type undercarriage. Dark green was used on passenger coaches till 2005 or so, not as main paint but kept on those that were okay. Coaches that got new paint were in green/white scheme. I really do not like the new "Najbrt" design with different shades of blue, they seem to be experimenting and not really settling on any unified color scheme. I know that feeling, couple or 2 or 3 ...bin der don dat :D Also what number did you get your goggles, just in case its the same I'll renumber Marian

Nice topic for layout Ian! I am happy to see interest in Czech prototype abroad. I like the topic of terminus station on a branch line, although I'd prefer to have a pass thru station myself I may end up in similar situation one day. Congrats to the MTB Bardotka, got sound? https://www.dropbox.com/s/ya23p8ic9viynb0/VIDEO0005.mp4 I've also replied to Rob's question about the Tillig coaches in his new topic Modeling Czech railways. Happy new year guys!

Bloody fights in old Charvatia have made the brothers, dukes, Czech and Lech to think of leaving and finding a new homeland for their folk whom were rather peaceful farmers. So they got together and left in search for new home. One evening after traveling for many days the company complained they are tired, they settled at the bottom of high mountain called Rip (Rzeep). In the morning when everybody was still a sleep, Czech has climbed the mountain to see the land around it. When he returned, everyone was already awake, he told his people: "I have seen a beautiful land where there is no man as far an eye can see, land which is plentiful of milk and honey, let's stay here and be it our new homeland. What do you think it should be called?" In that moment everyone called out: "Since you are called Czech, let it be called Cechy (Czechy) !!!" After some years, Lech has decided to leave and found town called Kourim, later have gone even further, and settled in today's Poland. Ancient Bohemian Legends, Alois Jirasek, 1894 Today historians believe that Czechs are descendants of Celtic tribe of Boii (lat.) Welcome to Czech Republic, my homeland, situated in so called Czech Basin bordered with mountains from all four points of the compass. Lets fast forward thru the centuries, dukedoms, kingdoms, monarchies. (Insert dates, and names as found in clever books) Czech lands have seen railroad first in 1827 and 1830 when carriages on tracks were hauled by horses, first steam powered railroad on normal gauge was built in 1839, from year 1841 the state started building railroads too. The CSD were found after WWI as a successor of Austrian State Railways. After WWII, in 1948 the railways were fully nationalized (there was no, or very, very little allowance for private sector, anyone founding private company in between 1948 and 1989 would get themselves into big trouble). In 1993 Czechoslovakia has separated so did the railways Ceske Drahy (CD) and Zeleznice Slovenskej Republiky (ZSR, now ZSSK) were formed. In 2003 the company into CD (rolling stock and transport organization) and SZDC (track and infra maintenance). In 2007 CD Cargo was subdivided from CD to manage freight transport. Most locomotives and rolling stock are pre 1989 made, there are some new purchases and many rebuilds and modernizations to nowadays standard. I do not know the exact numbers and some may be difficult to find. Locomotives, mostly diesels and electrics, not all (sadly for steam fans I have no page dedicated to steamers at hand, but there are some impressive pieces, will try to find later): http://www.prototypy.cz/?ukaz=popisy Passenger coaches: http://parostroj.net/katalog/ov/katalog.php3 Freight wagons: http://parostroj.net/katalog/nv/katalog.php3 Basic Characteristics of SŽDC Railway Network (situation as of 31. 12. 2012) length of tracks total km 9 468 construction length of rails total km 15 532 No. of switch units 24 271 length of Private owned track km 106 Tandvald - Harrachov was the only cog track, today operated on adhesion only by class 743 (heavier and has larger sand magazines than 742) All standard gauge (1435mm) JMHD operates 22km of narrow gauge passenger service. Some narrow gauge railways are in use to date, mostly privately managed and/or industrial. Mostly 760mm gauge. There is a 1meter gauge rail and 1meter cog rail in Tatra mountains Slovakia. About modeling Czech-Slovak Railways in next post Best regards Marian