cravensdmufan

Had similar problems, then gave up. Ran free C Cleaner programe http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download then tried again. Update then downloaded OK. Then I always run free Malware Bytes https://www.malwarebytes.com/ to check nothing horrible crept in in the meantime. Then I do an AVG anti virus scan! Bit OTT I know, but I never got any viruses or malware in the last 6+ years. PS I have my laptop set to be a "metered connection" so I only download Windows Update manually when I want to. I hate automatic updates which reduces the laptop to a crawl.

Another loco just done using mostly Tamiya powder sets. I really like using the white for a base to get the slight fading over the sides. For this I use a small piece cut from a Sainsburys felt type cleaning cloth. Goes on nice and smooth and doesn't look powdery. Then I streak down with browns and greys. For roofs I use Humbrol "smoke" powder. Black around exhaust port. Looking at the photo now I need a little more there. I like using Tamiya powders as they come off quite easily with a little IPA if you apply too much, yet don't come off with careful handling. Don't bother sealing them and just top up as and when required!

That is a very good tip, thanks JS.

That is very interesting. I wonder if the problem occured when the TTS decoder was fitted in the original Hornby loco? Did you by any chance try it out before you swapped it into the Bachmann 47? Interestingly, I have had similar problems with ESU Loksound decoders! But the other way round! Bachmann diesels are all fine, but Hornby diesels behave strangely! Legoman advised me to check the power supply to my layout (which is converted from DC, with no bus wire). I temporarily hooked up some additional feeds using croc clips which cured the problem. So I will now upgrade the track feeds with a new bus wire.

I think Hornby are only releasing sounds for the Classes that they have previously fitted TTS sound to. Their Class 25 was never so fitted.

Checked Modern Locomotives Illustrated No.199 Class 87's which is an excellent reference source. Not one of the BR era liveried ones has fire extinguishers. Definitely a post privatisation (Virgin) addition.

Attention AC electric enthusiasts! There is a poll on Hornby's website asking people to vote for their favourite of the three new traction announcements. "Our" loco is currently coming in last! Get voting! http://www.Hornby.com/uk-en/news/the-engine-shed/stop-press-exclusive-warley-announcement/

Now that it has been announced that Hornby are releasing their TTS decoders as separate items, I see that Hattons are advertising pre orders at £36 each. I started fitting some of my favourite diesels some months ago - and have used Legomanbiffo, Coastal, and more recently Zimo.all of which I am delighted with. Since then of course, many of the non-sound locos have remained in their boxes! I am looking forward to fitting some of the less favourite locos with the TTS decoders. I know they won't be as good as the ones I have already but at around a third of the cost it'll be a great way to increase the fleet. Some sound is better than no sound. Especially as my layout room is small and I tend to only have them on very softly. Usually about 50/192 on an ESU. Pre ordered a 31, 37 and 60 to give them a try. IMO a very welcome announcement from Hornby.

Got a couple of Hornby 31's - weathered blue 31 268 (R2413B), a 2010 model and an earlier Trainload Coal 31 130 (R2546 Rail Express) from 2006. No problems with chassis corrosion / rot whatsoever. Just had problems with bogie sideframes on 31 268 going banana shaped and falling off (as discussed elsewhere here on RMW). Ended up fitting tie bars and gluing them back on. No big issue. Have been really pleased with my Hornby 31's.

As i said, Hornby are listening to customers now. So I'm sure they would be interested to hear comments and be made aware of any corrections that could be made before production gets too far advanced.

Seem to remember that layout - thought it was cracking. Was it at Tilbury Riverside station? What happened to the layout? I'd say it would still stand up well today.

I'm afraid I didn't ask detailed questions. Just delighted with the announcement and to see the pre production sample. I await comments from others more qualified in due course.

Asked about pantographs and they said that cross arm one will be sprung but single arm probably just poseable.

Just need a decent new 86 now. I said just that to the friendly and knowledgeable guy on the Hornby stand which he acknowledged with a bit of a knowing smile. I reckon it's in the pipeline.

Brand new Hornby 87 announced today at the NEC. Great news, thanks Hornby!

Anyone know which two yet?

I have examples of both on my layout. I prefer the shape of the Hornby ones and they sit lower on the bogies. Also the roof ribs are less prominent. Having said that, Bachmann have a better rainge of different types. My only wish is that one of the manufacturers would produce Mk1's with window frames. Most vehicles were retro fitted from the early 1960's (due to corrosion) so the coaches spent most of their lives with the frames. I model blue/grey and sector colours so the absence of frames is slightly annoying. Strangely, it seems most noticable on catering vehicles. Anyway, fair play to Hornby for producing these types, particularly the FO. Any chance of INTERCITY charter livery one day please?!

All great shots - can almost hear the roar!

Very interesting to see the "Rats" at Euston. Were they used for ECS or maybe shunting?

Some great photos on here folks - particularly like this one which shows flaking paintwork and scuffs on a front line loco worked hard everyday.

That's what I liked about the LMR before fixed rake push pull DVT operations. You often got Mk1,2 and 3 carriages in the same train, even on top link express workings! And in the late 80's blue/grey and executive colours mixed in there as well for good measure! Roll on the new 4mm models of Classes 86 and 87 (from as yet unknown manufacturers) as reported on post #364 here: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/112642-new-crowdfunded-class-86-or-class-87/page-15 We've waited long enough.... (Edited to include link.)

Great thread. I well remember travelling on British Rail's Seaspeed Princess Anne and Princess Margaret. Thought they looked very smart in BR livery - white and Rail Blue window bands.

Superb!

Really love those shots of locos in blue. Excellent quality, thanks for posting.

Some more scans of prints. All early 1990's.