KTM

Great to see more Lego trains appearing on RM Web. I think the subject puts a lot of railway modellers off, thinking it is a toy for junior modellers and whilst that is true, there are plenty of extremely skilled adult modellers out there using Lego as a medium. I'm a member of a Lego train club and many of our menders exhibit at conventional model railway shows. These universally go down well with the public and one chap has built a replica block signalling system that the public can operate, complete with working semaphores and instruments. Once you get into the really detailed side of it, with 7 or 8 wide models, the cost escalates closer to RTR O-gauge, though. I have built models of Class 08s with built-in remote uncoupling devices, a tube train and class 37 with working lights, double motored etc. and A4 Pacifics with working firebox glow, to name a few. With one exception these are 100% Lego (my exception is the custom wheel size for steam locos, others diversify further into the non-Lego world). The control systems changed over the years but that does provide flexibility; one can run express trains on the old 9v system (metal track) whilst also using the latest 'Powered Up' battery driven locos on the same track. This isn't DCC as such but it does provide some of the advantages of DCC, The elements are robust enough to be used as a train set on the floor if required which enables temporary and varied layouts that can more easily be accommodated in the home. So, you see, it is a very interesting area of railway modelling that provides creative and mathematical challenges whilst appealing to those of us who prefer larger scale models but don't neccessarily have the space for a permanent O gauge layout. It's also a lot of fun and crashes are a joy rather than a disaster! Jon

I've been really inspired by the introduction of TT120 by Hornby and joined the club prior to the end of January to avail of the 15% discount etc. I'd like to dip my toe in the water and try The Easterner set but every time I've looked on their website, it's listed for pre-orders only. I'm not inclined to place an order when the delivery date is unknown and, unfortunately, it looks like more 'unknowns' apply to other announced models such as the 08. Either the sales have taken Hornby by surprise or its case that manufacturing has been delayed by factors we are resigned to these days with products reliant on Far-East production. All I want to do is try a set and see how I get on with it...but on their website there is no indication of when the next batch may be delivered! A date by when the next batch is available (even an approximation) would be more useful than a simple 'available to pre-order' note. From what I've seen so far, the models look superb and I think Hornby have read the Market well Jon.

The 'cheese' pieces, 1x1, either side off the planks in between the rails? I'm am a big Lego fan, although have backed off in recent years. I was one of the founder members of the Brickish Association (a club for 'Adult Fans of Lego') back in 2002 but was really into the trains more than the overall Lego thing. There is some excellent work out there using Lego as an artistic medium to create reasonable O-gauge-ish models. Jon

Wow! I was there that year. It was my first visit and I think my first model railway exhibition, accompanied by my dad. I remember this layout well, along with a lovely big O gauge live steam oval and there Lyoncross colliery layout, also in O gauge. Thanks for the memory! Jon

Impressive detail within what appears to be a restricted depth. Are the baseboards 400mm wide? Jon.

Hi CME. As it happens, I had packed the coaches away before I read your post but will take a couple of photos next time I have them to hand. The price is £189 each or (I think) £750 for a set of 4. With regards to my 'rivet counter' comment, I'm not qualified to answer that without carrying out an in-depth study of every single detail of the prototype. I'll leave that to others. For me, based on the MK1s I have seen on the Bluebell line and in other photos, these are an accurate representation in 7mm scale and I'm happy to handle them and run them on my layout - when it eventually gets built! I don't worry if my 1960s model coach should have had a different type of step at the end or if the side curvature radius is 5% out etc. As it happens, I'm running them in a 2-car set so that blows away any perfectionism I may strive for with the minute details anyway Jon

I purchased a BSK and a CK in Southern (BR) green at the Bristol show yesterday. I am well impressed, but maybe my motives are different from the rivet counters. Firstly, these coaches offer great VFM. As a comparison, they are just over three times the price of a typical Hornby OO gauge Pullman with lights etc. which are pretty much 'spec equivalent' and that's ignoring the market economies of a much larger production run. Secondly, I like the way they are built. The coach feels robust to handle (important to me) and uses a wise combination of metal and plastic construction to suit the individual parts. The coaches, therefore have a lovely heavy feel yet incorporate the detail that satisfies me. For my modelling needs, I will be happy enough to just apply the transfers, some seated figures and perhaps some light weathering. They are a perfect compromise and if there are experts out there who can highlight any historical inaccuracies on mine, please do so as I do value your expertise. In the meantime and afterwards, I'll be using them on my layout and enjoying them. Usual disclaimer: I have no connection with Darstead, have never bought any of their products before this but really appreciate their no-nonsense approach to finescale O gauge at an affordable price. Jon

I had to look twice after asking if it was all in one large unit! Jon

Based on that plan, a 'cut and shut' crossover with 80mm track centres would be very roughly 26" long. It would be the same distance to the straight part of a parallel siding, (give or take a little for any slightly wider spacing) if using a setrack curve, of course. More importantly, the distance from the toe to the stock fouling point would be less than this and that is the measurement to consider when calculating the length reduction for fiddle yards etc. For some of us, saving just 2" to 3" here and there enables another wagon to be added to the train ...but we're still waiting, Peco. Jon

This is a great thread to follow and I'm picking up a lot of tips for my own build. Thanks! Jon

Interesting thread. I've been entertained by layout planning ever since I discovered what it was (Freezer, RM in the 1970s). It is true by measurement that many of his 1960s/70s plans were based on super-tight 1st radius (<15") curves AND 1st radius points ala Hornby Dublo. Even changing to the later Rovex/Hornby Railways 2nd radius 'entry level' points would preclude these plans ever fitting the space they were drawn to but still, I love the thought and design that went into the multi-station designs. Back in my yoof, I devised a whole railway system and built it on the floor in the bay window area of my parent's 1920s semi. This included Waterloo station and the Hounslow loop, with the triangle junction off to Feltham yard. Other stations modelled (generally by a single platform on a single line) were Barnes Bridge, Whitton and Hounslow. Perhaps the most enthusiastic example of 'selective compression' was Clapham junction represented by nothing more than a Hornby curved point! This was very much a temporary set-up but it provided endless hours of fun and a real prototypical service could be run with ridiculously short trains on my 1st radius curves. Generally speaking, railway modelling has moved towards visual realism which is wonderful however I do think we are missing out on the fun of running a railway. Those Hornby O gauge or Hornby Dublo 'retro' layouts you sometimes see at shows attract quite a crowd... Jon

Due to a possible change of location for my railway, I'll be needing at least half a circle to connect the station to the fiddle yard on the other side of the loft. I can only imagine it working with transition curves of flexi at each end and even then, I'd be wary of propelling the short stuff! Jon

Um...I think you are still in OO mode (I'm guilty of that too). The 40.5" is the radius, not the diameter. Jon

A R-T-R brake van is already available from Dapol (SR/BR). Either that or the one sitting in it's box in my office is a figment of my imagination Jon

So, does this mean we are closer to seeing the Peco Setrack points for sale in the UK? Jon