Ian Hargrave

With the earlier examples,performance was a problem as I recall,so if I succumb,as I probably will,it will require a lengthy period of running in. We shall see.

Your observations will be interesting.

I’m sure the information you quote is correct. But forgive a note of caution here Over the last few years,I’ve noted a few of both dating and captioning errors in published photographic literature.In this case,some of the Arthur’s this build of Standard 5’s were introduced to replace were still at work and did in fact work alongside them for a few years. So the date of 1960 should be correct. My own personal records show my first spotting of a 70A 5MT was 73111 and 73113 at Salisbury on 4/8/1956 and my last at Waterloo of 73114 alongside Arthur 30451 ( 72B) at Waterloo on 16/1/1960. This latter date was memorable for an entirely different reason. I travelled from Waterloo to Twickenham to watch Richard Sharpe playing at outside half utterly demoralise a favoured Welsh XV within a few minutes at the start of the match. in published railway literature .

O In fact it took the introduction of 125’s in the late 1970’s to provide a reasonable communication between S.Wales and London.This to this day even with part electrification remains an ongoing issue. Using pairs of locos to accelerate services was by no means confined to Class 37’s. Warships were used on Paddington-West of England services in pairs a short while later.

In pairs with the XP64 set. No trial but scheduled services Swansea-Paddington mid 1966. I travelled on it. OK ?

Further to my above post,Olivia’s Trains have what I think is a set of current images,including close ups of the tender of 73118. I think it’s an accurate representation but I’d welcome other opinions on the matter.Ignore the unnaturally skewed view of the smokebox though when you do take a look.See what you think.

Who’s going to be first to jump? I too have my eye on this one and yes it is in stock. But thus far no image of it out of the box. Kernow will no doubt put it up online as soon as their order arrives. As of now,we don’t know whether or not Bachmann have modelled the correct tender design this time round.

Which ran with the XP64 set.

A contributory factor in the demise of the Chancellor ?🤒

So then…let’s hear it for 1V39 (55A/55H) but not 1N37 (4 character 82A).

The 2A’s x4 are c 10 y.o. and the 2F’s x 3 are current. Quite honestly can’t notice the difference. To be clear from my own perspective,comparison with the Bachmann version isn’t on my agenda in any case. This version stands in its own right,notwithstanding the alternative of which I have several and which are equally excellent in their respective ways.

Yes it certainly was crowded but really isn’t that an optimistic sign of the restored health of the love of model railways after the gloom of the last couple of years ? I did manage a seat too ,thanks to the courtesy of the Accurascale stars. Parking is free,though spaces were a bit scarce as time went on. A drive down the M1 was my only option and finding the Arena was a challenge along such a maze of roads without SatNav. Which duly reminds me that I’d better join the rest of the 21stC in that respect..Great to be back and,most of all,meeting folk I’d not seen for quite a long while….like the irrepressible Sandra on the Rails stand (:remember her at Locomotion ? )together with headman John Barber. : Paul Isles and the Accurascale crew : BigH man SK. So it’s good to see this restoration,however crowded . Thanks.

Further observations on running 45118 this morning.The bogie “swing” referred to by our colleague above is limited.Looks more authentic than its Bachmann counterpart yet hinders….to a certain extent….running around curves,especially at lower control speed.It’s currently happily unimpeded at 5.5 with 7 up. Drop to 4.0 and it stalls. Historically,Heljan have always needed more juice to get going and this one is no exception . As regards the colour. It is noticeably darker than both Bachmann’s 45 etc. and Accurascale’s Deltic. And yet ,at least to my judgement,is a good match for the rake of Bachmann blue & greys it’s currently heading. Odd. The window issue that’s causing concern for many doesn’t signify at eye level in operation I do like running with the cab light on. It enhances the excellent cab detailing.The magic wand pioneered by Rails/Rapido is useful gizmo but why on earth must I take the lid off to switch off the tail light ? DC only . Despite its little quirks ,for my money it is a seriously good model.

Sorry but I didn’t take note of exactly which versions except one each of black & green. All I will say is that I am mightily impressed.

Further to the above: Twin flywheels etc. Three axles powered per bogie Wiper pickups on six axles. Thus says the “Technical Data”. Hope this helps.

I’m not techy competent to post ,sorry. But not a tease. They are there. And every bit as good as we thought they would be. The devil will obviously be in their eventual delivery date(s). SK said March next but there are still so many uncertain factors involved here.

Great quality display of both current and products Accurascale have currently under development at GETS this weekend. Good to reacquaint myself with the team and particularly with Paul whom I haven’t seen since he moved over from Margate. . Great talking with you. Best,Ian.

Two complete 78XXX in Hornby’s display cabinet ar GETS this weekend. Delivery according to SK will be March 2023 .Covid and Chinese New Year provided. They look exquisite.

Before you do .I saw and spoke with SK at GETS this afternoon.They are fully aware of this and a fix is on the way in the form of an alternative bar.I did express disappointment about the current problem but it seems help is on the way. Two gorgeous 78XXX on display.March next apparently…always of course provided a combination of Covid and Chinese New Year doesn’t disrupt production.

TMC editions are on view at MK this weekend but for order only. They do look the business.Rails has a full complement for sale.Thus 45118 is with me and currently trundling around my tabletop with 4 Bachmann Mk2A +3 Bachmann 2F in tow.2axles on each bogie driven with floating centre axle. Nice model. Securely packaged including useful booklet and very well finished. Smooth performance as you’d expect with a Heljan diesel model. Despite misgivings,I’m very happy and will I think soon place an order for one of TMC’s D11–D15…..all of which were visitors to Temple Meads from 1961 on They were then Neville Hill ( 55H ) locos. And they have a certain “ character “ about them that makes them stand apart…..even though the doors were a white elephant. So then,from me at any rate,we’ll done Ben. But then I speak as I find.

D 6912 is I’m afraid incorrect. This was a South Wales loco without split box/ doors etc. delivered several years after.

A feature with this model that I’ve noticed is its solid,robust build quality. I’ve become more confident when handling it.Something that perhaps we’re not used to with Hornby lately. The finish is of a high standard.

Heljan ? They have produced OO models of one -off prototypes : viz Brush Falcon,BRC&W Lion. “Decent Price” ? Well now,that’s a matter of personal judgment is it not ? And is the collective wisdom of this forum that a model’s acceptability is ultimately down to price ? I couldn’t hazard a guess on that. I’m hoping to go to GETS this weekend and curiosity alone will drive me to the KR stand to do an up close etc. on what all the fuss is about.

But maybe wait a while on this to see how demand for these proceeds. Bachmann have a superb model with their new 37. I can vouch for that. The Accurascale will offer the same standard I’m certain. We are fortunate to be spoiled for choice

Which is why yesterday I posed the question of positive points on this model .And unsurprisingly received a generally non committal response. That said,I noticed that a few worthy luminaries of this forum have thrown their hats into the ring and ordered one….or two. So these two posts are very much aligned with my own response to the images I’ve viewed here and elsewhere online.There’s something about it that appeals despite the shortcomings ….but before committing,I need to see one and then decide. TMC are a big player here and supplies of their special edition Peaks …..D11-D15 with interconnecting doors….are imminent.I note with satisfaction that they also have a presence at GETS in Milton Keynes on October 8/9 .Thus a trip down the M1 for an up close look at one might be worth it to settle the matter.No trains due to strike action unfortunately