Patrick Blake

I inquired with someone from Bachmann on board the train. I didn't catch his name, but he worked on designing a lot of Bachmann Models. I explained my issue about the missing contacts in the couplings. He immediately pointed out that they were the same coupling design used on the MPV and Pullman Set so we were both immediately on the same page. He explained that for economical reasons, and that because it was a commission from the LTM. Bachmann decided to make the couplings without contacts. Unfortunately, he told me that replacement couplings will be exactly the same without contacts. Though apparently it is possible to put contacts in, he suggested that I call Bachmann Customer Support and ask for a service diagram of the couplings or alternatively find a coupling off a second hand Pullman or MPV. Patrick

The interior lighting is very nice. Someone in another thread somewhere said though that if S Stock was to ever have interior lighting, it should be yellow instead of white. I was taking a late District Line Train at West Kensington earlier this week and noticed how the interior lighting differed from the D Stock, much more toned down with a shade of yellow. Patrick

I wish I could see all the above happen. I guess it's up to Bachmann to see if making more LT/LU stock would be viable at no loss. I hope that the S Stock sells well next weekend and the following weeks after leading to Christmas. We could see a lot more LU modelers now, so the market for LU rtr models could potentially open up. The LTM does have two Q38 and one R49 DM. Bachmann could use these to make 3D scans. I certainly would like to buy a rtr A60/62 Stock Train, that can neatly sit between my Sherlock Holmes and S Stock Train. It would make a neat addition to the Metropolitan Range and is a popular model to a much wider audience. Patrick

I made it very clear. The couplings are designed as conductor couplings. This is what I am pointing out to you. I understand what you're saying. I'm sure that I, and I'm sure that everybody else knows what a Conductor Coupling is. At no point, did I refer the S Stock couplings as functioning like Conductor Couplings. Moving swiftly forward with this. What I am trying to get at, is pretty much what GoingUnderground has explained in length about the couplings. Having already fiddled with these types of couplings on a Pullman Coach (not mine) before hand. The S Stock couplings in comparison are identical in design but do not feature the delicate contacts that sit between the two halves of the couplings which clip together. I will inquire about the availability of replacement couplings from Bachmann or possibly explore other alternatives if any. Interesting that you mention this. I spoke to someone who is likely to be following this Thread. He explained that with EFE and Gilbow Holdings morphed into Bachmann. Potentially, Bachmann could use the same molds used to make the Static 1938, 1959 and 1962 Tube Stock. Though retooling is required to correct some of the mistakes in the detailing of these types of Stock. The Chassis, although already White Metal, would need redesigning to accommodate the same type of low-drive motor unit. Trailer chassis would be best made of lighter materials. And new trailing bogies would be required. All in all, there is potential for a Ready-To-Run 1938, 1959/62 Stock Train. Plus, with the LTM's Heritage 1938 Tube Stock train, there's also a marketing opportunity for them.

It moves from away from what I am trying to point out. I could call them 'Bachmann's advanced low line close coupling mechanism' as advertised on the LTM page. What I AM trying to explain is that they are the same ones used on the Bachmann MPV and Midland Pullman. So to address this, I said that they are 'Conductor Couplings', in terms of their design.

I'm talking specifically about the S Stock couplings, I know that they don't have contacts which they should have. I clearly clarified this in my post.

They actually did fit conductor couplings. They are the same design as of those on the Bachmann Pullman and MPV. Except have missing metal prongs that feed the electrics. I will also inquire with Bachmann about this, and see if I can get replacements of the exact same conductor coupling but with the electrical connections. Patrick

I guess that's true. I have though noticed that there's no provision for coupling two DM's face to face. A NEM pocket would need to be fixed in place of the dummy coupler using the small screw already provided. Then you can add a coupler of any choice.

Unfortunately, there's no space on the DM's for another Motor Bogie and driveshaft because of the circuit board and provision of a space for fitting a sound speaker. I may consider a future project of installing a motor on a middle (MS) car in a similar as possible design if I need the extra power. Although I will have to consider both the feasibility and cost. Haha That would work quite well but my god how bizarre that would look.

Keith It is probably is easier to just pop off the cover with the bogie remaining intact, although I prefer taking the extra caution of removng the body to prevent the risk of scratching it. I may have steady hands but it doesn't stop me from being prone to making mistakes. Everyone Else I was always very concerned about both the traction and power supply to move a complete 8-car unit. Keith's assessment has proven on some aspects that it is in fact under-powered. Better traction would have been provided if the motor was geared to both DM bogies. Furthermore, the Low drive mechanism may be less powerful than many other existing drive mechanisms, which in this case would protrude through the flooring and be visible inside. At least, this alternative would supply enough power. Alternatively, a third low drive mechanism could have been provided in one of the extra four cars, albeit paying more for it. I may in future like to make a layout with similar gradients, but if the train does struggle up the inclines, it gives me less options on what kind of layout I want to make. Patrick

Hello Keith It was pretty straightforward when I dit it. Remove the 3 screws holding the upper body to the chassis. Once upper body is separated. Remove the 3 screws on the interior moulding. Remove the interior moulding and underneath find a large screw holding the power bogie. Remove the large screw. Caution! at this point the bogie is completely detached. Carefully move away the bogie, check that the driveshaft is not caught on anything as this is part of the Bogie. Once the bogie is separated. Carefully pry the plastic cover underneath at one end. (The bogie frame with pickup shoe detail is part of the cover). Once the cover is removed, carefully pull out the wheelset (I would recommend the one furthest from the driveshaft as it uses less gears) Caution! Take out wheelset carefully as to avoid bending the contacts. Place the new wheelset with rubber tyres. Align the brass sections of the wheelset axle so that they clip on the inside plastic frame. Caution! Pinch the contacts in place as to avoid catching the wheelset on the contacts. Once you're happy that the wheelset is in place. Clip on the plastic cover. Carefully slide the bogie and driveshaft back in the universal joint slot. Check if the slot is at an awkward angle. Once the bogie is fully in place. Add the large screw to hold the bogie on the chassis. Finally close up by screwing in the interior moulding followed by exterior upper body. Sorry for making this so long. Patrick

Important Question! I'm looking for the wheelsets with the rubber tyres already on and I've only found two in one DM car box. I can't find anymore in any of the other boxes. Just to be sure. Does anyone else have the same number of accessories or am I missing two wheelsets for one of the DM's? Patrick

Certificate number 124 /300 Very nice looking model. I will run it in at my Model Railway Club's test tracks on Thursday. I was always very skeptical about the handling of a complete eight-car unit around tight curves and inclines. I will certainly add the traction tyres provided before I try running the complete set I purchased. My only other worry is the motors overheating, I would of preferred if there was a third powered car, just to be on the safe side and to provide the extra traction.

I am waiting to purchase one once they are available from the London Transport Museum in October. I was going to order one from Hattons but a lot of people complained about missing parts and pieces either falling off or about too fall off when they received their model last week.

Very nice collection there Roy P. I wonder if anybody ordered all five versions.

I'm quite excited too, but the reviews have caught my attention over some let downs over this model. The detailing on the roof and cab isn't as great as it could have been. The conductive close couplings that were used on the MPV and Midland Pullman are featured only on this model as dummies, and I say dummies because there is no electrical connection. In contrast to the Midland Pullman which features very superb detail and interior lighting. I think Bachmann only did half good as they could have done with this model and the LTM are selling slightly too overpriced. Only my view anyway. Pre-ordering an eight car set at £440 and then learning that you will have to spend £100+ for modifications I'm sure can be frustrating for anybody.

I knew I was already on the list, but glad I got the email. I placed my order on the 31st.

Thanks! That's quite a decent amount of sets and single carriages. It will come to no surprise if the sets sell out before the single carriages! Most buyers will only purchase a set and maybe another car or two. I bought the complete 8 car formation, one of a thousand in this instance, but I honestly doubt that more than 200 people will go for the whole thing. The overall cost being the major problem me thinks. With 2000 sets! I think that people will be scrounging by the time its Christmas. They definitely should make the S7 variant with the all-longitudinal seating arrangement and the option of two destinations, Hammersmith or Edgware Road.

Any news regarding the excursion for the first 250 people who pre-ordered? I was told that I was in the list, but heard nothing since. Apparently we are also going to have our orders dispatched in September instead of a collection on the day of the excursion. I'm curious as to how many of these S8 Stock models have been produced and if weather they will sell out or not. If they do, then Bachmann might see this as a good market opportunity to expand on. It is a niche market but it is becoming more popular. LTM could commission a 2009 Stock Model or perhaps Bachmann could go in another direction like by producing more modern surface London Transport Rolling Stock (London Overground Cl 378).