chris101

That sounds like an excellent but simple idea, using the original holes as a jig and gluing the various pieces together in situ, cheers.

Hi, I need to replace a broken handrail on a Bachmann 08, its the long horizontal handrail that sits just below the roof line. Actually I'll replace both so that they match - plus the originals are way too thick. I'm guessing that if the originals are approx 30mm thick then I need 0.40mm wire - although 0.45mm wire would be easier for me to work with, but as I need the rails to be rigid and able to withstand a gentle knock without deforming I'm not sure as to what material I should use. Brass may be too soft(?), but will be easy to solder the 3x 90 degree 'stays' along its length. Plain old steel seems ideal, however most suppliers of this fine wire are only offering brass or nickel silver. Has anyone tried fabricating these rails, and if so what wire did you use? Thanks.

Many thanks for the info, and luckily Bachmann do a VDA in this livery. Pity the brakevans were not painted in reg/grey until much later as Bachmann also do one of those to match. Cheers.

Hi, I'm modelling the late 70's - 1981 period, so far all locos are BR blue, most rolling stock bauxite. However, I was wondering when the Railfreight red stripe on grey first started to appear on goods and brake wagons? Some sources say 1979, others are claiming that this 'new' Railfreight branding didnt happen until 1982 - too late for my layout. Can anyone confirm? I cant remember! (And if this is in the wrong sub forum please move) Many thanks, Chris

Yeah I know, its somewhat infuriating, and very depressing.

Seems to have a distinct lack of British design flair, which is bad enough, but the real shame is that Freightliner probably had little or no choice in investing millions of pounds abroard to aquire new locomotives, no wonder this country is in a recession. I cant quite see why they look so pleased with themselves in the PR shots.