Paul_C

I'll throw this into the ring in the hope that it attracts some well detailed response and opinions. I have four Bachmann 2 HAP units (Class 414) and want to fit them with sound decoders but I can't find samples of the various options that are on the market. I'm thinking either DigiTrains or Legomanbiffo but would like to listen to them first. Any thoughts please regarding these or any others that I could consider. Paul.

If there are any of you who subscribe to "The Southern Way" publications could you tell me if there are any issues that feature articles about the Sheerness branch line or Sittingbourne area please. Paul.

Thank you all for your input, I am going with 6502 and it is now with Steve at Grimy Times. In a short while I should have it back displaying the new number and a heavier coat of weathering. Paul.

Thank you for that Ian, you've given me a boost of confidence. What I'm doing will require a little bit of licence just to allow the inclusion of certain bits and pieces and rolling stock. I'm building the Sheerness branch line as was in 1959/60. Originally I was going from early 1960 in order to run the first electrics but someone then suggested I back track twelve months and cover the transition allowing the inclusion of steam. If all goes well I can adjust and run it as either 1960 or '59. I am including the old signal boxes which were all gone by 1958 I think but they are too good to leave out. All three of them are already built. Paul.

Thank you kindly, I'll go for D6502. Paul.

I have just bought another Heljan Class 33 and want to renumber it. I have D6504 as one and would like to change my latest addition from D6256 to something suitable for 1959/60 'ish. D6504 was based at Hither Green I believe but were there any running out of sheds in Kent i.e. Faversham/Ashford/Tonbridge. Maybe I could use a low number such as 6502/6503 but don't know any of their history. Paul.

I have just found a couple of issues of Southern Way ( 58 and special issue 18) and wonder if anyone knows of a phone number or email address that I can contact them on. I want to ask them a couple of things and it would be very helpful if I could contact them direct. Paul.

I am looking to build a layout based on the Sheerness branch line as it was around May 1959 through into 1960 when the Kent Coast electrification came into being. I have acquired loads of locos/buildings/vehicles etc... but have yet to start the actual track laying. I will be experimenting a great deal to determine the best way of setting it out and where to locate each station. My most difficult challenge is going to be that of backscenes as it will clearly require local photos from that period in colour. This is going to be very difficult as initial cursory searches have turned up nothing. I think this is going to be a huge task in order to get genuine backscenes in place (in colour) as opposed to the general options currently available. Any ideas/thoughts please? Paul.

I am building a layout based on the Sheerness branch line as it was in 1959/60 when steam gave way to electrification. Although it's not yet underway I've secured a lot of models and infrastructure ready for the off. A big challenge is going to be creating backscenes as I would like to be pretty realistic on this part if I can. If I were modelling the current era then there would be no issue as I could just go and take a shed load of photos and print off accordingly. I've tried to find coloured scenic views of the actual areas needed but it's proving very difficult to find what I need, I can't help feeling that it's going to be an almost impossible task 🤣. Any ideas/thoughts please? Paul.

Hi, Thank you for this brilliant info, I will trawl through it and see what I can find. Paul.

I have a Heljan class 33 with a running number of D6504 in green. It displays head codes of H1 and 4A. Any ideas anyone please? 4A seems to have been evident around the Kent area and was H1 the Hither Green code? Paul.

Thank you all for your swift responses, very impressive. I do have a full set of track plans that I bought from the NRM in York some years ago when I had a "day out". I decided to splash out and had them printed and laminated (A2 size) from the disc so I dare say that all this information will be on there. I haven't viewed them for a while as they were packed away (with everything else) two years ago when the builders came in to add a dormer to the rear of the loft. The big disadvantage I have is that I do not understand all of the abbreviations and terminology like you experts and ex-railwaymen 😀. Paul.

Hi All, I am building a layout based on the Sheerness branchline during the transition period of 1959 when electrification was introduced. I am about to order some coloured signals and would like to know the correct numbers for that period. A very knowledgeable source informs me that the EV prefix is correct but the numbers may have been different back then. I'm looking for the correct codes for Sheerness-on-Sea platforms 1 and 2 and the Home signal that is approx 200 yards outside the station. Platform 1 currently displays EV but It's highly likely that this was not the original number at the introduction of electric. This is probably going to be a minefield but any thoughts please. 846 Paul_C

Here's a couple of photos showing the River Swale at the Isle of Sheppey. Unlike many of you I am not a pylon expert by any stretch of the imagination but I needed to gather enough info to get these models produced. Paul C

Has anyone got a Bachmann 2 HAP (31-390) that's fitted with a Digitrains sound decoder (files recorded by Tony Molineux)? If so is there any footage that I could view please? Paul_C

Gray, Legomanbiffo do a decoder for the 414 and I've been told that this is very good. The only thing is I can't find a sample of it anywhere. Paul_C

I'm looking for people's opinions as to which sound files are the best for the Bachmann 2 HAP units i.e. 31-390. I've so far considered Legomanbiffo and Digitrains, any thoughts please? Paul_C

Opinions please on sound decoders for the 414 Class 2 HAP units (Bachmann 31-390). What are the best sounds for these units? I know that opinions are going to vary but I'm curious to learn of people's thoughts. I've so far considered Digitrains and Legomanbiffo Paul_C.

Hi There, Thank you very much for the attached diagrams. I do have these boxed away in a mountain of stuff waiting to be unpacked following building work on the house. It would seem then that the double track was converted as part of the 1959 programme. Thanks for your reply. Regards, Paul_C

Can anybody tell me when this change at Sheerness took place please. I have an old photograph from the Middleton Press publication showing a D1 class sitting just outside Sheerness- on- Sea station in 1958 and this section shows a double track. In the background is the Festival playing field and I know that this section is now single track but not sure when the change came about. Any info would be gratefully received. Paul_C

The slurry tanks are cylindrical and plastic. Paul_C

I have a bit of an issue with a few of my Bowaters slurry tanks as the logos are starting to peel off. Most of the transfers are fine but just need sticking back down. I've done a couple with the usual superglue format (Roket Rapid) that we use for making models but I'm wondering if I should be using something different to affix vinyls/paper to the plastic body shells. Paul_C

Ric, Brilliant mate thank you. I use the Humbrol enamels so I'll make up a very diluted/weak mix and give it a try on something non essential before putting it onto the lorry load. Paul_C

Hi Ric, I can certainly give that a go tomorrow. What do you mean exactly when you say wash it over? I've got a rough idea but tell me exactly what to do if you would please. Paul_C

The Romford wheels arrived today and I set about fitting the first pair. An absolute piece of cake as they slipped into place just as easy as the originals came out. Fitting the other 19 slurry tanks will be a dead cinch. Thanks for all your posts and replies. Paul_C