Norton Wood

1 hour ago, Pint of Adnams said:

I had a similar problem but the new card has arrived in plenty of time and is already valid. A quick 'phone call to Kernow's helpful team and all is updated 

(Don't entrust your details to an e-mail.)

The bad news was that my BR version will not be arriving until around April...

April! Wow, that's a long way off, with 2 BR versions and 2 LNER versions I would have hoped the rest would have come the following month but two months wait...ahhhh. Nevermind we've waited roughly 2 years 2 months we can wait a few more months

The problem is that searching all the 3D model websites every time something new came out is incredibly time-consuming and despite what people think, magazine staff members aren't numerous.

 

You've also got the issue of printing the models. The CAD renders look lovely, often the actual prints will look poor next to your nice injection-moulded loco. Worse still, the modeller still needs to assemble and paint the results. It's not unreasonable to suggest that building a conventional kit would be easier if you want to match the standard of finish.

 

That's the beauty of RMweb, this information can be crowdsourced.

The quality can be poor sometimes, however, things have been improving 3D Print wise. This was something a friend of mine bought from Smallbrook Studio's and it's turned out quite well    - But as you say, Phil, you've got a lot of things to be doing, as you have the DVD, modelling and then writing articles visiting shows and home layouts. You all do a lot for the model railway community  

It's quite the waiting game, but what's funny is that I may well get Oxford Rails LNER N7 & The Model Rail LNER 7137 J70 at roughly the same time. So I might well end up with two models to play with for the year.  

I was looking into coaching stock for the N7, as has been mentioned that it's quite hard to get your hands on a quint set. Interestingly a friend of mine just brought up this 3D Printed website, fantastically a full Quint set is for sale - Modellers will have to make it and it's a tad expensive but I might give it ago.

I've linked all three coach bodies which you need, something that I think should be highlighted in railway magazines more, as there's a lot of skilled CAD people out there who have produced these coaches, wagons, and modifications which will help modelers out massively.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/ZUHEBXPNX/o-76-lner-quint-d85-brake-3rd-coach-5?optionId=64818876&li=marketplace - 1st coach Composite/Break

https://www.shapeways.com/product/CYMJV965U/o-76-lner-quad-d74-third-coach-3?optionId=64818895&li=marketplace - 2nd - 3rd & 4th coaches

https://www.shapeways.com/product/SUTALPPAX/o-76-lner-quad-d71-comp-coach-4?optionId=64818929&li=marketplace - 5th and final coach

Did anyone get a chance to ask Oxford at the trade fair, as to when we can expect the BR version of the N7.

 

C

I've not but I spoke to my local model shop on Tuesday and they are expecting the BR or LNER version (They are not sure which) in the next few weeks and then the same again in March. So I assume that Oxford was spreading the model's release over a few months. Why OR didn't put all three on sale at the same time, I will never know. I may like the LNER & GER liveries more I recognize the BR version is currently the most popular model, with the LNER & GER liveries tailing behind. 

'Fraid not, chaps... The Bachmann model will represent a member of the 1532 Class, the largest group of Johnson 0-4-4Ts, numbering 115 engines built 1881-1893 (if one includes the 1823 and 1833 Classes, which differed chiefly in invisible things: original cylinder diameter and boiler pressure). But:

 

 

The three engines loaned to the M&GN in exchange for four of their 4-4-0Ts were Nos 142-144 (1907 Nos. 1232-1234), members of the 6 Class of 1875, which were significantly different in leading dimensions - the smaller capacity of the side tanks makes them noticeably less tall; the bogie wheelbase is 5'0" rather than 5'6", etc. 

 

 

Likewise the engines built for the S&DJR, the "Avonsides", were also significantly different from the 1532 Class, being closer to the 6 Class - they were the next 5'3" Johnson 0-4-4Ts built, in 1877 - though with shorter fireboxes and other detail differences - including lengthening the bogie wheelbase to 5'6"; experience with members of the larger-wheeled 1532 Class engines and one of the 6 Class on hire to the S&DJR had shown that the longer bogie wheelbase gave steadier running.

 

A solitary member of the 1532 Class, 1907 No. 1305, was sold to the S&DJR in 1921, becoming S&DJR No. 54, reverting to its original number on the absorption of the S&DJR locomotive stock by the LMS in 1930 but being withdrawn soon after. It replaced the previous No. 54, an "Avonside" (in fact Vulcan) 0-4-4T that was withdrawn in 1920 with cracked frames.  This engine did receive the blue livery. In the interview with the Bachmann team that Andy York posted a year ago, they acknowledged that they were aware of the unsuitability of their model for the Avonsides but also that they were aware of No. 54. Perhaps the S&DJR  Trust should commission it as a special edition?

 

Refs:

D. Bradley & D. Milton, Somerset and Dorset Locomotive History (David & Charles, 1973)

R.J. Essery & D. Jenkinson, An Illustrated Review of Midland Locomotives, Vol. 3 (Wild Swan, 1988)

S. Summerson, Midland Railway Locomotives Vol. 3 (Irwell Press, 2002)

Ah that's a great shame, well maybe my colleagues were a little off with there information. Is  "R.J. Essery & D. Jenkinson, An Illustrated Review of Midland Locomotives, Vol. 3 (Wild Swan, 1988)" where you got your information from?

Four of these lovely little 0-4-4T were transferred onto the Midland & Great Northern Joint for a time. So we are very much looking forward to them

Also, announced on there Facebook Page Oxford Rail will have some announcements to make at 09:00am today

And, once we have our Oxford N7s in our sweaty little hands, the next question is ............

 

Who makes 4mm scale destination boards for them?

 

Some of the reviewers seem to believe that the destination board brackets are additional lamp irons.

Martin

Interesting that you've asked that because I asked Sanky Scenic's if he had produced any, which sadly he hadn't, but I've asked him to produce some for the N7 having given him the measurements from the model. Once I've got them I'll let you know how they have turned out. Maybe if he gets enough orders he might put them on the main range? 

It does get complicated when early ones were LHD and later ones RHD!

Certainly does, I'm mainly asking as my colleagues at my model club who own the GER version were wondering about what needs altering. As I'm ordering the LNER version the only thing I'll need to remove will be that extra whistle and then renumber the locomotive to match the N7 type that Oxford has modeled. As has been said the 7990-9 series of loco's, OR have modeled so 7993, will cover that nicely for me. 

Thanks to those who have put up all the correctional information on this threat you've been very helpful.  

 

I’ve now altered my loco as per post #596, and additionally the model is fitted with two whistles, which I think (noted in post above) is incorrect and only the one on the right is required. More for the spares box!

 

Also, it’s a pity Oxford Rail put the number on the tanks not “GER” as illustrated in Yeadon’s Vol 27 page 55. I guess the control number is correct, as members of the same batch were so numbered – see page 56 – but given the date so near Grouping, perhaps not and the Train Control number is incorrect and it should be GER. Anyone have any comment?

 

Paul

 

So we need to remove the whistle on the right-hand side of the locomotive - you mean the fireman's side of the locomotive? - Not correcting, just double checking.  

The LNER version sadly hasn't turned up yet, but a friend of mine brought his GER 1002 N7 with him and I have to say that the locomotive is very very impressive, so much so that I've taken a few photos of it on my layout Mile End Park. 

It stands out a bit among the LNER loco's but it does look very impressive, hat's off to Oxford Rail, certainly 3rd time is a charm. 

Thanks to Oxford Rail's Facebook page:

"Product Update:
OR76N7001 has just arrived in the warehouse. These will be distributed to suppliers in the next couple of days."

To be more specific the GER Liveried N7 has arrived, not long now people!!

I have to say I'm amazed how quickly this has gone from announcement to production.

With you having said that, I thought I'd look through my photo's from previous Warley shows, 2016 MR Mag was gauging interest, 2017 MR had produced this (Image) and now in 2018 we have fully painted versions. It's been great following the progress of this project

Further photo's of the Model at the Peterborough Model Show.

Have to say that the first photo of the 'completed' model is simply amazing.

Chris Leigh, can I say thank you for the brief conversation we had at the show, you were very very helpful and I look forward to this when it comes out.

I asked at the show when we can expect the models due and the chap I spoke to said that they hope to have it on a boat within the week with it in the UK by Jan/Feb time, he stated further that the company want's it on the shelves before next years toy fair which I can only assume is in February/March time. 

The one at the Swansea Show was a runner. Sadly we didn't time to pop it on the Test Track for a run

I'd wonder if they would have one running on a test track for Warley perhaps? 

There the last stand in 2017 had a lot of older products for sale quite cheap, perhaps they will put a test layout out, we're counting down to Warley now!!  

Kernow Models have produced a number of photo's of the J70's on Facebook, thought I'd share them up...

Lots of photos!!!

Very interesting and beautifully shot. Thank you! The railway gun looks particularly impressive, as do the N7s. I find myself wondering if the coupling pockets are removable or, if they have to be sawn off, can they be replaced by better-placed pockets.

I should expect that they are removable, I have a Adam's Radial which all the NEM pockets are removable 

The flowerpot chimney, dome and safety valves still appear to be too tall on the BR version. I can't see Oxford correcting those now.  It will be interesting to get measurements of their actual heights on the model.

 

Andrew

Would it be worth seeing if Alan Gibson does some white metal castings for the N7? Then modelers could replace the Chimney, Dome & Safety Valves.

I have a question myself on both the GER & LNER variations it appears as if there are 2 whistles either side of the safety valves. Have looked through books I cannot find any N7 following this. But I have found some N7s with Whistles on either Driver or Fireman's side of the locomotive. What I am wondering is are there such photo's and I assume modelers will have to remove one of these whistles 

.... the line carved through the foothills of the Wisbech mountains? 

Just a photograph that I shared, not my image.  

Another fantastic photo from Model Rail of the J70 68222 with both Wisbeach and Upwell Tramway coaches, it's a real shame that this kits are discontinued...

I suppose it would be bad to say that I have my hands on these two kits...

According to Oxford Rail in a reply to my FB enquiry, the N7 has been produced and more details will be released once shipping details have been confirmed.

So 8 weeks on a boat, so that's December, just in time for Christmas. I Assume Oxford Rail will be at Warley so we might be able to see some finished samples. 

But brilliant news

Having seen the video I am increasingly pleased that I have ordered a skirtless version - really nice looking motion

It's too hard to say for me... I like both so, I ordered one with skirts and one without... But I do like the skirted one a little bit more, in my opinion.  

Having a read Rapido trains UK's almost, sort off...Not really monthly magazine...Further photo's of the J70's have appeared: 

Again the photo's are not mine and if there was a piece of blurb saying these photos are not allowed to be copied and shared, I'm sorry and I will take down. 

Copywrite...Has to be done