RobMG

I need a few of these wheels for a little project I am working on. The ones I have are off GWR tenders but I think they used the same wheels on all the models. I don't really save any money by using these wheels, but I find it very satisfying to modify them on the lathe, and making improvements ( I think ) If anyone has any knocking about that are getting in the way, I will gladly find a home for them, and pay cost and postage. In the past I would have binned them, but then I began to wonder if I could do anything with them. Thank you in anticipation Rob

I was also led to believe the story about the Mainline firebox shape too. So when I bought the Dapol mogul I measured everything to check. Well I have to say I was unable to find an appreciable difference. So either both models are wrong or the Mainline model isn't so bad. I then had a search for drawings, and found a couple of pretty good ones. I really don't believe there is much wrong with the mainline model. Except of course the chassis. I have built a comet chassis for mine. All in all I am happy with the ML. The cab windows are too small . I don't know if I will alter them, but I might. I have made a new back head, that improves it, and I've fitted wire handrails where there were moulded ones. I will post some pictures one day.... Always a faf on here...

Reading your comments and seeing the little piece of video quite an emotional experience for me. We were very close friends for many years. This the first time since before he died that I have heard his voice or seen a video. So I would like to thank you for finding that. I hope you don't break up the layout. I would rather know it was kept something like intact. I didn't think I'd seen Rye harbour. When we both got married we moved to different parts of the country, and communicated by telephone mostly. with occasional visits to one another. When I used to go to various exhibitions with him and help operate the layout it was EM and I thought it was arcadia, but maybe my memory is playing tricks, and it was indeed Rye Harbour. I do remember the photographer. Martin was quite young looking in the video. he retired and moved to Ledbury I visited him a few times. He was going grey by then, certainly not like the Martin in the vid. It was amazing to see him again. Rob.

I have built a new chassis and added all the missing details including a new backhead reverser etc. New chimney , safety valve, cab handrails, aws conduit , etc etc. it compares well with the new Dapol model. The tender also has had the works. new mainframes, wheels, and all other details. All moulded coal removed, and coal space rebuilt. getting near to repainting... i'm not bothered with decoders etc.... Rob

Re the Mainline mogul, I am a bit puzzled about the references to the bodies accuracy. I have a new Dapol mogul, and a very old Mainline one. Having read the comments over the years , I have carefully compared both models, with scale drawings . I can find little or nothing wrong with the Mainline body, apart from undersize cab front windows and lack of some detail. I have checked and compared measurements of both, and some detail. I cannot for the life of me see anything out of proportion on the old Mainline model. What is it that I am missing ??????? Unless of course the Dapol model is also wildly inaccurate and or my drawings are wrong. Also compared to the dozens of photos I have looked at, both models look excellent to me. Rob

I use an ancient rivet press I bought about 50 years ago . It is very simple but does the job really well. I bought a GW models recently , it is not as good, so I will probably sell it on. I have never tried rivet transfers, but now I know that Railtec are doing them, I will give them a try. All other stuff I've had from Railtec is very good so I am sure the rivets will be too. Rob

I always use real coal crushed to the correct size. There is no substitute. I saved a large box full the last time we bought some for home use a few weeks ago. it should last me the rest of my days. Rob

I agree, lead free solder is a waste of time. I Use Powerflow flux it is very good. Rob

Ok cheers Jason, I will have a look. I have had plates from Narrow Planet, but I waited ages for those. I don't particularly need them that desperately, but I would just like to know whether or not I can get them. Rob

Has anyone here any problem ordering plates from Modelmaster ? I have tried several times to order some etched plates, but cannot get logged in to my account . I am told there is an error . I have tried phoning but it goes straight to a recorded message telling me the message box is full . I have to assume they are still trading, because I get emails telling me of offers etc. I know Jim has had health problems, but I gather he's up and running again. I don' know any other way to find out what I can do. Rob

I have a Dapol mogul too , which presumably state of the art. I think this model should compare well. Rob

Hi all I mentioned yesterday I would post a picture of the Mainline Churchward tender I upgraded with modified frames, and axleboxes, so here it is . Also a couple of other pics of the loco. I have almost completed a Comet chassis,I cut away the existing backhead (easier said than done) and scratchbuilt a new one. I modified the safety valve lowered the top and reshaped the s/valve shoulders. Made new chimney. New reversing lever made of steel so the bare metal bits look more convincing. There are still details to be done, such as a firemans seat, nearly forgot that, fall plate etc. Oh yes I made new washout plugs for the boiler, because the Mainline ones were just dimples. I've got to make and the vac tank under the tender, and fit the brake gear. etc etc... Everything takes me forever, so it will be a little while before it is finished. Rob

Yes I will post a picture later, but my life would be in danger if I ask right now

The last Mainline tender I updated, I cut the axlebox/springs off reshaped the frames, and fitted new cast white metal boxes and springs . It looks really good. I would love to post pics, but still can't get the hang of re sizing photos to post them. Usually get my partner to do it, but she is busy wallpapering the living room. I daren't interupt her !!!!!!! Rob

I am upgrading a Dapol 14xx with new chassis etc. You can if careful remove the cab roof. I did this in order to fit a detailed backhead and decent looking glazing. with the roof off it is a fairly easy job to fit a floor and crew. If you are retaining the original chassis I don't know how you would do it. I am sorry if I am not much help with this. Rob

I am sorry, I didn't see your reply until just now, I do have a picture, but I find it such a fiddle trying to post pics here, I gave up ages ago. The tender I want is the Churchward 3500 gall type that mainline fitted to their Manor and Mogul. I need one to fit to an early Hall class loco. the first few had the small tender in the 1930s. The Mainline one is a good basic model and with a little bit of work looks really good. Rob

Hi Jason, Yes I know what you mean re prices asked for. I am working on a Hornby 28XX (new tooling) body and wanted a Churchward 3500 gall tender for it. Obviously a Hornby tender would be best, but people ask even higher prices for those. So a Mainline tender will do the job. The Mainline tender as fitted to Manor and mogul is actually a good model. it just needs a bit of work. I have removed the coal, and axle boxes on one altered the frames slightly and fitted new axle boxes and springs etc, and it looks as good as any Hornby tender. If I found a Manor I would upgrade the whole loco with new chassis, and still be looking for another tender. The covid and it's effects on exhibitions is a real pain, also we had a good model shop within easy reach from home where I had no end of bargain bits and pieces, but he has closed down due to the virus. Thank you for your reply, Rob

Because I thought this might be the best place. I will have another look, but when looked before they didn't seem to have been moved they just didn't seem to want to sit level, but i could easily be wrong.

Hi Mike, Thank you for your reply. I haven't yet, but as you are in Australia I rather think the shipping would cost a fortune. I had decided I would scratchbuild one. Rob

Has anyone yet come up with a way to improve the look of the Hornby prairie sloping slidebars. I have one of these and haven't really done anything with it other than fitting Alan Gibson leading and trailing wheels. The one thing that spoils the looks are the sloping down slide bars. I am wondering how this problem could be cured . Cheers for any suggestions. Rob

I think it is all in my mind, but having bought the Dapol mogul, it is so beautifully finished and though not weathered it has an in service look about it. The Hornby prairie looks so new and bright , It makes me think of a toylike appearance. I've not weathered it yet, but I am sure it will look great. The Hornby model is of course superb, and runs virtually silently and smooth. As does the Dapol mogul. Just me being picky really. Rob

Of course that is possible, but surely not in the case of the prairies. both were announced fairly close to each other, and we know about a similar thing happening a year or so back with I think a class 66 diesel. Re the prairies, the Dapol was announce first, then Hornby a few weeks later. I said I would have which ever came first. I was a bit dissappointed, but had the Hornby which needs some work to make it less toylike. The Dapol mogul is beautiful. and needs very little detail work. Rob

I didn't know that three were doing a class 25, but I do consider it to be unnecessary , especially in the case of the Manor. It's almost as if the other people are taking the pee.. It's not a practice I like, and I will certainly not buy their model on principal. Rob

I have never had a problem with fitting brass pinpoint bearings to Airfix mineral wagons. I just trim the excess plastic on the inside . Then using a 2mm drill in a pin chuck and open out the holes . I like the flange of the bearing to sit flush with the W iron, so I have an end mill the correct dia and twiddle it with my fingers. It works every time, and I get beautifully smooth running wagons. Rob

Now we have two manufacturers doing Manors I imagine another two or maybe the same two companies will eventually announce a Saint, and also a Bulldog. I have a Dapol mogul and I think it's great model. I will wait for their Manor. I bought a Hornby prairie, not so sure that I shouldn't have waited for the Dapol though. Of course there will always be little anomalies with models from any manufacturer, but in general I feel they are all much of a muchness. I rather hope it's Dapol who are first with Saint. Rob PS I wonder how long it will be before three companies announce the same model !!!!!!!!!!!!