Grasslands

There is a brief bit of footage of Ruston Quays on my video at 3 minutes 49 second (Let's see if youtube registers the time stamp in this link). https://youtu.be/M-zTN_chA7k?t=3m49s

After a while away from hobbying I seemed to go on a bit of a sleep model-ordering frenzy last night. A 1366 was in the virtual basket.

Were all of the class converted to split headcodes at the same time? Any clue on the dates? I am curious which one of them was the last to receive them (and when). Tom

My BR Blue one arrived on Friday. What a lovely model:

Nice to see these models coming together. Will the models have etched nameplates? I would probably get a green HYP/Split headcode one if I can easily rename it to another loco. My preferred option for Bulldog is a chromatic blue version.

To be honest, i am undecided as to what I am planning to do with mine, thus keeping it as 2001 or changing to one of the other versions are both options. A few days ago, returning it to the model shop due to the running was also on the cards. Regarding 2001's valve gear, I'm not too concerned about 2001's valve gear working, but I would prefer an option that isn't black plastic. I suppose it could be painted, but i can't imagine that it is going to make much of a difference to making it look like a metal valve gear. The least effective bit, in my opinion, is the section of the gear that looks as if it is suppose to attach to the connecting rods. On mine the plastic bends away from the rods. How did the 4mm kit manufacturers deal with 2001's valve gear? Can I not re-appropriate some metal/etch parts?

A bit patronising this post, gr.king. Especially when you have clearly done something to the valve gear on the two models in post #2015. Or am I incorrect?

Pick-up blip too, hmmmm... I best read up on that aswell. The front pony truck seemed to be shorting mine out, but I managed to fix that (I think). No clue why it was shorting though.

My P2 arrived a few weeks ago, but I have not been at home to test run it. The quality of the finish and the detail is quite impressive (the plastic lubricator/valve gear looks a bit silly). Running quality, however is a backward step in my opinion. Noisy and jerky and obviously a cheap 3 pole motor. I will review this topic and see how people are approaching the replacement of the valve gear and motor. Thanks all that have contributed in this regard so far, it makes life for the rest of us so much easier.

I noticed that one of the DJ Models versions had parallel balance weights (I think). Were some different? Edited as it looked like i hadn't read the previous response.

Here is another picture of NCB 65: http://www.abload.de/img/ncb038yluo.jpg I have never noticed that the balance weights on the wheels were so unequal before. Is this common to all J94s?

This is one of my favourite locos. I will definitely be ordering one. I hope we get some more information soon. Does anyone know what livery options Heljan have to choose from? Did any move into private service?

Great news. More OO9 is never a bad thing.

I am so pleased that this model will be made. E train has been one of my wish list votes for many years. I ordered my sound version (plus 'what if' coach) this morning. It is slightly out of my core era, but it is obvious that the APT-E was designed to propel passengers through time (thus the obvious design similarities between K9 and E train). The hope of ever faster transport (arriving at your destination before you considered leaving) was of great importance to BR in the 70s. Signalling was the death nail in the experiment. I hope this explains sightings of E train next to Beyer Garratts and Dibber25s duel sightings at Waverley (passengers were very confused when they arrived at both 6:00pm and 6:05pm).

Yes, my bank account has just depreciated. I think No.47967 is on the way. Happy, happy days.

Thanks Giles, I am really happy with the front axle. I secretly hoped it would be capable of going off-road, but gave up when I was having traction issues around Christmas. Iam very pleased to see it manoeuvre across the tile grout on Quarry Transfer. I will post a more thorough explanation of the last few stages of the build in the next few days.

All done I am really pleased with it. I need to do some painting and weathering, but I think that can all wait for another day. I redesigned the steering pivot as it kept slipping of the steering column at full lock. I have also added some weight inside the pick up crane. The electronics are now hidden beneath the blue tarpaulin. The green hood and tarpaulin can be removed so I can mess with the wiring or recharge the truck. I wonder what I should do next? Here is a video of the test run:

I had a fair amount of trouble with the servo today. It was making a fair amount of noise and didn't seem to be registering the radio controllers existence. After doing some tests i found that it had to be the servo at fault (rather than my wiring). I gave up and decided I would have to buy a new one. As curious people do, I took apart the servo and found a cog had slipped off its shaft. The servo started working again after putting the cog back in place. I have fitted the pivot for the servo to operate the steering and I have blacked out the cab windows (in the hope i can fit the receiver inside). There might be too much play in the steering column In its current configuration, but I will find out tomorrow.

Progress.... No steering yet, but after some confusion and cursing I managed to get the radio controller and receiver to talk to each other.

Oh wow, you can actually buy the caterpillar tread kit? Wow.

Thanks for that

Hi Robin, any chance you could post a link to the gear making video?

I am just enjoying my lunch while looking at this link. This lorry is featured in the video in post #35. You are right, it doesn't look too complicated to build up that gear box.