atom3624

For me it's water under the bridge now.

I was after parts to effect a repair - damage self-inflicted, I wanted to return to original condition - coupling related.

Al.

As stated, mine was never resolved - bogie frame and chains for a Deltic - so I sold it.

If I contact Bachmann for a Class 47 bogie frame, they'll have one in the post within 24 hours.

Sorry, but true.

Al.

I hope somebody finally sees a light!

Hornby are near useless most of the time.

Dapol pretty good.

Heljan reasonable on occasions.

Bachmann, relatively speaking are brilliant.

I had asked for A/S spares over a 6-month period and they continued to look into it.

Guys, this is a serious issue, and the modeller who actually uses them should be supported as well - not just those who keep them in the box for 5 years, then hope to cash in later on.

Unusual little rant for me, but all is true.

Al.

15 hours ago, McC said:

https://www.accurascale.com/en-eu/blogs/news/genetically-modified-gm-accurascale-takes-route-66-with-latest-locomotive-release-in-00-4mm

 

The launch blog detailed the retool / upgrades that were undertaken. 

Relevant quote:

Enhanced features include:

Axle boxes have been redesigned to make them more secure and ensure smooth running (drawing on experience with the IRM A Class). There are still some improvements required here with them currently being a tad too long, but these are currently being further refined. 

Al.

What kind of driver / dimension of as well, is required to remove the coupling rod retaining screws?

Does one come with the locomotive?

Very rough looking one in one of the photos, as if pliers had been used.

Al.

I've found the paint chips / flakes quite a lot and is quite thick.

Could this be the reason for the overscale handrails?

Al.

17 minutes ago, ERIC ALLTORQUE said:

Is the 59 a long axle with the detail cap on the end so it runs true?

TBH my bad - I was on autopilot of in / repair / out ... !

I think it was slightly shorter than it is in diameter, or at least no more.

I simply put a 'little dab' of superglue onto the hollowed inside - shaft I don't remember any undulations, just smooth - and simply pushed on, as 'gently firmly' as possible - seemingly matching the others, with a clear gap all around, without modification.

I had her moving slightly, just to shunt the 14x 100 tonne Bachmann TEA tankers back to where I wanted, and that's where she stays, overnight.

I think there was more axle than seen on the Hattons 66.

If another drops off - it's taken 12 months for the 1st one! - I'll definitely make a few measurements!

Al.

Not one to touch potentially controversial subjects - Class 40? 😜 - but let's talk axleboxes.

Has this been slightly, or even substantially redesigned?

Will the 66 be issued with rotating AB's - I've lost track somewhere - and are they, for example, pushed onto serrated edges on slightly longer axles?

On an interesting aside, I've just lost my first rotating AB on my Dapol 59 - OK, it came off, was easily located, and it's glued 'n' trued ready for action again tomorrow.

Al.

+1 on that Fran.

My guess is not enough Smithwick's !!

Al.

Do the doors open?  😄

Here's one for you ... if you access the chip by removing a roof section, why not make that the generator access, open it to reveal as well as the chip, the generator itself (moulded over the motor / driveshafts, etc)?

Al.

52 minutes ago, newbryford said:

 Not since 1829..........

(See the 37 thread for the reference)

 

Time?

Looks like Banksy's joined A/S as well now!!

Al.

Parallel Scot and Jubilee.

Al.

Did anyone mention the Class 40? ......

1 hour ago, Michael Hodgson said:

Have you tried fitting it in a steam loco?

Turbomotive?  !!  😄

1 hour ago, aureol40012 said:

Even the side profile of the cab looks like the real thing with the loco straight air brake handle just visible in the quarter light, and that brake cylinder detail on the bogie, exquisite…..

Is that brake chain interfering in the corners at all - looks like it's getting trapped between bogie and body?

Al.

Totally agreed.  Very informative.

Al.

I'm looking forward to the one thing - for me - that would make this the perfect model locomotive - ease of body removal without collateral damage.

The H66 has been a brilliant locomotive for me.

Al.

1 hour ago, McC said:

Some customers have found a gentle filing of the ‘V’ to a soft curve in the kinematic recentering will allow for more tolerant centering after curves or points. May help!

I tried that as well - it did improve things.

I do find these kinematic couplings very hit-and-miss, particularly with another manufacturer recently highlighted on a TV series beginning with 'H'!!

Conversely, after removing the 3-link and one larger 'detail' (vacuum?) on my Heljan 86, I can leave her at nearly any (reasonable) speed, for hours.

My Hattons 66 is similarly successful.

Both of them have kinematic couplings.

Al.

2 hours ago, thetrains said:

Probly the kinematic coupling action, mine and others at LMRC removed kinematic - no more issues -, "this quirk", now resolved on 37's and upwards according to McC in this thread sometime last year.

I do agree.

I tried everything except to remove the return spring - in case it was too strong.  Just couldn't get it sorted.  Having sat in the engine shed for 6 months, it was time to move on.

Al.

A Class 50 is another of 'my favourite diesels' - OK, there are quite a few .... 25, 40, 47, 50, 52, 55, 56, 60 to name a few.

I already own 'a couple' from another manufacturer, but have just ordered Warspite and am looking forward to this exciting addition to the not-so-small fleet ...

Al.

I never had much luck with my KOYLI, and have now passed it onto another enthusiast - unreliable on my track, frequently derailing, which I never managed to definitively resolve.

That said, I have bitten the bullet for a '2nd issue' Deltic, as it's right at the very top of my favourite diesels ... and have ordered a 'Black Watch'.

Let's hope my earlier woes have been resolved sufficiently.

Al.

I have mentioned a very popular class of preserved locomotive currently, requiring a 'model update' - the ex. LMS Jubilee class.

The WR has been a little neglected recently I reckon - OK a certain 'other manufacturer' will be bringing out Turbomotive fairly soon ...

Another to consider I think, is the Parallel boilered Royal Scots - definitely in need of a major update / retool by the last manufacturer to make it ...

Al.

Just dug out my latest-tooling 86 034 for a little run on the tracks.

Reminded just what a superb runner she is - with a decent haulage and turn of speed!

Resolved most of the only problem by removing the 3-link and the heavier pipe - obstructing the coupling on curves.

A big WELL DONE to Heljan for this model!!

Al.

On 21/03/2023 at 22:23, atom3624 said:

I've actually built up a few spare Bachmann motors, but it's fair comment.

I do have an update to this little tale of mine.

Since removing the smoke generator reservoir, the flywheel no longer catches.

The motor is not 'firmly' located, the overhead brace sort-of holds it, but this means it could feasibly displace slightlyfore/aft, side/side, but ... I opened her up again this morning.

She made a 'catching' noise when starting, but power required was acceptably low, so very little resistance.  After perhaps 6 feet of running she went quiet.

The motor appeared well centred, so the slips of cardboard work.

Pressing on TOP of the motor at the reservoir (ex. for me) end, it wobbled.  Motor is definitely one piece, but like it was pivoting on something below - this had obviously slightly raised this end, causing it to catch on the reservoir.

'Gentle but firm' press pushed the motor flat and level, nothing catching and no weird noises - all is well, and I could probably replace the reservoir, but don't have a need.

All is well again.  Design was fine.

Al.

Strange coincidence!

I just received an email stating my request was closed by DCC Spares - without ever receiving an email update!

Looking at the electronically indicated timeline, they replied immediately, but never sent it to me email / inbox.

For everyone's future reference, it reads as follows:

Hi Alan

No the Class 68 will not fit into the Class 59. If you get in touch with Dapol, they have class 59 spares there.

Al.