atom3624

Thanks for the reply. I do understand. Perhaps I run my locomotives a lot more than many, but there's not one which hasn't needed a touch of oil on motor bushes somewhere along the line. Very astute comment regarding possible over-oiling, and oil reaching the treads - I have the t-shirt on that one!! Al.

Both the Class 56 and 60 are looking to be absolutely superb models. I don't seem to have much support, but will put this out there. Is there consideration for routine maintenance? As I use models, quite a lot on occasions, they'll suddenly start that 'dry squeal' indicative of non-lubricated metal on metal. Is there easy access to worm, axle (obviously yes) and motor bushes? I think it was the later Bachmann Class 40's which had access points underneath the chassis where in situ motors could be lubricated without need to totally disassemble the locomotive. This is a 'pet peev' of mine currently!! Al.

Hi there. We're all wary of various 'Gulf disruptions' and that there'll also be the Chinese New Year (10th February). I see Rails mention the Batch 2 Class 55 'Deltics' are due 'Q1 2024'. Is this still a fair estimate or what is the approximate ETA please? Al.

When is Evening Star expected to be available? Al.

That's just my point, oiling is routine maintenance. A quick couple of drops can save bushes, and save fathing around with screaming bushes, even motor replacement. Sorry, this is one detail I will not change. I wouldn't go to the dealership I bought a car from to ask them to check the tyre pressures - I do that myself every 2-3 weeks. Al.

One problem I have is that I like running my model railways, not just looking at them. This previously meant running some from 20 minutes to up to 3 hours - for an 08 at 15-17 mph equivalent for example. I've stopped this practice, certainly since I had the need for a replacement motor on my 37 - resolved without any issues and many thanks. My proposal is that bushes and motors now tend to be very difficult to access without dismantling substantial parts of the recently issued, highly detailed models. I believe much more consideration should be given to assist the modeller in the general 'routine maintenance' which will include the occasional few drops of oil on each and every bush, including motor bushes in particular. Some Bachmann diesels (37 or 40?) even had slots / access points underneath to permit access to add a little oil to the motor bushes without any dismantling. Perfect!! Mentioning the motors, in the event a replacement motor is required, quite major surgery is required. This should be as straightforward as possible, wiring trunked where able to avoid risk of disabling cab lights, etc .... Al.

Which 'beast' has been awoken - that's the question unfortunately !! I would probably consider 'the safer option' despite the extra time, fuel and costs, unless UK / USA - who else? - could guarantee safe passage and to knock out of the sky any marauding drones and missiles. It's a strange one. I too sincerely hope it has been calmed .... Al.

Looking forward to seeing the locomotive ... !! End of Q1 it is was mentioned earlier - ties in well, for me - Birthday present to myself! Al.

Looking at today's news, I think most shipping will be taking the longer route for a while!! Top up with fuel now, for those of us non-eco-conscious !! Al.

Q1 started last week!! 😀 Could be up to 31MAR24 as well 🫢 They arrive when they arrive. Should be yet another superb model!! H66 was excellent (but flawed) to start with. Al.

I've had 'the motor issue' which was quickly resolved by Accurascale without any delay - many thanks. I've a 'loose laid' track on the garage floor - small part is carpet, most concrete, so definitely no major engineering standards. I had a 'series 1 Deltic' which kept derailing - I'm assuming it's probably through an issue indicated in this recent 37 derailing video. That Class 37, a Loch Lomond, has never had a single running issue - never derails and performs perfectly (before and after motor change). As just stated, A/S have handled all situations very professionally, and THANK YOU for that. Al.

I had to read the post / link a few times to fully understand - and I'm a fan of Wizard Models as well. Nice idea and thanks for sharing. Al.

Bone of contention for many I know, but one way out was / is the adjustable mount in the tender Bachmann approach - this may be better applied, but is simple and quite reliable. Even if it were to be part of the link screwed on at both ends, making this 'adjustable' would resolve the issue. A bit late now with the new 'drawbars' with their inbuilt connectivity. Al.

I've tried that with these 2 - thanks anyway. I'd have to remove the pesky 4-pin plug each time as the tender screw location is right alongside the socket. Without the plug, you can; leaving the plug in place (preferred) you cannot. It just seems as if so many design details are excellent, but some are simply 'afterthoughts', that 'diesel fitter' thing (diesel [aka these will] fit her ... get the picture!!). With both SWAS and W1 there's no 'slot' where the closed coupling could move into to permit closer coupling. I've done this with quite a few locomotives, as there's 'nowhere to go'. The other option is simply I custom make drawbar links each time (couldn't think of the correct phrase initially!). Al.

I've fairly recently purchased a couple of locomotives I've wanted for a while. One is Sir William A Stanier FRS - beautiful looking latest tooling rebuilt Coronation. The other is 60700, a BR Rebuilt W1 Hush Hush. The thing is, both have tender drawbars with a close-coupling option, but there's nowhere for the bar to go - it can only be positioned in the extended, tighter curve radius setting. I'll consider this option if required for my layout, but like to close-couple when I place them on display, as I do sometimes. I usually end up with a compromise, selecting an alternative bar or slightly 'folding' the bar to close in a little whilst still permitting safe operation. Bottom line is something which appears to be a functional option doesn't work. Anyone else observed this? Al.

Thanks for the fast reply and TBH, as with most on here, when they arrive, they arrive with a huge thank you for your efforts .... !! Al.

Any sign of 'the boat' yet? Just asking!! Al.

I reckon a certain manufacturer's class comprising 200 editions should be considered ... sorry ... BUMP ... Class 40 bump !! Oh, and let's look at Fowler and Stanier's finest - Parallel Scot (tapered boilered Hornby Scot is excellent) and various versions of the Jubilee. The 8F's another that's been mentioned quite a lot, and I agree, a new version of this very popular locomotive would go down very well. Al.

I find the Dapol Class 68 motors fail in a very similar manner - brush related. I have 2x TPE 68's. Brutus is on her 3rd motor, Splendid her 2nd. Part of that is poor brush alignment somebody once observed I think. Al.

Is it possible that the end bushing at the brushes end has been over lubricated, some weeping through to the brushes, POSSIBLY softening them, causing them to both arc and also break up more easily - filling in the gaps between the segments of the commutator? Or possibly they're too hard / fragile - the converse - which has caused them to fragment? The motor seems to be a very good one. When I had brushed R/C modified motors, there were different brush options - Cu impregnated, etc - harder but apparently better, but required you to clean the commutator more frequently as they arced more - something you really want to avoid. Much of this related to people not 'bedding in' the brushes before applying 'full beans'. One way of breaking / bedding in new brushes was to run the motor on light power, in water ... Al.

Is there a confirmed date when these are available - M1 or just Q1 2024? Al.

Brushless motors can generally be compared to a tuned engine - LESS torque low down (where you need it) but (depending on turns, wire thickness, etc) considerably more powerful, and higher revving in general cf brushed - from many years 'playing' with R/C cars and trucks! I don't think use of a BL motor would be a benefit to a heavy goods locomotive with a general need for low down torque, not top speed. Al.

Just popped up as a news story on the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67731853 Al.

How about ..... Starting a trend to model diecast warbird aircraft in 1:76.2, not just the current 1:72? On a similar lateral thinking front, how about a modern rendition of Minic cars and trucks - making a flexible system which can utilise existing Oxford model cars as well? These of course could drive onto wagons ... self powered, or transporting slots to advance all at fixed speeds. Al.

I always liked the blue/yellow Rapid Fit Mondeo (thanks to PistonHeads.com): Otherwise, my shortlist remains the same: Stanier Jubilee, Parallel Boiler Royal Scot, Class 40 ... agreed the 8F needs an update, and haulage capacity to suit. Al.