atom3624

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.

Could try the 'squirrel concept' ... there's quite a lead time .... just a thought. Al.

Fair comment and understood.

Sun-bleached red - over 50 years' of use perhaps?

I still want a decent model of a Parallel Scot and Jubilee ... never mind. Al.

I'm sure this will be a fantastic model, but for me, there's little 'wrong' with my Bachmann model. It's almost a natural 'best seller', a bit like the Class 47, 66, and dare I say it, Class 40 diesels! Al.

I enjoy my light pacific 'spam cans', agreed, but the lights, and rebuilt heavies are really quite old now. Question is, are we certain this new steamie will be a larger locomotive, or yet another small / industrial / station pilot? Al.

Each to their own opinions, all perfectly valid. Many have been brought up commuting using MU's, whether 'D', 'E' or hybrid. These are very hard-working units and a mainstay on the mainlines of UK, but personally I find them totally without character and frankly boring. HST, 220/221, 390, 395 excepted. Model railways has always been exaggerated with an excessive number of locomotives hauling coaches or wagons for me, however invalid. Al.

I'd be careful to avoid silly replies, but I'd just look at Clarks, Hattons and others, plus of course Ebay itself to see what they're going for in similar condition to your own. Al.

Is there any sign / chance of Gordon returning to steam? Al.

Born in 1960 myself, I don't remember any green diesels, but perhaps steam went out later in the Liverpool area, with the Black 5's and 8F's ... then my frequently observed, daily locomotives seen, and same choice, were the 25's and 40's. Al.

If they're sticking to a GWR theme, then the County Class 4-6-0 could be considered ....