Kier Hardy

There's no doubt, for appearances sake 3-link couplings do look better than anything else in 4mm scale. Our group all use them, but each one of us prefer different tools for coupling and uncoupling. My preference is tweezers with a slight angle to the tip. Others prefer a magnetic pole (or wire with a small magnet on the end) which really only works well if you have a steel link on the end of brass links. As a matter of course nowadays, I try to fit the steel link on the end so that there's compatibility when my stock goes visiting other layouts, although block trains don't really require this feature. As suggested above, a bit of fine brass wire with a hook bent into the end is another option (mounted on a wooden handle), but I always find myself getting tangled up with this method. Another PS. Go for EM!

With this Class 74 thread now in the right place, I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to share information and images of our progress, especially as the resin kit is the best way to achieving an Electro Diesel. One thing that puzzles me at present is, are the DC Kits and Silver Fox resin bodies one and the same? The bogie sideframes in my Silver Fox kit are a bit under nourished compared to Michael Edge's image shown in the above link, and lack a certain amount of depth, so I've decided to scratchbuild the detail between the axleguards from bits of plastic and brass wire. Picture below shows a modified Hornby Class 71 bogie.

I meant to say 4-CEP bogies, doh!

Hi Darius, That's a great looking Class 501, and a lovely refurb' job you've done there. I have built a couple of Class 501s myself using the Bachmann 2-EPB. There are all sorts of pitfalls regarding the modelling of these units, and after studying as many images of them as possible, I also came to the conclusion that a circa 1970 unit would have full length footboards and not individual ones at each bay. There are instances where some units had a mix of both footboard styles. The driving motor utilises the heavy duty bogie, so technically converting from a Bachmann 2-EPB isn't as simple as one would first think. I've used the bogie frames from a 4-CEP driving motor, and once you study the real thing, you will notice how much of a difference there was between the bogie styles..... but of course this is just finishing detail, and if you can't find any heavy duty bogie frames, I'm sure 99% of the population wouldn't notice a difference. Nice pics and description of your project, and certainly brought a smile to my face. Here's a pic of mine BTW.

Nice update Michael Those Hornby hopper wagons are a bit light on their feet, so they're better if you can find somewhere to glue a bit of lead underneath..... They'll look even better once you've fitted proper handrails, just like the real thing, and a bit of weathering too. I appreciate wagon detail might not be at the top of your list where the layout is concerned, but no doubt it is on your eventual list anyway. Cracking stuff and makes me want to come back regularly and see how things are progressing.

..... and here's another scene not to be repeated, but couldn't resist a bit of Western Froth with Greg's visiting D600ers!

Greg did the work on them for his layout, but did mention they were easy to take apart. Apparently the glue is as weak as spit, so less chance of any damage taking the fronts off. The existing headcodes are printed onto the acrylic, but this is easily removed by rubbing the printed side on a piece of cloth with the aid of some toothpaste or cutting compound. He then just fitted some Heljan class 47 blinds which sit in nicely without having to glue them in place.

Those front row seats are almost spoken for..... maybe an upgrade on the Ryanair ticket will secure a place.

Is that the museum where old layouts go to when they're retired? You'd better start building that extension soon!

The exhibiting is enjoyable, but hard work as we approach our pensionable years. Regular running sessions at home are even more enjoyable, as it usually only involves flicking a switch. Gone are the days of humping and shifting a 40ft monster around the country several times a year, so any future outings will be selective, and spread over a wider geographical area as possible. So far, we've been to West Yorkshire and Buckinghamshire. The next 4 shows will be in Derbyshire, the SEC in Glasgow, the NEC Birmingham, and Wigan Lancashire. I'll give some serious thought as to where it may be going in 2022 and beyond, so please watch this space.

Besides playing trains, I've also made a start on weathering Paul's Cemflos - here a short rake is seen heading along the branch at Hornsey.

A slight diversion from the normal Eastern Region goings on, last weekend's running session had these visitors from Greg's Shenston Road fleet. The smooth controllability of these Kernow released early Warships is some of the best I've come across, and a pleasure to drive. Some small detailing work has been carried out by Greg to include drilling out the exhaust ports, and changing the headcodes to the right sized font. The positioning of the windscreen wipers is an issue, as they're in the drivers view, so that will be the next thing on the list to do.

...... and this is another impossible situation. Or is it? It all depends on what you see, or what you want to see - everyone's different.

Hello All, It's been a while since the last update, so thought I'd share this image with you after Greg's visiting WD 2-8-0 was in charge of a coal train storming the 1:80 gradient in the direction of East London. There's a bit of image manipulation to give the impression of it working - not everyone's cup of tea! The next few weeks will be spent getting the trainset ready for exhibiting at DEMU Showcase in Swadlincote on the 1st & 2nd of June. Don't worry, the above working won't be repeated at DEMU, and even though it's out of era and area, it makes a nice change to see various visitors appearing from time to time.

Synchronisation - that's usually something alien to DCC sound, and don't let anyone tell you any different....... I've yet to hear a DMMU make the right noises as it picks up speed and changes gear, a kettle chuff out the correct number of beats per wheel rotation, or a diesel electric work to the sound of its associated load (maybe I've lead a sheltered life so far), and as long as it makes a noise (much to the annoyance of many) and has plenty of high intensity lights to blind you, then we can be safe in the knowledge that it's giving someone pleasure. Who are we to criticise the avenues of the average railway modeller, whether it be steam, diesel or general atmospherics that are needed to enhance our trainsets? Me? Well I'm an average enthusiast (I'd like to think) and my trainset brings me (and others too) plenty of enjoyment without the complications or expense that modern technology has to offer. That's one thing in this thread that remains pertinent - each to their own and may we all live happily alongside one another, regardless of what turns us on.

It's looking great Mike & Chris.... (as are all of your layouts from the past) and I look forward to seeing it in the flesh one day. With the close proximity of the track to the front of the baseboard, will there be anything there to prevent stock being knocked off, or will you leave it to chance? I can see the practicalities of clear acrylic sheets being screwed to the front of a layout for protection of the models, and in some cases protection for the viewers, but they do look naff!

Very nice Grahame - Yus I think buses is good! Fits in with Tony's recent road vehicle parade. Here's one of mine, well 2 actually and makes a difference with people.

A Spanish kiosk?

Let's hope James May isn't visiting a model railway exhibition near you..... there's the potential for bent semaphore signals and topless trees!

It's a shame there's a few negative points floating around on here so far... it's never going to be perfect for everyone. Guy and the team should be applauded for pulling something out of the hat at this short notice. It shows they're dedicated put putting on a good show this year, and I'm sure a lot of us will have a great weekend despite the last minute changes. I'm sure we'll get around the parking issues one way or another, with plenty of suggestions and alternatives on here (just what the forum is for), bearing in mind the slightly further distance to travel from Burton railway station. The line up looks as good as it gets, and the team and me are looking forward to catching up with you all in June.

FTFY Phil

That seems quite likely, as it's located next to the section of track which has separate lengths of rail. Suitable for weighing individual axle loads.

Those are footsteps which are located on the bufferbeam on the short bonnet end. (2 per loco) http://www.emgauge70s.co.uk/proto_class15.html The step can just be made out on the 3rd image on this page (look through the handrail in front of the loco).

Thank you. There are no current plans to show the layout in London, but it is booked up for the next 4 years at other locations in England & Scotland. http://www.emgauge70s.co.uk/exhibition_diary.html

As promised, here's an update on the sub's. I had a look around the works yard behind the Hornsey Workshops and came across some Bachmann 57ft chassis which are now fitted to the S variants. Test running (and propelling) through all the pointwork, crossings and 3ft curves has proved successful, so there's just some final detail work and numbering to complete.