Tony Cane

The issue I have found with this Wifi system is that if there is a short circuit, while the track power is automatically restored the Wifi has to be manually restored. I have got around this by adding a district switch to the DCC output, which trips before the main unit.

The GWR trains are probably the only ones that cane be modeled with ready to run vehicles. The Southern one needs short birdcage brake coaches with corridor connections.

If you go to the URL below you will find an album of pictures showing various WWII conversions done by the GWR. There are at least two pictures of the exterior of the Casualty Evacuation Train

https://images.nationalarchives.gov.uk/search/?searchQuery=RAIL+253%2F327

I hope you are successful in creating a representation of the train, and if you need any further information please ask, probably best via a PM.

There were 34 Casualty evacuation trains built, LMS 15, LNER 10, GWR 6 and SR 3. These were prepared just before the war and the majority of the train continued to be used for its normal civilian use. All the trains used parcels vans for the 9 or 10 stretcher vans and corridor brake coaches at each end. The intension was that a mess and recreation car would also form part of the train but in many cases this was a later addition, using a kitchen car. All the trains retained their current livery. The only indication of their new use were yellow stripes on the corners of the coach bodies and the brake coaches carried the train number. Each stretcher van had a letter code denoting its position in the train. The GWR trains had this marked on the outside of the vehicle, the SR trains did not have this initially but the lack photographic evidence means I am not sure if all trains eventually carried these.

They fortunately found that they had more trains than they needed, and many were taken out of service, with some of the vehicles being used in the later building of more military ambulance trains. They were designed to be used for short out and back journeys, those still in use later in the war had a banana van added so that more stores, particularly bedding, could be carried for extended journeys away from their stabling point.

9 hours ago, Wickham Green too said:

Might class 08 sandboxes be available elsewhere ?

Hi

Thanks for this suggestion. Bachmann UK spares have them for 50p each and they look like they are the same shape and size.

On 17/04/2024 at 17:40, VIA185 said:

Hi Tony. I'm not personally familiar with these locomotives or their history, but it looks like it did at some point and didn't at some other point and that we've modelled it at the point when it didn't. We research these things pretty thoroughly and though we aren't infallible, we do usually have photographic evidence where detail differences are concerned. I'm afraid we don't carry any spare parts. (CJL)

Hi Chris

Thanks for the response and the information on spares.

While I can see the attraction of doing the variation of a locomotive without rear sand boxes, this has been poorly implemented on the model. By just not fitting the sand box two holes are present in the frames and the head of a large screw in visible. Ideally a plug in overlay could have corrected this. But being realistic about this particular variant it is, I suspect, the least popular version. I am frankly surprised and delighted that a model in WD livery was produced. This and the superb model of Basra have already involved extra tooling for the much appreciated head lamps and conduit. Further tooling for better renditions of the missing sand boxes does not make economic sense. My intent is to get a more typical appearance by covering the un-prototypical features. I will fabricate a pair of sand boxes and create a more satisfactory model.

Regards

Tony Cane

On 15/04/2024 at 17:48, VIA185 said:

On 13/02/2024 at 14:25, Tony Cane said:

You may wish to hold off on ordering one in the WD green as I think there is a minor issue with this version. I have made inquires at Model Rail via Kernow but have not had a reply yet. My model, the picture on the Model Rail web site and even the box art do not have any rear sand boxes. The box art even shows  the screw head revealed by the omission.  This will be a simple fix by providing a couple of boxes which just plug in

I have been asked to confirm that the the WD model is correct. The locomotive in question did not have rear sandboxes. (CJL)

Hi Chris

Thanks for the response.

I believe that I have sufficient evidence to refute that statement.

The RCTS history on these locomotives has pictures of ex70273 running as DSB6 in Denmark, in 1965,and ex70272 as AD601 at Bicester in 1979, both with rear sand boxes. The locomotive Basra was, before renumbering and naming number 70270, and correctly modelled with rear sand boxes. As to 70271, this was an unlucky locomotive. It was involved in a fatal head on collision on the Longmoor Military Railway in 1956. While it should have been renumbered by then no number was actually carried. Photographs of the aftermath of the accident show that rear sand boxes were fitted.

What I would like is for it to be possible to obtain a pair of rear sand boxes, preferably in the correct colour, as spare parts, so this omission can be corrected.

Decided to get on and complete this kit based WD 2-10-0 or it would not get built. I have ordered a Gordon, but I need a 2-10-0 in as built condition. The observant will notice that this is a hybrid. Bachmann supplying the tender, cylinders, valve gear and brakes. The remainder is from the DJH kit, except for buffers from Lanarkshire Models. I should get a least 18 months use before one of two scenarios will occur on this model being seen. The first, and very unlikely is the comment “I see you have bought a Clark Works WD”, should my efforts fool them. What is more likely is the phrase used will be “do you know that there is a much better model of that locomotive available”

I have a Triang motor bogie fitted with 14mm coach wheels for sale. PM me if you are interested.

Here are two nearly completed coaches, just need weathering and glazing. The first is a straightforward build of the Slaters kit. The only modifications are the removal of the duckets and the simulation of a couple of replacement doors. This will be use as accommodation for Guards armoured brigade tank crews while their steeds are being transported by rail.

The second is a conversion of Triang clerestory coaches to an officers coach used on a super heavy gun battery. No prizes for guessing which gun. The sergeants got a converted six wheel exLCDR coach, and the other ranks had converted ferry vans.

The recent edition of BRM has an article on building this locomotive using the Golden Arrow resin body. By coincidence I have just completed the same build. I have used an etched chassis rather than the Bachmann one. This really just a “warm up” build as Judith Edge kits are soon to release a kit for this class, which I am looking forward to building. Why do I need a further SR diesel shunter? Well I have two heavy railway guns that need moving.

8 hours ago, Crouchja32 said:

2 part magazine covering the Cairnryan railway

Hi

Could you please give further details of the magazine (article?)

According to the three part history of the LMR, Basra was renumbered to WD878 in 1956 and the number changed again to AD601 in 1968.

Here are two screen shots, the date is bout 1950. There are three other wagon with red sheets in this train,all very dirty.

The video Steaming Through Wessex published by Kingfisher has a run past of a goods train in early BR period with at least three wagons with red sheets. I will see if I can get a screenshot and post it here.

1 hour ago, GreenGiraffe22 said:

I only just found out about these from a Model Rail Facebook post, I don't usually venture into the Heljan forum, and diesels are usually too modern for me, but the WD one has caught my interest 🧐 I'm always interested in WW2 stock

You may wish to hold off on ordering one in the WD green as I think there is a minor issue with this version. I have made inquires at Model Rail via Kernow but have not had a reply yet. My model, the picture on the Model Rail web site and even the box art do not have any rear sand boxes. The box art even shows  the screw head revealed by the omission.  This will be a simple fix by providing a couple of boxes which just plug in

Here is my progress so far on “enhancing” Basra. I have fitted the head lamps, painted various items to match the photographs, toned down the fluorescent red chassis and just had to add the horn trumpet. I think further work is needed on the chassis colour and the body needs some subtle weathering.

A couple of oddities came to light while doing this. Firstly all the cosmetic couplings are assembled upside down. The links would be standing up, if fitted, instead of hanging down. Fortunately the hook can be forced round to the correct position. The second is regarding the additional conduit to the front lamp. This is correctly molded to go on the left of the radiator, as you look at the front, but there is an extra hole in the footplate on the right hand side where the conduit would be located.

I also have the WD green version but have just realised that it is missing both rear sand boxes. As I have already fitted the head lamps, and as fabricating the boxes is relatively straight forward, I will not be considering a return of this locomotive. I will however make enquiries about spares, but I expect the answer will be no. The reason for mentioning this is in case this is a factory error present on others of this type.

On 28/01/2024 at 22:02, Rosie Taylor said:

Can I butt in to ask if anyone in this thread knows of a source for works (or other accurate) drawings of the Leader? I know the NRM has them all but as far as I can tell it's £27 per drawing, and I'm after quite a few - more than the general arrangment (which I already have). I was initially interested in the KR Models version but am considering attempting my own 3d printed version (no slight on those who have ordered one, of course, just personal preference). Thanks

I have a couple of drawings that may be of use. PM me if you would like further details.

Hi

I have two un-started Roxey 48ft LSWR coach kits surplus to requirements. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Hi

The sheets are printed on card but it is very thin, 3 sheets stacked together are still less than 1mm thick.

Send me a PM if you are still interested.

Tony

Are any of these of use?

The larger sheets are HO scale by Faller, the smaller in N scale by Riko.

The web site says they are doing the as preserved Longmoor locomotive in WD livery. On line images show this as  having a red buffer beam with black buffers and a green cab roof.

Having seen the coloured examples I have a couple of observations on the WD livery example. I have good documentation that the WD locomotives, both 2-8-0 and 2-10-0, had black buffer beams and green roofs to the cab. If any one from Clark Railworks  would care to PM me I can send the evidence. The cab roof would of course  become a dirty black after a short time in service.

A couple of notes on the wartime WD paint scheme that often get ignored. The buffer beams were black and the cab roofs were painted green.

The plate is also reproduced on the Bachmann model. On the LMR version it reads

CORPS OF ENGINEERS

U.S. ARMY

4538

C.OFE SPEC NO 7531

P.O. NO xxxxx

MANUFACTURED BY

DAVENPORT LOCOMOTIVE WORKS

No 2531 zzzz 1943

The xxxxx and zzzz stand for unreadable numbers or letters.

There is a Transportation Corps font available, which is useful at least for the wheel emblem. The letters are a reasonable match for some of the locomotives but others have flats top and bottom. The numbers do not seem to be typical of those used.

There are a series of pictures of S100 locomotives at Newbury in 1947 by Casserley that show many more variations, in particular the placing of the lettering.