Adrock

Thanks Coach. Was 1465 hauling an Autocoach at any time then? Or working in non-auto mode? Thanks.

Does anyone know if a 14xx was used on the Dolgellau - Barmouth shuttle in the 1950s and early 60's? If so, does anyone have any info in terms of number, shed base etc? Or can they point me to any pictures please? Thanks.

One other thought - detail and quality of finish on the Bachmann's is superb. Others have said however that the end profile shows a better body shape on the Hornby version.

In terms of weight...the Bachmann mk1s are on the heavy side I think. Therefore, I have removed the internal weight from all of mine which if I remember correctly was around 20% of the weight of the coach. Without the weight, the coach weighs about the same as a Hornby Hawsworth coach. I have always managed to slip the weight out of the side without needing to dismantle the coach, which I have found is it a task not to be undertaken lightly. In terms of rolling performance, I've found it's always down to the close coupling mechanism. Some are better than others and I've tended to move poorer performing ones on and kept the better ones. They need "running in" so they can swing freely. I also tend to loosen off the bogie screw ever so slightly. All this together seems to help and I use the Hornby version of the roco couple between coaches. A rake of 7 puts a bit of strain on the CCM springs which pulls the coaches slightly apart. I may change the coupling solution at some point in the future.

Couldn't agree more - I am really looking forward to this new range of track wth better UK looking sleeper spacing. I'm on this side of the Atlantic and I have previously briefly looked at the other bullhead alternatives mentioned and there were drawbacks relating to the pointwork. I don't want to have to make or commission points - what DCC Concepts is offering is RTP bullhead plain track and point work that will just work with modern RTR stock and look so much better than PECO. That's all I'm interested in so my new layout that I'm starting to build the boards for will be using their track for the scenic sections. I just don't get any of the acrimony at all - pointless (pun intended). As an aside, how does the DCC Concepts track connect to PECO code 100? Packing and code 100-75 fishplates do we think? I am planning on using the latter on the hidden storage yards.

Excellent post. This information shows how well retooled Collett 'sunshine' stock would surely go down - they are so useful for building typical WR takes. I have been looking through a number of similar photo albums focusing on the Cambrian and it's surprising how they formed the mainstay of the coaching stock - more so than the newer Hawksworths it would seem.

The pictures of the BR versions look fantastic - thanks for posting. I must admit, I'm very much looking forward to getting one of these, the only outstanding question I have is which one to get. I've got the books out and am doing some research to help decide.

Hi, when will the pictures of the BR versions be available please? Looking fantastic so far, I just can't decide which one to get!

Hi, I'm following this thread with great interest - i really like the way you have built the layout to co-exist with the other role of a garage (no, not to park a car, but to store lots of stuff!). I have just moved house and have a double garage - so may apply some of your principles here. I'm also modelling the Western, albeit in north Wales. What I also like is your focus on the operational side of the railway - working timetables just seem to make everything more meaningful. The viaduct makes a great spot for viewing - very reminiscent of Western steam in the West Country. I particularly like the first pic of the Hall, but mixing some chocolate and cream coaches in with the maroon ones in the rake would really hit the spot I think! I was reading Collett Granges and Manors (Ian Allen) just recently and there was a picture of a double headed Summer Saturday train coming up one of the West Country banks that had chocolate and cream, crimson and cream and maroon coaches all in the same rake - magic in colour! All the best. Adam

I couldn't resist and unpacked my house-move packing this evening to get my Hawksworth and sunshine coaches out to make up a rake with these. I found that with the shorter Roco close coupler on the Hawsworth, and the Hornby version on the bow ender, the two coaches could be close coupled perfectly. I wont be able to test how well this configuration runs on my layout though as that really is in pieces - maybe someone else has? The sunshine stock couldn't get near this level of close coupling unfortunately. As someone else mentioned, it's amazing how swat these bow enders make the Hawksworths look; and the sunshine coaches for that matter. They look quite tall, yet short. Great for the hotch potch rake I need to create to run behind my Dukedog!

Sounds great - any pictures of your assembled rake? I'm desperate to open my new Colletts and build such a rake but I'm preparing for a house move so my Hawksworths and sunshine coaches are packed away!

I think retooled Collett sunshine stock would be very welcome. I have been looking through various books focusing on the Cambrian coast in BR days, and sunshine stock seems to be quite common within mixed rakes in the late 50's / early 60's. Only last week I noticed an interesting picture at Machynlleth of one portion of the Cambrian Coast Express (3x mk1s in chocolate and cream) strengthened with two sunshine coaches in Crimson and cream. They would certainly help us to create those realistic mixed rakes that were prevalent on the WR, with all stock at the same standard / close coupled. My sunshine coaches are going to look a bit out of place next to these Colletts and the Hawksworths!

Looking great so far, Jeff. I've just bought a new-build house with an integrated garage of what looks to be 5.1 x 5 meters internal dimensions. You may have already mentioned it somewhere in the thread, but how does that compare to your bunker? I'm trying to get a sense of the scale of the new railway that I can hopefully create! I really do like your open-frame / L girder construction method as well, I will have to seriously consider something like that too rather than a flat plywood baseboard. All the best, I'll be following with interest. Adam

This really is fantastic news. Imagine the very typical non-uniform GW rake we will be able to create now by mixing these with the sunshine stock and the Hawksworths (admittedly the latter in post-nationalisation context). I always think the non-uniformity looks better on the two tone coaches of either chocolate and cream or carime and cream as the waistbands at slightly different heights emphasise the effect. I therefore don't mind these not being in maroon yet. An eventual release of the diner would be great as it means we could also assemble pre-1958(?) named trains such as the CCE with all other stock formed from mark 1s in matching chocolate and cream. Imagine that with two Bachmann dukedogs in BR black double heading the train in lieu of a Manor! The stuff dreams are made of!

This looks a fantastic layout Ben - you've really captured the atmosphere of the line. I'm looking forward to watching it develop! Cheers, Adam

Hi Tony, I've been following your thread intermittently so wondered if I could ask you a couple of "environmental" questions please that I haven't seen before? Firstly, what methods do you employ for keeping your stock clean from dust? Your assembled rakes must build up an accumulation of dust over time if they are not covered up, yet I haven't noticed any in your superb photographs. Admittedly I'm in the garage loft (much dustier!), but I have to keep all my stock stored off the layout in storage trays when not in use. Secondly, linked to the above, what's your track cleaning process? What method do you use and how often? Finally, have you already described the set up of the railway room somewhere in this thread? I'm assuming it's a large shed that has been insulated and plasterboarded - is that a correct assumption? With an impending house move, I'm interested to know as I'm thinking about the location in which to build my next layout. Many thanks for your time, I find your writings a most enjoyable read. Adam

I've finally got around to assembling my new CCE trains. I've cleaned the track up on the layout and the locos seem to be running well, but I needed a long straight to photograph the two formations that I've built so the kitchen island seemed as good a place as any! It was just long enough - apologies for the poor lighting. 1958-61 winter formation: 1962 winter formation (Auto buffet, mainly chocolate and cream but maroon starting to appear):

Is the wheel spacing accurate on the Collett Goods for use in a 54xx? Would be interesting to test fit, I seem to remember the motor in the Collett is a can motor standing up in the firebox...

Great pictures actually! Nice to see the model in the flesh. The real question is which colour to get? For some reason I've really struggled with the 64xx and the Autocoach - I changed my mind that many times but think I've settled in a black 64xx and maroon Autocoach for the late 50's period. Thoughts?

Has anyone had a BR black one yet? Hattons says that it's "on order" but the GWR green one is in stock. Has the latter arrived first?

Well I've purchased an FK as well as an SK. So I now have the winter set for 1958-61 as follows: BSK SK FK RU FK SK BSK (all in Choc and cream) And I'm now going to create a mixed choc / cream and maroon set using the CK and AB from the CCE set: AB (cc) BSK (maroon) SK (m) CK (m) CK (cc) SK (m) BSK (m). I just need 3 of the maroon coaches to complete. Thanks everyone for your input on this!

Really interesting Brian - it would be great to hear if anyone else has two blanked off windows! I've managed to track down and purchase a brand new RU in chocolate and cream so I'm just looking for an FK to complete my 58-61 rake. I may puchase a 6 coach maroon set next to run with the AB!!

Hi Ray, It does provide one formation but I think its 1956 or 57. I will have another read through it tonight to check. It may also make more sense now that I have read Robert's guide.

Hi Brian, Thanks for your further reply. I checked my Autobuffet coach this morning and only one side has the blue blanking plate across the window on my model. The corridor side looks like a completely normal SK (which seems to be correct from what you say). I only bought my set a couple of months ago and it's in mint condition so I can't image it's been altered by its previous owner. Good news really as I could run it as a normal SK in 1958-61 mode and as an AB for 1962 running.

Your group is a fantastic resource and source of information - thanks again Robert!