PeterH

Only had a quick look at my two tonight but they’re certainly exquisite models. The lights stay on quite some time after power is turned off. Just have to wait a few months for the MK2c BSO to arrive to complete this little train. They’re in desperate need of some good quality passengers.

Lovely coaches. 

The benefits of buying DCC fitted from the outset beautifully demonstrated.

Ran my pair on the club layout Silverbury at Risex yesterday, both ran really well and were certainly noticeably noisier than other locos on the layout!

Is there an online/digital version of the function list at all? Taking my pair to an exhibition at the weekend and need to add the functions to our operators booklet!

All fixed and purring like a kitten thanks to the remedy instructions sent through via the Cavalex team. It was indeed a dislodged worm gear cover on one side of a bogie. A simple inspection and it easily clipped back into place, took less than a minute to sort. I also took the time to fit a driver with the body off - all good!

ADDENDUM: all fixed. Was a dislocated worm gear clip on the bogie, simply clipped it back into place.
 

So up the club tonight to run-in the 56 pair, 98 is running fine. 81 is making a slight grinding/slipping noise perhaps? Doesn’t quite seem as smooth either. Any thoughts?

So the lovely Cavalex 56s arrived the other day, then I decide to rip up track. 😂 With good reason though as I had gauging issues through the platform which needed addressing. I’ve done the inner loop which needs ballasting - the outer loop a hoover and clear up and then back down with new track. Awful job lifting it, no matter how careful you inevitably the track up.

In a less destructive part of the day I have started rewiring parts of the layout to DCC incorporating a bus wire.

I was lucky to be on the tour with these two so I think it’s fitting to keep the tour guidebook together with the models. Looking forward to running them this weekend, I’ve had them a few days but not had the time to get them on the layout! They certainly have a real presence about them, most impressive.

Are there any videos of the sound fitted versions? I know they’re being released later but don’t recall seeing any pre-production sound examples. 

1 hour ago, RBE said:

Yes it comes with two. On those models the drivers side lamp iron is left out of the model and you can choose either the normal lamp iron or the headboard from the detail pack.

Brilliant, thank you for confirming!

With the Farewell Tour duo, does the pack come with a model headboard of the trip?

I’m probably the only one hoping it’s delayed until February. Hefty amount spent on the car in December has left me poor as a church mouse! 

I succumbed and ordered one. I am still very happy with the Bachmann offering but I’m sure the Accurascale one will be lovely as well if the Manor was anything to go by. 

I was one of those who ordered the cancelled Sturrock tender versions many years ago; I eventually just got one anyway but I echo the others who want just the tender to use with their existing models.

After a few months working at it on and off we are very nearly complete with The Crooked House. Just lead flashing to complete it, and a small print job for the blackboard at the front. Eventually I’ll add an interior, the roof is only attached with tacky glue so I can removed it later down the line. Pretty happy with it!

All the bits were attach on my two of 7819 and 7820. The former did have a glue spot on the paintwork around the safety valve bonnet but should be fixable with a bit of weathering. Both run very well, Hinton probably slightly better; that’s running on DC whereas Dinmore was DCC sound.
 

Were the headboards only for an exclusive version of the model?

Typical western engines! They are however very lovely models and well worth the wait, even if they are on the portly side!

Finally received my two Manors from Accurascale…and they don’t fit through my platforms 🤣 bit of track relaying required!

Also done a little video:

Taking a look at The Titfield Thunderbolt Deluxe Train Pack from Rapido Trains UK.

So an update on proceedings of late. A lot of my modelling time has been taken up with a model of the sadly demised ‘Crooked House’ pub, just got the mortar wash, roof and chimneys to do and it is done. Lights and interior may come along one day. I’ve spent some time away from that so need to spend a day or two to complete it. A separate update of that will come along when completed.

The GCR Barnum took a back foot while the pub is being built. When the pub is done I’ll finish the reassembly and assess.

I have obtained some GCR vans of 3-D printed and Bachmann chassis origin, they’ll be the next ‘side project’. Should be easy to do and I hope to bash them out over a few days.

Finally the layout itself, I’ve decided to take the plunge and commit fully to DCC. Wiring is not a strength of mine and the moderate simplicity of DCC wiring over DC section switches has won me over. The points and signals will still operate on the analogue method of SEEP point motors operated from a control panel.

The outer track is fully operational albeit using crocodile clips.

The inner loop is 2/3rds running with an isolated section between two points which needs jumping. Obviously eventually a proper bus wire will go in, not relying on crocodile clips!

With the commitment above the chipping of the fleet has commenced. I bought 10x 8-pin decoders from Rails and have started work upgrading compatible locomotives. With 90 in the fleet it will be a long and very expensive process.In saying that however not all will be upgraded as I do intend to slimline my motive power eventually. I did also have a few already DCC fitted for use on club layouts. 

A bit of a read but hopefully interesting. I’ve got time to work on the layout during the ‘off season’ at work (Chiltern Open Air Museum) so the intention is to be able to have a running session with guests by Christmas.

5 hours ago, gwrrob said:

 

I don't know about everyone else's but mine have arrived in the warehouse.😁

 

I can see mine in there! Does it count as ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ having to wait for two due in the second batch and seeing everyone enjoying models from batch one! It has helped to build the anticipation I guess, very much looking forward to them.

Looks excellent, looking forward to it! Let’s hope for fair winds for the ship!

They are very beautiful indeed. Need to give my M7 a service though as it hasn’t run in years - these have given me a good excuse to give it a little TLC!

Might be a bit late for the hot water trick now it’s painted and glued. I’ve got a bit of brass right angle which could be used to straighten the lot.