Claude_Dreyfus

More 73 action on the Arun Valley... 73212 leads 73202 with the 0Z73 09:10 Tonbridge circuit via Bognor and Hove past Codmore Hill north of Pulborough on 18th September.

Oh yes, I have an old Minitrix NS Koploper which takes power from either the track or pantograph. I have never used the pantograph for this purpose, apparently the performance wasn't great in N gauge and the innovation (although pretty cool) never saw widespread adoption. Not surprising really. Our H0 club layout has full catenary and ensuring it is smooth enough to allow pantograph-up running without snagging is hard enough...imagine having to do that and ensure a decent current/pick up. And that in N? I'm sure some would love the challenge, but I'll pass !

Yes, the Banzai B-Trains are a phenomenon in their own right. They can probably be viewed as less of a compromise and more of a genre in their own right (given their constraints are not about track radius or prototype train in less space). I believe their extreme compression is due to them starting off as vending machine toys and the sort of grew in popularity from there. The support network for them (powered chassis and the like) is quite extensive. You do see them occasionally on layouts out there, but mostly they are used on the popular (and sometimes quite extensive) B-Train setups. As you say, the biggest compromise is the use of N gauge track, when the 3'6" track should be nearer Z. Missing wires on the catenary is pretty much a universal compromise at this scale, not just Japan. That said, I have seen correct track width layouts and it does look good...there are some incredible modellers there. Incidentally there is a chap in the UK building a large Japanese layout and building is own correct gauge track for the 3'6" lines...

For me it is a shorter train every time. I too model H0 continental and avoid the 'shorties' 1/100 length stuff; particularly the express carriages. Whilst the detailing is not too bad, the obvious reduced length jars quite badly with me. It is the ratio of height vs length that looks wrong. Like a crooked picture or out of synch tv program. I get why they are produced, and the price is competitive, so to those who want a set of 8 for example have a full length train (and a long rake of shorties still looks impressive; we frequently have rakes of 8 or 9 on our club layout on a running night) fill your boots. Each to their own. Personally I would rather have 6 full length and live with that compromise (although many express services in Germany and Austria were surprisingly short, even relatively recently).

More action on the Arun Valley today. 57311 leads the northbound 1Z52 14:36 Littlehampton - Horsham special through Pulborough station. Tacked on the back is a rather shiny steam generator... About 40 minutes later the ensemble returned south. I must say, the Brit seemed in fine order. The 1Z54 return from Horsham - Chichester.

Engineering work in the Gatwick area lead to a number loco hauled trains along the Arun Valley today (in addition to the various specials put on for the Goodwood Revival). Heading north from Pulborough, 66739 leads the 6G13 10:00 Eastleigh East Yard - Tinsley Green engineer's service. 66733 passes through Pulborough with the 6G14 13:01 Eastleigh East Yard - Tinsley Green.

More Goodwood Pullman action on the Arun Valley. 67024 leads the 1Z84 08:21 London Victoria - Chichester Pullman past Codmore Hill on the approaches to Pulborough, on 7th September 2024. 67021 brings up the rear. It is a busy few days along this line, The Pullman also ran yesterday, there are a few engineering services running (66739 passed north a little earlier), and we have the steam positioning move tomorrow.

Hi - I don't really have a deadline on this. Happy to discuss.

Here is an H0 ROCO BR44 tender engine in epoch IV condition - item 72237. This has a factory-fitted digital sound chip. The BR44s were one of the primary work-horses of the German railway, nearly 2,000 were built. Mainly used on heavy freight, their strength led to the nickname of 'Jumbos'. These locos lasted right up to the end of steam in West Germany, with a member of this class holding the distinction of hauling the final DB mainline steam service in October 1977. Boxed and in nearly new condition, this is another one of those not really suitable for my move to OBB, and therefore to be moved on. Asking for £250 + P&P for this one.

This is a Trix BR23 in DB epoch III condition - part number 22834. It is factory DCC sound-fitted, boxed and in excellent condition. The BR23s were mixed traffic locomotives, which operated throughout the latter days of West German steam; indeed it was a member of this class which was the last production steam locomotive built for DB. They weren't the prettiest locos to come out of Germany, but they were certainly an invaluable member of the DB fleet right up to the 1970s. Some were fitted for push-pull (I believe the P/P locos all used 'tub' tenders, which this is not), so could often be seen with the silverfish coaches in their latter days. I bought this model a few years back, and it has been a reliable member of the fleet. I do find the sound a little quiet, but I am sure some concentrated fiddling with the CVs may help with this. It is being moved on as I am concentrating on 1980s OBB, so it will be a little out of place! Looking for £180 + P&P for this one.

Here is an H0 Fleischmann BR38 4-6-0 tender engine in DB epoch III condition. It is an older model (reckon pushing 30 years old), but still in extremely good order. It is fitted with a Lenz digital chip, which runs very smoothly. Boxed. These attractive engines were used for many years right up to the last years of steam in West Germany (a few were also used by DR), and found themselves on a variety of services although mainly secondary passenger. Their last strong-holds were in the south west and the Black forest. Looking for £70 for this + P&P.

Ah, yes of course. For some reason I got it in my head it was the gee-gees, but no it is the Revival. Stupid Boy!! It means that the roads will be insanely busy, but at least some of that insanity will be rather pretty...

Here we have a ROCO H0 epoch IV baggage carriage, item 74448. This was purchased brand new a couple of years ago, but is now surplice to requirements (as I am focussing more on OBB now). I use this with the two Brawa carriages (already listed) and a Fleischmann BR38. In excellent condition and boxed, I am looking for £25 for this + P&P.

It is forecasted to rain on Sunday as well (maybe even thunder). There are plenty of places I'd rather be than stuck on top of the South Downs in that. Instead I will be sitting in the middle of a field waiting for 'Britannia'...

I think they are using the Littlehampton junction triangle to turn it. Steamer heads train to Littlehampton, then trailing diesel hauls to Horsham. Then the steamer hauls down to Chi. Guessing Horsham is the most logical to change directions (crew transferring end to end on platform and the correct facing point work). No detaching or running round required.