34theletterbetweenB&D

Another potential cause is inequity in current supply along the layout from a bunch of factors: Skinny wiriing cores, Insufficent track feeds, Reliance on rail connectors and point blade contact for conduction, Worn switches not making and maintaining positive contact. I had the last one on my original DC switched section layout, some years after going DCC, some of the section switches were simply worn out - that's what comes of enthusiastic operation! Lovely looking layout, hope the problem can be quickly overcome.

Coming late to this, that is a surprise. I was pleased to see your original announcement of these years ago, and it was the plate wagons that were of greatest interest for me, as there were two metal fabrication businesses with rail served premises near my childhood home, (one of which my late Pa was with for a couple of years) and Plate wagons were regularly to be seen at these,and other similar locations, distant from any centre of steel production.

Improving, but for this user on a win10 PC it remains too 'jittery'. Once I have gone to a selection such as '00' 'wagons' 'brand', this customer's expectation is that I will not suddenly find myself 'elsewhere' due to an incautious mouse movement. In short, once the user selection function is employed it is locked in, and the user has to cancel to go elsewhere.

And there is a reason for this, the flawless box is far and away the most important aspect of the product. Are you the target customer? I know I am not; packaging is disposed of once the model has passed my infant mortality test regime and the warranty has expired. (The model is out on the layout and running and thus valueless to collectors.) Last mechanism failure of a retailer purchased Hornby loco was a split axle gear on a Q1 while being tested, coming on 20 years past: replacement wheelset quickly supplied via retailer, all well to date. Near forty Hornby locos in service and no problems: two of the private purchases had declared faults which I knew I could fix, and did; near all of the pre 2007 productions (N2, 8F, Q1, Brush 2, A3, A4, 08, M7, L1) have been significantly modified to eliminate recognised weaknesses in the mechanism designs which experience had shown led to failures various. The 'charmed exception' was the BR 7MT on which in my perception Hornby matched Bachmann for the first time. The 'poor mechanism design aspect' ceased after Sanda Kan were bought out by Kader, followed by a 'shake out' of Kader thereafter: this resulted in much of the technique evident on Bachmann UK product fairly briskly appearing in Hornby's products to good effect, as seen in those that I have (B1, B12/3, B17, D16/3, J15, J36, 700, J50, K1, O1, P2, Q6, W1). Comparison to the two other brands that dominate the layout operation: Bachmann, slightly more traction items, no early test failures, other than a K3 which was manufactured during the fad for lead free solder, and my K3's thus had soldered connections 100% replaced as a precaution. Recent failure of a 20 myear old K3 mechanism when a motion bracket detached, and that's it. (I own an early Pepp A1 which was on the recall list for motor replacement due to a batch of faulty wire used in the armature windings; the motor was perfect and so I didn't return it, still running.) Heljan, ten items, no early test failures, one minor problem which revealed an unexpected design error, pick up attachment on the class 16 not standard with the very sound method employed on all their previous products that I have seen. As for 'all the rest', nine items, all good, the oldest would be the Rapido Stirling single. I would quite like an all metal body A4 from Hornby one of these days, wonder how it will be?

No problem, we are entirely accustomed to informing those with insufficent information that they must revise their opinion.

The correct approach starts right there. First task is to determine the origin of any image to assess whether it has been modified in any way. If it has, then it's for the bin in terms of all aspects of modification. And there's much more: 'Preserved' items are a minefield. 'Locomotion' (Railway Museum) makes it quite clear that models derived from their collection specimens are models of 'as preserved'. Much as I enjoy my Stirling single model, I am fully aware that it represents a museum reconstruction of how No1 looked at the end of its regular service. Bang on accurate for final GNR operating condition it cannot be.

No need to be concerned. Any serious research into such starts from the knowledge that colour has no real independent existence, but is only an artefact of the illumination, reflection and absorbtion of light by the subject, and the response of our vision system. Stir in the effect of the gamuts of optics, film or image capture devices, processing and display and it makes the over this matter positively hilarious.

Do any of the sound project providers offer the BR maximum pollution option: never shut off the engine, just leave it chugging away while parked? I look forward to the day when steam projects 'start' with lighting up.

Sounds like a good plan. Using 50mm Kingspan, Celotex and the like (salvaged!) to insulate the roof and walls transformed the single brick skin wall outbuilding that is my layout room into a place of year round comfort. Did the roof first, huge improvement in summer, much cooler; but still chilly in winter. So then did the walls, and losing four inches from the inside dimensions was a very worthwhile compromise, it remains a good big space. You are further ahead with a double skin wall construction allowing insulation to be installed there, so can probably use less or no internal wall insulation. I use no heating, left my floor as painted concrete, and simply dress warm as required, (wearing thermal socks and old walking boots at present ). Just like watching the trains in winter when a youngster, except I now stay warm.

Right question for this circumstance. They work fine as described by the myth buster. (OO perspective) But a dozen years from now and in near daily use there will likely be a different answer. Reliance on small moving parts to maintain reliable electrical contact degrades, heavier locos like the Bach 9F and centre motor diesels can bend the curved switch sufficiently that it looses contact with the stock rail. But that's fine, good long time available to steadily bond stock to switch rails and to power the crossing via a switch - on a motor or a control rod as the owner chooses. What the position is like in N gauge I don't know, no relevant experience

In my experience if it is for pastoral access, a swamp of mud in the winter at the end of the metalled surface, and dry and dusty surface in summer, with the dirt tracked in quantity onto the bridge.

All the Bachmann items I have with the split axle wheelset's pin points running in pressed metal dimples (to enable no incremental friction power collection where required* ) have been trouble free long term in this respect. (Pullman cars, Cravens DMU sets, Thompson carriages.) The odd axle bearing squeak when new, has been eliminated to date by my practise of application of a tiny amount of GT85 to all pipoint bearings. *My annoyance, Bachmann seem to be increasingly responding to pressure to fit tender pick ups. If they have to do this, why not use this method, rather then wipers, which are a proven thief of traction when applied to unpowered wheels? There may also be occasional squeaking in the first couple of hours test running when trains of carriages with the close coupling system (applies to both Bach and Hornby product) is being adjusted and exercised to ensure optimal operation, but once graphite powder has been deployed that is largely eliminated. Once in a while there's a quite realistic 'complaint' from within a train of close coupled coaches, usually as they go through a pointwork ladder; now I like that, happy memories of the regular traverse of KX station throat d'y'see!

Very good for appearance, and operation wise in the top bracket. The well proven close coupling system, when used with a 'rigid bar' coupler performs extremely well, the gangway faceplates in contact on straight track which both looks very well and has the vehicles so coupled move as a single piece, and the cam action spacing them out proportional to the curve radius. The current collection on the metal on metal pinpoints results in very free rolling vehicles. Caveat. You may feel the need to upgrade all your lesser coaching stock as a result...

This is the simplest to check by removing the keeper plate, and the most likely, caused by the axle gear having split and thus not bound to the axle splines to transmit the drive, as described in the quote above. Just turn the driven wheelset, and if the axle gear remains static, that's the fault Hornby list the required spare for this failure on their diagram, which is the coupled wheelset. Now, next question, do they have the spares available? Please do let us know.

The information that is lacking is whether the replacement chassis needs a screw attached tension lock or an NEM coupler pocket tension lock. Bachmann spares: https://www.Bachmann.co.uk/category/model-railway/branchline/accessories?page=1&sortby=5&numper=50 Screw attached, scroll down to 36-025 / -026; NEM pocket fitting version, scroll down a little further.

This is a late 50's to early 60's production, and if there's one thing I know about models this age, it's that the motor magnet can have lost field strength, and that means feeble power output. This element of the fault description: is a fit for a motor that has a weak magnet. If the magnet was removed from the motor when it was serviced, that's the top cause for magnetic field loss. Remagnetisation services are available.

The Sonic model's mechanism was something of a Bachmann nostalgia trip in this respect, both the split chassis and early Blue Riband steam introductions had this characteristic 'oversprung carrying wheels' tendency. I still remember what a pleasant surprise it was on my first purchase of a 'softly sprung carrying wheels' Bachmann model: the very fine Fairburn 2-6-4T. Ah, no need to dismantle and cut down the spring. Downside of course was no further supply of spare coil spring pieces to place on Hornby loco bogies: their assembly diagrams may have shown a spring, but it would be another decade before Hornby's contractors regularly found the 'springs box' and detailed an assembly operative to install one... Buit while the tooling exists there is always hope. Quite a lot of activity now in the 'tooled by Brand X, now on offer via Brand Y' department

...all the way to rubbish of any sort, London's waste was moved to landfill in pre-group and grouping days in company wagons and then later BR's mineral fleet, including such delights as amputated limbs back in the day (yes, really). And the railway's own rubbish: KX area sheds were weekly dispatching a goodly number filled with ash to worked out brickfield diggings such as Connington tip, and they won't have been unique...

Probably not the answer you want, but I believe it's a case of 'fit what you prefer'. The NER wagon works continuously reused servicable wheelsets with no discrimination, on vehicles of this lading.

Where was the bodyside hatch - that the ice cream was sold from - located? (I think it's the combination of the colour rendering of 'strawberry' in the contemporary frozen lard varieties, with the white roof. Only needs the company name: 'Uncle Whippy' or some such adding, in bold multicoloured signwriting...)

Not a clue, but if you need one I can write you a variation permit.😅 I am in for some tender mixing, the Gresley V2 especially looks so much better with an eight wheel tender.

True, but the MRJ readership will know this, and most will probably be using ample radii on their layouts. I have been steadily moving to body mounted Kadee on the end of Pullman gangway/ knuckle coupler equipped prototype stock, and have to say that the thought of using them throughout with sprung gangway ends to eliminate the Kadee's slack in the train is appealing. Not that I am unhappy with the effect delivered by the close coupling systems on my RTR OO, but the use of a coupler of superior appearance throughout really appeals.

Then again, I have been getting away with sticking copies of this inside the back cover of TTTE books for over ten years without retribution. Could make a good modelling subject... “Ouch, that stings a bit,” said Thomas. He couldn’t see what was happening behind him, but had a real pain in the bunker region. This and the fact that he had been staring at the back of James’ tender for three weeks with not a sign of his driver and fireman had put him in a bit of bad mood. “Nothing to worry about” said a voice from somewhere behind his bunker. “Just a bit of work required here on your buffers”. Thomas thought to himself that if only his crew had made a nice fire up in him, he could give the man fiddling with his buffers a bump to show him his place. ‘Where are Annie and Clarabel?” asked Thomas. “It will soon be time for the summer traffic, and they will be stiff after sleeping all winter. I really should give them a run or two to make sure they are ready to go”. The voice replied, “Didn’t they tell you? They have retired as a holiday bungalow for the thin controller. He’s had them placed in a nice field with a sea view, and a roof over the top, they are really enjoying it very much.” Thomas thought about that and then asked, “Well what will I do then?” The voice replied “Don’t worry, the fat controller has given special instructions for all you most valuable engines”. Thomas felt very pleased, he knew he was a valuable engine, and the fat controller was of the same opinion. “Where are the other engines then?” asked Thomas. “Well”, said the voice “Gordon, Emily and Spencer were so special that they have gone to a special home for really important engines at York. Stepney’s gone off down South to gather bluebells I believe, while Henry was very pleased to be allowed to retire to Bootlitz holiday camp; he is going to get a new coat of paint, and children from all around the country will come to admire him on his plinth. James is here with you, but won’t talk to anyone since his brass fittings were removed for safekeeping, and Skarloey just fell apart the moment I looked at him, and has had a complete melt down”. “I see” said Thomas, who really didn’t understand what was going on. “Then what about the others like Edward, Percy and Duck?” The voice replied, “They were a bit too valuable for me, and went off with Cutter and Smelt. I think most of the rest like Toby, Dugald and Donald and so on went with them as well”. “Does that mean our family has been broken up?” Thomas blurted out. “Afraid so”, said the voice, “They are big operators, and had everyone who went with them broken up inside a month”. Thomas thought a bit more, and said, “But that’s not right, the fat controller was keeping us here together forever as a happy family, what has happened?” The voice sighed and said, “Look even fat controllers have bosses, and the incredibly corpulent controller had different ideas, that’s all”. Thomas would have blown off steam if he could and said, “Can you bring this incredible controller here for me to talk to?”. At which point, fearing he would either go hoarse or insane from the non- stop questions, the man walked round to Thomas’ front and cut his face off with the gas axe to shut him up. It also made it easier to get at the nice heavy fittings in the smokebox that would quickly bring in a good price for scrap. Non-canonical.

To add to the list, the Oxford Rail N7 and J27, TMC/Bachmann G5 are all fitted with coreless motors, the last explicitly stated in the poop sheet. As for the RoS/Sonic A5, which has a regular flat can shape motor casing, my example after performing on test for hours on my old Duette then on DCC fitting overheated and came to a halt after a few minutes running on DCC. Setting the decoder to coreless mode fixed that completely. So I just don't know for sure...

If you have large surface area contact, square centimetre or more, 24 hour Araldite with both surfaces roughed up works well provided there's no applied stress. If it has to carry load, better to look at the products of any of the current manufacturers, nothing lasts forever... I bonded a pair of Lima 40 frames to the internal bogie structure of an early Bach Peak about 30 years ago using Araldite, and still attached as of last year. About four square centimetres of bonding area. Small cosmetic components have to be 'stitched' on with wire to give the Araldite something to bond onto.