panzerjaeger

I out a dab of silicone grease in each axle bearing and the results can be seen on this video of 66720 hauling 16 x HYA wagons on my layout.

I have been trying for over a week to download two video clips comparing the rolling resistance of a Heljan BOC tanker and the HYA. I have opened a Flickr account as recommended by cessna152towse and hope that the video clips play without problems. I made a simple test rig using a wooden off cut and 70cms of old Bachmann US track. An old track rubber was placed under one end of the offcut which raised it 15mm and created a suitable slope to test the rolling resistance of both wagons. https://www.flickr.com/photos/panzerjaeger1421/52061746256 https://www.flickr.com/photos/panzerjaeger1421/52061742186 The results speak for themselves.

I have had exactly the same problems with my rake of 14 wagons ( 6 x Flastline, 6 x GBRF and 1 x Touax) and was about to contact Accurascale, especially about wagon GBRF 371014 (which never got around the first corner of my radius 3 track). I am glad I decided to watch your excellent review and found many similar problems, especially regarding bogie rolling resistance. I normally fit Kadee couplings to new bogie wagons and found a No 19 coupling ideal for the task. However, on a consist of 12 or more wagons, the Kadee coupling detached from the NEM pocket the closer the coupling was to the locomotive. Prior to this problem rearing its head, I checked all the wheel back to backs and lubricated all the wheel bearings. However, Kadee couplings work OK providing they are placed at the rear of the rake. My biggest surprise was that a Bachmann Class 66 slipped to stop when pulling a rake of 12 wagons or less and only the Hattons Class 66 was man enough to manage 14 wagons except that GBRF 371014 derailed on the first corner every time. Once again, many thanks for your excellent revue.

My circuit of track is approximately 40feet in length and the curves are 2nd radius. The layout is DC and the EWS management train consists of a loco, three Mk 3 coaches and a DVT. I have checked all the back to backs, there is no buffer interlocking, all the wheels are steel and track is clean. The Lima Class 67 may have been the first Lima loco to feature a can motor with drive shafts delivering power to a pair of tower bogies. These locos were purchased new and have all run smoothly from first use. However, from the start it was obvious that they were a lot slower than the majority of my locos, both steam and diesel. Unfortunately, it is not possible to replace the power bogies as the newer Hornby model has a completely redesigned chassis. It would seem that, as suggested, the gearing of these locos is the problem and one that cannot be solved easily. My thanks to the members who replied to my post and especially The Johnster for his detailed assessment.

I have three different types of Class 67 locos, the original Lima model, two 'updated' Hornby/Lima models and the current Hornby offering R3039. My layout is approximately 12' x 7' and at maximum speed, it takes the Lima loco 21 seconds to complete a circuit pulling the EWS Management Train. My 'updated' Hornby/Lima locos take 28 and 30 seconds respectively to complete the same circuit despite having both bogies stripped , clean and lubricated. The current Hornby loco (R3039) takes 21 seconds per circuit, the same time as my old Lima model! These models are supposed to represent a 125 mph capable model diesel locomotive. Is it possible to replace the motors in these locos with something more powerful and if so, what would be a suitable replacement?

Having discussed the problem of a number of my tankers derailing at our local DEMU meeting last week, it was suggested I try 3 link couplings to solve the problem. 3 links were too short but a 4 link coupling worked just fine. I then tried a Bachmann coach pipe coupling with the same result. Feeling lucky, I tried a Kadee #20 and that worked also. I added the tanker to the rear of the train and it has not derailed since. I tried the second of the EWS tankers but it wouldn't do more than one circuit before it derailed. I tried everything including measuring the back to backs, the length of the axles, the width of the bogie and even changed the bogie around but to no avail. In a last desperate attempt, I put the wagon in the center of the consist and hey presto, it didn't derail. Finally, I now have a train of 12 EWS tankers that stay on the rails and look great. Feeling pleased with myself, I tried the blue VTG wagon but it derailed within one circuit. I fitted Kadee #20 at both ends and placed it in the center of the consist and lo and behold, it worked; so I now have two trains of 12 tankers running happily around my layout. Whether it was last night's storm that blew away the gremlins that have dogged my TEA tankers, I don't know but I am now a very happy bunny.

When my parcel finally arrived last week, the contents were well worth the wait. I tried to run some of my newly delivered fleet of 24 tankers and spent a very frustrating morning trying to figure out why they kept uncoupling and derailing. At first I thought it was buffer lock and so changed the tension lock coupling for Kaydees. That made no difference and so I placed just one tanker behind a loco and sent it around my circuit. Once the consist had made several loops without problems, I added another tanker, then another until finally, a tanker derailed. Eventually I found the 2 x EWS Grey and 1 x VTG Blue that were source of the problems. The back to backs were OK but the axles were such a sloppy fit in the bogie that the axle could be flipped out of the bogie without prising the bogie arms apart. I have sent an email off to the spares department explaining the situation and have more than enough tankers to keep me happy for the present. Apart from one narrow walkway which came adrift when lifting the polythene sheet wrapped around the model, none of my wagons show any sign of damage. Apart from the bogie problems, the tankers run happily and smoothly around my layout. I thought that before I submitted my reply it would be best to check the wagons once again and all three have derailed. A final word of caution. When replacing your model in the packaging, take care not to dislodge the ladder which is easily caught on the square rubber block designed to stop the model moving in the package.

It is now 3 months since I paid the balance on my order for TEA bogie tankers. I decided to wait this long to give RevolutioN time to deliver my order before making any comment. On 13 November 2018, I paid for the TEA bogie tankers as I was going abroad until New Years Eve and wanted to ensure my order was waiting for me on my return. In my hall on New Years Eve I found a big box but it was from Irish Model Railways, not RevolutioN. Disappointed, I checked my emails and found a request from RevolutioN for a further £453 which I paid immediately and then went to bed to get over my jet lag. The following day I checked my credit card account which confirmed my 13 November payment. I contacted RevolutioN and was told my original payment had been ‘missed’; however within days my £453 was refunded. Another 10 days elapsed and I enquired whether my order had been ‘lost’ in the system as well, but was told I would receive an email when my order was ready for dispatch. I have read the comments on this thread and Ben’s thanks for the patience of those who are waiting still for their tankers to arrive. I was chatting to my accountant who is also a model railway enthusiast and told him of the TEA tanker saga and that others had commented ‘it is not a life and death situation, just toy trains’. Whilst agreeing, he commented that I had paid RevolutioN the thick end of £1,000 of my money and asked what I would do if my business faced a similar dilemma. ‘Simple, employ some temporary staff that any business would do in similar circumstances’, was my reply. I appreciate the gentlemen at RevolutioN are running a business almost single handed but when I see yet more projects being announced with RevolutioN’s involvement I wonder whether they should be concentrating on fulfilling customer orders rather than chasing future business. I placed my first order for the TEA tankers with RevolutioN on 7 April 2016 and paid the balance in full on 13 November 2018. I am now beginning to wonder if I will ever see my tankers. Am I being unreasonable?

My order for 12 heavily weathered arrived this morning - and a buffer fell out of the first cardboard box I opened before I had time to remove the wagon from the plastic sleeve. I found the buffer but when trying to replace it, it fell out again and on checking another buffer found that a tiny 2 mm diameter collar which holds the buffer in place was missing. Despite a thorough search of the carpet and bench, it has disappeared. I checked the remainder of my order but nothing else was amiss. The missing collar is very small and I doubt my ability to make a replacement. An email is on its way to Hattons for their assistance. The wagons have been sprayed in a very dark brown with a random coat of grey over the sloping sides and solebars plus a light dusting of white around the bogies. However, no two wagons have the same style of grey overspray on the wagon sides. The wagon interiors appear to have been individually weathered and no two are the same although this would not be apparent from normal viewing distances. Can anyone suggest a proprietary colour that would be suitable for a light overspray of the wagon exterior? I haven't had chance to run any wagons yet but the back-to-back measurements seem to be OK. Many of the wheels have a splatter of battleship grey paint on both the axles and on the running surfaces although I doubt if this will affect their performance.

Despite a somewhat chaotic year due to the Society moving to smaller premises on Retford station, preparations for this year’s exhibition are now complete. The exhibition will feature at least 15 layouts including the return of last year’s favourite Lego City Trains which has been enlarged yet again to provide even more room for teenage builder Ian Belton to demonstrate his skills in constructing working model trains made from Lego. At this rate, he could be a serious competitor to Network Rail one day. Layouts G Lego City Trains O Hollingsworth Whitewater 00 Victoria Road MPD Dunn Langbrook Junction Thomas interactive Boghampton Merlin's Yard Welney Depot Pig Lane Diesel maintenance Depot TT Taylors Trains N Mike's Wagon Works Leigh St George Traders Brickyard Models Geoffrey Allison Elaines Trains Behams Societies BR Standard Gresley DEMU Admission Adults £4.00, children under 16 £2.00, Families £10.00 Open 10 am - 4 pm both days Website www.bnnrs.net Phone 07768 347456

18 & 19 November 2017 organised by the Bassetlaw (North Notts) Railway Society Retford Town Hall, Market Square, Retford, Notts, DN22 6DE Sat 10am–5pm. Sun 10am –4pm Adults £4.00, Children £2.00, Family £10.00 14 working layouts from N to G gauge plus trade support, demonstrations, societies and a separate swop meet on Sunday only plus refreshments and disabled access Tel: 07768 347456 www.bnnrs.net

As 'Doctor Dave' was busy last week, I called Hattons and spoke to a very helpful young lady. I decided to return just the front section (as I had spent some time fettling the loco) and its replacement arrived today. As I sent in wrapped in bubble wrap, it came back in the same wrap. The buffers, footsteps and other odds and ends were lying in the wrapping but it took no more that a couple of minutes to reattach them. I reconnected the new front section and tried running the loco in the cradle. It ran first time and so I tried it on my layout with the same result. So far so good and I look forward to using the loco for hauling those long rakes of coal wagons I have accumulated. It is about time too, I ordered this model when it was announced in 2011? Fair play to Hattons, they replaced the unit without question and returned it within a week.

Having an hour to spare before going away for New Year I found a loco cradle that will handle the BG and placed it on the workbench (my office desk!). I tried applying power through the wheels to the drive under the tender and it works perfectly. Applying power through the wheels to the front drive has no effect and yet the rear drive works fine and at full speed. It stands to reason that the problem lies with the front drive and has nothing to do with lubricating grease. I think it may be wise to spend more time examining the loco and less time at the keyboard! Happy New Year to all RMweb members!

Had a chat today with Dave Holmes, the loco 'doctor' at the Bassetlaw Railway Society. He thinks the problem may lie with too much lubrication grease which has settled since the loco was last run in August and causing the slow running. He has also suggested checking the plugs underneath for poor connection. I'll give it a try before sending it back to Hattons.

My first BG went back to Hattons in August with numerous issues but a replacement was sent immediately and it was run in for about 3 hours without problems. Since then, I haven't had time to run it but as my daughter was home for a few days and takes a great interest in the layout, I decided to show her the BG. From the moment it left the siding (which has been its home for the past 4 months), it was obvious something was wrong. Even on full power, it crawled around the track and managed 2 circuits before giving up the ghost completely. I have left it for 30 minutes and tried to run it again. Only one motor worked at first and then the other began to operate. It still runs very slowly so something is wrong. Do I read through this thread and try to find a solution to the problem or do I send it back to Hattons tomorrow?

I can't fault Invicta's service, ordered on Friday afternoon, delivered Saturday morning. The 39-554Z BR re-railing equipment coach is moulded in a translucent yellow plastic which results in a certain amount of light bleed. Ideally, the interior should be painted a suitable colour to overcome this. Does anyone know of the interior colour of these vehicle and has anyone dismantled one yet?

I have an R 3171 Class P2 spare should anyone require one. I had forgotten I had ordered it, it was so long ago. Box shifter price plus postage. Send PM.

My replacement loco arrived this morning and I must admit to opening the box with some trepidation. Apart from a loose water filler cap and a bent handrail, everything was fine. It ran effortlessly straight from the box but stopped on a curve after two or three circuits. It did the same thing once or twice more so I removed it from the track and gave the wheels and pick ups a good clean to remove the excess of oil and paint from the weathering. Back on the track, it pulled away without a sound and ran sweetly in both directions for a good 3 hours. While it does have some build quality issues, we can't complain at the price; it provides a good basis for super detailing and/or weathering. Hatton's service has been superb as usual and they should be congratulated for commissioning this icon.

Unfortunately, my BG will be going back to Hattons tomorrow. Upon opening the packaging, I thought I had been sent the wrong model but as others have commented, for the price, it isn't a problem to tackle the weathering yourself or have it done professionally. However, upon careful examination, it appears that mine had been assembled late on Friday by the final shift after the quality control man had gone home for the weekend. Patches of gloss paint had been painted over imperfections on the loco frame, the sanding pipes pointed everywhere except at the wheels, plus the plate at the rear of the cab fell off as it came out of the package and so on. I ran it in for an hour or so in each direction and it performed superbly, as all Heljan mechanisms do. I had made a foam cradle in which to lift the loco from the track and turned the model upside down. The wheels were almost black with tar and each one needed cleaning with GOO GONE. I must admit to being very surprised as my trackwork is clean and my other loco wheels seldom need cleaning. This morning, prior to returning the BG to its box, I noticed more missing or badly fitted parts and decided to give Hattons a call. They suggested I return it for replacement. At first, I felt guilty about such nitpicking but there were so many minor faults with the model, it had to go back. Within minutes I had received a return postage voucher by email from Hattons, another example of the superb service offered by the company. I appreciate that RTR models are mass produced and that some parts will become dislodged in transit or the odd handrail etc. will be bent slightly and I am more than happy to repair the damage. Unfortunately, this example had far too many examples of poor and shoddy workmanship; I just hope that its replacement was produced midweek. Bob

Reading through the MR review of the 'Western' yesterday (which I felt was very positive), I was disappointed too with the rating of 'only' 92%. However, someone at MR can't count. MR achieves its rating by giving a score out of 10 for each of five categories and then doubles the final score to give a score out of 100. The 'Western' scored 47 out of 50 which when doubled makes 94%, not 92%. So, unless MR has a different score rating for smaller manufacturers, the 'Western' scores in the top 5 locomotives, exactly where it should be. Well done to Dave and all at Dapol!

The easiest way to dismantle the Hornby sleeper coaches is to remove the corridor connections and then, working from the centre, prise the side outwards with a blade slipping a piece of strong plastic card into the gap. With a bit of luck, the clips in the centre will disengage. You will then have to work your way along the body to the end clips which are very tight. These will need some force to get them to disengage and just when you think they will never come apart, the floor should just drop out.