Torn-on-the-platform

Having just had an enjoyable running in session with the Bachmann H2, running faultlessly from the moment the power was turned on, I have been thinking about which locos have been my most reliable in terms of performance and build quality (i.e. not dropping details or breaking factory fitted detail with reasonable use). I now have a large roundy-roundy in my loft/office/playroom and have work to do in my evenings, so like to just set a train off in each direction to quietly plod round for an hour or so at a time without the need for intervention. Which of your locos would you trust to do this time after time? Over time, my two stand out locomotives have been a Bachmann 57xx and 4MT 2-6-0. Both are quiet, reliable runners and have never lost any detail at all. I've seen a fair amount of criticism of recent releases that have seen many contributors to the forum unhappy with performance, and I personally had to return a H class back to Hornby, whilst my other H class' running capabilities are borderline at best. So what about the other side of the coin?

Picked mine up from Rails today. It has run faultlessly in either direction and is taking my 6 coach Birdcage + Maunsell set with ease. Its running capabilities are putting the H class that I have posed it with to shame! I've added some photos, but I'm no expert at taking photos of models:

What is the cover layout? It looks like Moretonhampstead but with a rather unusual visitor!

I've enjoyed the series so far. The drone footage is fantastic, particularly with the panning shots of the Ivatt and Terrier on the IoW. I'm not sure how interesting this program would be to non-enthusiasts, but I think its pretty good! The over-exaggeration on display is a bit cringey, though Peter Snow comes across as a top bloke. A much better endeavour than Trainspotting Live. I was very surprised to see the initial state of Eagle. It looked a bit tired in its Bluebell days but its condition made Snow's erroneous claim that it hadn't run in 20 years seem like an underestimate.

I'd certainly take 1466 in any livery, as well as a BR black 14xx early emblem, pristine finish. 1427 would be my preference but I wouldn't be too fussed

Sidcup is in the South East towards Kent. St Mary Cray is also in this direction, where, as previously mentioned, you will find Kent Garden Railways. It is quite easy to get a bus between the two! I'm not familiar with Invicta, though have been a customer of KGR for as long as I remember. A great shop with great range and competitive prices.

Have project 27 not announced an intention to turn 27 out in olive as A27? Apologies if incorrect

Could not agree more that it's a great start to the weekend. You'll be home before 10am and feel a little sense of achievement. I've not been in a while as I play hockey on Saturdays and since the end of the season have had an unfortunate run of Friday late shifts that need recuperating from! It amuses me that people will always find a way to make even the simplest hobby an expensive one. Whole families in branded lycra running kits with extra accessories when shorts and t-shirt usually suffice. Each to their own! (It is important to invest in some sturdy running shoes though). In all seriousness, park run is great and caters to all who want to join in. I just turn up, run and go home, but there is a big opportunity for a social element too.

Here are a couple of 2018 photos of a couple of foreign steam locomotives that have proved very useful to UK preservation scene: TKH Hotspur at the Churnet Valley Railway in April: NSR 'Norwegian' at KESR, also in April:

I hope that this isn't the case but the rumours have been circulating for a while and the latest clue would support this theory. I just struggle to believe that there will be 29 all new products, unless its the launch of a brand new range. Track has been mentioned, perhaps OO9 - but I do think 29 products in a new range is unlikely. It's just not very Hornby!

Sorry if covered before, but a few minutes into tonight's running session, my SECR H was giving off a rather ominous smell. After stopping, it became clear that the loco was very warm around the smokebox/front of boiler. Flat track, set of birdcages only. BR H running in the other direction with no such issue. Has anyone else experienced this? SECR C class now deputising!

I'll add a photo of my own Bluebell posed on my embryonic new layout. Temporary power to a straight of track revealed faultless performance so far. Trains will hopefully be running properly by the time 178 arrives! Social media and this thread would have me believe that Bluebell has been the most popular, followed by the SR liveried examples. I'm sure that the BR versions are selling well too. I felt that Pioneer II and Pride of Sussex were particularly risky and make me wonder if the batch is split equally between liveries? Its been a very pleasant thread to be part of these past few months - lots of photos of model and prototype and lots of positivity and humour! Thanks everyone.

Doubtful if this is the exactly correct prototype, but lovely to have a ride in this beautiful coach today! Shame it was coupled inside a MK1. The KESR really should be commended on the quality and care that goes into their coaching stock - it was the highlight of my visit. I shared a compartment with a family who had never been to a preserved railway before and they were suitably impressed. Also, a few years ago, I had a tour of their carriage works and met several friendly and dedicated volunteers.

I hope that this isn't the case but would make sense. I've not seen either recently steaming P class on a train equivalent to 3 Mk1s on the Bluebell. They have managed some longer combinations of vintage stock: http://www.train-photos.com/picture/number15251.asp Even the two Ps together seemed to be limited to 4 large carriages. This is certainly the reason why trains at Spa Valley are double headed, but the 33 will have allowed for the longer train lengths and I'm sure it provided a fair amount of assistance!

There is plenty of video evidence on youtube of Bluebell dealing with 3 mk1s and a vent van on the Battlefield line in 2014. I assume that the gradients must have been gentle!

Such people you describe are a big frustration for me! I think a lot of it comes from people not knowing what that white, round sign with a diagonal black line means... My commute for the last 6 months involved a 50mph stretch followed by national speed limit, and people who had been happy at 50mph on the winding section, slow down to 40mph for the wider, straight section. Baffling. (You'll have to take it from me that the national speed limit stretch is 60mph appropriate). The new stretch of 4 lane 'smart' motorway of M1 between the M18 and Sheffield seems to demonstrate this as well, as even in light traffic with no speed limit displayed, or national speed limit sign, there are a considerable number of people happily trundling along between 55-60mph in the 3rd and even 4th lanes. I assume that this is because they believe the cameras to be set to 60mph? (Added to my observation that any remaining semblance of lane discipline completely dissolves when a 4th lane is introduced). I don't feel that there should be any obligation felt to travel exactly at the speed limit if you want to go slower, but if you are aware that you are driving below the normal road-speed then I feel that it is (not-so) common decency to take into account that others may want to drive faster. The roads in and out of Moretonhampstead on Dartmoor attract a lot of tourists who drive well below the speed that the locals are happy at. This is completely understandable, but if you build up what I would call a 'Trulli train' (named after Jarno Trulli who's qualification pace followed by expert defensive driving lead to many faster cars queuing up behind him on race day), I would have thought that pulling over when safe to do so would be beneficial to all parties. My sister used to pull over to let others pass in the couple of years after she passed her test when she didn't feel 100% comfortable on a country road, and I have also done so on occasion on unfamiliar lanes, but this certainly does not appear to be the norm. Unfortunately, many people don't seem to be aware of the inconvenience that they cause others, or simply don't care. I suppose that pulling over to allow others to pass is also a matter of pride, and we all know that egos are often inflated behind the wheel! I feel that this is a similar kind of cohort to those who brake for speed cameras, even if already below the limit being checked. My Dad has always said that if you do this, you're clearly not aware what speed you were going in the first place. I'd also add that if you're having to brake for a speed camera, you have not been looking far enough up the road!

A real shame! I'd have thought there would be quite a few who'd be keen to have it.

I have dusted off the external hard drive and searched through all my Bluebell photos. I think the memories are better than my photos of Normandy! Here are the acceptable 2... taken in 2004 and 2007. The 2004 photo shows the semi-royal saloon and Eagle, now departed. Not sure if the semi-royal remains at the railway but if it is still there I understand that it is unwanted.

323 ended its last ticket in the basic goods livery: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pics/991c001m.html 27 and 323 did come direct from BR. 178 is the subject of: http://www.hattons.co.uk/312298/Hattons_H4_P_009_SECR_P_Class_0_6_0T_Pioneer_II_in_Bowaters_Paper_Mill_green/StockDetail.aspx Scroll down on this page and there are photos of 178 in this livery as it arrived on the Bluebell: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/178/178.html

Some inspiration from across the last 15 years:

Has anyone heard any further whisperings of delivery dates for the B4? Hattons still say January-March. I'm sure that not everyone is keen on a post just asking the above question, so will include a shot of Normandy in 2013 in the yard at Sheffield Park. I do have some shots of it in steam from a rather enjoyable afternoon around 2004 but am unable to put my hands on them, so this will have to do!

Very pleased - two of the last motive power puzzle pieces needed for my current project! The last piece would be a Manor...

Surprised about this! I've found the Hornby 0-4-0Ts to pack a real punch - particularly these 'Holden tanks' and the Caledonian pugs. Has there been a change of motor in the last 10 years or so?

Just a little musing, but I wonder what loco will be used for the sulky service - I've only seen photos of 4MTs and C2xs on these services. It doesn't sound likely that the 4MT will be back in time. The Q is in the most appropriate livery and bears a passing resemblance to the C2x... if you squint.

When did Dumbleton Hall become an unlined product? The original catalogue image showed lined livery. Is this the first we've heard of the change of plan or did I miss something? I'm not complaining at all, just a bit perplexed. Its a sale lost to me (as I have a bit of a developing SDR collection), but at the same time I don't mind as its really a 43xx and Manor I'm really after for my new project. Good to hear the former is being discussed and I hope this talk proves to be true, even if I agree with what seems to be the general consensus - a Manor would be my preferred choice. The J72s look fantastic, and I am excited to see the H2.