46444

Can't beat a Fat Rascal...

Lovely sequence of shots with nicely shot angles. Although not prototypicle the Turbomotives are certainly not out of place. Certainly not in my sphere of interest but I saw these in Osbourne's in Rushden on Tuesday. Once more the size of the packaging is something to be in awe of. Will (Owner of Osbourne's) also informed me that the sound fitted models are more akin to a jet engine. In the meantime I departed with my two Hornby Standard Class 2MT 78xxx's. Very pleased I am too with them. Cheers, Mark

With Tony's theme of renovating older models I thought this may be of interest. Recently a good friend (Also called Tony) picked up a 1990's Bachmann GWR Mogul at the Filey Show. It was sold as a runner but sadly had the dreaded split axle chassis wobble. A few other cosmetic tweaks were also required. Peter's Spares actually sell replacement axles including the centre axle with the gear on for these older Bachmann models. Being square ended they are easy to quarter having removed the wheelset from the chassis. The tricky part is not loosing the circlip on the centre driving wheel. This procedure was carried out with the wheels in a clear plastic bag. Once the back to backs were checked and everything cleaned and freshly lubricated the chassis ran perfectly. Other than a few spare parts from Dapol along with a new Alan Gibson chimney/smoke box door dart the rest of the work was cosmetic. I did ask Steve at Railtec to make up a set of 3D printed numberplates as well as a shedcode plate. I had Fox lining in stock including the power classification and route availability discs/letters. Since these pictures were taken the cab windows have been flush glazed and Dapol have provided the crew figures. In total the cost including the loco would be around £60 mark. This could have obviously been a lot less if you had just repaired the split axles. I am tempted to have a go at another failed split chassis Bachmann model using the Peter's Spares replacement axles. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and it was returned to my good friend in Northamptonshire this week. He is really pleased with it. Cheers, Mark

Hi Stan, A bit like you I will be renumbering one of these Standard Class 2MT's. Like Steaming Wales mentioned it's perhaps best to redo the whole number. Steve at Railtec provides as excellent service. Here is the total renumber pack: ttps://www.railtec-models.com/showitem.php?id=3637 Gently remove the factory printed number with T-cut applied with a cotton bud/coctail stick. The shiny surface will be just right for transfers. Use Johnson's Floor polish to help setting and adherence once happy with your positioning of the numbers. The 3D printed numberplates and shed code plates are the best around. Let the transfer lift off the backing paper and allow it to dry on a ceramic tile/plate. Once dry using enamel varnish fix the plates into position using a cocktail stick for fine adjustment. My preference for cabside numbers is Fox Transfers: https://www.fox-transfers.co.uk/transfers/steam-cabside-numbering-3-sizes-58502 These are applied individually. Again remove the factory printed number as above. Use a piece of Tamiya marking tape cut to size height wise to ensure the numerals are straight. Mark the centre point and work from inside out having centred the middle number. Allow to dry before using the floor polish to set. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Pete, A Fat Rascal is Yorkshire luxury and well recommended tasting when in Harrogate. Cheers, Mark

Hmmm! I wonder if that's due to the first numeral (5) being older and more weathered than the middle and third numbers? Indoing so it appears smaller

I'll have a look Jeff. Thanks once again.

Hi Jeff, Thankyou. That will certainly be of help. Much appreciated. I would agree they were placed in a holder. In some of the snaps in Red Pannier's these are visible both front and rear. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Jim, Any idea of the size of the plates used on the Pannier's? Also the height of the numbers would be useful as well? Cheers, Mark

See AY's post...

Has he got one?...

In my line of work I often have dealings with Haddenham Healthcare. Purveyors of fine medical compression garments. Sounds like a good gathering. Hope you have a good turn out. Cheers, Mark

Absolutely fascinating Typographer and to hear it from someone who was there makes it more interesting. Thankyou for the links as well. The book looks like a very informative read. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Keith, Asking the owners of one of the preserved LT Panniers had crossed my mind. The funny thing is I used to see L92 on the SDR quiet a bit down at Buckfastleigh when it was repainted. Living in West Yorkshire now I will enquire with the KWVR to see if they have any information on the reporting code plates. Cheers, Mark

Thanks Keith, That's brilliant. Size wise I was thinking more about the prototypes so it would be easier to scale them for all scales. Thanks once again. Mark

Hi Tony, I have some Fox GWR bufferbeam numbers going spare if you would like them. Thanks, Mark

Out of interest does anyone know the size of the three digit reporting numbers? Both the backing plate and the font? Thanks once again. Mark

Thanks for all of your replies. Very useful and something to work with. Out of interest this is the no longer available Model Master 4669 LT Engineer's Wagons transfer sheet. They do sometimes come up on eBay. I would agree. These are in Johnston font. Thanks once again. Mark

Thanks Jeff. I would agree re: Microscale. A very good product. I have used them when I've modelled North American Railroads as well as military aircraft. Thanks, Mark

I am currently researching these 3 digit train reporting codes used on London Transport and synonymous with the engineering trains worked by the Pannier tanks. Some images below to illustrate the number sets. I have asked Steve at Railtec Transfers if he could make me up some 3D printed sets but he requires some prototype information. I have approached the London Transport Museum library and they have been most helpful. However, they appear to be struggling to find information on these numberplates. With the demise of Model Master Transfers I can not find a source of engineering wagons/brake van transfers. I do have a small stash of the Model Master ones. Does anyone know of another supplier in 4mm scale or know of the type face used on engineering wagons/brake vans I could use to get some transfers made up. With the soon to be released Rapido Metropolitan E Class I would image there would be a need for detailing and transfers for engineering stock. Thanks in advance. Mark

Wonderful sight there. Nicely done... Think a SW 1 could handle that lot..🇺🇸😉

Likewise Robin. I remember the Invacars parked up at football grounds as well as in the High Street in the 1970's Thankfully times have changed motoring wise for those with disabilities. Cheers, Mark

I've seen a prototype snap of that combination somewhere...😉 Well observed and nicely modelled...👍 Cheers, Mark

Thanks Mike, That's one of the methods I've seen done for making lashing rings so I'll give it a go. Venturing into new territory so to speak. Must admit. It would have been quiet easy just to plonk three Isetta's on the Lowfit and think you've gotten away with it. In this instance modelling the Lowfits and Isetta's turns it into modelling the prototype. Thanks once again. Mark

Thanks Mike, That does sound very plausible and the one I will use. In practice it would be far easier than lashing individual wheels on the vehicles and less time consuming when loading/unloading. All that threading sounds a bit like macrame though. It may be worth replacing the moulded on lashing rings with metal ones to make the process easier. Thanks once again. Mark