WolfofBadenoch

I'm hoping the missing R number is a version of my favourite 87 livery. The large logo livery as modelled by Lima - but it has to be Cock o' the North again. Scrolling through this topic, Hornby website and a couple of the magazines, i can't find anything on the chassis. I don't have the knowledge of many on here so maybe a silly question but, will the 5 pole motor give the 87 a realistic pulling power? My limby 87's struggle to pull 5 Mk3 s up a short gradient, slowing terribly compared to my 85 pulling much longer trains. Excited by this annoucement (told people to forget Christmas presents this year and put it toward these next year), but without any muscle i don't know if i'd bother!

I'm a WCML fan but i have a 91 from when they were first released (early 90's?), which i'd replace if a new version (Inter-city livery) was released. Top of my list of wants would be a motor of modern standards to allow it realistic pulling power and speed and so it doesn't get overtaken by a class 20 or 37 or 47.................etc as currently happens. Second would be working lights. A new DVT with working lights to go with it would be great. If the manufacturers listened to me they'd release AC electrics in the following order 87 - I'd buy shedloads 86 - I'd buy a few APT - a couple 81 - a couple 91 - probably just the 1 The 85 was a good start, and hopefully the 90 will match! Just need the other manufacturers to get on it and speed up the new models.

That's a help Russ thanks. Now i'm trying to work through all the scenarios i may come up and see if any of the platform starters would need subs. If not there's a big saving - that can go toward the theatre indicators!

Thanks for the further replies. Measuring rail to rail i have about 32mm between lines. Placing a signal between these with rolling stock on each line is possible, but it looks very close to my eye. Looking at a link provided on another thread (http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoT_ElectrificationBlueBook1977.pdf), the diagram on p17 states 1364mm from rail to nearest face of signal. So about 18mm from both rails (36mm in total), leaves no space to place the signal. I'll take your advice and probably have some right sided ones on platforms. Simple answer to this is i'm not very knowledgeable on subs, GPLs etc - hence my questions. Here's the main scenario i'm thinking of. A train arrives from GLA into any of the platforms. It's uncoupled and runs forward light towards INV on departing line. Once clear of points (and GPL), it stops. It then backs along through the double slip down the loop into the headshunt and then accesses the sidings. Based on that scenario, after uncoupling could the light engine depart the station on a single yellow knowing that it would only proceed until it's clear of the points (and GPL) or would that only happen using a sub? Is a limit of shunt needed? I realise if the light engine proceeded along the approach line a limit of shunt would definitely be needed.

Thanks for the further info Kenw. So feathers were only used in higher speed locations? Theatre indicators it is then - and a budget increase! I've also realised 4 of the signals are probably going to each need to a gantry of some sort as i don't think there's realistically enough space between lines for them to be placed correctly on the drivers side of the track - Another budget increase!

Well spotted! It shows me how good you people are that you can see my drawing is wrong and I couldn't, even with the track laid in front of me! Yes the RH end should have 2 points back to back! I've attached a corrected drawing and added a signal for exit from the sidings. Theatre Indicators instead of JIs for departing the station - I don't plan on the lines being bi-directional after the crossovers leaving the station so would theatre indicators still be needed ? (Would non bi-directional running lines be incorrect for the location and era?) On the layout the GLA and INV lines have a maximum radius of Peco large radius points (852mm i think), KK lines are straight. The main purpose of the loop is goods - would a lack of trap points on sidings + headshunt rule out any possibility of passenger stock using it? My other problem is the track's all laid and glued down so i'll need to think about getting trap points inserted! I should have checked the layout before now. I forgot to ask in the original post - Should the approach signals to the station on each line (the ones i've marked A), have a subsidiary signal for any light loco that has run out from the sidings which then backs onto a train in the station? Or would a light loco always run out on the departure line, before backing into the station? Thanks for the answers and knowledge given so far.

I’m hoping someone will help me with the best way to signal a section of my layout. I think i've got a basic understanding of signalling on the mainline, but maybe not so much around junctions. I’ve included in a drawing of the layout and what i plan to have in terms of mainline signalling (correct me if it’s wrong please), but i'm not sure about subsidiary signalling which is where i’m really looking for help. Here’s a quick description of layout and my thinking. The layout is based about 1987 (give or take a year or 2), and is based on an extension of the WCML north of Glasgow. Carstairs is an inspiration but instead of trains splitting and half continuing with original loco, and the other half leaving behind a diesel, i plan to run trains in from GLA on the left, and then the train leaves to KK with a new loco pulling it. I plan to use 4 Aspect signals. All 4 lines through the station are bi-directional so the signals on each of the approaches to the station have theatre route indicators (black boxes on drawing), although the 2 to the left will be off scene. The 4 signals at the left end of the station have feather indicators to show which route the train will take on departure. The mainlines leading to INV are in the process of being electrified so any trains continuing that way have to change to diesel haulage. (Platforms are outlined in pink – ie 3 platforms and 1 loop). The blue sidings are the loco stable, green sidings are for engineers, timber loading. I presume all these sidings would probably be controlled by a ground frame? What sort of signal would allow trains to leave the sidings? Is a GPL enough? I plan light engines moving from the loco stable onto trains reversing direction at the station, but also engineer / timber trains would depart onto mainlines. What sort of signal would be used to leave the headshunt onto the loop/ sidings? Is a GPL enough? Would the 4 aspect on the loop need a subsidiary signal (as indicated) to allow access to the headshunt? Thanks for any advice comments received.

I've sorted it now. Looked at it again this morning, and by prising out the speaker from the chamber it came in, the speaker then fitted nicely in the cradle (black plastic 'holder'). Thanks

Has anybody put any sound in one yet? If so, what type of speaker did you use? I bought 1 at the weekend that came with a LS 4.0 - 50334 - 20 x 40 x 10.0mm (i think) and was told it would fit. As far as i can see it's too tall so i've swapped it for the slightly smaller 20 x 40 x 8.0mm, however this still seems too tall for me. I have taken out the black plastic 'holder' from the centre of the chassis to increase the depth but it's still not enough! Have i missed anything? Thanks

Thanks 838rapid

I see Rails are now selling Loksound v4.0 decoders, but i can't find any references to who is supplying the sound. Howes, SWD, Olivia's............ anybody know?

Cheers for the info. I reckoned the least gradients might have been to break off the WHL at Inveruglas, up the side of Loch Sloy, then back down Glen Kinglass, but i see you discounted that due to the descent to Loch Fyne. Don't think i'd ever have thought about at your route! If i ever progress with laying track on my layout, then manage to find to post about it, then if Mrs Claggy sees my plans she'll be able to see new levels of silliness! Also meant to say i like your discipline in not filling your layout with railway.

Great layout of the Scottish highlands. All the L/L 37's remind me of my youth, seeing them as we went hill walking all over the Western highlands. Now it's just 156's Just read through the whole topic so maybe dragging up some old things here, hope you don't mind. Not sure of your exact route out of Ardlui up the hill but it must be a fair gradient! You need to get a ferry direct to Jura with enough time between sailing to climb the Paps! Cal Mac fail to do this and i had to take a rival ferry company to Jura last month from the sealoch to the north . Great 2 days though.