Silver Sidelines

I would say not a lot wrong with the previous Hornby Black Five.  Rock steady, smooth and quiet.  I should shorten the tender draw bar and add a driver and fireman.  My notes say that I have ballasted the engine to nearly 300g for better haulage.  I guess the problem for Hornby is how to generate more money from a range of well tried existing models - hence perhaps the totally new TT range.

1 minute ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said:

Universal provision of a DCC decoder socket makes them redundant, now that the majority of those that run their RTR OO purchases do so using DCC.  From a brand perspective look at the benefits, one fewer precision macined component to source and install, one more potential decoder sale, more opportunity to sell DCC systems.

 

Yes I had been pondering this issue.  I had come to the conclusion that the provision of suitably large stay alive capacitors does away with the need for fly wheels.

Watching the 'bargains' on the box shifters web sites and the prices of second hand models on eBay has me wondering how long before the buying and selling of steam outline models becomes a niche occupation with the bulk of the market devoted to modern image.  I will let you think about the definition of modern image remembering that green liveried steam engines and marroon lined coaches dispeared off British Railways around 1964 - sixty years ago.

Cheers  Ray

1 hour ago, jjb1970 said:

.. And in some cases it's debatable whether the newer model has moved anything on. The Heljan 45 was excellent in parts but overall I really don't think it any better than the  older Bachmann model (if anything Bachmann got the body profile better). This Black 5 is in that category, I am really struggling to see a reason why this is better than the old model and a couple of reasons to see it as a step backwards. 

 

It always puzzled me why Heljan thought we needed a new Peak.  I was equally baffled with the Accurascale Deltics.  Then if we look at the Manors there is much to puzzle over and to question why Bachmann never updated their model.

As to Sam I am puzzled by his statement that the Hornby model will haul 20 coaches.  His coaches look like trucks to me.  Have I missed something?  He does say the haulage is similar to the new 2MT so 20 trucks would be about right.

I doubt there are many steam outline models out there that will haul twenty coaches.  The Accurascale Manor is quite impressive but not that good....

Cheers Ray

5 hours ago, Accurascale Fran said:

 

Hi Neil,

 

As outlined by a poster above, a blanking plug was causing an issue with slow running on DC. As @McC suggests, perhaps reach out to our support channels to see if we can assist with same?

 

Cheers!

 

Fran 

That is very interesting - are all the blanking plugs faulty?  I 'reached out' to you in January (terrible phrase should be reserved for the Four Tops) and exchanged two or three emails and videos with your man Simon.  No mention of faulty blanking plugs.  I have a number of these models which on and off all exhibit the same rough start.  So what's the story.

Regards  Ray

I bought a rake back in 2021.  The detail is very impressive however they have been parked up in a siding because they wouldn't stay on the track .  Well actually just one kept leaving the track.  I have finally got to investigate and have had to remediate the close coupling mechanism.

I needed a suitable rake to go behind a Bachmann 94xx.

The offending coach

I have written a Blog Post here:

32 minutes ago, McC said:

If your manor doesn’t start smoothly (assuming a good dcc controller) Try increasing the voltage to the recommended 14v ?

Now then that 's a good answer.  Where is it recommended?  I tried discussing this matter with your Patrick and Simon and they never mentioned 14v.  You do realise that this is an analogue layout?

Cheers  Ray

Design clever or just a mistake.  Sadly like dogs they are only allowed one bite.

I have to admit to not reading this thread before purchasing 48518.  It is a nice model now...  When D0G first arrived I had to fit sprung buffers and a smoke box dart.  Move on to 2024 I was not expecting to find another model with a moulded smoke box details.  I think I was so taken aback by the gap between the engine and tender that I didn't notice the smoke box,   What were Hornby thinking about with nearly an inch gap between engine and tender?  I estimate that as supplied the engine to tneder coupling is 7.5mm too long.  As said it is a nice engine that runs and starts off smoothly - unlike the Accurascale Manor that it is deputising for in this little video.

Cheers Ray

3 hours ago, atom3624 said:

How does this compare to, for example, a 'latest specification' Hornby Castle or King?

 

Al.

Cheers Al,  I don't know - but my Bachmann Manor will 'just' haul the same rake but it makes a bit of a fuss.  Note that ex Mainline Lydham Manor is fitted with a later Bachmann mechanism.

Regards  Ray

There was an article in Model Railway Constructor in April 1964 with drawings for the Thompson coaches.  https://flic.kr/s/aHsjDyfNFf

There is an aside about some windows being square conered and other round cornered to minimise damage from condensation.  As regards painting the article states: 

Later, the B.R. crimson lake and cream livery was used on this
stock, but, unlike other regions' coaches, there was no top band of
crimson lake, the cream being taken up to the roof on most
vehicles. Some at least of the full brakes, however, did sport a top
crimson band on a level with the toplights. Most, if not all,
coaches are now in the B.R. maroon livery. Nevertheless, "teak',
livery survived for a long time on a few vehicles. One, a full third,
No. 1499, was still in teak in 1957. The "L.N.E.R." had been
painted out but the L.N.E.R.-style numbers had been merely
supplemented with Gill Sans "E" prefix and suffix.

3 hours ago, NXEA! said:

 I’d love to justify buying one. 

Just buy one - it would be sixty years ago.  Lots happened.  If you don't want to spend +£150.00 then the Bachmann 2MT Ivatt is an equally good model on eBay for a fraction of the Hornby price.

There are pictures of 78028 and 78029 in their later years on Flickr.

Cheers Ray

Fifteen Up!

I feel I need to share this video link:

I made this video to confirm the haulage capacity of the model.  It is rather good.  The shots have been carefully selected to show a smooth start.  On other occasions the model will jump into life, something that Accurascale appear to be not willing to know about.

Cheers Ray

Fifteen Up! by Longsheds, on Flickr

On 22/08/2023 at 09:04, K Hatton said:

 

 It can be sat idling with sound on fine but go to pull away and it moves 2-3mm then cuts out dead? Given a poke/prod the whole procedure repeats.

 

It's usually fine when the wheels are turning but just stalls when setting off. 

As usual I am late to the party. 

I have been attempting to run these models with the lid off.  This removes a lot of weight.  It is soon apparent that the springing in front and rear pony trucks is mega strong with a tendancy to lift the driving wheels off the track.  Without the body on mine cuts out in all manner of places.  It is a rigid six coupled mechanism and the cutting out issue may simply be down to a loss of rail contact.  As an aside the springing arrangement for the front truck is hardly fit for purpose.  There is a small diameter 'washer' that is supposed to fit inside the spring.  My spring is too  large a diameter to grip the washer and the whole spring arrangement has a tendancy to jam up inside the bogie.  I have removed the Sonic washer and replaced it with a standard shiny steel washer on top of the spring and between the spring and bogie.  It seems to work fine, the bogie rotates perfectly and I think there is less tendancy for the bogie to lift the driving wheels.

Cheers  Ray

After not a little bit more time I have changed some more CVs and I have a better controlled sound fitted model running on analogue.  Apologies for the ex GWR influence as the engine seems to have been transported both in time and place.

Cheers Ray

5 hours ago, E100 said:

 it's hard to say no.

Tell me about them - I think Hornby have upped their game but at a price.

Cheers Ray

For those interested in hearing how the little people were fitted I have add a Post to my Blog.

On 26/02/2024 at 01:21, JaymzHatstand said:

 

 it really is one of the best locos I own, and have seen in RTR. The sound is excellent too, and really makes it fun to play with

 

J

Have to agree Jamie, one of the best models and the Zimo chip plays nicely on analogue.

14 hours ago, faulcon1 said:

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

     

If it was mine I would put a drop of Butanol / MEK in the hole and then screw the parts back together.  Some types of liquid super glue should work the same way, softening the plastic and allowing the screw to make a new thread.  With care you should be able to remediate the situation.  Good luck Ray

31 minutes ago, MikeParkin65 said:

Agree it’s very obvious on that example but on mine - also 1504 - no such contrast visible to my naked eye

Yes - I am very disappointed with Rapido.  My 15xx is a permanent reminder of Rapido's poor quality control.  Regards  Ray

2 hours ago, MikeParkin65 said:

 - can't see any difference in shade between the cab and the tanks. 

I suggest that you view my recent video.

https://youtu.be/hhqwsRLo_ts?si=vV3jTUDwJB1gnu3A

This was a replacement model sent direct from Rapido.

Cheers Ray

19 hours ago, No Decorum said:

Nice video, thanks for posting. I couldn’t get past the colour mismatch of the dome on the NER green version so I contented myself with an LNER one. It’s a delightful model.

Thanks No Decoram.  I do believe it is  a growing problem where manufacturers mix and match metal and plastic.  There are similar issues with Rapido's 15xx and 16xx pannier tanks which are metal and the cab is plastic.  Cheers Ray

23 minutes ago, micklner said:

Link on entering says " Invalid Signature" ??

Yes - you might be right.  I have re-entered the coding and I am not now seeing the message.

Sorry about that - not sure what happened.

Cheers Ray

For those who have still to make their minds up and buy one of these super little models, here is a video of mine with sound on analogue.  Yes, the gear change is not quite perfect, needs a bit more tweaking!

https://live.staticflickr.com/video/53506725940/61bf3b3cae/1080p.mp4?s=eyJpIjo1MzUwNjcyNTk0MCwiZSI6MTcwNjk5MzA1OSwicyI6IjlmNzAwN2YyZTBkNWU2ZDU0ZWU5Nzg1NWVkOTEyOTIxYTJlNDNlYzkiLCJ2IjoxfQ

Regards  Ray

18 hours ago, didcot said:

If only, it's on the rolling road at the moment. 

Just a thought, Bachmann cranks had a key so that they fitted at the correct angle.  I think you have said the Rapido crank plugs in.  Is it possible that it an be plugged in say at 180 degrees out of phase?  Cheers Ray

One is tempted to say that Rapido UK should get full marks for trying.  However it might be a case of silk purses and sows ears.

One of my first models went back and to, to Rapido but I thought was still a poor runner.  After further correspondence it has been replaced.  The box was opened with trepidation.  It has been tested by Rapido and went nicely backwards and forwards.  However after half a lap running in reverse on my layout it slowed down, started limping and overheating.  Turned it round and would run forwards again - no issues.  I repeated this behaviour two or three times.  My wife who has been taking an interest in the comings and goings of these models said "So, it will be going back!"

I noticed when I lifted the model off the track that there was a click from the front wheels.  I investigated further and to cut a long story short, I removed the bottom keeper plate and inspected the sprung pickup.  It would jam in the extended position restricting the movement of the front wheel set.  I know not how the sliding mechanism works but even after exercising it there was still a tendancy for it to fully extend and jam.  As a last resort I would lubricate it (and the wheel bearings) with some sewing machine oil.  Success - the model has now behaved perfectly for over a week.

There are some video clips below of my two models, one a 'better' replacement from the retailer.  The other a replacement from Rapido.  They are not smooth runners and the mix of metal and plastic body parts I think makes them look as if they are wearing Joseph's coat of many colours.

Video updated later in the day

34 minutes ago, Accurascale Fran said:

Hi Ray,

 

We have offered to inspect and repair.

 

Cheers!

 

Fran

Thanks Fran, I must have missed that.

Regards  Ray