AuntyHelen Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 HiMy nephew will be receiving a Hornby Western Messenger train set for Christmas and I wanted to buy him some accessories / extra train or track to go with it.Any recommendations? I'm afraid I know nothing about train sets.Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Helen, welcome to the forum with your 1st post..The Western Messenger set comes with a Midimat 1600mm x 1180mm (a printed sheet showing where track and scenery things go). As an alternative to the Midimat you could get a TrakMat R8217 if space for a larger layout is available. This is slightly bigger at 1800mm x 1200mm. It gives space for more track and scenic elements..The Western Messenger set comes with the basic oval plus Extension Track Pack A. There are additional track packs B to F. These have to be fitted sequentially. That is to say, Pack B first, followed by C followed by D etc. Extension Track Packs E & F are only compatible with the larger TrakMat. You would need to check with whoever is buying the train set to see what additional Extension Track Packs (if any) they have also bought, so that you don’t duplicate it or miss out one in the sequence. Using Extension Track packs ensures that you get all the right track parts you need in one box when following the exact layout printed on the layout scenic mats..Then as an alternative to the above, Hornby provide TrakMat Accessory Packs 1 to 5. These are scenic parts that are specific to Midimat and Trakmat based layouts such as stations and little outbuildings etc..The clickable links below will take you to the specific Hornby Product pages. Some of these may be shown ‘out of stock’, so do try other online retailers. Search for the R…. part numbers. Remember these will need to be purchased in the sequence shown (with the exception of the TrakMat itself)..TrakMat R8217Extension Track Pack B R8222Extension Track Pack C R8223Extension Track Pack D R8224Extension Track Pack E R8225 (requires TrakMat)Extension Track Pack F R8226 (requires TrakMat)Accessory Pack 1 R8227Accessory Pack 2 R8228Accessory Pack 3 R8229Accessory Pack 4 R8230Accessory Pack 5 R8231 (requires TrakMat) .Hope this helps…Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Just a point of additional clarity regarding my previous sentence.....Remember these will need to be purchased in the sequence shown (with the exception of the TrakMat itself)..What I should have made clearer is that I meant that the Extension Track Packs needed to be purchased in sequence. The Accessory Packs don't have to be in sequence, but to be appropriate it would be better if they were bought in line with their associated track pack. For example it is not worth buying a Station pack if there is no track on the layout for the station to go against. If that makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 One correction to my first reply. I annotated Accessory Pack 5 as requiring a TrakMat. This is an error, it can go on a Midimat but in a different position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ Williams Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 I Have just been bought this as well and am wondering if the train is dcc ready I can't find the info anywhere and to be honest am not sure what to look for! Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 It may state on the underside of the loco DCC Ready (my Class 56 says DCC Fitted) or it may not, however the service sheet will tell if so or not, given you can find the correct sheet for that loco from the set R-number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJ Williams Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 It may state on the underside of the loco DCC Ready (my Class 56 says DCC Fitted) or it may not, however the service sheet will tell if so or not, given you can find the correct sheet for that loco from the set R-number.Thanks RAF 96 its not on the bottom of the loco and I have the sheet it doesn't mention DCC at all so I guess its not but just wondering if you can convert it I have seen a post that says you can convert but just wondering if anyone has on this loco? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissaf Posted January 3, 2016 Share Posted January 3, 2016 PJW, you have to be realistic. The Western Messenger is a very basic DC set circa £70 or less. It is going to have a very basic 0-4-0 loco in it. I believe the 0-4-0 based Hornby DC Train Sets all use the same or at least similar chassis and just change the body for the set in question. This link is Hornby's own DCC conversion guide for their standard 0-4-0 chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trainlover23 Posted January 4, 2016 Share Posted January 4, 2016 Or why not just go to your local model shop and ask ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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