The Duke 71000 Posted January 19, 2021 Share Posted January 19, 2021 BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - The loco workbench.Locos from my large fleet, for my exhibition layout "Basingstoke 1958-67". All my locos get various modifications, depending on what improves them for exhibition use both internally & externally...... /media/tinymce_upload/17b099cd7f5cb7237e9f48dc1cf4de03.JPGABOVE: One of my Hornby ex GWR Collett "Grange" class 5MT 4-6-0's. On the workbench for a "smudge & Grime up". Originally named "Paviland Grange", most of my locos eventually get renumbered/named, especially ex GWR ones. Because I hate the silly transfers they use for these locos, when in reality all GWR locos had thick brass embossed numberplates ! /media/tinymce_upload/a4410cbee0d3ac08cc380c983a41865a.JPGABOVE: A front three-quarters view of the newly renumbered/renamed 6868 "Penrhos Grange", which has also acquired a couple of headlamps for a Class 1 (express), and of course a proper screwlink coupling on the front bufferbeam. /media/tinymce_upload/e606c2b1f0f449ce21c12fd0a34e7dd1.JPGABOVE: The other side of the now somewhat grimy "Penrhos Grange". Also revealing the now reduced gap between loco & tender, which improves the models realistic looks. These locos were basically a slightly smaller wheeled version of the GWR Collett "Hall" class. Which made them slightly more powerful, and better at hill climbing. As a result a number of these locos were used as Pilot/bankers in the West country, based at Newton Abbot shed. Further examples of this class based at Oxford & Banbury sheds, were frequent visitors to Basingstoke on a daily basis. They usually arrived at the head of through expresses bound for Portsmouth, or Bournemouth. From 1960, they were passed by the Southern Region to work right through to their destination. Southern engines from this time became regular visitors to Oxford on a reciprocal basis, as a result. The Duke 71000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Duke 71000 Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - The Loco workbench. One of Hornby's recent releases is the Southern Merchant Navy class in original "Spam Can" format. These new models certainly look the part, and also have a new type of chassis, boasting a large diameter flywheel. The diameter of flywheels is more important than the length. The larger the diameter the greater the "G" force & momentum, which means the motor is kept spinning longer. This means the model will "cruise" further before stopping, and will be far less prone to stuttering on dirty track, or dead frogs. /media/tinymce_upload/284ac21c40a169808b5e03b81af55973.jpgABOVE: External alterations to my new model as seen include: Handmade stronger brass footsteps; Reduced loco to tender coupling length; Loco to tender weather roof; Tender now with late logo as 35028 was the only MN in original form to receive this. /media/tinymce_upload/c2990354f1b53652726af24fc22cdda6.jpg ABOVE: In this view, of the other side of the loco, SR Headcode discs for a Waterloo - Bournemouth West, service can be seen fitted. /media/tinymce_upload/e1fd6a56ca21617e1c0e9739c03b392f.jpgABOVE: Inside the new model. The loco unfortunately has a large virtually empty bodyshell. It is as a result a little light, and not strong enough as sold to haul 12-13 car trains. As a result inside the upturned bodyshell can be seen some large chunks of white metal front & rear. The chassis , seen below the bodyshell, reveals the new style mechanism. The motor is now at the front, with the new large diameter flywheel immediately behind. Behind that comes the little gearbox. To ensure the model is balanced, a little more lead shot was added at the front inbetween and inside the cylinders. The two little blue plates were added to keep the lead shot inside the upper cylinder chamber. The locomotive as supplied (excluding tender) weighed in at 342g. The extra weight I have added brings it up to 409g, which considerably improves its pulling characteristics. The motor is similar to those used in large diesel models, which often weigh in at 450-500g. So the weight I have added should have no detrimental effects. /media/tinymce_upload/583d1032e79fab28e7feefa5e3985dbb.jpgABOVE: The loco & tender upturned. This reveals brass brake hanger ties between the brake hangers either side of the loco. The shortened coupling between engine & tender. And if you look carefully, outside the front & rear tender wheels are little white plastic inserts. Test running of the model revealed that the sideways play in the tender axles was too great. This allows the tender to wobble from side to side rather unrealistically. The sideways play in these axles is however necessary if you run the engine on the extremely sharp curves of any clip together track system. My minimum 5ft radius curves allow me to solve the problem by adding these plastic inserts. The tender rear has already been fitted with a Kadee plug in magnetic Buckeye coupling. /media/tinymce_upload/53e0d95170a8737cb2f3f2879e9f688d.jpgABOVE: The inside of the tender reveals a mass of spaggetti, along with the DCC blanking plate & a chip. Also in the central recess between the weight are "sprung bullets", which form part of the electrical connections between the pick-ups on the wheels below and the Blanking plate/chip. One of the problems with locos fitted with the Blanking plate in the tender, is that the loco cannot be run by itself. This hampers cleaning and maintenance, especially on an exhibition layout, where time is of the essence. /media/tinymce_upload/19268585b9ebbb75188144913cec4b69.jpgABOVE: A better view revealing the little plate (centre) holding the "sprung bullets". My experience with this system, used in the past on certain Airfix locos, revealed that the tiny springs inside the "Bullets" are constantly under compression. Within a year or so they cease to function because the constant pressure squashes them. As a result current collection through the tender wheels will become intermittent. /media/tinymce_upload/50b9373c031b714b88178b5c120c122b.jpgABOVE: My solution to the mass of spaggetti, "sprung bullets" & the issue of not being able to run the loco by itself. Rewire the loco & tender. The two wires from the loco driving wheels are connected directly to the motor. These wires then continue to the tender wheels. Hence you maintain all wheel pick up. The loco can now be run without the tender when necessary for quick wheel cleaning & maintenance. The mass of spaggetti becomes superfluous, as the blanking plate is dumped. Just two wires remain and the simplified wiring means less likelihood of electrical problems. The four wires between loco & tender are kept, but wired as two pairs, increasing reliability in the process !!! Happy modelling 😎 The Duke 71000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The son of Triangman Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Been fitting resistors for 12V to the station lamps in my range of lamps. Workshop is flooded and kitchen table occupied so the kitchen worktop has been borrowed but don't tell the boss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 It's been a while since I've been on this thread!!Since last ...I resolved major issues with my R3677 Duchess of Hamilton - it had been shorting out - metal 'sander' wire was touching pickups on both sides - snipped at convenient place - glued where required - all sorted ... PLUS.Erratic slow running. Centre driver 'quartering' was very slightly out - resolved.I received an A2/2 60501 - SUPERB locomotive - usual comments prevail.Tender water scoop - back-to-front - easily resolved.Colour! Green's not that far off, it's the varnish and the lining that throw it. I matt-blacked the smokebox, fitted Fox's etched plates, and generally 'fatigued' a little - looks fine - crew inserted, detailing fitted, lamps, cylinder drains 'trimmed'.I received 2 useless R2664 Royal Scots - finally made one good one. Both had the slipping gear on the driver shaft - one held with superglue and is fine. Both had electrical issues - resolved.I fitted deflectors to bring it back to how I remembered her at Bressingham in the 70's.Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMSFan72 Posted March 1, 2021 Share Posted March 1, 2021 I've been busy re-creating rakes of coaches. I'm particularly pleased with my Saphos Trains MK2s in Crimson and Cream. The MK2D BFK was a bit of a challenge. I noted Hornby have released this vehicle in the 2021 range but it appears to be a re-liveried MK2 BSO which has different window and door spacings. The photo shows it against a MK2F BSO (part of the rake I have been doing for Alycidon and my GBRF 50s).This started life as 2 coaches (and a bit of a third!). I took one end of a MK2D BSO and the other end of a MK2D FO. The chassis is from the FO with the underbody fan replaced with one from a MK2F! (That's the bit of the third coach!) I then had to move the brake end windows and doors aorund to get the required spacing. I also 3D printed some bogie steps, some underbody steps. I couldn't quite get the sharp lines between the crimson and cream that I wanted but they're ok. I am going to try and put the coach lining lines on that actually border the 2 in real life when I get the decals on....I also have done the MK2F TSO, FO and the RFO to match. The RFO was an FO that I 3D printed some window blanks for. The livery is perhaps slightly dark, but it is ambient light dependent, but it was done to match the RTR MK1 stock that also makes up the rake. I cannot get all the decals yet, but, I'm working on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted March 2, 2021 Share Posted March 2, 2021 Nice effort, the coaches are looking good ... some mainline heritage outings will be planned then ....Britannia, Royal Scot, Flying Scotsman, Tornado .. ???Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMSFan72 Posted March 3, 2021 Share Posted March 3, 2021 Nice effort, the coaches are looking good ... some mainline heritage outings will be planned then ....Britannia, Royal Scot, Flying Scotsman, Tornado .. ???Al.Hi Al, yes, I’m working on the various support coaches as well as rakes for West Coast Railways, Saphos, my Blue&Grey and some of the Mk2 Pullmans I plan on steam with Tornado, British India Line, Duke of Gloucester, Flying Scotsman, Britannia and Duchess of Sutherland (Bittern and Union of South Africa may get to use the West Coast rake too). I have my diesel tours too: Andania, Alycidon, Galloway Princess, Crewe Diesel Depot, Craftsman, various WCR 47s, my GBRF 50s, ... the list keeps growing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fazy Posted March 3, 2021 Share Posted March 3, 2021 been building these for the last few weeks and is slowly getting there now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted March 4, 2021 Share Posted March 4, 2021 Sounds good.Don't forget the 2 'powerhouses' of 4-6-0's - Royal Scot and Scots Guardsman .... very impressive, and active locomotives.Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rana Temporia Posted March 4, 2021 Share Posted March 4, 2021 Three locos that have been on my ‘to do’ list for a while. The Ivatt tank and the J39 are both GBL bodies on Tri-ang or Hornby chassis. The tank on a Hornby Ivatt 260 (I am currently finishing the rear pony truck) and the J39 on a Tri-ang Jinty chassis. I know the wheelbase is too short and the wheels too small but the Wills Finecast version it replaced had the same problem. The BOB is a Dapol 257 Squadron kit on an old Tri-ang Hornby Chassis that has just been waiting for a cylinder block. All 3 have X04s in them and run perfectly. Lots of spares available as well! An additional benefit for me is that they all go round 1st radius curves with ease. All these 3 locos were really easy to fit the chassis to and the J39 being all over black very easy to repaint from the LNER livery it was in. I really enjoyed working on these 3 locos and they are compatible with my other (mostly Tri-ang and early Hornby) stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted April 5, 2021 Share Posted April 5, 2021 I've been running quite a lot of 'the collection' over the Easter weekend - I now have a loose-laid larger oval with large passing loop ... nothing major but more fun than my previous 'test track'.When on 70's era BR I've been running my Class 50, amongst others, and quite a lot, so decided to open up and clean / lubricate, and included the working fan.I know many 'have learnt' not to like the gimmicks side of Hornby, but I love these things - sliding this, opening that, rotating whatever ...It stopped working!!It seems the rotation is from touch contact of a slim piece of rubber tubing on the driven shaft, which by rotating touch alone against a brass weight to which the fan is attached makes it rotate.Once cleaned up, tubing glued onto the driven shaft, all is well again - nice locomotive.Very weird actuation.Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted April 7, 2021 Share Posted April 7, 2021 Having something resembling a larger small basic oval laid out, I've been 'rotating' various rolling stock / locomotive combos.I lifted out my 48151 Stanier 8F, then took a double take ....Hadn't realised before, but it hadn't a smokebox door dart!My eyes aren't what they were, but persistence prevailed!I managed a very nicely centred hole in the door, then mounted a 3-part brass dart - much better!!(The 'locking handle' gave me a few problems - just couldn't find the hole!! All's well now. Just needs a coat of paint.)Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doc Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 As a simple Easter project I have set about adapting one of the cheap and cheerful Hornby 0-4-0 tank locos into something a bit more realistic. I had a cheap body lying around doing nothing, and I thought it had more than a passing resemblance to an LNER Y4 shunter. The first job was to fit some metal handrails – a bit fiddly but not too difficult, scraping off the original moulded plastic ones, drilling holes and using some old Margate wire and knobs bought long ago off ebay. The only other addition to the body was a small coal bunker on the left side of the Belpaire firebox in front of the cab – presumably these locos were right hand drive.I then set about adapting a suitable chassis. This model fits a chassis with inside cylinders, whereas the Y4 has outside cylinders and Walschaert’s valve gear (which are way beyond my capabilities to scratch build or adapt), so I made do with a Hornby outside cylinder 0-4-0 chassis. This was bought as a brand new spare, and runs beautifully. The recent models by Hornby are a far cry from the original 1970s pocket rockets. I added some packing to bulk out the cylinders.Then a few coats of Halfords gloss black spray paint, followed by HMRS press-fix lettering and numbers, and a final spray of Halfords matt lacquer. In my experience the Halfords sprays are far more reliable than Humbrol and other specialist railway modelling brands – they rarely block and are better value for money. Hopefully the pictures will load okay (I've been having problems with this website): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rana Temporia Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 Doc, that reminds me of the Trix 0-4-0 shunter.Last year I made a fireless loco by mixing a smokey Joe chassis with bits of an 06 and an old Tri-ang tank wagon. Lots of fun to be had with these cheap (especially second hand) small locos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twintop Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 On the layout really, but I had a Peco Medium LH code 100 point fall apart - brittle plastic - at the toe end in situ, so that was scrap. To be fair it could be up to 30 years old. It was part of a crossover/branch line junction. I have bought a Peco single slip to replace two of the points, but have lost the Up Main to branch routeing. This is not an issue as since the initial formation was laid, I put in another through Up road that does route onto the branch.I will gain from a smoother transition across the slip and also will be able to extend platforms on the Up and Down mainlines to take a more realistic 7 coach train instead of the 6 at present.I have on the workbench modified the PECO point by soldering wires between rails to eliminate the regular issues I have with the small spring piece on the blades not giving a good electrical contact. I am forever tweaking them, no doubt due to the force the point motors exert when throwing the points.At the moment Up and Down main lines are out of action as the point work has been removed and plain track cut to accept the slip - mainly to eliminate an existing too large gap between joins. I will lay the slip and the point and cut plain track to suit then test run for a while before removing and installing point motors.On the workbench itself I have brought all my wagons and coaches down from the loft and have listed them. Next stage is to clean and oil the rolling stock before release back to the layout. Very dusty in the loft of course. I have recently caught two mice up there - I was fed up with the droppings and my people being knocked over ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doc Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 @TwintopMice cause me difficulties in the garage, leaving their 'calling cards' all over the layout. Sometimes they will knock a wagon off the rails as well. But maybe they keep the spider population down? At least mice keep well out of my way when I'm working on the layout - unlike the bat which sometimes comes quite close and causes me to crouch and duck when it decides to fly around inside. Its appearance is usually the cue for me to abandon work on the layout and head back into the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 Get a cat ....(We know the story!!)Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new lad on block Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 Hi Twintop & Doc, there are electronic devices on the market that scare/deter mice.A quick google of 'electronic devices that deter mice' brings up several devices at reasonable costs. Not sure about bats though.Regards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 Could something radar-related be used for bats?Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Doc Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 @AtomA friend has a cat which apparently causes far more derailments than my mice! Bats use ultrasound rather than radio-waves, so radar is out. I think they are a protected species so trying to oust them from wherever they roost/hibernate/nest is probably illegal.@New lad, we've tried the mouse deterrents to no avail. I just accept that after every session of "playing at trains" I definitely have to wash my hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted April 9, 2021 Share Posted April 9, 2021 Thanks for the clarification Doc .... that was the inference with '....' next would be dog to chase the cat to chase the mouse .... !!Imagine the derailments there!Ultrasound - fair enough.Electronic deterrents would work then - you're not killing them, just chasing them.Al. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twintop Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 No more mice lately, fresh cheese put out and no takers !The single slip is laid, wired to the control panel - the previous crossover switch - and the two point motors tested. The point is laid, but needs wiring to the control panel - a new switch is needed. Then it is pinning the track down, ballasting and painting the rail sides.Next project is to extend a loop on the Up relief line and make one end 4 track. After that, the same at the other end so will be 4 circuits, but that is involved as it is under the branch goods yard so some a lot of work removing the higher level baseboard for access.Enjoyed going through al my rolling stock the other week, great pleasure just in looking at the models. What a great relaxing hobby this is !We have had bats in the past up in the loft, but not seen one for years now. It is certainly odd when they flutter past close to your head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twintop Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 The point is now wired up to the control panel and the track pinned down as I had run locos through the new formation in all directions and all was well. Just the rails to paint and ballast.Then, as I had been oiling the axles of my rake of repainted Tri-ang cattle wagons I decided the first test train would be a cattle special. Unfortunately the wagons all have original Tri-ang wheels and they would not go through the code 100 single slip ! The Hornby brake van was fine. So - next on the workbench will be re-wheeling most of the cattle wagons - a couple have the very old axles so they will have to be static on the layout. Not looking forward to the cost of the wheels of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo1707820979 Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 I bought a Tri-ang Victorian suspension bridge with a few little bits missing. Now struggling to assemble it but the main problem it is so BIG. So nowhere really on my current layout to put it. Maybe over my bed headboard !? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CORKY. Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 My workbench is a Parkside from the Lidl middle @£15, at least £5 cheaper than elsewhere. On it I have options to clamp in it's jaws..... A very heavy duty vice , or a workshop table top, each screwed. to it's own length of timber, so quickly interchangeable. In fact I even thought about buying another one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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