GWR LNER fan 4472

Hi all, Does anyone have much experience replacing the old Triang-style wheels? I have a few old wagons that cause so much drag! They seem to have a metal axle running through plastic wheels, and I can't for the life of me prise them out of the chassis. Any suggestions appreciated, thanks :-)

The Centenary Peckett in photographic grey comes with a resin replica builder's plate.

That's great Potterton, thank you! I'm presuming both fuel companies use the same product then? Or at least buy it in the same and perhaps alter it themselves later? I'll do some digging. Anyway, superb model, would highly recommend :-) EDIT: Found this on Wikipedia: "In 1932, partly in response to the difficult economic conditions of the times, Shell-Mex merged its UK marketing operations with those of British Petroleum to create Shell-Mex and BP,[40] a company that traded until the brands separated in 1975." So it seems likely Shell and BP shared trainloads of fuel. Makes sense now, thanks!

Couple of little things I got for my birthday - finally a bogie bolster © for carrying my home-made pipe loads (see the 'What's on your workbench?' thread, page 86), some cows, fences, a second TARDIS...I mean Police Box... for the new layout and also a fancy shiny Oxford Rail tanker wagon. Has anyone got any idea why it says BP on one side and Shell on the other? Is this prototypical or is it for versatility with the model? I don't mind either way, it's a beautiful wagon!

I have so far only bought one new loco per year (not including gifts) as that's how long it takes for me to save up. Although this year I am in a better job, gone are the days of top express loco models being £120, so it will still probably be just one a year for me. This year it's the Standard 2MT. I have decided however, that from now on I'm only going to buy rolling stock second hand, and that only when I can see the model rather than using ebay or whatnot. I'm only buying new when it's new tooled exclusive stock such as the pre-grouping 4 wheelers. Mk1s? £7 from the stalls at shows. Goods vans? £5. All with metal wheels too. That's much better compared to the £35 and £20 respectively that some manufacturers are selling them for these days. As has been said already in this thread, so long as it looks decent enough and runs well, I'm happy. Not fussed about super detail handrails on the underframes of wagons to be honest. With regards to shipping costs, surely there's an argument that moving production back to the UK will greatly decrease the environmental impact too. No doubt the vast majority of Hornby's products are sold to people in the UK, so makes sense to produce them here, if only from an environmental point of view.

I can't be the only one who's noticed the lack of modern multiple units produced by Hornby, or indeed any other manufacturer apart from Bachmann, who seemingly have a monopoly on this. Now this isn't just me whining that a specific class isn't availabe exactly how I want it, it's a whole type of train. Currently in Hornby's range are the class 153, 156 and 800, but considering practically all passenger services are multiple units of some sort these days, it's a surprise it's a seemingly unpopular thing for manufacturers. I should point out that when given the choice between a 153 and a shiny pacific, most people I'm sure would choose the latter, however I think there's a case to be argued for having something more relatable for today's public. I'm talking also about the beginners' perspective, people like things they can relate to. My Dad had the HST train in the 70s and 80s, when the real thing was being publicised. It wasn't just a cool-looking train, it was a familiar train, one that he'd seen a lot of and I'm sure that was the case for many beginners back then. There just isn't the option these days unfortunately, especially not at beginner's prices going by Bachmann's RRPs. I really believe there's a gap in the market here that Hornby could fill, reasonably-priced, accurate modern multiple units representing the whole country to cater for the younger modellers of today, for who eras such as BR blue is completely alien. That's not to say of course, that today's beginners only want modern trains, but in my experience the hobby isn't necessarily accessible on an accuracy level without a lot of research. For me, that's half the fun of it, but I know a few people who would like to be able to recreate their local station in model form, but can't because no one's ever made the trains. Then there's the experienced modellers, who just want to do present day layouts. There have been many of these in Railway Modeller and Hornby Magazines over the years, but most of them tend to be loco depots, as that's a range that's catered for plentifully, with class 37s, 66s etc produced by lots of manufacturers. There's also a trend that these modellers tend to be younger, perhaps late teens or early 20s, because this is what they know, this is what they've grown up with and like it or not, Sprinters and Turbostars are the same to them as grimy BR Standards or class 47s were to the same age group in decades past. I grew up with Pacers and Sprinters, do I like these trains? No, not really. Do I still want to model them in future because it was my childhood and they're disappearing? Yes, the same as any modeller. Lastly, just a mention about price as always in these threads. I wouldn't mind at all if Hornby started making Railroad (or Railroad Plus) products with new mouldings. As far as I know, most items in this range are pretty old moulds, with a few mechanism upgrades along the way. It wouldn't be completely unreasonable for Hornby to make a few MUs that aren't super detailed, super high tech, with loads of separately-fitted parts, because really all some people want is the essential resemblance of something familiar. There's potential for new trainsets in the classic style, just with an 2-car DMU instead of an 0-4-0 and freight wagons. By all means there should be the high-detail ones too and understandably that warrants a higher price, but maybe not £300+! Hornby have something special in the Railroad range that no other manufacturer has and that's accessibility to reasonable models that don't look cheap and plastic. The Hall class for example is a superb model, plenty of detail, faultless mechanism and I got mine for only £80 (that was a few years ago mind). The class 800s are beyond top-of-the-range prices, but when compared to the competition's offers it's nothing to complain about. What are your thoughts? The market for modern day modelling is certainly there, it can even be blended with heritage steam tours if the modeller so desires.

I've only had chance to run it with a pannier tank so far, must be early 80s I think. I presumed it would be something like the motor magnet, not a big issue though as I don't have many working older locos and those that I do have aren't likely to be pulling the 4 wheel teaks (King, class 25, 37 and a few panniers amongst others) I only hooked them up to the pannier to test them, just thought I'd mention it as something to consider in case anyone else was intending to run them specifically with a loco like that.

Just got my hands on two of Hornby's new 4 wheel coaches, and I am very impressed. I got R40106 and R40103, the GNR ones with lights. Strangely the website still has them as not in stock, but they were on the shelf in a local model shop so I bought them in the moment. I still intend to get some of the Hattons ones, but for now the Hornby ones are incredible. Probably my new favourite items of rolling stock. Only quibble is that if I run them with older locos, the lights flick on and off randomly. Although GNR coaches, they look great running behind my Terrier and Dean Goods amongst others, so would recommend these teaks for anyone, not just GNR modellers.

I'm trying out cork sheets as underlay on my new layout, just simple self-adhesive stuff you can get cheaply from any arts and crafts store. I intend to paint the areas where the tracks are with a greyish colour with the naturally speckled effect of the cork giving the impression of stones. Looks good so far, and does deaden the sound a bit. My other layout has Peco foam underlay and my homemade ballast using crushed up breeze block dust, which looks alright in my opinion, but like others have said, it's really up to you. I'm not recommending either of my methods, just adding my voice to the mix!

Thanks 96RAF, I am slowly building my creativity in the 'scratch building' world, mainly down to not wanting to waste perfectly good materials. And having just built and fitted out a house, we have plenty of offcuts lying about, which are proving to be very useful inspiration. I think I posted about this before in this thread regarding sprinkler caps as water towers, breeze block 'crumbs' as ballast etc. Very much enjoying learning more in this aspect of the hobby! Now which Ark Royal would that be? My grandpa was on MkIV in the '50s as a chief mechanic on the aircraft I believe.

A few little things I've been doing over the past month or so. Firstly I made some pipe loads. I took a pipe cutter to an old Ikea hanging bag frame, sprayed it black and tied the smaller lengths together with tiny elastic bands left over from when I had braces. Over all a decent little build in my opinion. Unfortunately, I didn't actually have any suitable wagons on which to carry the pipe loads, but just recently I found a second hand Bachmann well wagon for £9, which will do for now. Can't wait till the shows open up again so I can get some more! Another thing I've been doing is detailing my old Lima 9400 class. The new Bachmann one is very attractive, however I don't have the money nor the justification to get one at the moment, so I was inspired to clean up the Lima one. First off, I repainted the whistles and chimney cap that had got battered over the years, also painted the buffer beam coupling from red to black. The Lima moulding has the smoke box number plate, even though there's no number applied (wasn't until BR took over, I believe). Therefore, my bit of artistic license here means this loco is portrayed in its guise shortly after nationalisation, still in its GWR livery, but for whatever reason already has the smoke box number plate fixed before relivery into BR guise. I intend to fit one at some point. In addition, I was going to paint the rusted handrails, but I think they give a bit of character. That along with the comparatively-dull green coat suggests a bit of hard work and little cleaning. Not too sure of the status of the real 9400 immediately post nationalisation, but I quite like my finished result. I also tackled the poor running of this engine by sticking some stones in the smoke box and boiler area to add a bit of weight. Rudimentary, I know, but it seems to do the trick and it runs a lot better now.

In addition, there's the Observer's book of Railway Locomotives of Britain. I found one in a second hand book shop, this edition is from 1955, but has all the details you noted, along with the same for the other Big Four locos. Wikipedia tends to be good for that sort of thing though.

Looking forward to it, thanks for telling us about it!

Haha, interesting points here. I'd be tempted to say it is an addiction for me. Not the buying as such, but playing trains and building kits etc. They say that you don't know somethings an addiction until you try giving it up, which is debatable at the best of times. Anyhow, my layout is at my grandparents' house so unfortunately I've been severely lacking in model railwaying for the past year, and let me tell you, it's not been easy! I've managed to make a few kits I had lying around and even bought a few more mainly out of lockdown boredom, but I'm pleased to say it's more or less satisfied my lacking of trains. You may remember ages ago I mentioned a new layout I was planning in my house, well just recently I've put all the baseboards up and some track-work and can now run a train around the loop. It's limited rolling stock, nothing spectacular, but it's still a model train that I can run! I'll post some pictures in the thread at some point hopefully. Anyway, my point is it's definitely an addiction for me, but an obsession is a nicer word for it smile

@mar Mallard These two videos go through everything, the Hornby Magazine one covers everything in more detail I think. The Hornby Channel one has a demonstration of the new Maglights. Hornby Magazine: Hornby Channel (with Simon Kohler):

Also the prices seem to be a bit inconsistent, for example R3981 Standard 2MT says £157.49 on the 2021 list, but £188.99 on the page itself. Different members of the class have different prices too, despite having exactly the same livery as seen with R3836 (£179.99). Any idea at this stage whether the RRP for 2021 is more than the ones in the 2020 range or wether it's just a mistake on the website?

Yes, strange that about the mail coach. Perhaps we shall see a seperate release in future. Some model shops split Hornby sets into individual items, so you may be lucky there. From the Hornby YouTube video it seems the 4 and 6 wheel coaches are pretty much ready to go, at least, they have decorated samples with working lights. Will have to see if there's anything in the next Engine Shed blog. And I agree, oh for the days when a top-of-the-range model was £120

Well seeing as no one else seems to have started one, I might as well. Personally, I'm really happy with this year's range, one of the largest I can remember! Highlights for me: 9F - I know it was teased in the advent calendar a few weeks ago, but I'm interested to see how this complete retooling compares to the last versionVans and tankers - It's strange how excited one can get about a humble tanker wagon, but these look really good! I had promised myself I'd only buy wagons from model railway shows, as they're often a lot cheaper, but I might treat myself to one or two of those shiny Esso ones!Coca Cola - I know it's not exactly accurate, but again I might get a tanker or refrigerator van because they do look great!Totally-not-Thomas-and-Percy - I think it's a great idea to reuse perfectly good moulds, I know a few people have asked for the SE&CR green E2, so they should be pleased and the regular Railroad Pug, Dowlais and 101 could do with some more in the range

I'm really looking forward to when model railway shows open again so I can see a full length one 'in the flesh'. There's only one club layout I know who has the capacity and the interest in running a full length APT, so I'll definitely be down there asap. I don't think I've ever had this with a model before, I either want one for my layout or I'm not fussed, but with this I really want to see one, but not own one if that makes sense? I've not got space on my layout for one!

Haha, ok I shan't alter it drastically, just construct water tank cover/snowplough/weedkiller sprayers that are removable. It's pretty grubby having been gathering dust for some time, so I'll give it a clean but I won't weather it.

Thank you all for the ideas, this is proving to be quite an interesting thread! I like the snowplough idea. It has moulded coal load, so I'll cover this over with plasticard or something. A quick image search has given me an idea of how to adapt it for snowplough or water supply. I might even have it interchangeable so I can switch between both for summer and winter uses! @HornbyinNC I think what I'll do is have the tank top and snowplough removable so if one day I stumble upon a cheap B12 I can run it as a normal tender. @LC&DR I've found a photo of a train that matches your description, a very unusual thing indeed. I also saw a Collett tender with weedkiller rigging fixed, so I might go for something like that as I only have the one. May not be prototypical for the NE, but then again don't own any other NE liveried locos! Thanks again everyone!

Morning all, I have an old NE tender that I think was from an O2 or something from the 80s. It's black with yellow NE letters on the sides, 6 wheels and what looks like a bit of sandpaper over one axle I presume was for 'realistic chuffing sound'. The loco itself is long gone, someone borrowed it and didn't return it most likely. Anyway, I've not really had much use for it so I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions for what I could do to incorporate it into the layout. I don't want to sell it as it won't be worth much on its own so not worth the hastle. A couple of years ago I was at the Swanage Railway and I noticed a Bullied tender in a siding a little way north of Norden station. Was this common railway practice to have tenders in sidings whilst the loco was in for repairs or is it just a preservation era convenience? As I only have the one tender, it might look a bit odd on a siding on its own. Could it be used as part of a train? Either being hauled along as is or on a warwell or something (bridge/tunnel clearance isn't an issue)? I'd greatly appreciate any info or photos you have regarding lonely tenders, it may inspire others in a similar situation. Thanks in advance :-)

Not sure if there was a specific OO scale Fat Controller ever produced by Hornby or Bachmann, but the Dapol workmen kit includes a figure that would be suitable. I have this pack and although I haven't painted any of them to look like the Fat Controller, I did do the 5th and 7th Doctors from Doctor Who. Only problem with this pack is it comes with a whole load of other figures too, so up to you if you want all these as well as just one Fat Controller. There are three of each pose.

An old Triang-branded Toad that I thought I'd use as weathering practice. Decided to go with just a light dusting as it's in Great Western livery and I understand they tended to keep their stock reasonably clean, at least on my railway they did anyway! I also painted the handrails white. Unfortunately some of the plastic has been bashed over the years before I acquired it and it was quite tricky to repair, so I left most of it. /media/tinymce_upload/d37a23c7db83cddde71b195909b1581b.jpg

Just heard a piece on Radio 4's You and Yours with Pete Waterman, Dave Myres of the Hairy Bikers and a 19 year old boy discussing how railway modelling has helped them in lockdown. They started by discussing Hornby's recent good news. Worth a listen if you have the means.