The Duke 71000

THE HELJAN TURNTABLE - SEEN ON MY LAYOUT "BASINGSTOKE 1958-67". /media/tinymce_upload/608ffb8c5e7c95b467e92c9d1531c4f9.jpg My Heljan turntable. This is now 10 years old, and recently installed on my latest layout (Basingstoke 1958-67). It has been used on a previous incarnation of my layout and gave no problems whatsoever. Indeed having used Fleischmann, Arnold, Tomix & Kato variants in the past, I would say this Heljan one is the best. My version has the Digital "Infra red" detection system and was intended for use by either "Analogue" or "DCC fans". You can add tracks up to around 40, anywhere around the turntable. You then simply "programme" the supplied controller with each position. The instructions are concise and programming is simple. In this picture I have not added the little wheel house as yet, as that's still in the box. The turntable comes with a handful of spare parts including two sets of table railings in case you break the ones fitted. Also certain parts to make it look more American, not required on a British layout. This turntable will accommodate any British outline tender loco except possibly the 2-6-0+0-6-2 LMS Garratt. The turntable mechanism is hidden inside the actual turntable. The turntable itself can be simply lifted off, without any hinderances. All very helpful and user freindly. The Duke 71000

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - ITS SNOW TIME. Thats Polystyrene to the uninitiated!

M. Mathews, Despite what RAF 96 says, I've been a member of Model Railways Clubs both in England and on the Continent, and I've never had any problems in any of these Clubs. Indeed I would not be as good a modeller as I am, if it wasn't for numerous expert modellers that I have befriended in clubs in the past. Indeed one of the major reasons for joining clubs is so that you can rapidly learn the skills, and rise to be a much better modeller. However you will get nowhere in a club if you do not ask questions, lots of them. Whatever layouts any specific club has, are open to the membership to utilise. In many cases it is common to have "running nights", where you must bring stock, as it is rare for any club to actually own its own stock. In large clubs they may have different layouts and scales, so it is usual that you attach yourself to a suitable layout and scale that you model in. Finally one of the problems of the internet is that many people seem to think they can become quality modellers, via this means. I can guarantee that this will never happen, as you cannot pass skills this way. You can demonstrate and explain various methods on the internet, but you can't learn the skills and little knacks unless you are in the presence of a master modeller. And that means joining a good club, and interacting with the other members. Its a "hands on" learning curve. The Duke 71000

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.JPG ABOVE: 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.JPG ABOVE: 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

olly85, One of the penalties of buying the Railroad version, possibly. In other respects, as these railroad Mk1's are basically identical with the much more expensive "up market" variant, I'm not too bothered about paying for metal wheels to replace the plastic ones, as the coaches still work out a lot cheaper. As I model the Southern, the green coaches are the same whichever variant you buy. Indeed the only missing item I have found with the railroad ones, is the lower step underneath the Guards door on the Brake Second Corridor (BSK) model, and I scratch build that item. Still saves a fortune............. The Duke 71000

olly85, Indeed you are quite correct about the Railroad range Mk1's. The reason is these railroad models are using a plastic wheel on metal axle which just happens to have a slightly oversized flange. In addition to the rubbing sounds, this also means there virtually NO vertical play possible in the bogies. So if your track isn't perfect, and a bit bumpy, these vehicles may also derail ocassionally. I recommend (as I have done) replacing the wheels with metal ones of the same nominal diameter. The metal wheels have a more modern and smaller correct flange size, that stops the problems. The Duke 71000

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - SCENERY PROGRESS & MORE COACHES

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - The loco workbench. /media/tinymce_upload/0c22bd71f24898b4063e5aab35f6f860.jpg ABOVE: The other side of ex GWR 0-6-2T No 6654 on the workbench, looking decidely filthy. The Duke 71000

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - MORE SCENERY ! As the unexpected sub zero snowy weather here in Spain is passing, and temperatures are climbing back to something more normal, it's time to get back to some layout construction. Having completed the basic Salisbury line Fiddle Yard including wiring it all up, a couple of weeks ago. I'm now adding the finishing touches, timber wise, and starting on some more scenery for this section, as seen in the pctures below.

I doubt 50007 Hercules, will go quite as fast as it did back in the 1990's. It was recorded near Fleet on the Up Fast with a late running Exeter - Waterloo service going at the incredible speed of 126mph, with 8 x Mk2a/b type coaches. "Impossible" commented the Train crew regulator at Waterloo. But then the TWO still stunned Traction Inspectors, who had clocked the train, showed him the read out on BOTH their new Radar speed guns. Both machines had recorded 126mph !!! They never did find the Driver responsible, as the train, although 20 mins late away from Salisbury had arrived early at Waterloo, and the Driver had vanished before they could meet the train............................ The Traction Inspectors were incidentally out to check the then new Wessex Electric Class 442 units, which had been passed to run at 100mph. These being the first trains officially allowed to do 100mph on the Southern. Everything else, especially Class 50's, were officially limited to a maximum of 90mph on the SR. The Duke 71000

Auto coupling & uncoupling on my exhibition layout Basingstoke 1958-67. On my large exhibition layout based on Basingstoke in the era 1958-67, a lot of "uncoupling" is required both in the main station area and during shunting activities in the Goods Yards. Reliability of coupling/uncoupling is a must on such a layout, as a "hand from God" to assist is definately taboo. Having tried a few systems in the past including DG couplings and B&B couplings, both including a delayed action uncoupling method. I have now settled on the "off the shelf" (from a number of good model shops) system offered by Kadee (US manufacturer). This system firstly allows the normal couplings provided on models with NEM coupling pockets to be simply pulled out, and the Kadee replacement plugged in. The Kadee coupling is also a realistic looking coupling as it replicates the British "Buckeye" type. It is therefore smaller than the standard toy coupling. The method of uncoupling is magnetic, so NO unsightly and unrealistic track equipment is necessary. The track magnet options with the Kadee system are an under track permanent magnet or a under track electro magnet. Both these types must be installed before the track is laid. For retro fitting this system a third but visible between the rails magnet can be used. The electro magnet is desirable in through stations to ensure uncoupling ONLY occurs when desired. In a terminus a fixed under track magnet is fine near to the buffer stops. The Kadee system also has a built in "delayed action feature". This allows just one uncoupling magnet to be used, for example in the throat of the Goods Yard. The shunting loco propelling wagons over the magnet, stops to ensure uncoupling, but can then continue propelling uncoupled wagons without the wagons re-coupling, to the spot where they will be left. To recouple in this scenario, the loco must pull away an inch or so, to allow the coupling jaws to return to their sprung central position. Then automatic coupling occurs automatically as per normal coupling. The Kadee couplings required on British Models with NEM pockets are Kadee Numbers 17, 18, 19 & 20. Where 17 has the shortest shank & 20 the longest shank. These couplings all come in packets of FOUR, but prices vary considerably from £2.50 per packet to £5.95 a packet depending on the supplier. I think DC Models up in Yorkshire are currently the cheapest...... /media/tinymce_upload/6b3f4ea864fc06607effa0db9132cda7.jpg ABOVE: These two Bachmann Warship models both have Kadee couplings fitted, as seen on the cab fronts. These couplings also have a curved drop down arm (looks like a brake hose) to ensure the coupling is actuated by hidden under track uncoupling magnets. It is also advisable if you select to use Kadee couplings, to purchase a Kadee coupling height gauge. This simply clips on the track so you can test the height of any coupling just fitted. It is also advisable to obtain the special pair of curved pliers used to alter the shape of the magnetic curved drop down arm on the couplings. This is helpful if you find that the NEM pocket on a particular model is not quite at the correct height, and the arm might hit point crossing blades, unless you increase the curve in the arm. Happy uncoupling in your termini..... The Duke 71000

Atom3624, Some early Diesel shots on the Southern.... If they were seen at Basingstoke, in 1958ish they should be in my layout fleet...... /media/tinymce_upload/8456bcd615b92660f5d9ab375c69329b.jpg ABOVE: An early diesel sighting, ex LMS 10000 passing Wimbledon EMU Depot & the Southern Railways power station in 1953, with a Waterloo - West of England express, as indicated by the headcode discs. /media/tinymce_upload/ceb1ab4faafa3c559237d3fe515c7f60.jpg ABOVE: A Class 3B (Berkshire) unit 1128 near Romsey in 1960. The Berkshires had larger Guards vans, and one less saloon bay as a result, than the Hampshire units. /media/tinymce_upload/620c53a10e2838db4ffbc913e28e80c0.jpg ABOVE: D806 Cambrian, Class 42 Warship class, hauling the Royal train from Bournemouth to Windsor, and passing Pokesdown (Bournemouth) on 14th July 1966. Note typical Royal train headcode 1X01, and 3rd rail already in place in preperation for the Bournemouth electrification from July 1967. /media/tinymce_upload/69fb6442286016049c724004e44605a1.jpg ABOVE: A Brush Type 4 D1974 (Class 47) on the Up Fast approaching Woking in early summer 1967 with a Bournemouth - Waterloo express. Note headcode is --91, the SR headcode for a fast Bomo-Wloo train. /media/tinymce_upload/ba1a9bbd3ac5651522fe09091057e7b9.jpg ABOVE: BR Class 03, 204hp, 0-6-0DM shunting at Woking around 1962. /media/tinymce_upload/a0d6841ecf2cd50beed41239f31044f0.jpg ABOVE: Worting Junction (Basingstoke) on 12th Sept 1964, with a Warship diesel on the Down Fast, hauling a Waterloo-Exeter express (1V73), overtaking a "Crompton" (Class 33) with a freight for Salisbury on the Down Slow, which is waiting at the signals, to cross over and follow the Warship. /media/tinymce_upload/4f12d8a9e8f8ba38c25a3753c19856d5.jpg ABOVE: D6535 BRCW Sulzer type 3 (Class 33) on shed at Basingstoke in 1965. Alongside are a BR standard class 4 2-6-4T, and a BR standard Class 4 2-6-0 behind. Note by this time BR had learnt that it was a very bad idea to put diesels inside steam sheds, so the Class 33 is parked on what was the sheer legs spur. The Duke 71000

Bulleidboy, Quote "Great work Duke - due to the size of your layout, when you see a train it looks rather isolated" Unquote.

A bit odd, Rails I would have thought were one of Hornby's better customers ! I smell a rat in the woodpile. Hattons, that other large "internet" dealer, appeared to be having an odd relationship with Bachmann, as products from that company did not always appear on Hattons listings during 2019-20 !!!??? As Bachmann have a German boss (since Graham Hubbard retired), I have thought for some years, that the German business policy of "No discounting or we won't supply you", might be at the root of Bachmanns more recent odd behaviour. Marketing policies in Germany tend to work with the Germans, but don't seem to work so well with the British....... The Duke 71000

mrjdaniels258 There are specialists that deal in old model & prototype railway magazines. They often take small classified ads, in current magazines...... The Duke 71000

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - AWKWARD COACHES. Well it has been chaos here in Spain as the country has been hit by vicious winter weather with 8 inches of snow here in Mora. Most Spaniards have never seen this white stuff before. As a result driving in snow on summer tyres has resulted in hundreds of car crashes. Indeed the centre of Spain with -25C temps has been declared a disaster zone. (Hundreds of people have died). No snow ploughs or gritting lorries has prevented me from getting to the workshop until now, where the temp has just hit +11C despite piles of snow. Floods next I guess. Anything can happen in Spain....

Mmmpphhh. Hornby's products are shipped in a container from Hong Kong to Thameshaven. That means at least 6 weeks at sea, assuming the ship doesn't call in elsewhere en route. And of course it still has to run the gauntlet of the Somalia Pirates before it reaches the Red Sea, and the Suez canal..... Scheduling the shipping is basically outside Hornby's control, but to be fair to Hornby their products tend to arrive closer to their release date than another organisation (Batchmann). Whose release dates seem to be years behind schedule, so they obviously ship using rowing boats !!! The Duke 71000

baker00_AL26, The cranks on the wheels should be a screw thread type if the model is relatively new. The crank therefore has to be unscrewed/removed first, so that you can position the coupling rod (thats the rod that connects all the three driving wheels), over the wheels, and then screw the crank pins back into place !!! The Duke 71000.

/media/tinymce_upload/70e7e7d5c121039a24927fb33297fbcc.jpg Control your layout from your mobile phone. Certainly a number of Spanish layouts at the annual Lleida show (in March) have been using Bluetooth to operate DCC layouts at this show for the past couple of years. However I found that in all cases those using bluetooth to control locos suffered virtually constant problems. This I suspect was more due to interference inside an exhibition hall, when at least a half a dozen layouts with maybe 18-20 operators all using this system found that they were controlling someone elses loco elsewhere in the Hall. Chaos ensued as a result, which in Spain is of course par for the course........ The Duke 71000

Talking of prices, I haven't noticed anywhere the fact that VAT is supposed to be the European Union tax, and so it should have been abolished with Britains exit under Brexit ??!! Admittedly only 5% went to Brussels & the Britsh Government creamed everyone for the other 15%. But dumping VAT would certainly make Hornby's latest so much more attractive........ The Duke 71000

/media/tinymce_upload/fd8feb7f857559b9a1529a7dc31d3537.jpg Joe Indeed re-opening Oakley station was mentioned recently here on this thread. A new station might however be positioned on the Southampton line, as much of this expanding village is nearer to that line than the Salisbury line.

BASINGSTOKE 1958-67 - TRAIN SPOTTING AT OAKLEY. Finally "on the move". That's to say, trains are now moving under their own power, as revealed in the pictures below.

Quick layout update, Just completed all the wiring for the two track Salisbury line, which includes the new fiddle yard, point motors and even the semaphore signals are now in place. See the last few posts showing pictures of progress on this section of the layout. Should have a few more pictures in a day or so, of trains on the move....

Bulleidboy, No car parking charges at Mora la Nova station, no subway (or footbridge) either. Indeed you have to walk across the railway tracks to get to the right platform for your train, and dodge the fast moving freights that rush through the station. Anything can happen in Spain....

Sound deadening the baseboard 18mm ply + the thickness of the celotex board. This immediately raises questions over what equipment you may be needing to add under the baseboard. Such a thick baseboard may prevent the use of certain types of pointmotors and possibly signals, to name a couple of items that spring to mind ! My transportable exhibition layout uses 15mm thick Marine plywood frames 80mm deep, with the baseboard tops in 12mm Marine plywood. i.e the deep frame provides the main strength so the baseboard top does NOT need to be too thick. Sound deadening is provided by using 5mm thick rolls (50 metres x 1 metre) of soft cork underlay. The Duke 71000