Sailbadthesinner

The linear scales are OO, 1:76 and 1:87 for HO so HO dimensions will be 12.5% smaller. but the volume changes with the cube of the scale, HO will be 33% less volume so for the same model they do look a lot smaller. Some models, especially scenic stuff, is actually modelled at about 1:80 and sold into both markets. It all depends on what you are comparing against and how fastidious you are about accuracy. Remember rule 1; your layout, your rules.

There is definitely a problem running certain locos on modern Hornby points. Several of my locomotives 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 types ranging from brand new to 46 years old have a problem crossing new Hornby points at low speed. The problem is not with the loco, it's wheels or pickups it is simply that the slot in the insulated frog section of the points is too shallow. It lifts one wheel and tilts the loco so the other wheel on the same side loses contact. I can even rock the loco back and forth once it is stranded on the frog and see the wheels lifting. I measured various new Hornby points and the slot varies from 1.08 to 1.14mm deep.The flange on various Hornby locos that have a problem are 1.32 to 1.40mm. I measured the flanges on some non Hornby locos that work fine and they are 0.74 to 1.20mm.The slots on some 40+ year old Hornby points are 1.89 to 1.98mm deep. The solution is to file the slots deeper (or buy non Hornby points). I'm considering building a jig and milling out the slots so I can do them quickly, accurately and repeatably. I may even offer the service to others (I'm told not every one has a CNC mill) . I haven't been able to get a straight answer to why Hornby are now selling points that aren't compatible with their own locos?

Can you educate me please? Brake vans are typically described as say 20T. Is that the mass of the van or the available braking force? If it's the mass what braking force would you expect it to be able to provide? If it's the braking force what would you expect the van to weigh? Is there any formula or rule of thumb for the required braking force for a given train mass? Obviously it's a trade off between braking capacity and stopping distance but is there a minimum or a speed limit proportional to braking capacity? I know this is a bit vague but I can't find anything on how braking requirements are/were determined. Thanks in advance for your combined wisdom.

Many thanks for the replies. Makes sense but I didn't imagine a train guard being stuck in a 'potting shed' at least we gave them a whole compartment in a carriage or a van of their own. Europe must have different rules on keeping live stock caged! The models are actually BR Watneys brewery, perhaps their was a micro pub in each one. 😆 Thanks for the enlightenment.

Can anyone enlighten me. I have aquired a rake of brewery wagons that each have three casks and a small wooden hut. It was described to me as a 'guard hut'. Anyone know what these huts were actually used for? Was it really necessary to post a guard on a brewery wagon?

Just a guess; but I wonder if the cancellation of your 'second' membership put you onto a list of lapsed members that in turn got you invited to join again. 'Bureaucracies force us to practice nonsense'

In the long standing tradition of resurrecting this thread, I have the following observations that might help: Several of my locomotives 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 types ranging from brand new to 46 years old have a problem crossing Hornby points at low speed. The problem is not with the loco, it's wheels or pickups it is simply that the slot in the insulated frog section of the points is too shallow (as has been observed by other in this thread). It lifts one wheel and tilts the loco so the other wheel on the same side loses contact. I can even rock the loco back and forth once it is stranded on the frog and see the wheels lifting. I measured various new Hornby points and the slot varies from 1.08 to 1.14mm deep.The flange on various Hornby locos that have a problem are 1.32 to 1.40mm.I measured the flanges on some non Hornby locos that work fine and they are 0.74 to 1.20mm.The slots on some 40+ year old Hornby points are 1.89 to 1.98mm deep. The solution (previously mentioned) is to file the slots deeper (or buy non Hornby points). Why are Hornby now selling products that aren't compatible with their own locos??