M. Matthews

Really like the new 4VEP and hoping that it gets released in Connex livery at some point!

Had to bulk it out with something I suppose, otherwise it would have been a bit slim.

Try it with R628 curves instead

Wasn’t it Hornby magazine that was responsible for the leak last year?

In that case, here are my predictions. I’m focusing mainly on modern image as my knowledge on steam & early diesel is extremely limited. Likely Re-liveries of the HST’s, so many to choose from so guessing is a bit difficult. Another Flying Scotsman variant. Possibly the version with the white roof. More LNER A1, A3 & A4 Pacific’s More Class 66’s in various liveries. More of those little Ruston shunters & Pecketts Possibly 4-VEP in NSE and Connex liveries. 67027 in Gbrf livery. Network Rail Class 153. Class 73/9’s with old incorrect tooling. Wild Card Class 313 and other variants that can be made from the same tooling. This is based on a hint, so not completely wild guess.

Is guessing / speculation allowed on this forum?

If you haven’t already invested money in 00, I think I’d suggest going down the TT:120 or N scale route. Even 009 might suit what you’re looking for.

What was the failure on Rad 2? Buffer lock? I find this odd as on the mk1’s I have not experienced this and I personally dislike the small gap that the hunts leave on the mk1’s. I did think that the pockets on the mk1’s and mk2’s were mounted at the same height and distance but clearly this isn’t the case.

You’re definitely right in that it’s the first two images that almost make it look legitimate. The other thing that struck me as being odd was that the box image doesn’t show any cab ends which I’m sure all the previous 4VEP have done. Message sent to seller anyway, I’ll be interested to see the reply!

This is one of the releases that I’ve been waiting on so I’m aware that Hornby are saying expected arrival date of Winter 2023/2024. On a random search, this eBay listing has popped up although raised some suspicion in myself as I’ve not heard anything of these arriving yet? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126249327159?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=9IlcIQYcQZy&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fiOljGoHRmG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Have I missed something here?

Not sure if the last question is for me. There isn’t really any instructions for hacking bits of your loco off. It’s just open taking it apart and assessing how much space is in there and what you can take out without affecting the appearance or running quality. However, here’s a website I refer to sometimes before attempting a job. https://www.youchoos.co.uk/Index-Resource.php?L1=Guides

I’ve done a 42xx which looks quite similar size wise. I managed to fit decoder and stay alive in the smoke box. I then cut out the inside of the bunker and got the speaker in there.

I don’t understand what you mean by this. They’re symmetrical and work either way up as long as they’re both the same way up.

Yes the West Hill Wagon Works couplings are longer provided you get the ones which are specifically made for Bachmann coaches. You get a gap which is about the same as when you use the close coupling supplied by Bachmann. Not sure why the link implies it’s for HST power cars. EDIT: There are pictures on the product page which suggest the overall coupling length is 22.8mm https://westhillwagonworks.com/hunt-couplings-elite-oo/474-additional-pair-of-hst-powercar-buckeye-elite-couplings.html

That’s interesting. So the pockets on the Bachmann MK2’s are set back even further than the MK1’s? Are you able to post a picture of this? Cheers.

Hi All, Is anyone at Warley able to give us an update on what’s being announced by Hornby? Thanks!

The Collett’s appear to have kinematic couplings, so you should be good for those 👍🏾

A combo of the two lengths on the bogie mounted pocket still causes the buffers to touch on a 2nd radius curve. Would probably be fine on stock that has kinematic coupling pockets though. Obviously the mk1’s don’t have this but I don’t know about the Collett coaches.

So here is where I’ve made use of some the magnetic couplings. 1st picture is between Hornby mk1’s with the 20mm couplings. Goes through second radius no problems. 2nd picture is between Hornby mk1’s with the 17mm couplings. Buffer locks when going through 2nd radius reverse curves. 3rd picture (my personal favourite) is 20mm couplings between Bachmann mk1’s. Goes through second radius no problems. 4th picture is between on older Bachmann DMU with 17mm couplings. Goes through second radius no problems. I’ve messed around with just about every type of coupling going, so if anyone wants to see any other combo’s, let me know and I’ll post them up.

I’ve used both lengths and found the 20mm is not close enough for my liking. Even the 17mm leaves a 2/3mm gap. This is going by the mk1 coaches though. I’ll take a picture of how they look with both lengths tomorrow and post them.

Sorry if this has been discussed already. Inspired by the recent post about the most appropriate sound file for the class 58, I’m wondering what the most appropriate profiles are for some other classes. I’m currently using the 66 profile in my class 67’s. I read somewhere that I could get away with using the 37 profile in a 205 Thumper? Between the diesel profiles available, there must be a few that are remotely similar to other classes?

Search for mattymay05 on the well known auction site. They have a few options for converting to NEM pockets. All my old Airfix stock converted and was pretty simple.

Class 47 profile now live! Woohoo!

I’m 33. Should I assume that as the thread is titled average age that someone is doing all the calculations? joy

I understand that the sugar cube speaker that comes with the TXS decoders can be replaced with a different 8ohm speaker for better sound. Is the ohm rating the only thing to look out for? I’ve seen some larger speakers that are designed for O gauge. Is it safe to use a speaker like this? I’m assuming there’s more to it as I’ve seen hi-fi speakers rated at 8ohms. I’m just aiming to get the best and loudest sound out of the decoders. Thanks