Home//British Railway Modelling (BRM)/September 2024/In This Issue
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024A GREAT LOSSWe are sorry to report that Trevor Nunn, the Honorary President of the S Scale Model Railway Society, died on Friday, June 28th, peacefully, following a stroke and a long and dignified stand against cancer. As a quiet and unassuming person, Trevor never sought the limelight and was perhaps not as well-known within the hobby as he might have been. He was a quietly determined modeller, and once he wanted to do something, he simply got on with it, learning new skills and techniques along the way. He was always happy to talk to anyone who was interested in learning and very generous when it came to sharing his experiences and techniques. Many modellers gained much from his straightforward approach to model making, based on the simple idea that “one…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024SMALL O GAUGE LOCOSRegarding the article in the August 24 issue of the magazine about the Class 01/06 shunter (Buffer Stop). I model O Gauge, and there is a massive gap in small diesel shunting engines available compared to the larger main line locomotives from Class 17 upwards, virtually every class has been modelled. But what of the smaller classes of locomotives? Class 02/03/05/08 are available in RTR, but that's about it. The majority of people who model in O Gauge, myself included, haven't got large layouts, and are reliant on the smaller classes of locomotives. How many O gauge industrial diesel models are there available in RTR? There are so many different prototypes available, but none are available unless you have the skill in building a model in brass. You even have…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Build a OO bus stop1 The glazing is cut to size (there are templates in the instructions and plenty of spare sheet if you go wrong) and is trapped in the sides, ends and roof. I'm using Glue'n'Glaze for the whole build, as it dries clear. 2 With all the panels made up, they are glued together, interlocking at the corners. The seat is a different colour laserboard than the frame, so you don't need to paint the model. 3 Timetables, bus flags and adverts for the sides and end are included in the printed instruction sheet. There are far more than you will use, so save them for other projects. 4 As well as the shelter, a bus flag on a pole and litter bin are included. This is a neat little kit…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Stoney's WorkshopsGetting PracticalALL SKILL LEVELS WHEN WE first start modelling, we may build kits exactly as per the instructions. Later though, it helps if we can branch out. Perhaps the basic kit needs adapting to move doorways around, or the exterior finish doesn't suit the area you are modelling. Don't be afraid to make changes as, with a bit of forethought, it may not be as difficult as you think. The kits from ScaleModelScenery.com look great built straight from the box, but are highly adaptable due to the wooden framework and cladding method of construction. Here, I take a typical kit of this ilk, reverse the walls and alter the roof and cladding material to make the model my own and perhaps make it a bit more realistic. WHAT YOU NEED…3 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Editor's WelcomeDon't forget, if you have an idea for an article, why not get in touch and perhaps you could feature in TRACTION. We start this issue with an article about the unglamorous, but essential, task of driving Class 08 diesel shunters in North London. We head north for our photo feature about the Inverness to Aberdeen single-track main line. Those marvellous, but now long past, summer Saturdays are recalled when we visit Norwich to see Class 25s on trains to Great Yarmouth. For wagon enthusiasts, our feature about the Transfesa two-axle vans will bring back memories of when these ' exotic' wagons appeared in locations across the country. The West Coast Main Line may have been dominated in the 1980s by electrically hauled trains, but there was much else to…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Classic Wagons - Transfesa two-axle vansUnlike today's railfreight scene, which is dominated by container services and block company trains running between dedicated terminals, some 40 years ago, the picture was very different with wagonload workings, serving numerous destinations and conveying a myriad of different commodities, being commonplace across much of the rail network. Such trains also included a wide range of different wagon types, including the distinctive Spanish-owned 6.7-metre wheelbase 27-tonne capacity two-axle Transfesa vans, which were used primarily to convey fresh fruit and vegetables from growers in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal to customers around Britain, reaching these shores via the Dunkerque to Dover train ferry. Until 1983, the Transfesa fleet comprised over a thousand all wooden-bodied vans, the majority of which having been built in Germany during the 1950s. In order to facilitate…3 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Wirksworth via the Ecclesbourne ValleyPROTOTYPE The term 'celestial city of Wirksworth' applies to the town that, in earlier times, became recognised as the lead mining capital of Derbyshire; due to its being at the head of the valley and surrounded by steep hills on three sides, a friend who introduced me to the mineral tramways in that area, coined the term when referring to Wirksworth. Now a heritage line, offering the longest such route in Derbyshire, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway does not quite follow the original intentions of the group that in 1992 set out plans to re-vitalise the line for passenger use and boost tourism in the area. A brief history of the 'Wirksworth Branch' During the C19, due to the decline of lead mining, the quarrying of limestone became the main industry…13 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Hornby RailRoad 'ZDA' 45 Ton Open 'Squid' wagon arrives with retailersNEWS New to Hornby's OO Railroad range is the 45T 'ZDA' Open 'Squid' wagon in a red/grey Railfreight livery, and it is available to order now. Priced at just £19.99, the new wagon features a painted finish, fixed tension-lock couplings and separate plastic buffers and is ideal for those modelling the BR post-TOPS era. The Railroad brand is pitched as an entry-point for the hobby in Hornby's range and plays an important part in encouraging new modellers to get involved, that being said, this new model definitely punches above its price point, with a nice finish and livery application and overall quality is very good too. About the prototype The OAA wagon could be seen as a logical progression of the open wagons of yore, they had no explicit purpose…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024New Accurascale ICI and ZDV Engineers 21 Ton Hopper PacksAccurascale has revealed two triple wagon packs featuring its newly-announced BR 21-ton Hopper Wagons in private owner industrial and BR engineering ZDV guises. These wagons will form part of the “Accurascale Exclusives” range, limited production run in special presentation packaging only available directly from the Accurascale website. Each wagon features a wealth of separately-applied detail, from handrails on the diecast chassis and hopper ends to the intricate brake gear and hopper operating mechanism underneath. Each wagon rides on 26mm axles, which are 2mm in diameter, with pin points in brass bearing cups for smooth performance and ease of conversion to finescale tolerances. Accurascale is already at decoration stage and is about to begin production of these wagons in the coming weeks. Delivery of the models to customers is currently estimated…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024TTC Diecast and Malcs Models join forces for exclusive TT:120 buildingsThe two companies, along with the help of Bachmann, have announced a new range of TT:120 Modern image depot buildings. Branded Scenecraft TT:120, the new buildings will be released in two batches and will feature the following (pictured below); • 43-126 Single Road Servicing Shed - TT120 Scale Exclusive £69.95 • 43-040 Diesel Fueling Point - TT120 Scale Exclusive £ 26.95 • 43-016 Fuel Storage Tanks - TT120 Scale Exclusive £49.95. Due to be released in November/December 2024, both offer this first batch as a bundle offer of £139.95. The second batch, which is due to arrive in early 2025, will feature; • 43-002 Washing Plant - TT120 Scale Exclusive £46.95 • 43-0034 Depot Crew Room - TT120 Scale Exclusive £47.95 • 43-0053 Servicing Point - TT120 Scale Exclusive £54.95…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Sonic Models GW 5101Class Large PrairieN 1929 - Preservation 129.95 It's a sobering thought when you work out that it's 47 years since Graham Farish introduced its large Great Western Prairie Class; how we've gone for so long without a decent new model of a popular and useful class is a mystery, but Sonic Models has now remedied this aberration. Exclusively distributed through Rails of Sheffield, the range covers the life of the class from 1929 with pre-1934 GREAT WESTERN livery, 1942-47 GWR livery and BRITISH RAILWAYS, BR large logo and late crest liveries in lined Brunswick green, with BR black with early logo and late crest in unlined black. The main material difference between the pre- and postnationalisation models is the different smokebox door for the BR front numberplate. Aficionados will see that there…4 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Graham Farish 14T Anchor-Mounted Tank WagonN Gauge 1918 - preservation 29.95 Dating from the 1950s, with a simpler design than earlier wooden cradle-ended types with wire strapping, the anchor-mounted tank is a welcome addition to the Graham Farish range for post-nationalisation modellers, with production continuing through to 1963 and usage into the 1970s as the country's increasing fuel needs led to larger vacuum-braked wagons eventually taking over this traffic. The central 'anchor mount' steel cradle for the tank on the chassis was agreed among a number of private operators, Petroleum Board and the railway companies, which are reflected in Farish's choice of liveries in the first models. These new Graham Farish models cover both the Class A and Class B tanks and are produced with several variations, including the bottom outlet pipe and associated handwheel…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Dapol 14T 'Air Ministry' tanks00 1939-preservation 37.80 Initially built for the Air Ministry for the transportation of aviation fuel in the Second World War, these wagons went on to a longer life under various private owners through to the early-1970s. Dapol has catered for a number of these operators in the 10 wagons in the launch range, five in Class A fuel form and five in black Class B heavy oil form, with our review sample wearing the Berry Wiggins Oil livery. Based at Kingsnorth refinery in Kent, Berry Wiggins tanks appeared around the country, but were most well known for bitumen traffic north of Coleford in the Forest of Dean, with daily traffic of six or seven wagons until 1967. Taking the wagon from the box, there's an impression of quality undoubtedly aided…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024EDITOR'S COMMENTThis great hobby has to be one of the most skilful, with plenty of subjects covered when building a model railway. The modeller can be an historian, artist, engineer, woodworker, and lots more roles, one of the many reasons it makes such a great pastime. Those skills are also transferrable in everyday life and can be passed down to others. We often hear great things about what clubs and individuals are doing to entice the younger generation to the hobby, especially family members, an example of which is the excellent 'Ropley', featured this month, whose builder, Chris Cleveland, learnt lots from fellow modellers while constructing his first layout. And then there is the excellent 'Dduallt', which was a father-and-son project. Modelling within families is a common theme with this issue,…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024MATT'S MENTOR – CHANGING PLACES 30 YEARS ON…“As a youngster, he used to come in with his dad to events at the National Railway Museum (NRM) and stand at the front of the Great Western engine and take over… he would play to the audience and tell them all about it.” Dave Mosley, former head of education at the NRM, said with amusem*nt about the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways', now Operations Director, Matt Ellis. Adding: “I was happy to let him get on with it as it was obvious he was destined for a job in steam!” Matt said: “Our paths crossed again when I started working at the NRM. Dave had taken early retirement from his role by then but still did the odd bit of work driving the demonstration rides in the yard, particularly…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024SCARLINGTONLAYOUT | N | SCARLINGTON 'Scarlington' (aka North of England Line 2 or NoEL2) is the successor to 'Scarworth Junction' (NoEL1). Both were built as club layouts, and both were subsequently bought by our group of friends who built both layouts (The NoEL Group), to secure them from an uncertain future. The NoEL Group is an independent group with no links to any model railway club. Some of the group were steam fans and the others preferred the BR Blue and sectorisation diesel era. Therefore, a deal was struck to build the steam-era layout (NoEL 1) first, on the understanding that the blue diesel layout (NoEL 2) would follow. Prior to commencing the new layout, we drew up a list of things we wanted to include. We decided we would…10 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024A Greenhouse Scene in 0 GaugeGetting PracticalALL SKILL LEVELS I NORMALLY work in 4mm/ft scale, so taking on a project such as an O gauge scenic kit is something unusual for me. But, given the increasing popularity and availability of proprietary items in this scale, it was maybe time for me to have a go. I was intrigued to see how skills and techniques learnt in a smaller scale could be applied to a larger size, and for this purpose, the etched brass greenhouse kit from Severn Models seemed a good place to start. Things to remember when starting this project is that it doesn't always follow that a project in a larger scale needs twice the space to achieve a satisfying result. Plus, it is often possible to use leftover material from previous projects.…5 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Making TreesGetting PracticalALL SKILL LEVELS WHEN 'STRATFORD St. Mary' featured in February 2023 BRM, the large oak tree that forms part of a scenic break attracted considerable attention, so I have recorded the construction of another, this time a small oak and a large English elm that might provide some useful tips for your own tree-making adventures. I model my trees from life where possible; the elm grew near my childhood home and was the last living example I knew and the oak has been sketched and photographed by me for 40 years! 'Textbook perfect' trees are hard to find in the wild, but the quirks of nature provide infinite variety. The models are intended as 'specials' for prominent locations, blending into an overall scene, rather than accurate botanical examples, to…6 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Up the Carriage: Down the Brent: Shunting South WestWithout a doubt, among the least glamorous workings of my railway career were the many hours I spent, especially during my early years as a junior driver, on the Class 08 shunting locomotive, known to locomen by the nicknames of 'Jocko', 'Jinty', 'Dobbin' or simply '350' (my nickname of choice) in reference to their horsepower. Nearly a thousand of these small single-cab diesel electric 0-6-0 shunting locomotives where built during a 10-year period between 1952 and 1962, with their design being based on the LMS 12033 series locomotive. An English Electric vertical inline 6-cylinder 6KT developing 350hp directly drives a main generator, which provided the high voltage required for the two traction motors mounted on the leading and trailing axles. The two powered axles and the central trailing axle are…19 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024West Coast VarietyIn a previous article, I showcased the most prevalent electric traction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) by the 1980s, Classes 86 and 87. Being a major Anglo-Scottish main line link to industry, traffic could be intense, and required a wide range of traction types to handle it, including some diesel haulage under the wires, although under BR, loco swaps meant that non-electric mileage was kept to a minimum. By the 1984/5 period of my photos, the 'Roarers' were very much in decline, with Class 84 eliminated and Classes 82 and 83 reduced to single examples used for empty coaching stock movements between Euston and Willesden. Classes 81 and 85, however, were still very much in evidence on both passenger and freight. The result of all this was a…9 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024EDWARDIAN SUMMERFACTFILE NAME: South Wearing Light RailwaySCALE/GAUGE: 7mm:1ft/32.5mm/OSIZE: 13ft × 17ftERA/REGION: Early 1900s/FicticiousLAYOUT TYPE: Continuous Run It's a late spring day in the small but perfectly formed Wessex county of Swearing. It heralds another glorious Edwardian summer, and the neighbouring counties of Devon and Dorset are preparing for the onslaught of tourists about to arrive in droves behind the fine locomotives of the GWR and LSWR, who both run trains through the Swearing peninsula. But on the peninsula, life carries on at a more leisurely and intimate pace, which would also be a fair description of the operating practices of the South Wearing Light Railway, on which we have the slightly dubious privilege of travelling today. Fortunately, we are in no hurry. As we approach the small passing station of Cussing…9 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Production samples of new GWR 7800 Manor arriveDapol has shared images of the latest production samples of the GWR 7800 'Manor' locomotive. Building on the developments from the Dapol Mogul, including Dapol's slide-in PCB in the boiler for tool-free DCC fitting and sugar cube speaker enclosure (for sound models) and conductive drawbar providing tender wheel pick-up and connections for high bass speaker, the new locomotive will feature a diecast chassis, firebox glow, a detailed cab and a sprung front pony truck. Proposed models • 4S-001-009 Granville Manor 7818 GW Green Shirt Button • 4S-001-010 co*ckington Manor 7806 GW Green GWR • 4S-001-011 Ditcheat Manor 7821 BR Lined Black Early Crest • 4S-001-012 Foxcote Manor 7822 BR Black Early Crest • 4S-001-013 Garsington Manor 7817 BR Lined Green Late Crest • 4S-001-014 Bradley Manor 7802 BR Lined Green…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Revolution Trains announces first TT:120 modelRevolution Trains is entering TT:120 with its popular MMA/JNA box wagon already produced in OO and N. There are around 1200 of these box wagons in service and they are operated by numerous freight operators and Network rail. They form the ideal accompaniment for Hornby's upcoming TT:120 Class 66 locomotives in DB, GBRf and Colas liveries. The Revolution model will conform to existing TT:120 standards and will initially be offered in DB red, GBRf steel blue, Ermewa grey, Mendip Rail silver and Wascosa/Network Rail yellow with prototypical variations in brake equipment, ribs and bodyside doors. The models will be supplied with moulded 'loads', which can be removed if the customer wishes to operate the wagons as empties, and each version will be available with five different running numbers. CAD design…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Dapol 20T Toad Brake Van production samples arriveNEWS Dapol has received and approved production samples of the eagerly awaited GWR 20T Toad Brake Van in O gauge. Available to pre-order now and costing £101.52 each, samples have been approved and the models are about to be shipped. Dapol anticipates they will be in shops towards the end of August/beginning of September. Specification • Die-cast compensated chassis • Finely profiled wheels and axles with brass bearing pockets • Highly detailed injection moulded body • Full interior detail· Many separately-added fine details • Sprung metal buffers • Sprung metal coupling hook and Instanter or screw-link couplings where appropriate • Expertly applied liveries • Vans are vacuum-fitted where applicable Proposed models • 7F-300-001 GWR Toad Brake Van GWR Grey 56683 Diagram AA15 •…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Golden Valley Hobbies reveals new TT track toolGolden Valley Hobbies has released a new TT gauge flexible track holding tool. Available to order now, the Flexi Track tool solves the problem of keeping flexible track in curved shapes while you try and fit it down to a baseboard. Simply create your curve, then place the tool onto the track. Tighten the wing nuts to hold in place. Each pack, priced at £17.50, comes with two Flexi track tools, allowing you to create long flowing curves or reverse curves in one go.…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Hornby LMS Princess Coronation duch*ess of Atholl 4-6-2 No. 6231TT:120 1938-1940 167.99 This latest manifestation from Hornby, representing 6231 duch*ess of Atholl, is 76 years younger than the first model made by the original firm in the form of the Hornby Dublo die-cast 6231 in OO. Are there similarities? Only in the locos having the same name and number! There is a real similarity between this TT version and the OO one released by Hornby in 2017; a completely re-tooled version of the firm's un-streamlined 'Princess Coronation' (versions of which dated from 1977 and 2002). A similarity of excellence! As with the 2017 OO example, this TT one has a single chimney, representing the loco as first-built in 1938 (the Hornby Dublo 6231 has a double chimney). Later, the real thing received a double chimney, smoke deflectors, and was…3 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Irish Railway Models Bulleid12T corrugated opens00 1950 - 1980 $89.95 From 1950 to 1969, some 2,500 of these wagons were built to Bulleid's design, replacing aged wooden wagons with an innovative corrugated design that gave strength to the body panels married to a robust welded triangulated chassis. The wagons were a common sight across the entire CIÉ network, from major yards in Dublin and Cork to the most rural of branch lines, carrying a wide variety of loads ranging from peat briquettes to gypsum, pre-ISO shipping containers and farm machinery. However, their most famous duty was the conveyance of sugar beet during the annual autumn/winter harvest season, when trainloads of the crop would be transferred from loading points across the country to processing plants. Even as more modern continuously-braked goods stock was introduced in the…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Buffer StopAndy has been very rude about Phil's latest model. He described it as “a wardrobe on wheels”. Cheek! Fortunately, Phil doesn't care. He's a fan of prototypes that some people would describe as “ugly”. This one (inset), a Wittenberg Schafer industrial loco that operated in a German brickworks, is right up his street. On spotting the Houstoun Gate Locomotive Works 16mm scale kit, he knew he'd want to build it, and you can read the full details in September's issue of Garden Rail magazine. It's not like he hasn't got past form in this area, either. Back in June 2003, we featured his Hellingly Hospital Railway, the main focus of which is, you guessed it, an odd-looking electric locomotive! Why do Phil, and many other modellers, seem to love unattractive…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024WEEKEND PLANS…Cambridge Model Railway Show The annual model railway show will be expanded to include a third hall, which will have a finescale theme in 2024. Held at Comberton Village College, Comberton, between 10am and 4pm, a range of modal railway layouts in N, OO and O will be on display, plus finescale layouts in 2mm, 3mmm, S and P4. DATE: September 14-15th, 2024 Faversham Model Railway Club Exhibition At this local show, you can see 23 layouts across a variety of scales and gauges, plus 14 traders and societies in attendance. Held at The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, Kent, doors open each day at 10am and include on-site free car parking, with tickets costing £6 for adults. DATE: September 14-15th, 2024 The International N Gauge Show TINGS, the show…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Getting Practical with…TOOL of the MONTH Lolly stick The sun is out, so time for modellers to gather a really useful tool – the lollipop stick! I like to glue people or small details to the end of them while painting, it's so much easier than trying to handle a little figure with your fingers. Use superglue, and the joint will be strong enough for painting, but easy to break when you are finished. The leftover glue can be picked off the stick, or you can just go and get another one. Yum! Ask Phil What is my track made from, and does it matter? If you have found some old track, and are wondering if it is any use, hold a magnet against the rails. If it sticks, the rails are…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Build a bowling greenGetting PracticalALL SKILL LEVELS INSPIRATION COMES in many forms. This time it arrived in a small box from Osborns Models, containing four figures taking part in a lawn bowls game. My grandad was a keen bowler, travelling up and down the country to take part in the sport, so constructing a suitable scene for these models should be in my blood. What I hadn't reckoned on, was it being one of the most challenging projects. Making a model should start with a bit of prototype research. I spent some time on www.bowls.co.uk reading up on the rules of the game, and then visited a couple of bowling greens nearby. The first thing I learned was they are big. The green should form a square with sides between 30 and 40…4 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Saturdays Only Class 25s at NorwichDuring the 1970s and into the early 1980s, summer Saturdays at Norwich were eagerly awaited due to the volume of trains to and from Yarmouth. Trains would arrive at Norwich for reversal from places not normally served at any other time of the year. At the time, during the day when Norwich Thorpe station was full of loco-hauled sets, three trains would go round the Wensum avoiding line, these being from Leeds, Sheffield and Chesterfield. We didn't bother much with those as they were always Tinsley Class 31s, which were often seen in Norwich during the 1970s. Depot codes BS - Bescot CD - Crewe Diesel CW - Cricklewood HA - Haymarket KD - Carlisle Kingmoor SP – Springs Branch TO - Toton The trains we waited for with anticipation…5 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024UP THE MOUNTAINLAYOUT | OO9 | DDUALLT FACTFILE NAME: DdualltSCALE/GAUGE: 4mm:1ft scale/9mm gauge/009SIZE: 9ft 2in × 8ft 9inERA/REGION: 1988 to present day/Ffestiniog RailwayLAYOUT TYPE: End to End Once upon a time, 009 layouts had a reputation for being 'rabbit warrens', with trackplans that almost tied themselves into knots, but this one actually exists. In the mid-1960s, volunteers on the Ffestiniog Railway began constructing the first spiral formation in the UK, at the start of the 'Deviation' line to circumvent the lower reservoir of a post-war hydro-electric scheme, which flooded the track bed in the Ystradau Valley. Building a new line, which looped around a full 360 degrees, was the only practical way of reaching the hillside above the new lake without a prohibitively steep incline on a railway that was famously built…11 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024THE LATEST HEADLINESGraham Farish reveals new V2 in N Bachmann Europe has revealed a brand-new model of the LNER V2 Class steam locomotive for its Graham Farish N scale range. The V2 Class locomotive was one of the LNER's most successful designs, commonly referred to as 'the engines that won the war' due to their contribution to the war effort during the Second World War. The Class pioneer Green Arrow entered traffic in 1936 and was named after the 'Green Arrow' express goods services, for which the type was designed. In total, 184 V2s were built, with construction continuing during World War Two. Employing the 2-6-2 'Prairie' wheel formation as opposed to the 4-6-0 arrangement more conventionally used for large mixed traffic locomotives in Britain, the V2s operated across most parts of…2 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Minerva Model Railways reveals USA TankThe first Engineering Prototype of the USA tank has arrived and Minerva Model Railways has released some first pictures. A few points have arisen, all of which have been addressed and modifications to the tooling has now started. Minerva Model Railways and Chrezo of Royan, France, announced the joint production of a finescale, injection-moulded O gauge model of the S100/030TU/USA tank in 7mm scale in October last year. Built to the same general specification as Minerva's other locomotives, GWR 57XX/8750 0-6-0PT, Kerr Stuart Victory 0-6-0T, Manning Wardle K 0-6-0ST, Peckett 0-4-0ST locomotives and the Class 14 Diesel 0-6-0, the new model will be finished in five liveries; Black lettered Southern Green, Black with BR early Crest, Black with BR late Crest, Lined BR Green, Brown lettered 'Worth Valley'. A delivery…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024New Train-O-Matic SPP Nano StayaliveTrain-O-Matic has produced a new stayalive in its factory in Romania: a tiny electronics board with the smallest supercaps. If you are limited with space in your DCC-equipped locomotive and you experience loss of power when running it, then this could be the answer to this problem. As we see the desire for models with sound increase, a Stayalive or Powerpack is essential and the SPP Nano will give between 3-6 seconds of extra power, depending on the active features of the model.…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Trainsporters reveals extended boxes for new Hornby Class 800/802Following consultations with various modellers, Trainsporters has extended the slots in its TSOO20 and TSOO21 boxes to 349mm, to accommodate the Hornby Class 800 and 802 stock. Also known as Trainsporters Orange and Purple boxes, the move allows a complete nine-car rake of locos and coaches to be stored in a single box! Priced at £40 (TS0020) and £42 (TS0021), the boxes are also available in 'White - Extra Strong'. Labels to help keep track of your stock are also included, as well as plastic tubing to give your stock added protection in transit and silica gel - ideal for long-term storage.…1 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Bachmann Class 3100 1957 - Preservation 199.95-359.95 Bachmann surprised the market in February by announcing its model of a Class 31, the first time the company has produced the model in 4mm scale, expanding the wide range of diesel subjects. The launch range covers the service life of the Class from the original green without warning panels as a Mirrlees engine Class 30 with parallel roof exhausts, through the corporate blue era with a Class 31/1, and a completely different body moulding without the waistband to produce refurbished versions in BR Blue, Railfreight red stripe and Petroleum sector liveries. Each of these models is available in two different running numbers with the range complete by a single privatisation-era Mainline Freight blue and silver model as seen in 1996/7, which is our review…4 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Dapol HawthornLeslie 0-4-0ST00 1899 - preservation 126.36+ Recent years have seen plenty of growth in the appeal of small industrial locomotive models, and Dapol's Hawthorn Leslie is a welcome addition to this and to its own range, being quite distinctive in style with the saddle tank finishing short of the cab front, with increased coal storage in the bunkers either side of the firebox and into each side of the cab interior. The locomotive is of a type built from 1899 to 1924 at Hawthorn Leslie's Newcastle-upon-Tyne works, produced in large numbers and continued in a variety of industrial uses (including iron works, collieries and power stations) here and overseas until the early to mid-1970s. Over 10 locomotives have made it into various states of preservation. Dapol's model is a superb and…4 min
British Railway Modelling (BRM)|September 2024Hornby TT:120 21Tmineral wagonTT:120 1950 - 1992 20.99 Hornby's new addition to the TT range is the long-lived and widespread 21T mineral wagon which saw use through most of the nationalised railway period in one form or another, with 21' 6” bodies mounted onto 12' wheelbase underframes of which some 14,000 were built. These were regularly seen in coal flows and often mixed with other mineral wagon types. Our review sample is of the later vacuum-braked variety, which came into use from 1961 with top flaps added over the side doors, vacuum cylinder and braking gear on the underframe with roller-bearing axleboxes to diagram 1/120, of which 3,950 were built. The MDV TOPS code is hand-painted above the wagon number and was pictured in this form at Chester in 1979, leaving the pre-TOPS…2 min
