Posted in Canute Road Quay, Exhibitions, Picture of the Month, tagged Bachmann, Canute Road Quay, Hornby Magazine, Mike Wild, Model Rail Magazine, Southern, Southern Railway, Tonbridge MRC, USA 0-6-0 Tanks on February 1, 2020| 1 Comment »
This months picture…
USA Tank No. 68 shunts across the Quay. One of the Model Rail Magazine commissioned locomotives manufactured by Bachmann. The number on the Engine Head signal disc, was used to identified the duty for the day of that locomotive within the Docks.
Canute Road Quay can be see on 15th of this month at the Tonbridge MRC, Exhibition at The Angel Centre, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SF
Posted in Model News, tagged diagram 1543, Hornby, Hornby 2019, Hornby 2020, London & South Western Railway, lswr, new vans, Southern, Southern Railway, Southern Region, Warner 20 ton goods brake van on January 13, 2020| 12 Comments »
Now the dust has settled on the announcement of the Hornby 2020 range, we can take a look at one of the ‘New Van’ items announced last January as part of the 2019 range, the LSWR/SR/BR(s) Warner 20 ton goods brake van. 75 of this type of van were built between 1915 and 1921. They were known to staff as ‘New Vans’ a name which they kept well into the 1950’s! They were up-rated to 24T by the Southern Railway and became SR Diagram 1543.
Before we get in to further detail, the elephant in the room is the body colour of the LSWR and SR versions. They have arrived in an incorrect light or milk chocolate brown (almost but not quite in my eyes but still wrong bauxite) when it should for both periods be dark wagon brown (dark chocolate so to speak).
I feel this error is a great shame as the rest of the model is an excellent rendition of the prototype. I would add that the BR unfitted grey livery versions look just fine.
The highly detailed tooling allows for detail variations including buffer shanks, different lamp bracket positions (and actual side lamps on the LSWR version) document holders, welded and riveted guards duckets as well spoked and disc wheels.
Those that have arrived just before Christmas with most most retailers from the 2019 range are as follows:
A further three versions have been announced as part of the 2020 range (and yes I have spoken to Hornby about the colour!)
As already stated above the detail of these models is excellent with separately applied hand rails and lamp irons, the LSWR version has the side lamps fitted between the verandas and side windows, whilst the later versions has these positions blanked off and lamps irons applied to the end uprights.
Sandboxes are included on the inside of each end, along with corresponding sandpipes and although pretty much impossible to see from the outside the inside of the van is detailed with its planked floor, stove and its stack along with the hand brake wheel and sanding operating lever.
If you want to see the internal detail remove the four cross head screws on the underside then prise the floor unit our of the body using a blade (it is not glued in place) this also gives access to the body inside which will hopefully allow me to remove the glazing at some stage to effect a repaint.
So in summary an excellent model with a good range of detail variations let down on this initial batch for the LSWR and SR livery by the wrong brown colour, ironic as they used the correct SR wagon dark brown on the previously released Diagram 1529 and 1530 cattle trucks. The BR(s) unfitted grey version is I state again totally correct.
Posted in Model News, tagged 48DS, 78xxx 2MT class, Advanced Passenger Train, APT, Bassett-Lowke, Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific, Drummond T9 Class, H Class 0-4-4t, HM6000, HM6010, Hornby, Hornby 2020, Hornby Centenary, Hornby Dublo, LBSC A1, LBSC A1x class, LBSC Terrier, Lord Nelson class, Meccano, Rovex, Southern, Southern Railway, Southern Region, Steampunk, steampunk. Bassett-Lowke, The Rocket, Thompson A2/2 Class, Thompson A2/3 Class, Tri-ang, W1 Class on January 6, 2020| 11 Comments »
The first “Hornby clockwork train” was released by Meccano Ltd. back in 1920 and therefore the current Hornby are marking the Centenary in style. The full history of Hornby can be found elsewhere but I am sure we are all familiar with the Hornby brands and ranges including:
In this post I will provide outline details of the limited edition centenary releases and their new tooling releases; although there is new tooling for the Southern Railway modeller this year, new livery versions of existing tooling relevant to Southern / Southern Region are included.
I am also able to bring some additional information regarding Work In Progress the remaining outstanding Southern related items.
The full 2020 range is available on the Hornby website here.
Centenary Range
Hornby’s Centenary Year will include a variety product launches including a special range of limited edition products to celebrate each decade and will feature packaging to represent the relevant decade and include a limited edition certificate. They will be released evenly during the year.
1920s: ‘The Hornby Electric Train’ – 4 new ‘0’ Gauge tinplate locomotives; London North Western Railway black, Midland Railway red, Caledonian Railway blue and Great Northern green. 100 per livery, Availability Jan, Mar, June, Sept.
Other celebratory limited edition collectable mechanise will be available including: a mug, pen and gold plated anniversary badge and a new book by Pat Hammond ‘The Hornby Book of Trains The First one Hundred Years’.
Also keep and eye out for the Hornby Centenary video campaign, a limited number of tickets available for a British Belmond Pullman Experience train on Saturday 19th September behind 35028 Clan Line. One box in each of the Centenary range products above will feature a ‘Golden Ticket’ to win one of a number of prizes including a trip on the Belmond Pullman or vouchers for the Hornby website.
New tooling
Whilst there is no new tooling this year for specifically Southern / Southern Region modellers, except BR Mk1 RB Coaches, Hornby are still investing in an ambitious plan for the year that includes:
BR Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train 5 and 7 car train packs and additional coach packs will be available and (note totally Hornby’s own new design and tooling) It will be complete with tilting mechanism- available DecNew liveries
New liveries for Southern / Southern Region models are listed below:
Railroad Plus
The railroad range is slightly enhanced with a “Plus” version of the range with additional livery details and touches, including in some instances etched nameplates, when compared to the existing Railroad range. The range includes 3 off Class 47 Co-Cos , a Class 20 Bo-Bo, a Class 37 Co-Co, a BR 2-10-0 9F class No. 92218 and finally R3910 Class 73 Bo-Bo No. 73964 ‘Jeanette’ in GB Railfreight livery – available Sept
Work In Progress Update
Whilst we have been able to take delivery of many of the Southern / Southern Region modes from last years range such as the all new tolling ex LBSC A1 and A1X Terrier locomotives, the excellent Bulleid 59ft coaches and the just arrived ex LSWR Diagram 1543 24t Goods Brake Vans, some items have been delayed. It is well known that the Hornby supply chain includes a number of different factories in China, one of which was unexpectedly at very short notice closed, due to a compulsory purchase of the land by the Chinese government!
This has impacted the production of the new Merchant Navy pacifics, both versions of the Peckett industrial tanks, the Class 800 Azuma units and the new tooling GWR 61xx large Prairie tanks locomotives.
Work to move the tooling to another factory has taken place and the livery samples for R3716 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland America Line’ ‘35022’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) in BR Brunswick Green, early crest and R3717 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Aberdeen Commonwealth’ ‘21C7’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) in SR Wartime Black, original ‘widows peak- front end with no smoke deflectors can be seen left.
Included within the 2019 range was also R3649 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Ellerman Lines’ ‘35029’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest representing the condition she ran in between July 1952 and June 1959 when she was rebuilt. This model required new tooling to be completed for the 5100 gallon, series two tender (no 3129) that she was paired with in 1952. The Engineering prototype of this new tooling can also be seen left. This is a very positive step as it will open up the possibilities for Series Two Merchant Navy models to be produced int he future so watch this space.
I am also assured that R3632 – BR 4-6-2 ‘East Asiatic Company’ ‘35024’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Line Blue, early crest from the 2018 range announcement is also still in progress.
Other Items
The HM6000 & 6010 App based analogue control system
Hornby have also announced an brand new phone or tablet based analogue control app that can control up to 8 separate circuits of track.
The system works via a bluetooth between the phone / tablet app to layout mounted HM6000 base units that can each control up to two separate circuits and up to 4 HM6000 units can be connected together (note track power as per analogue as no chips are required for locomotives).
The HM6010 base unit can control up to 4 points and accessories and up to three HM6010 base units can be connected together to therefore control up to 12 accessories.
It also includes locomotive sounds (from the phone / tablet speaker not the locomotive).
This system is a step between the traditional rotary knob type controller and DCC style control via apps like WiThrottle.
Steampunk
A complete new market sector for Hornby and launched via the Bassett-Lowke brand as they meld together the world of Steampunk; a World where steam has evolved into the primary power source, where dinosaurs are domesticated, where the elegance of tea drinking is the ultimate pleasure and where society is still enmeshed in the Victorian era; as an introduction to model railways.
Initially a range of models from locomotives, rolling stock and buildings will be available, that have been created from minimal modifications to existing tooling and the addition of extra resin parts.
Any new market sector and development that has the potential to bring new interest into the hobby, also think of some of the layouts and animations that appeared in the Channel 5 Great British Model Railway Challenge, is to be applauded.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Hornby for the hospitality extended to me last month and the advanced information provided to enable me to bring the above summary of their celebratory plans for this year ahead to you.
Posted in Canute Road Quay, Model News, Picture of the Month, tagged Canute Road Quay, Dapol, ex LSWR B4 Class, Hornby 2020, Hornby Magazine, Mike Wild, Southampton Docks, Southern, Southern Railway on January 1, 2020| 3 Comments »
This months picture to bring in the new year…
ex LSWR B4 0-4-0t No. 90 ‘Caen’ in Southampton Docks livery, rests at Canute Road Quay. She is a Dapol model, with lamps and crew added and weathered.Check back here on 6th January, just after 9am, for a roundup of the Hornby new range announcements.
Posted in Canute Road Quay, General, tagged Canute Road Quay, Christmas Message, happy new year, Southern, Southern Railway on December 23, 2019| 4 Comments »
It’s a cold, crisp and frosty December morning as we approach Christmas at Canute Road Quay and the crew on board ex LSWR Adams B4 Class No. 100 try to keep warm whilst shunting on the quay as flurries of snow start to get heavier.
As the festive season and New Year break is upon us, I just wanted to say very many thanks to all of you whom have taken the time to read this blog over the past 12 months. I hope you have found such ramblings interesting and informative.
I have always enjoyed corresponding with many of you that have made contact me either directly at shows, email or via the comments field on my various posts. I look forward to corresponding with you again in the New Year.
My outings with either Canute Road Quay or Fisherton Sarum planned for 2020 and beyond can be found on my Exhibition Diary page here. I also thank those friends and family whom have assisted me exhibiting / playing with my train sets during 2019.
A further flurry of activity will be taking place at the start of the new year with both Hornby (January 6th) and Bachmann (February 5th) announcing their new ranges and I will bring you all the Southern Railway / Southern Region related news on here as soon as their announcements are made.
I once again take this opportunity to thank the various manufacturers, publishers and retailers whom have allowed me privileged access to some of their plans and developments and often taken on board feedback, suggestions and advice, with the sole aim of promoting and furthering modelling of the Southern Railway / Southern Region.
Seasons greetings, whatever your faith or beliefs, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! Fill up your life with as much love, compassion, tolerance, peace, happiness as you can and hopefully some time for modelling!
Posted in Canute Road Quay, Model News, tagged 45 T Ransomes and Rapier steam crane, Bachmann, Canute Road Quay, Southern, Southern Railway, Southern Region, Swanage Railway on December 21, 2019| 3 Comments »
Bachmann announced back in March 2015 they we to produce the 45T Ransomes and Rapier Steam Breakdown Crane based on the two that were supplied (procured by the Government) to the Southern Railway, four to the Great Western Railway and a further two to the Ministry of Supply / LNER under wartime conditions in 1940. These impressive models have now hit the retailers and can be seen in this post recovering a derailed B4 0-4-0t on Canute Road Quay.
The Bachamm 45T Ransomes and Rapier crane comes to the aid of a B4 at Canute Canute Road Quay!
The design was based on the 36T cranes supplied to the Southern Railway in 1937 with a modified carriage to suit the increased capacity.
The two supplied to the Southern Railway were numbered 1560S (later British Railway numbers DS1560 and ADRR95209) and 1561S (DS1561 and ADRR95210).
The B4 Driver looks either worried, concerned or relieved to see the crane
Number 1561S is preserved and is currently located on the Swanage Railway. The two Southern Railway cranes were prior to nationalisation based at Guildford / Nine Elms and Feltham.
Bachmann have initially produced four versions in SR (38-800), GWR (38-801), BR (38-802) black liveries and a version in BR Red livery (38-803).
An overhead view of the Ransomes and Rapier crane complete with Jib Runner. The Cab roof and chimney are in the lowered position for transit
The models incorporate the variations in the prototypes such as Jib Runner details, tool boxes (additional ones as per the SR version), open (as per the SR versions) and closed frame Relieving Bogies and chimneys.
A further view of the complete 45T crane
The model is certainly impressive, and in my eyes is worth the approx £250 price tag and is by a country mile the best ready to run rail mounted crane yet produced for the UK market. It comes fully rigged and tensioned and whilst it is manual operation it can be fully posed with a range of moving parts.
A closer view of the main crane carriage showing the level of detail. All the gears rotate and the piston rod and flywheel move when raising and lowering the hook
The jig and hook can be raised and lowered with all the gearing moving, the piston and linkage and flywheel rotates when raising and lowering the hook, the crane body can be swung through 360 degrees, the outriggers pulled out form the chassis, the cab roof raised and chimney positioned for use or stowed when travelling.
Another view of the Crane Carriage
The jib and hook operation is via a neat key that is inserted into the rear of the cab / boiler, having first removed the circular ‘manhole doors’ using the magnet on the opposite end of the key. It should be noted that these ‘manhole doors’ are not washout plugs, as stated in some reviews, but allowed access to the water space above the boiler tubes and to one end of the tubeplate.
A view of the cab / boiler rear , the two ‘Doors’ that are removed using the magnet end of the Key to allow operation of the job and the hook
Tension lock couplings are fitted in NEM pockets to the outer ends of the two Relieving Bogies and both ends of the Jib Runner. Accessories are provided to be fitted if required such as vacuum pipes and screw link couplings , should the tension lock coupling not be required. As well as the operating key a separate cab access ladder (removed when travelling), spreader bar and a set of exquisite etched brass painted nameplates (and there are a lot) to be fitted over the fine printed versions on the model if required.
A final view of the 45T crane about to re rail the B4 tank
My pictures left show, of course, the SR version, on Canute Road Quay, it must have been visiting the area for some other reason, it is also likely to appear on Fisherton Sarum, again it must have been visiting for some reason as the crane allocated to Salisbury was in fact a 36t version, but my rule one applies.
Whilst not perhaps fully practical for full operation or powered (imagine the costs if it were) it is certainly a beautiful model and will provide hours of fun especially for a range of photo shoots. Well done Bachmann!
Posted in Model News, tagged Covered Goods Wagon, Dapol, Diagram 1424, Rails of Sheffield, SECR, South Eastern and Chatham Railway, Southern, Southern Railway, Southern Region on December 11, 2019| 4 Comments »
Following their announcement in April this year retailer Rails of Sheffield have delivered on their SECR Diagram 1424 8 & 10 ton 16ft Covered Goods wagon as part of their range of exclusive models.
No. 45455, Southern Railway brown, 1936 livery
Another view of No. 45455, Southern Railway brown, 1936 livery
No. S45358, BR freight stock grey
They have worked in partnership with a 3rd party UK based 3D printing specialist and also Dapol for the final assembly and decoration to manufacture these models using a new technique that features: A new, ultra high resolution, super strong aeronautical grade PU with a design life exceeding 25 years, a build process using the very latest light technology and is infinitely flexible for making all variants and low volume production potential for niche, products previously not capable of being produced economically for Ready To Run.
110 of these wagons were between 1904 and 1908, to an increased length of 16 feet during the Wainwright era. Later designated Southern Railway diagram 1424.
Several examples surviving to British Railways ownership, at least until 1956. The models produced by Rails reflect the later SR and BR condition of the vehicles.
Initially three liveries have been produced, with two running numbers in each livery:
The pair of SR 1936 livery versions together
The models faithfully replicate the prototype as per the later stages of their life with respect to the break gear and buffers, it means that the models in this form can not be back dated to liveries earlier than those offered.
There are a few points to note.
Being a version of 3D printing, despite the new to the hobby process, the finish when viewed very close up, is not quite as smooth as we would expect from an injection moulded plastic, however the aim of the process is to allow smaller production runs and produce models that would perhaps not be so economically viable via the more traditional process.
The models are fitted with pin point Alan Gibson wheelsets, but are not running in brass bearings so are not as free running as they could be.
The other side of No. 45455 showing the excess paint flow
The roof is a separate component and is a push fit into the body and may require a little to glue to hold it fully in place depending on the amount of handling and being white will definitely be improved with some weathering.
The decoration finish on the whole is OK but some of my versions in places showed a little excess paint flow. The lettering on the body sides is neatly printed however the solebars are missing any of the lettering that appeared on the prototype.
Rails of Sheffield should be congratulated on taking the step to introduce the new manufacturing process to our hobby and to enable the more niche, products previously not capable of being produced economically to be available to us Ready To Run. As the initial run of these models appears to have sold out I hope it will lead to more production runs, variations and prototypes, especially of course Southern related ones, being produced in due course.
Finally just in case you missed the announcement, in October, Rails of Sheffield have also announced that they are to produce the ex SECR Wainwright D class 4-4-0 locomotive in conjunction with the Railway Museum, to follow the ex LBSC A1 / A1X ‘Terriers’ which are due very soon. Just for clarity the locomotives are being produced via traditional methods and not the 3D printing process of the wagon above. Perhaps someone in Sheffield has a soft spot for the South East of England…
