Ok it is not the proper Atlantic Coast Express , but I’m off for a much welcome summer break to a lovely island where the main airport code is coincidental ACE! Anywho, before I depart for some sun, sea, volcanoes and relaxation I will also leave you with a photo review and few very quick initial thoughts on the new Dapol ex LSWR Adams B4 0-4-0t in 00
Merchant Navy 21C6 complete with ACE headboard on Fisherton Sarum
The Atlantic Coast Express was probably the most misnamed of all the Southern Railway named trains but was a stroke of genius at the same time. Why misnamed you might ask, well of the ten different termini served by the train there was only one that was actually on the Atlantic Coast itself! The genius of the name, however, a result of a competition run in the Southern Railway staff magazine in 1924 credited to Guard F. Rowland* of Woking, was its simple initials ‘ACE’.
Moving on to the Dapol ex LSWR Adams B4 0-4-0t, first announced in March 2014 it has now hit the retailers.
Dapol B4 No. 88
My immediate first impression is that the model is quite light, certainly lighter than recent small tank releases such as the Horny Peckett and the Hatton’s Andrew Barclay. Despite the lack of weight they have run nicely albeit briefly on Canute Road Quay.
A rear 3/4 view of No. 88
A view of BR late crest version No. 30096. Note the larger buffers (none are sprung) and different style cab
B4s No. 30089 and 30096 front comparison
Rear cab comparison between No. 30096 and 30089
Electrical Pick ups are, as you would expect and indeed necessary, wipers on all the rear of four wheels with an open slew wound five pole motor (rather than now more common can motors) driving the rear axle via a flywheel and gear tower.
A trio of B4s
Despite the initial comments above, I am sure the Dapol B4 will still be popular with most SR modellers and from normal viewing distances looks ok and runs well.
Normal service of posting will be back in a couple of weeks, with perhaps more on the B4 and also some views of the Heljan 07.
*footnote, it is unfortunate to record that Guard Roland although based at Woking at the time of the competition moved shortly after to Torrington (one of the ACE’s destinations) but sadly just six years later became the only person to killed on the North Cornwall Railway due to a shunting accident.
My two B4’s (Normandy and Caen) arrived a few days ago. They run well, and the level of detail is very impressive, so a very nice addition. The only issues I have noticed are that on Caen the rear cab spectacles fitted very poorly (soon rectified after popping out and a quick file round the edge with a needle file), there was excess moulding flash round the rear cylinder covers (easily removed), and the couplings are a bit droopy meaning they are a bit too low (yet to be adjusted).
Overall I am very pleased.
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