Tag Archives: 00 works

Model News

’00’ Works to produce a R-T-R ex LSWR Adams A12 class “Jubilee” 0-4-2.

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The ’00’ Works have produced a number of small batches of hand built Ready to Run locomotives including a variety of Southern classes, including most recently the LSWR 0330 class,  ex London and South Western Drummond K10 4-4-0 and  ex LSWR Drummond D15 4-4-0 and also ex London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh I3 4-4-2 Tanks and They also produced, before Hornby, a brass Devon Belle Observation car which graces Fisherton Sarum.
The ’00’works have announced that they are to produce three versions of the ex London and South Western Railway Adams A12 class of 0-4-2 locomotives. There were eventually 90 members of the A12 class built in two batches, the first thirty  between 1887 and 1889 at  Nine Elms works had screw reversers,  with a further 60, with lever reversers, between 1892 and 1895 with 40 being built by the contractors Neilson & Co. They were known as Adams “Jubilees” as the first built in 1887 being the 50th year Jubilee of the Queen Victoria’s reign.
There were a number of details differences, as well the reverser between members of the class that included sanding arrangements, chimney’s (two types of stove pipe and later cast Drummond type) and tenders (small or large 3,000 gallon or 3,300 gallon). They were based at Nine Elms, Guildford, Basingstoke, Yeovil, Exmouth Junction, Strawberry Hill, Salisbury, Wadebridge and Plymouth, they proved successful and popular. Despite the great success of these 90 engines they were the only ones of 0-4-2 wheel arrangement that were ever built by or for the LSWR.

Withdrawals started in 1928 but four of the Neilson engines 618, 627, 629 & 636 survived into British Railways ownership but only just! One of these, 629, was one of seven locomotives withdrawn in January 1939 but reprieved in October of that year due to the increased demand for locomotives following the outbreak of war in September 1939. None of these four survivors carried a British Railways number. There was one other to exist longer in departmental use supplying steam to Eastleigh boiler yard as DS3191 (Ex No. 612) until November 1951.

The initial CAD 3D render published by 00 Works.
A12 No. 528 in SR Olive Green livery is turned on shed at Fisherton Sarum. She is built from a Nu-Cast kit
A12 No. 652 works a local stopping passenger on Fisherton Sarum

Initially three versions are being produced, due for production this year, with pre-orders available to be taken via their website:

  • LSWR Holly Green Lined No. 361, although the class would have been in LSWR passenger green liveries (Holly green was an LSWR Goods loco livery), that she would have carried until March 1925 when she gained SR Olive Green livery.
  • SR Olive Green No. 598 as she ran between between May 1925 and July 1934 if she has the ‘E’ prefix or between July 1934 and c1941 if without ‘E’ prefix (not confirmed at time of writing)
  • SR/BR Black [Sunshine] No. 629 as she carried c1941 and withdrawal in December 1948 (she had originally been withdrawn in January 1939 but reinstated in October the same year).

The will no doubt follow the earlier releases and will comprise of an all Metal cast body and fitted with a Coreless motor. The A12 will also come fitted with slimline Bachmann/Hornby type couplings which can be unscrewed to replace if required. Delivery is expected Summer 2021.

Previously the A12 was only available as a Nu-Cast white metal kit and a I have couple that could often be seen on Fisherton Sarum.

Past Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works, some of which have since been produced or announced by the major manufacturers, has in addition to the 0330, K10,D15 and I3 mentioned above, included: N15, 700, C, H,  E4 and Adams Radial classes. The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we seem from the likes of Hornby or Bachmann, they have in the past filled gaps in the market and they should be applauded for taking on another LSWR / Southern prototype.

Model News

’00’ Works to produce a R-T-R ex LSWR Beyer 0330 class “Saddleback” 0-6-0t Saddle Tanks

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The ’00’ Works have produced a number of small batches of hand built Ready to Run locomotives including a variety of Southern classes, including most recently ex London and South Western Drummond K10 4-4-0 and  ex LSWR Drummond D15 4-4-0 and also  ex London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh I3 4-4-2 Tanks and They also produced, before Hornby, a brass Devon Belle Observation car which graces Fisherton Sarum.
The ’00’works have announced that they are to produce four versions of the ex London and South Western W.G.Beattie / Beyer Peacock ‘0330’ class 0-6-0t Saddle tanks known as “Saddelbacks”. Twenty of these Beyer Peacock designed 0-6-0 saddle tanks were ordered by W.G.Beattie and constructed between 1876 (6) 1877 (2) and 1882/3 (12). All were renumbered into the duplicate list by prefixing with a ‘0’ between 1894 and 1911. All entered service with the Southern Railway in 1923. The first withdrawals commenced in 1924, by the end of 1930 only five remained and the last withdrawals (0332 and 0334) took place in 1932. Number 0127 was sold to the East Kent Railway in 1926, becoming No.7, lasting until March 1946 and Number 0335 was part of an exchange with the Kent and East Sussex Railway in July 1932 being laid up in October 1946 and finally being broken up in Aug 1948.

Initially three versions are being produced, due for production this year, with pre-orders available to be taken via their website:

  • LSWR Holly Green No. 316
  • SR Lined Black No. 0334 in the condition between receiving the duplicate 0 prefix to the number in Nov 1911 and withdrawal in Aug 1932
  • Kent and East Sussex Railway Apple Green No.4 (ex SR 0335) as she ran between July 1932 and October 1946
  • East Kent Railway Apple Green No.7 (ex SR 0127) as she ran between Jan 1926 and April 1937 when she was fitted with a Walker style chimney.

The will no doubt follow the earlier releases and will comprise of an all Metal cast body and fitted with a Coreless motor. The 0330 will also come fitted with slimline Bachmann/Hornby type couplings which can be unscrewed to replace if required. Delivery is expected late 2020.

Past Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works, some of which have since been produced or announced by the major manufacturers, has in addition to the K10,D15 and I3 mentioned above, included: N15, 700, C, H,  E4 and Adams Radial classes. The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we seem from the likes of Hornby or Bachmann, they have in the past filled gaps in the market and they should be applauded for taking on another LSWR / Southern prototype.

Model News

’00’ Works to produce a R-T-R ex LSWR Drummond K10 class 4-4-0 locomotive

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The ’00’ Works have produced a number of small batches of hand built Ready to Run locomotives including a variety of Southern classes, including most recently an ex London and South Western Drummond D15 4-4-0 and also  ex London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh I3 4-4-2 Tanks. They also produced, before Hornby, a brass Devon Belle Observation car which graces Fisherton Sarum.
The ’00’works have announced that they are to produce three  versions of the ex London and South Western Drummond K10 4-4-0 mixed traffic locomotives, known as “Small Hoppers”.

The Image of the CAD drawing released by the 00 Works for their ex LSWR K10 Class

Initially three versions are being produced, due for production this year, with pre-orders available to be taken via their website:

  • SR Sage / Olive Lined No. 347
  • SR Black Bulleid Black Sunshine lettering No. 389
  • BR Black No. 30382 (early emblem)

The will no doubt follow the earlier releases and will comprise of an all Metal cast body and fitted with a Coreless motor. The K10 will also come fitted with slimline Bachmann/Hornby type couplings which can be unscrewed to replace if required. Delivery is expected late 2019.

 

My model of a K10 Class No. 389 ‘Small Hopper’. Built from a Sharp etched brass kit

As I explained in my Talking Stock#17 Post hereDrummond was responsible for the introduction of 18 locomotive types including from the diminutive C14 class, 700’s, M7’s, a number of 4-4-0 classes including of course the renown T9 ‘Greyhounds’ class a small number of 4-6-0’s classes such as the T14’s and also a couple of railcars too. In 1901/2 Drummond introduced the K10 class known as “Small Hoppers” (the later larger Drummond L11 class was known as the “Large Hoppers”) they were a class of 40 which shared the same cylinders, boiler and firebox as the earlier C8 class but with 5’7″ driving wheels for mixed traffic duties. Like the C8 class their steaming ability was not great so they generally were kept on secondary routes.

Another view of my kit built K10 Class

They were mainly paired with 3500 six wheel tenders although some were paired with the larger 4000 gallon 8 wheel ‘watercart’ tenders.
The K10s were never superheated and had few changes during their lifetime apart from the original Drummond firebox water tubes being removed by Urie and the removal of the smokebox wingplates. Ten of the class were fitted with stovepipe chimneys in 1925 to allow their use on the Eastern Section.  Nine members of the class were withdrawn in 1947 with the remaining entering British Railways stock for a brief while, only No. 30382 received its BR Number whilst  No. 389 was the last to survive until July 1951.

Past Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works, some of which have since been produced or announced by the major manufacturers, has in addition to the D15 and I3 mentioned above, included: N15, 700, C, H,  E4 and Adams Radial classes. The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we seem from the likes of Hornby or Bachmann, they have in the past filled gaps in the market and they should be applauded for taking on another LSWR / Southern prototype.

General, Model News, Model Reviews

Guest review of the 00 Works RTR ex LSWR Drummond 4-4-0 D15 Class

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The small manufacturer of Ready To Run locomotive 00 Works announced back in May 2017 their intention to produce a batch of ex LSWR Drummond 4-4-0 D15s  A number of the versions have now arrived from 00 Works, although as with many of their releases I have not personally ordered one myself (I already have a couple of kit built examples,  that can be seen here in my Talking Stock #17 post along with some further details on the prototype) I am indebted to friend and fellow Southern modeller Tony Teague for once again providing his photographs and comments below.

This release follows on from a number of Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works in the past such as: N15, 700, C, E4, I3 and 0415 Adams Radial classes (although of course some of these have now all been subsequently been announced or produced by the major manufacturers). The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we see from the likes of Hornby and Bachmann, or from if built carefully from kits. No other ready to run D15 exists although kits have been available in the past  from BEC and PDK

No. 463 The 00 Works ex LSWR D15 class
Tony advised: Having just taken delivery of the new 00 Works D15 loco in Southern olive green, I am pleased to say that it was extremely well packed, has a lot of weight above the driving wheels and captures the essence of Drummond’s original locomotive. As with 00 Works’ previous Southern loco (the I3 tank) the model has some interior cab detail, and wire handrails, whilst the lined olive livery is very well executed, however, this is a “limited run” RTR loco and at £280 it is not cheap; on this basis there are a number of niggles, some of which could perhaps have easily been resolved. 

A head of view by comparison with OO Works D15 left and kit built PDK version right
The moulded coal in the bunker does not look good and is not easily removable, so it will need some real coal to cover it; if real coal is not supplied, then my personal preference would be for the tender to be modelled empty. A tension lock coupling was fitted to the front of the loco and this was easily removed, although no alternative was supplied. Although the coupling rods are blackened, the wheel rims are not and look too shiny, there is no rivet detail around the boiler (which is prominent on the prototype), and although the top and bottom lamp irons are fitted, the two central ones (which should be on either side of the smoke box) are not represented; finally, brake hangars and blocks are modelled but there is no brake rigging.
Tony continued; On my particular model, the fixed loco to tender coupling was holding the front tender wheels off the track – which was easily adjusted, whilst the red cabside oval plates did not have the loco number within them. 

The understaide of the 00 Works D15
The model is fitted with a coreless motor which is new for 00 Works, and whilst it appears powerful it seems noisier than other recent release from the mainstream manufacturers, however, my biggest problem arose from the way in which the loco is wired. It has pickups on one side of the loco and on the opposite side of the tender only – so of 14 available wheels (including the front bogie) the loco only picks up from 5 –  a single wire connects the loco and tender (see picture). I spoke to Roderick Bruce at 00 Works and he described the way in which the loco was wired as “the American standard”; he also pointed out that his previous tender locos have been wired the same way.

Tony’s PDK kit built version to allow a comparison

I have since remedied this by fitting additional pick-ups to the opposite side of the loco, however, the conversation did cause me to look at my other 00 Works locos and perhaps unsurprisingly, I had noted 3 of them as being “poor runners” that I had yet to attend to. I have since fitted additional pick-ups to each and this has resolved all of the running issues, however, this does make me wonder whether it is reasonable these days to provide so few pick-ups – particularly on a 4-4-0 loco!
Once the wiring was remedied, I put the loco onto a test train consisting of 8 x Hornby Pullmans and it was able to pull away on the flat – albeit with some wheel-slip – and make good speed; once run in it may perhaps do better.

Overall I am now happy with the loco, but it needed some tweaking to get to this point. Given that there is no mainstream RTR model of the D15 available, the 00 Works model remains a good choice, because the kit-built option will cost at least double – unless you are going to build the kit yourself. Nevertheless I think it would be fair to say that there is “room for improvement”!

From my own view of the images Tony supplied and those I have seen elsewhere an area that has slightly let down the finish of the 00 Works releases in the past has been the highly visible carrier film to decals especially the numbers, although Tony’s example in SR Olive Greens looks OK I have seen that this issue still exists on their numbered releases, especially the lined BR versions.

Despite these small issues the model from 00 Works fills a niche gap in the RTR market and a with little additional detail makes a fine model. Thanks again for Tony for his pictures and comments on this model.

Model News

’00’ Works to produce a R-T-R ex LSWR Drummond D15 4-4-0 locomotive

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The ’00’ Works have produced a number of small batches of hand built Ready to Run locomotives including a variety of Southern classes, including most recently an ex London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh I3 4-4-2 Tanks. They also produced, before Hornby, a brass Devon Belle Observation car which graces Fisherton Sarum. The ’00’works have announced that they are to produce three  versions of the ex London and South Western Drummond D14 4-4-0 express passenger locomotives.

The Image of the CAD drawing released by the 00 Works for their ex LSWR D15 4-4-0

Initially three versions are being produced, due for production this year, with pre-orders available to be taken via their website:

  • BR Black Lined No 30465 (Small early crest with stove-pipe chimney)
  • SR Black Bulleid Black Sunshine lettering No 466 (Original chimney, no Snifting valves)
  • SR Olive Lined No 463 (Original chimney with Snifting valves) 

The 00 Works advise that the The D-15 will have an all Metal cast body and fitted with a Coreless motor. The D-15 will also come fitted with slimline Bachmann/Hornby type couplings which can be unscrewed to replace if required.

My first D15 No. 466 built from a BEC Kit

As I explained in my Talking Stock#17 Post here Drummond was responsible for the introduction of 18 locomotive types including from the diminutive C14 class, 700’s, M7’s, a number of 4-4-0 classes including of course the renown T9 ‘Greyhounds’ class a small number of 4-6-0’s classes such as the T14’s and also a couple of railcars too. Over ten of these classes were long lived and survived well into British Railways ownership with the last of the D15 class not being withdrawn until 1956.

Also built from a BEC kit is my No. 467 in cleaner condition than 466

The D15’s were the final 10 Drummond 4-4-0’s introduced and were a version of the L12 class but with a longer boiler and firebox, with an overall 18″ longer wheelbase than the T9. The D15s performed exceptionally well and were put to work on the Bournemouth line where, apparently, many drivers preferred them to the less successful Drummond 4-6-0’s designs. They latterly saw extensive use on the Portsmouth line.

Past Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works, some of which have since been produced or announced by the major manufacturers, has in addition to the I3 mentioned above, included: N15, 700, C, H,  E4 and Adams Radial classes. The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we seem from the likes of Hornby or Bachmann, they have in the past filled gaps in the market and they should be applauded for taking on another LSWR / Southern prototype.

Exhibitions, General, HW&DMRS, Kernow Models, Model News

British Model Railway Awards, vote now, vote Southern…

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In previous years the model of the year poll was jointly run between RMweb, Model Rail Magazine and the online MREmag.com. This year Model Rail Magazine have decided to run their own awards and so the established process and poll will now be promoted on RMweb, through British Railways Modelling Magazine and on the online MREmag.com as the British Model Railway Awards.

As well as giving you the chance to vote for your favourite models and manufacturers of the year as before, the categories have been broadened to celebrate excellence and innovation in the wider British model railway scene. New awards cover retailers, websites, exhibitions and layouts, acknowledging the huge contributions they make to our hobby.

The voting is now open, running from Saturday 26th December to Saturday 9th January and the results will be published at the end of January to tie in with the magazine sale dates.

There have of course been a number of Southern / Southern Region related models released during 2015 so I urge you to support the production of these models by choosing your best in the relevant category and voting accordingly. These Southern models are as follows:

N Gauge:

00 Gauge

0 Gauge

  • Dapol A1x ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T

I am also very humbled to see that this little corner of the blogosphere of mine has been nominated within the website of the year category, so and this is a bit of a, well a big, shameless plug, please feel free to vote for it, if you have enjoyed my ramblings over the last twelve months.

Regular readers will also know that I am member of the High Wycoombe and District Model Railway Society and our annual Wycrail exhibition is one of those that has been nominated in the Exhibition of the year category, so again if you attended it, enjoyed it and think it deserves your vote…

Please make sure you vote counts to support the Southern / Southern Region models that have been produced by voting here before the 9th January. 

Here endeth the shameless plug….

 

 

 

 

General, Model News, Model Reviews

First ex LBSC Marsh I3 4-4-2T’s arrive from 00 Works

7 Comments

In May last year I reported that the small manufacturer of Ready To Run locomotive 00 Works are to produce seven variations of the ex London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh I3 4-4-2 Tanks.  The first version has now arrived from 00 Works, although I have not personally ordered one myself (I already have a kit built one, that can be seen here in my Talking Stock #25 post along with some further details on the prototype) I am indebted to fellow Southern modeller Tony Teague for his photographs and comments below.

The 00 Works I3 4-4-2T in plain black with no decals. Picture courtesy and copyright T Teague

This release follows on from a number of Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works in the past such as: N15, 700, C, E4 and 0415 Adams Radial classes (although of course these have now all been subsequently been announced or produced by the major manufacturers). The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we see from the likes of Hornby and Bachmann, or from if built carefully from kits.

A rear 3/4 view of the 00 Works I3, note the lack of buffer beam lamp irons. Picture courtesy and copyright T Teague

Tony advised: The I3 has a bit more detail than seen on previous 00 Works models including some interior cab detail, etched rear cab window grills, wire handrails and a good representation of a Westinghouse pump; from my perspective as a Southern Railway modeller the numberplate moulded onto the smoke box door is not quite so helpful on what is a plain, unnumbered version, but I’ll probably live with it. The moulded coal in the bunker does not look good; if real coal is not supplied, as it has been on some previous 00 Works models, then I’d prefer an empty bunker. The model has a smooth, fairly quiet motor and I put it onto a fairly heavy test train without any running in, and it was able to pull away, albeit with some wheel-slip, and make good speed.

A higher view of the I3 note the lack of smokebox top, and side bufferbeam lamp irons. Picture courtesy and copyright T Teague

Tony continued; advising that he has obtained a number of the 00 Works releases since 2002: Some are much better than others – I like their N15 King Arthur’s for example, but at the other end the Adams Radial is an awful performer! Early models also tended to have the bodies fixed to the chassis via a large, visible screw, but I have to say that like other manufacturers, 00 Works have progressed and improved, and I feel that the I3 is one of their best. Given the current cost of getting a kit built and the lack of any RTR I3 in the foreseeable future I am still of the view that this represents reasonable value for money.

From my own view of the images Tony supplied and those I have seen elsewhere I also note that although this model includes the characteristic LBSC style front tall middle iron positions, but it omits the buffer beam lamp irons at the base the of the tall ones and the upper smokebox position completely, although the centre lamp iron is present. On the Bunker rear however the upper and two middle lamp irons are include but not any on the buffer beam. Another area that has slightly let down the finish of the 00 Works releases in the past has been the highly visible carrier film to decals especially the numbers, although Tony’s is an unnumbered version I have seen that this issue still exists on their numbered releases.

Despite these small issues the model from 00 Works fills a niche gap in the RTR market and a with little additional detail makes a fine model. Thanks again for Tony for his pictures and comments on this model.

General, Model News

’00’ Work to produce a R-T-R Marsh I3 class 4-4-2 tank

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The ’00’ Works have produced a number of small batches of hand built Ready to Run locomotives including a variety of Southern classes. They also produced, before Hornby, a brass Devon Belle Observation car which graces Fisherton Sarum. The ’00’works have announced that they are to produce seven of versions of the ex London Brighton and South Coast (LBSC) Marsh designed I3 Class.

My I3 No. 2084 built from a Wills kit, She is the latter condition with cut down boiler fittings and cab to suit the SR composite loading gauge

As I described in my Talking Stock #25 Marsh got one atlantic 4-4-2 tank right with the I3 post the I3 tanks  were very successful  and gained an excellent reputation especially with respect to fuel economy. When electrification of the Brighton lines started to displace them they found new jobs elsewhere. Having been built initially to the more generous Brighton loading gauge they were cut down slightly by reducing the height of the boiler mountings and rounding off of the cab roofs to work on the Eastern section, they subsequently worked further afield.

The 7 variations of the locomotive announced are:

– LBSC, Umber Brown No 25 with clerestory cab roof and round topped dome – £250
– SR  Olive Green.lined 2025 with clerestory cab roof and flat topped dome – £250
– BR Plain 32030Early crest with clerestory cab roof and flat topped dome – £250
– BR LINED  32091  with rounded cab roof and  flat topped dome – £240
– PLAIN  UMBER with clerestory cab roof and round topped dome – £230
– PLAIN BLACK with rounded cab roof and  flat topped dome – £225
– PLAIN BLACK with clerestory cab roof and flat topped dome – £225

Past Southern locomotive produced by the ’00’ Works, some of which have since been produced or announced by the major manufacturers, has included: N15, 700, C, E4 and Adams Radial classes. The level of detail of these models has steadily improved over time, although is still not as high as we seem from the likes of Hornby or Bachmann, they have in the past filled gaps in the market and they should be applauded for taking on another LBSC / Southern prototype.

Fisherton Sarum, General, Talking Stock

Talking stock #20 The Devon Belle

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The “Devon Belle” Pullman service between London Waterloo and Ilfracombe with a portion to Plymouth did not in reality last for long as named train services go. It was introduced by the Southern Railway on 20th June 1947 and lasted until September 1954. Usually the train was worked from London to Exeter with Merchant Navy class pacifics and was then split with a four coach portion heading to Plymouth and the remaining eight (sometimes up to ten) coaches including the iconic observation car heading to Ilfracombe both portions usually behind Bulleid Light Pacifics.

Light Pacific 34011 ‘Tavistock’ in experimental Apple Green livery heads the London bound Devon Belle deputising for the more usual Merchant Navy Class

At the time it was the only service to as advertised run ‘non stop’ from Waterloo to Exeter i.e. not stopping at Salisbury, although in reality an unadvertised stop was made at Wilton (the next station to the west of Salisbury) to change engines. This resulted in light engine movements between Wilton and Salisbury in each direction.

Merchant Navy 21C14 shows off the iconic Devon Belle headboard and deflector wing plates

To meet the needs of up and down services two Devon Belle rakes were formed along with two popular observation cars on the Ilfracombe portion. These observation cars, numbered 13 and 14, were converted from other coaches, with the origins of No 14 being an ex LNWR Ambulance car which was converted into a Pullman car in 1921 before being ultimately converted for its role as an observation car. With the decline in passenger numbers first the number of operating days was reduced, then from 1950 the Plymouth section ceased and ultimately the final Ilfracombe Devon Belle service was run in September 1954.

Passengers having paid the supplement enjoy the view from the ’00 Works’ Devon Belle observation car

A representation of the Devon Belle has been one of the signature trains on Fisherton Sarum since the layouts first public appearance in November 2006. My rake, albeit not a full 12 /14 coaches for space reasons is formed from Hornby Pullman coaches along with a brass observation car from ‘00’ Works prior to the later introduction of the Hornby model.  I have both a light Pacific 34011 ‘Tavistock’ (in early British Railways apple green livery) and a Merchant Navy Pacific 21C14 ‘Nederland Line’ decorated with the iconic Devon Belle head board and smoke deflector wing plates for operating this train. Where possible we also include the light engine movement from the shed to the west towards Wilton and back.