Tag Archives: Adams o2 class

Exhibitions, Kernow Models, Locomotives, Painting & Decorating, Techniques, Workbench, Workbench Witterings

Workbench Witterings #5 O2 and not an O2, is this more weathering I see before me

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With a nod to the fact that today, 23rd April, is not only St Georges Day, but also the date on which William Shakespeare is understood to have both been born and this year the 400th anniversary of his death, hence the stretching of a few quotations from his writings (so much more than witterings) in the title.
My last Workbench Witterings #4 post detailed some of the locomotives I have been working on and finishing over the last few weeks and this Workbench Witterings #5 post shows a few more.

The Kernow Model Rail Centre O2 number 225 now weathered
The Kernow Model Rail Centre O2 number 225 now weathered

First up is a pair of the Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR Adams O2 class, 0-4-4Ts in the form of two mainland versions in SR post war black livery. Number 225, Kernow Model Rail Centre release K2105, was already in post 1946 SR black so has been lightly weathered, crew added

O2 Number 225 will be coupled to a Pull Push set using a prototypical screw coupling

(nice and simple to do as the cab roof is designed to be easily removed) and real coal added to the bunker.
She will generally be seen on Fisherton Sarum sharing duties with an M7 class loco coupled to my Pull Push set number 734 or the Kernow Model Rail Centre ex LSWR Gate Stock Pull Push sets when they arrive.

O2 Number 193 for use on shunting duties

Number 193 started life in BR lined black livery as 30193, Kernow Model Rail Centre release K2106,  and repainted into unlined SR livery, unlike 225 is non pull push fitted.
Now backdated to number 193 as well as crew on the footplate and real coal added to the bunker she has been fitted with both red and white lamps at each end on the lamp irons above the buffers, as per a locomotive carrying our shunting duties.

A rear 3/4 view of O2 number 193

I have also, carefully using a small razor saw, cut out the cab doors as these were only found on the pull push fitted mainland O2s (although those on the Isle of Wight also had cab doors). To reduce the distance that the tension lock coupling extends past the buffers I also shortened the NEM coupling pocket slightly by cutting off a few millimeters from the front face and holding the tension lock coupling in with a spot of glue.
If you own one these Kernow Model Rail Centre O2s it is also worth checking that the back to backs of the driving wheels are correctly set to 14.5mm, as some have reported issues with haulage which has mainly been due to the back to backs being slightly too wide and simple to rectify by pushing the wheels in slightly, not that mine needed any such adjustment.

A repainted and weathered Bachmann E4

Next up is a Bachmann ex LBSC Billinton E4 Class, 0-6-2T repainted and numbered as 2486. Although ex LBSC locomotives they could seen seen across a wide area of the Southern network. After the closure of the Salisbury Western Region shed in 1950 the ex SR shed was allocated numbers 32506 and 32486.

A rear 3/4 view of a work stained E4 number 2486

This was reported as being much to the annoyance of the ex WR crews on the duty shunting Fisherton Yard as they preferred their previsous GWR pannier tanks! So modellers licence regarding the bringing date of allocation to Salisbury slightly earlier will apply on Fisherton Sarum. She has been finished in a condition where she could benefit from a good clean and a bit of an overhaul.

Van B number 231

Finally for now, it is not just locomotives that I have got round to finishing off with a bit of weathering, also seen here are a couple of Non Passenger Carrying Cars.
Firstly the Hornby Bogie Van B that I  mentioned on my Workbench Witterings #1 post after repainted into malachite green a while ago as non stove fitted version number 231.

A weathered Bachmann PLV

The other is a Bachmann PLV, Parcels Luggage Van (coded PMV in BR parlance) and is still in Maunsell green under the layer of grime.

As I said before I have managed to catch up with finishing a number outstanding projects and these last two Workbench Witterings Posts don’t yet cover them all but I wont bore you with more pictures of weathered black locomotives for now  so watch this space for something different next time around.

Armchair, General, Kernow Models, Model News

From the armchair, pre-grouping models and R-T-R, is back dating that simple?

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In a way this post follows on from my previous ramblings in my ‘armchair’ series such as “Armchair R-T-R Designers” and “Armchair R-T-R tooling and manufacturing Logistics” and even my comment piece on “The process in producing an R-T-R Models”.
Questions were recently raised on a popular model railway forum why certain Ready-To-Run (R-T-R) models either have not been or are going to be produced in either Pre-Grouping liveries or form, even to extent that the manufacturers were losing sales because of it. I would point out however that if the demand was not actually there to sell a complete batch, as minimum production run sizes often come into play, of a certain livery then it might be a case of not enough sales rather than one of loosing sales.

I picked up on this because the models in question being discussed were the recently released Adams O2 class 0-4-4t and the forthcoming Pull Push Gate Stock from The Kernow Model Centre, that were not being produced in London South Western Railway (LSWR) liveries. The particular post also cited the fact some manufacturers had already managed to issued Pre-Grouping livery versions such as: the Bachmann E4 Class 0-6-2t and C Class 0-6-0; and the Hornby M7 0-4-4t. Whilst other models including the Hornby 700 Class 0-6-0 and T9 class 4-4-0 and the aforementioned O2 have not yet been so issued.

In an ideal world if money was no object I am sure the likes of The Kernow Model Centre and even the larger manufacturers such as Hornby would love to tool for all permutations and variations of a particular prototype, but economics do rule and decisions have to be taken based on the size of a potential market for a specific variation / livery and the return possible.

Where the existing tooling is correct / accurate for the same locomotive / rolling with either no or very limited detail changes for an earlier period such as the Pre-Grouping era, or even early Grouping times, then producing such liveries, in perhaps a smaller production run becomes a viable option. However where there would need to be substantial tooling changes, complexities or even completely new tooling the return on such an expense, that can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds, against potential sales needs to be taken into account.

I would therefore not perhaps rule out an LSWR liveried Adams O2 at some stage, as this importantly could be achieved from the existing tooling.

With respect to the Kennow Model Centre ex LSWR Gate Stock these were modified in the early 1930’s from the original LSWR design and therefore the proposed tooling would not be correct for any liveries before that modification took place. Sets 373/4 were converted to Southern Railway air control system in 1929/30 and at the same time gained the standard Southern Railway four window pull push unit style front end, instead of the earlier LSWR 3 window front end.  Set 272 was disbanded in 1929 (prior to driving front end and air control conversion) and reformed as set 363 in 1933, with standard SR front and air control, as per sets 373/4.

A version of the Kernow Model Centre ex LSWR Beattie Well Tank was produced in SR Maunsell 1930’s livery No 3329 but as in the early 1930s the Well Tanks were already on their second substantial rebuild, completely new tooling would have been required to be correct for any earlier livery application.

Both the Hornby produced 700 class 0-6-0 and T9 class 4-4-0 engines were fitted with superheaters from the very end of the pre-Grouping period onwards that not only extended the smokeboxes but in the case of the 700 class also raised the pitch of the boilers, by some 9 inches, extended the frames and a new taller cab, and in such a case would not only require a totally new body tooling but would effect the chassis design as well, which even with the high pitched boiler of the superheated version produced is already very tight for space for the motor a gearbox etc. I do note however that that there would be possibly 4 or 5 members of each class that could legitimately be produced in late LSWR livery in the superheated form from the existing tooling, if Hornby felt the the market was there for them.

I hope this post goes a little way to further explain the issues and complexities of producing Ready To Run models and that sometimes it is neither practical or cost effective to be able to please all modellers all of the time. I am pretty sure that none of us want to return to the days of putting any livery on any model regardless of any historical accuracy!

 

 

 

General, Kernow Models, Model News

And the winners are… British Model Railway Awards

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What was previously known as the ‘Model of the Year’ awards have this year been promoted on RMweb, through British Railways Modelling Magazine and on the online MREmag.com as the British Model Railway Awards. As part of the evolution the categories were broadened to celebrate excellence and innovation in the wider British model railway scene. New awards now also cover retailers, websites, exhibitions and layouts, acknowledging the huge contributions they make to our hobby.

The winners of the first British Model Railway Awards for 2015 have been announced today and can be read here.

Kernow Models K2105 number 225 as mainland pull push fitted sits awaiting coaling on Fisherton Sarum

Congratulations to all the winners; and in particular the Kernow Model Rail Centre  for winning the best 00 gauge steam locomotive for their  ex London and South Western Railway Adams O2 class 0-4-4T , Graham Farish for winning the N gauge steam locomotive of the year with their original Bulleid Merchant Navy 4-6-2 and also Dapol for winning the best 0 Gauge steam locomotive with their ex London Brighton and South Coast A1 / A1X Terrier 0-6-0T, therefore ensuring that the Southern Railway is well represented in the awards, which is always good news.

Also well done to the UK Model Shops website for justifiably winning the website of the year award, in which I was surprised and honoured for this humble web blog to have been nominated and came 4th, so many thanks to all who did take the time to vote.

 

 

Fisherton Sarum, Kernow Models, Model News, Model Reviews

The first Kernow Model Centre Adams O2 0-4-4t to arrive soon

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Sometime soon, hopefully around the 20th,  the first variation of the Kernow Model Centre Adams O2 class 0-4-4t should land at Southampton dockside following its journey from China (obviously it will then take a short while to actually get the shipment to the Kernow Model Centre). This initial version to land is their K2105 as mainland version number 255 in Southern Railway black with Bulleid style sunshine lettering, which just by chance is ideal for my own modelling period. The expected arrival dates of the other variations can be read on the Kernow Model Centre website here.  I have been fortunate to have received one of the models that has been sent in advance by air freight for magazine reviews etc.

Kernow Models K2105 number 225 in ex works condition sits awaiting coaling on Fisherton Sarum

The O2 class of 60 0-4-4 tank locomotives were introduced in 1889 and despite their size proved powerful and were a development of the T1 class. They were originally intended to replace the ageing Beattie tanks. They ended up generally on branch line use across the ex LSWR network although of course off the mainland the class is most associated with their use on the Isle of Wight railways. Some mainland versions like the Kernow Model Centre number 225 example were fitted with the Southern Railway air control pull-push equipment (although it was later removed from 225 in early BR days).

As regular readers will know I have been involved from the outset providing assistance to the Kernow Model Centre with these models so it would be unfair of me to offer a full detailed critical review as this might be seen by some as being a conflict of interest so I will let you make your own mind up from the photographs here or trade press reviews which are hitting the shelves about now.

225 shows off the fine separately applied detail around the Westinghouse pump for Pull-Push operation. Train spotters bunking the shed are keen to take an picture of Fisherton Sarum’s latest arrival…

I will however detail some of the features of the model.  Below the running plate it has a cast metal chassis, a coreless motor with gears driving both main axles (the coupling rods are therefore technically cosmetic), electrical pick up is off all wheels including the pony truck and the chassis also has moulded details such as brake gear, rodding (which might be seen by some as being slightly overscale) and guard irons etc. DCC provision has been made simple; the smokebox door is held in place with two small magnets with the 6 pin DCC socket located behind, making fitting a DCC chip a quick job without having to remove the body at all. Under the removable coal load in the bunker is both space and wiring, already in place, for a small cube sound speaker if required.
My version ran sweetly straight out of the box across all speeds and is capable of hauling at least 6 or 7 coaches with ease.

The body which is tooled for a number of variations has a fully detailed cab (the roof being removable for easy access to add crew), some might say that the cab side sheeting and roof edge is of a slight overscale thickness, but this slight compromise will ensure durability.  Both the front and rear spectacles are flush glazed. The handrails with the exception of those either side of the cab doors are separately applied items. The buffers are plastic mouldings and are not sprung.

By way of a tease number 225 looks at home propelling one the Kernow Model Centre Gate Stock  pull-push sets Engineering Prototypes…

This version being pull-push fitted has the Westinghouse pump (noting it is a smaller size pump than that fitted to the Isle of Wight version for air braking) air tank and associated pipework.
Whilst all the Isle of Wight versions had cab doors fitted not all the mainland versions were so fitted (although as a slight tooling compromise all the models will have), most of the pull-push fitted versions did have them so 225 is correct in this respect.
There is a moulded representation of the copper pipe that was fixed directly to the cab rear plating above the rear spectacles that was drilled with holes to act as a sprinkler allowing crew to dampen down the coal in the bunker to keep the dust down.

Another view of 225 It should be noted that I have not added the buffer beam details supplied with the model yet

A detail pack is provided with each model that includes: buffer beam pipework (including the air control pipes), three link couplings, engine head signal discs and an etched fire irons pack.

Although a simple livery being unlined the ‘Sunshine’ lettering has been nicely applied with the correct slight difference between the lettering and the numerals. She is in ex-works condition hence the bright pipework, steel colour banding around the Westinghouse pump body and also around the cab side cut out, my example will certainly be weathered in due course.

I hope that those whom have ordered these models will feel it has been worth the wait, I certainly think she looks the part. As hinted at above the model looks good paired with the forthcoming ex LSWR Gate Stock Pull Push sets also being produced by the Kernow Model Centre, more details are available here (note that there are a number of corrections still to be made to these Engineering Prototypes, and the driving coach and trailer car illustrated above are from a mix of two sets).

General, Kernow Models, Model News

Southern Railway / Region related model news 07/08/15

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Today’s post is an update / catch up on the status of a few Southern Railway / Region related models that are in progress with a number of the Ready to Run manufacturers / commissioners.

Kernow Model Centre

Regular readers of my blog will know that I have been assisting the Kernow Model Centre with their Southern related commissions and I pleased to be able to report progress on a number of fronts.

Firstly: Production of the Adams O2 Steam Locomotives has now started and the first models will be leaving China in a couple of weeks time.  This does mean that the pre-order special offer price has now ended, but they are still taking orders for these models.

Production of the Adams O2, this image just shows the the level of detail and individual items being applied (picture courtesy and copyright Kernow Model Centre)

It should be noted that the amount of manual labour to assemble these highly-detailed models is very high and this is why the models will take a couple of months to actually produce.  It is worth just considering that for a moment – a production line at the factory will be fully-occupied producing the O2 models for three months straight.  Imagine that for every hour of every day, you will be inserting tiny pipes into the pull-push gear for months on end!   To give a further taste of this there are some images and videos can be viewed on the Kernow Model Centre website here.

The anticipated delivery dates for each version have been advised as follows:
K2101 Number 24 “Calbourne” BR Black early emblem – Expected around October 2015
K2102 Number 16 “Ventnor” BR Black late crest- Expected around November 2015
K2103 Number 30182 BR Black early emblem pull-push fitted – Expected around October 2015)
K2104 Number 30225 BR Black late crest – Expected around December 2015
K2105 Number 225 Southern Black with Bulleid Sunshine lettering pull-push fitted – On board Hyundai Victory, due into Southampton around 15th September 2015
K2106 Number 30193 BR Black early emblem – Expected around September 2015
K2107 Number 207 Southern Maunsell Green pull-push fitted – Expected around December 2015

The first Enginnering Prototype of the K1001 version of the Gate Stock (picture courtesy and copyright KMC)

Secondly: the first off tooling samples for the ex LSWR Gate Stock pull push sets have arrived in the UK and a few tweaks are being made before they can be signed off for production.

Four versions of the 1914 Stock will be available: –
K1001 Set number 374 in SR Lined Maunsell Green livery
K1002 Set number 373 in SR unlined Malachite Green livery
K1003 Set number 363 in BR Crimson livery
K1004 Set number 373 in BR (SR) Green livery

Further information on the Kernow Model Centre ex LSWR Gate Stock can be found here.

Graham Farish

The Graham Farish N Gauge SR Bogie Van B models are about to hit the retailers. The following initial versions will be available:

374-630 SR 50′ Bogie B Luggage Van Southern Green
374-631 SR 50′ Bogie B Luggage Van BR (SR) Green
374-632 SR 50′ Bogie B Luggage Van BR Blue

Dapol

The Dapol first livery sample of E6003

Dapol have released images of the first livery samples of their 00 Class 73 diesel electric locomotives. There are still a few things to correct, including a spurious high intensity headlight on the BR blue version along with some number sizes and positions, but they advise these have been noted and will be corrected.

Hornby

I am able to advise that work is continuing apace on the development of a number of SR / BR(s) models. I have been privileged to have been assisting the design team with some of the initial design work on the Bulleid Original Air Smoothed Merchant Navy locomotives that will be part of the 2016 range announced here and I can tease you that the CADS are looking great so far!
Hornby have also released footage of the first running sample of their Class 71 3rd rail electric locomotive here. 

Hornby have also published an interesting Engine Shed blog post ‘A researcher’s tale’ by Paul Isles about the lot of the Hornby researcher. I was pleasantly surprised to get a name check by Paul, whom I can confirm is very passionate about his role and also a pleasure to assist on a number of fronts…

General, Model News

Southern Railway / Region related model news update – further updated 12/06/2015

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Today’s post is an update / catch up on the status of a few Southern Railway / Region related models that are in progress with a number of the Ready to Run manufacturers / commissioners from N to 0 gauge.

Kernow Model Centre

Regular readers of my blog will know that I have been assisting the Kernow Model Centre with their Southern related commissions and I pleased to be able to report progress on a number of fronts.

Latest livery sample of the Kernow Models Centre O2 K2105 in SR post war black livery as No. 225

Firstly: livery samples of the mainland version of the Adams O2 have now been received, a number of corrections made and already second livery samples returned in the last week or so. Once all the variations are finally signed off then production can start, along with the Isle of Wight versions that were fully signed off a while ago now. Further information on the Kernow model Centre O2’s can be found here.

ex LSWR Gate Stock parts hot off of the injection moulding machines, can you guess what each part is?

Secondly: It had been kept reasonably quiet, that the although the CADs for the ex LSWR Gate Stock Pull Push sets were previously signed off, tooling has actually commenced and The Kernow Model Centre have now received photographs of the first off components from the tooling. These now require assembly and shipping to the UK for inspection. Further information on the Kernow Model Centre ex LSWR Gate Stock can be found here.

Lastly for now: I can also advise that work is also progressing in the background with updates and corrections to the CADs for the ex LSWR Dia 1541 10T road vans, first announced last September. So watch this space for further news.

Bachmann

The Bachmann livery sample for the SR PLV

The first livery samples for the Bachmann  four wheel luggage vans PLV/PMV and CCT’s first announced in March 2012  have now been received and all can be seen here on the Bachmann website. They are producing the following:
39-525 Southern PLV Passenger Luggage Van Southern Railway Green
39-526 Ex-Southern PMV Parcels & Miscellaneous Van BR Crimson
39-527 Ex-Southern PMV Parcels & Miscellaneous Van BR Green
39-528 Ex-Southern CCT Covered Carriage Truck BR Blue – Weathered

Graham Farish

The first of the original Merchant Navy Pacific models that I reviewed in my post here have now actually started to appear with the retailers.

Graham Farish N Class No. 31844

The N Class Mogul 2-6-0 first announced in March 2013 is now on its way,  with the review samples having been received by the model media so they should start to appear with retailers during July and August. Just like the Merchant Navy, I can vouch for the fact that it is an impressive looking model, especially for its size, and continues the increase in levels of detail for N Gauge Ready to Run models. A video of these models, but sadly not actually running, can be viewed on their website here.
The following four initial variations are being produced:
372-930 No. 868 in SR Olive Green
372-931 No. 31844 in BR Black Early Emblem
372-932 No. 31811 in BR Black Late Crest
372-933 No. 810 in SECR Grey

The livery samples for the Bogie Van B model have been signed off and the expected delivery of the of these models is currently due the end of August / September.

Dapol

Dapol cad of the 4mm ex LSWR style lattice post working signal

Dapol have via their Facebook page here (you do not have to be a member to access the page) Dapol have released CAD images of  the planned 4mm working signals in both SR Rail built and also ex LSWR  lattice post styles. [Edit:] Dapol have also advised 2mm version of these signals are planned.

At the start of last month they also announced a delay to the O Gauge Terrier due to the the level of electromagnetic emissions. A slight modification is now required to the production which will result in delay in the shipment of the initial SR green and LBSC versions towards the end of July, however the BR and Bodiam variants are now due to be delivered three to four weeks later.

I have also been informed that the CAD work on the first variants of  the N Gauge Schools class first announced in July 2012 have been completed, I had already provided some corrections and information to Dapol for these a while back so it is good to hear that they are progressing, but no news as yet when tooling might actually commence.

[Edit:] I have also been reminded that BR green liveried versions of the N gauge Maunsell coaches are due out next month and that Dapol have also now committed to bringing out a brake composite and four compartment brake third by Quarter 4 2015 and these are currently at CAD/CAM stage. This will make possible several prototypical set formations.

Hornby

[Further Edit 12/06/15] Hornby have today released a video via their Engine Shed blog post here from their development team that shows the first running sample of the Adams Radial. Keen eyes should also check out the coaches that the sample is hauling as I think the cat might have been let out of the bag on some other appropriate items  they have planned for release in 2016, that I was previously made aware of, but I wont say anymore until more formal information is released…so watch this space…

HW&DMRS, Kernow Models, Model News

Latest on new Southern related model in development and or production

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Last weekend I had the privilege to be assisting fellow High Wycombe and District MRS members Alan and Simon Paley with their delightful Pre-Grouping layout Loughborough Road (on which most of the pictures  below were taken) at the excellent RMweb live event in Coventry.  It was also a chance to catch up with a number of the manufacturers and see their progress on some Southern related models.

Kernow Models O2 class Mainland Pull Push fitted version

Firstly further progress is being made with the Kernow Model Centre’s ex LSWR Adams O2 locomotives and I am pleased to advise the second engineering prototypes (EP’s) have now been received. Unlike the first EP’s received that were a bit of a mix of some of the tooling options these samples combine the all the correct tooling options for the each of the seven variants being produced.

Kernow O2 rear 3/4 view

Also a couple of issues highlighted from the first EP’s have also been corrected. Now that these models are being project managed by Dave Jones of DJ Models the development has moved on a pace and the livery details can now be completed. As I reported here the Kernow Models Gate Stock sets also being managed by DJ Models have recently been signed off for tooling to commence.

Hornby Drummond 700 Class EP

Hornby were represented at the RMweb Live show by Simon Kohler, now working as a consultant to them, and with his kind permission was able to take a close up look at some of their new items either just released or in development.
Firstly the Drummond 700 this model was first announced at the end of last year is now also at the 2nd EP stage.

Hornby Drummond 700 Class

They have certainly captured the look the prototype and I am advise they hope to have these in the shops before Christmas.  The changes made to the originally announced number and livery versions that I reported here back in January, following my discussion with Hornby, has now been confirmed to all retailers. They will be producing E695 (Maunsell pre-1931 lined black) , 30315 (BR Late Crest) and 30693 (BR Early Crest).

Hornby 2 Hal in Southern unlined olive green livery

The well documented supply chain difficulties experienced by Hornby over the last few years do actually appear to be finally resolved with a flow of new production appearing to arrive, including further batches of the 2 Bil and R3194 Hornby Schools Class 30937 ‘Epsom’.
Just starting to hit the shops now is the brand new R3260 2 HAL EMU looking very smart in SR olive green livery,  the first of a number of livery variants due, that like the Drummond 700 was first announced at the end of last year.

Hornby/Arnold 5 Bel unit production version

Simon also had on display and running the first production sets of the Hornby/Arnold 5 Bel Brighton Bell sets in the later blue and grey and livery and these should be available during October with the Brown and Umber versions to follow before the end of the year. I was very impressed by the models that also include lit table lamps that appears nice and subtle with now signs of any flicker. The unit running was also very smooth, although I did notice that one compromise that had to be retained was that the solebars do have a couple of cut outs to allow the bogies to swing, however the effect was not as obvious as I first through it would be from the initial EP’s seen.   As first announced here these models are  only  available via www.Hornby.com and orders can now be taken via their website here..

It’s good to see such positive progress on a number of the Southern related models over the last few weeks, and I am happy to say that some progress,  behind the scenes, of some of the other already announced models  has also been made (I have had Cads for checking from many sources recently) . Long may this continue and I will endeavour to continue to provide the latest updates on this blog along with any new Southern related announcements that may or may not already be in the pipeline (was that enough of a tease?)