Tag Archives: Adams Radial

Exhibitions, Model News

Warley Exhibition 2017 news round up for Southern related items, Bachmann, @hornby, @hattonsmodels, Dapol

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The weekend saw the Warley National Model railway Exhibition at the NEC,  as in previous years I have endeavoured to round up some of the news and items of interest from mainly a Southern / BR(s) perspective.  It has been usual for some of the manufacturers to use the event to make announcements of new items or showcase updates to new products under development, this year however relevant new announcements were thin on the ground but there are a small number of SR  / BR(s) related updates as shown below.

The full size H Class was the centrepiece of the combined Hornby and Hornby Magazine stand at Warley

Also many thanks to those of you who read this blog for popping by the Hornby Magazine Twelve Trees Junction layout where I was playing trains for the weekend. For the first time Hornby Magazine and Hornby had a joint stand, demonstrating the closer co-operation between the two separate organisations that has been in place for the last twelve months.  The large stand made a big impact due to the centrepiece being the splendid and recently repainted in full SECR livery, twelve inch to the foot scale, Wainwright H class 0-4-4t that had travelled up from the Bluebell railway.

Hornby

In the last few years Hornby had made some of their new product announcements for the following year, however they are reverting to a single range announcement next January, date still to be confirmed, when of course I will fully cover the items of Southern interest on this blog.

Bachmann / Graham Farish

ex LBSC H2 Class SR livery sample. picture courtesy and copyright Bachmann

As is usual for Bachmann / Graham Farish no new models were announced at Warley. Their 2018 catalogue will be announced on Sunday January 7th 2018 and I will report the Southern related news then, direct from the media event. However they did have on display for the first time a few 00 gauge items of interest.

ex LBSC H2 Class BR livery sample. picture courtesy and copyright Bachmann

Firstly the livery samples of the ex LBSC H2 Class 4-4-2 ‘Atlantic’ locomotives first announced back in August 2013 and being initially produced in two liveries as
31-921 – 32424 “Beachy Head” BR Black Early Emblem
31-920 – 2424 “South Foreland” (note chane of name and number as was originally announced as being 2421 ‘St. Albans Head”)  SR Olive Green

Other livery samples on display were: OO9 former War Department Baldwin Class 10-12-D (now in production), Freightliner Flats and Containers, Carflats and Class 66 No. 66779 ‘Evening Star’.

The Impressive 45t Ransoms and Rapier steam crane EP. picture courtesy and copyright Bachmann

Engineering prototypes (EP) of the Bachmann 45t Ransoms and Rapier steam crane were also on display. These models were originally announced in Mach 2015 and initially they will be released in four versions:
SR Black (38-800),
GWR Black (38-801),
BR Black (38-802)
BR Red (38-803)

45t Ransoms and Rapier steam crane EP. picture courtesy and copyright Bachmann

These certainly looked impressive and had the ‘wow factor, although not motorised, all the moving parts do correctly move including all the gears, linkages, job and outriggers allowing the model to the posed accordingly and potentially motorised (DCC?)  in the future.
Tooling variations correctly allow for the slight differences between the cranes supplied to the different railway companies such as toolboxes etc. and also the chimney can be in the raised or stowed positions. Final price is still be confirmed but due to the level of detail and fidelity of these models I would not expect them to be cheap but I am sure they would be worth it.

Also on display were the EPs of the LNER J72 and BR Class 90

Bachmann also advised that: “We are progressing positively with re-engineering a number of models that have been in the catalogue for a while and with the high profile of these items, the focus is in delivering fidelity to prototype that is not compromised by timescale”.

The ex SECR Birdcage stock, reviewed here, that originally arrived in BR Crimson Livery are now starting to arrive in Lined SR green and SECR Dark Lake (slightly revised from the original livery sample) liveries although at the time of writing the SR liveried composite is still to arrive.

Hattons

The Hattons P Class running sample on Twelve Trees Junction DCC fitted with sound!

Hattons Models do not actually exhibit at Warley, however our friends from their team did visit the show and kindly lent us on Twelve Trees Junction one of the Running samples of their ex SECR P Class 0-6-0t not only DCC fitted but with sound as well! Just goes to show what can be done in such a small locomotive.  Further details of the Hattons P Class announcement and the 12 livery versions available can be found here. 
More details and how to order can be found on the dedicated page on the Hatton’s website here.

Dapol 

Dapol livery sample of the ex LSWR B4 No. 88 in SR lined green

The first livery samples if their 00 gauge ex LSWR B4 0-4-0t were on display. These were first announced in March 2014 and initially five versions are being released:
‘Normandy’ (Number 96) as preserved by the Bulleid Society on the Bluebell Railway
‘Caen’ (Number 90) Southampton Docks brown livery with Drummond Chimney
Number 88 in Southern lined black

B4 No 30089 in BR Black early emblem

Number 30089 in BR black, early emblem (originally announced as being 30082 but changed to suit tooling options)
Number 30096 in BR black, late crest
Also being released as a Dapol collectors club model is No. 91 in LSWR pea green livery.

Also on display were the livery samples of the body toolings for the 4 compartment Brake 3rd and 6 compartment composite Maunsell coaches in N gauge.

Rapido Trains 

The Canadian manufacturer Rapido Trains, whom have been extending into the UK market with a number of commissions, made an pre-announcement of their intention to release in 2018 LMS/GWR/BR Gunpowder Vans, they had a 3D print on their stand but it appears to be a combination of possible tooling variants,  full details to follow next year. Although not SR related they are likely to have run on SR metals.

So that rounds up the Warley SR Related news for another year. I had a good time at the show and for a change had an opportunity to have a reasonable look around and there was certainly a variety of some great and interesting modelling on display amongst the 90 or layouts on show. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea as a show but I still believe it is well worth a visit.

Exhibitions, Hornby MN, HW&DMRS, Model News

A little update… Hinton Parva, @Hornby Merchant Navy & Adams Radial and 247 Developments H Class plates

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Last weekend I was attending the Festival of British Railway Modelling held at Doncaster racecourse organised by Warners the publishers of BRM Magazine, and spent the weekend as part of the operating crew of the High Wycombe and District MRS large ’00’ layout Hinton Parva.

Hinton Parva keeps the crowds at the Doncaster Show entertained

Hinton Parva represents a very busy junction station on a Joint Midland/Eastern north-south line. The “Branch” purports to be a cross-country line bringing Southern and Western trains from the south-west. As well as the usual “mainline” movements, there is a goods yard constantly shuffling wagons for the pick up goods trains, and a motive Power Depot which has to receive, service, prepare and dispatch locos for the stopping branch express trains, all of which require a loco change. We operate a varied, late 1950s,  steam/early diesel schedule with a wide range of stock from modern detailed RTR and a large sprinkling of quality kit and scratch built locos and coaches.

A view from the other end of the 32′ long Hinton Parva, different day different crowd

Not many layouts feature two Garratts  (one an LMS and the other the sole LNER machine) hauling 60 wagon trains or an ex LNER W1 or 10001,10201,10800 and prototype diesels / gas turbines. The loco roster for an exhibition is nearly 50 locos, and they all make a running appearance.
Another unusual feature is the working semaphore signals, 37 working arms at the last count. Apart from the aesthetic value of the signals, they also provide drivers with their only means of indications of what they are supposed to do, truly prototypical.
The layout is large at 32ft x 12ft, and maximum use is made of this size to provide a running spectacle for the viewers. The complete sequence takes some 50 to 60 minutes and involves about 90 mainline movements, trains in, trains running through, trains starting.

21C3 ‘Royal Mail’ making an appearance on Hinton Parva and easily handled an 8 car Pullman rake

Hornby, have increased the number of shows they are having a presence at this year and I took the opportunity to run and photograph on Hinton Parva, courtesy of Hornby, one of the first of the product batch their new original style Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacifics 21C3 ‘Royal Mail’. This is an advance version with the main production batch due to arrive at retailers during March.

21C3 rests on shed on Hinton Parva

These locomotives have a 5 pole motor with flywheel and plenty of adhesion weight and hauled an 8 coach rake of Hornby, Pullman cars with plenty of power in reserve.  It should be noted that in the pictures to the left she has been taken straight out of the box and the detailing pack containing front steps and cylinder drain cocks etc have not been fitted. I am also pleased to confirm that the lettering shading has been corrected from the livery sample to be black as it should be.

Another view of 21C3 on Hinton Parva

As I advised in my Talking Stock #35 post back in December about the imminent Hornby Merchant Navy releases R3435 No. 21C3 ‘Royal Mail’ is in the condition between when introduced in September 1941; with the ‘widows peak’ style front end without smoke deflectors but with the opening around the chimney and the slot in the front face above the smokebox; and when she was painted in wartime black livery in May 1943.

R3422 Adams radial number 3125 in SR wartime black livery

The next batch of ex London & South Western 0415 class Adams radial tanks have now arrived with the retailers including R3422 number 3125 in SR wartime black with ‘Sunshine’ lettering. this means that for once to suit my modelling period I do not have to repaint and/or renumber an RTR Southern release (although I do have an R3334 ex 30582 with Drummond boiler ready to become 3520 also on SR black with Sunshine lettering as she ran between March 1945 and March 1948).

Another view of R3422 number 3125

Number 3125 is in the condition she ran between October 1944 when she regained an Adams boiler and March 1949 when she was repainted in British Railways lined black livery. The other recent Hornby, Adams radial release is R3423 as number 30583 also with a an Adams boiler in British Railways lined black with late crest that she gained in early 1959.

H Class smokebox door number plates from 247 Developments

Also now available for Southern Region modellers wishing to enhance or renumber the H Class tanks being released by Hornby later this year are etched smoke box door number plates from 247 Developments.

A cruel enlargement of the H class smokebox door number plate

Recently under the new ownership of Brian Mosby, an excellent modeller himself whom I have known for some time, 247 Developments has produced the full range of H Class numbers (except 31264 and 31312 which never gained the BR number!) The etching is of a high standard and will be welcome addition to the 247 Developments range for any Southern Region modeller.

Model News

Recent 4mm model releases and from Hornby, Dapol, and the latest Class 24 from SLW

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Some say that Southern modellers have never had it so good. Over the last couple of months a number of SR / BR(s) related products have arrived in 4mm scale (a future post will catch with recent 2mm releases). These have included: from Hornby the Class 71, ex LSWR 0415 Adams radial tanks, ex LSWR Maunsell rebuilt 58′ non corridor stock and Dapol SR style signals. I am also pleased to start with be able to provide an update on the next Class 24 release from the Sutton’s Locomotive Works.

Sutton’s locomotive Works Class 24

In my post about the launch of the Sutton Locomotive Works (SLW) Class 24 here I highlighted not only that the BR Derby built, Type 2 diesels, Class 24s played an early role in the initial modernisation plans for the Southern Region, but also that their were some details variations among the initial members of the class.

Class 24 as D5016 with ‘Athermos’ axle boxes n the condition that it worked on the Southern Region.

The main differences were that ten of the initial batch of 20 locomotives D5010 to D5019 and therefore nine of those that worked on the Southern Region, were fitted with the distinctive larger but experimental ‘Athermos’ axle boxes, rather than the SKF roller type that became the standard.

Philip Sutton the man behind SLW advised me at the time of writing that tooling had been produced to this variation in the future.

A view of the SLW D5016 on non ETH fitted Bulleid stock one of the reasons why they were needed on the BR(s)

Philip paid a visit to me on Fisherton Sarum at the Barnstaple show at the end of last month with a ‘hot of the production line’ SLW catalogue number 2403 as D5016, with the ‘Athermos’ axle boxes along with extra bodyside air intake grilles, original exhaust and front end doors in all over green livery.
It goes without saying that I took the opportunity to take a quick snap of the D5016 on the main running line of Fisherton Sarum. I can also confirm that the running quality demonstrated was as good as all the plaudits elsewhere have stated. I must congratulate Philip Sutton on his attention to detail and model design with these models.

Hornby

Hornby’s output of new models over the last few months has continued at pace and for Southern modellers we now seen recently the arrival of the Class 71 Bo-Bo electric, the Class 0415 Adams 4-4-2T Radial and within the last couple of weeks the ex LSWR 58ft Maunsell rebuilt non corridor coaching stock.

Set 45 comprising of a Dia 418 Brake Composite and a Dia 99 Brake Third

The latter coaches have been developed with the assistance of friend and Southern rolling stock guru Mike King and splendidly and exquisitely (insert any other positive adjective here) represent the 58tft stock converted in 1934/5 from ex LSWR 488ft stock to Diagram 99 and Diagram 418 Brake Third and Brake Composites respectively that made up 2 coach lav Sets 42 to 46 and also the diagram 31 all third and diagram 99 brake third that were mainly used as ‘loose’ coaches. They capture the prototypes very well including the characteristic timber weatherboard that ran the full length of each coach at floor level owing to the new standard SR underframes being slightly wider than the ex LSWR bodies.

Diagram 31 all Third ‘loose’ coach

Although sold as individual coaches the Dia 99 and 418 coaches have been correctly numbered, including the central end set numbering, to make up sets 42 and 43 in unlined SR olive (as introduced) and BR crimson liveries respectively. See my original Hornby 2016 announcement post here for the relevant Hornby R numbers.

Diagram 98 Brake Third ‘Loose’ coach

These coaches were seen on the Lyme Regis branch, so are therefore a perfect companion for the ex LSWR 0415 Adams Radial  4-4-2 tanks, but also these coaches were seen on both branch and local services on across the South Western section of the SR / BR(s).
These continue the standard set by Hornby with their recent coach releases such as the Maunsell stock. Fine details include separately applied hand rails and grab handles, a representation of the grills behind the luggage compartment doors, very well detailed bogies,  fine livery application including window smoking signs.

A close up of the end of the Dia 418 Brake Composite showing the exquisite detail

These coaches did gain SR malachite livery followed by BR style lettering on malachite (heavily varnished so slightly darker in appearance) in addition to the unlined Olive and BR crimson so far released so Hornby have a few more livery options up their sleeve. The 2 lav sets did not make it into post BR(s) Green although it is understood that a small number of the Diagram 31 and Diagram 99 coaches did.

For those wishing to fit Kadee buckeye style couplings, I can confirm that the Kadee number 18 medium length fit nicely between the coaches, bringing the sprung buffers together and should also enable the coaches to be able to be propelled OK on 2nd radius and above trackwork.

Going head to head:  both the Class 71 and the class 0415 Adams radials are going head to head with other manufacturers with the former up against the DJModels class 71 that is yet arrive and the latter with the earlier released Adams radial from Oxford Rail.

The Hornby 0415 class Adams Radial as No 30582

I do not currently have a Hornby Class 71 as I have preferred to wait for the DJM version which I feel is likely to be the slightly more higher specification and detailed version, however having been able to get a close look at the Hornby pre-production samples of the Adams radial last year I decided to wait for the slightly more expensive but overall in my view more accurate (taking all the slight detail variations between the locomotives at different times in their lives), and finer Hornby version, pictured left. Mine will soon be backdated to 1946 guise as 3520 in Bulleid post war black ‘Sunshine lettering ‘ livery.

Dapol 

Dapol SR Rail Post signals

The Dapol working upper quadrant Southern Signals available as Rail Post (for some reason named by Dapol as ‘Ladder post’) in both Home and Distant styles and a short lattice post platform Starter (some might say dinky) have now hit the retailers.
I have had previously heard mixed reports about the reliability of the previously issued Dapol signal due to their mechanism, along with the rather odd control single pulse to change control method (which does not make it easy to know which position the signal is in from the switch). It does seem anecdotally that those signals that have been controlled by a DCC accessory decoder appear to fair better than directly via push to make switch.
It is my understanding that these release utilise the same mechanism as the previous releases.

Dapol have also announced (05/08/16) that they have Merged with Lionheart Trains that will see much of the Lionheart Trains range of 7mm 0 gauge come under the Dapol brand. Richard Webster of Lionheart Trains has been working closely, (with a little assistance from myself) with Dapol on the development of new models in all scales.

As I said in the introduction above a round up of some of the recent 2mn releases will be the subject of a future post soon, so what this space.

 

Hornby MN, Model News

Hornby move a number of 2016 range items into 2017 including the Original Merchant Navy pacifics

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Further to my post last week advising that a number of the Hornby 2016 range items had been withdrawn from the range, Hornby have also confirmed that a number of the 2016 range items have now been moved into the 2017 range, including a number of the SR / BR(s) items such as the Original Merchant Navy pacifics and the two further Adams 0415 radial tanks.

I have therefore updated my Hornby 2016 announcement post here to reflect these changes.

The SR / BR(s) related items moved to the 2017 range are as follows:

  • R3382TTS BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland-Afrika Line’ Merchant Navy (Original), Early BR TTS sound fitted
  • R3422 SR 4-4-2T ‘3125’ Adams Radial 0415 Class
  • R3423 BR 4-4-2T ‘30583’ Adams Radial 0415 Class – Late BR
  • R3434 SR 4-6-2 ‘Channel Packet’ ’21C1′ Merchant Navy Class (Original)
  • R3435 SR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Mail’ ’21C3′ Merchant Navy Class (Original)
  • R3436 BR 4-6-2 ‘Clan Line’ ‘35028’ Merchant Navy (Original) Early BR
  • R3445 BR 4-6-2 ‘Camelford’ West Country Class BR Early (Original)
  • R3458 SR 4-4-0 ‘Shrewsbury’ Schools Class – SR Black
  • R3468 BR 4-6-2 ‘603 Squadron’ ‘34077’ Battle of Britain Class – Rebuilt
  • R6775 SR Vent Van

The full list of changes including those withdrawn can be found on the Hornby website here.

In slightly more positive news the final approval samples of the Class 71s have now arrived with Hornby as can be seen on their Engine Shed blog post here.

Exhibitions, Model News

Oxford Rail announce 3 new Adams Radial 0415 class liveries and new GWR Dean Goods locomotive and wagons

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Following on from their release last year of the ex London South Western Railway (LSWR) Adams Radial 0415 class 4-4-2T and 7 plank 1923 Private Owner wagons (albeit with some spurious details and liveries) Oxford Rail have announced at the London Toy Fair three new liveries for the Adams Radial, and new models including a GWR Dean Goods 0-6-0 locomotive, 4 and 6 plank open wagons, an LNER cattle wagon and the development of BR Mk3 coaches (which might be seen as a surprise by some as they do not really fit in with the rest of the range). In addition two further liveries of their 7 plank wagon have also been announced for release this year.

Oxford Rail 3520 in Olive Green livery, as will be likely with the yet to be released 488 version the green livery highlights the lack of daylight under the boiler due to the motor/gearbox arrangement. 

The three new Adams Radial liveries are as follows:
OR76AR004 number 30582 in BR Late crest livery she gained in June 1960, with double slide bars Drummond boiler
OR76AR005 East Kent Railway number 5 (ex LSWR 0488) in green livery with single slide bars and Adams boiler as running on the line post WW1 and 1939 after which she was laid derelict until being purchased by the SR in 1946 (when she was overhauled, fitted with a Drummond boiler and entered service as 3488.
OR76AR006 number 3520 in the Southern Railway Lined Olive Green  livery with double slide bars and Drummond boiler as between January 1934 and January 1940. Note the version pictured is a pre-production sample and subject to change (perhaps the green is a little light?).

The GWR Dean Goods 2301 class 0-6-0 will be released as three versions, GWR Lined livery as number 2309, BR Early Emblem livery as 2409 and GWR plain green livery as 2475. Four version of the 4 plank wagon, based on a Scottish prototype, will be North British and three Private owner versions, Two versions of the 6 plank wagon will be produced in NE and BR(E) liveries.  The LNER Cattle wagon will be released in NE and BR(E) liveries.

Tooling for the Dean Goods is in development whilst the wagons are fully tooled for release during this year.

Exhibitions, Model News

Warley Exhibition news round up for Southern Related items

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Last weekend saw the annual Warley National Model railway Exhibition at the NEC, this post rounds up some of the the news and items of interest from mainly a Southern / BR(s) perspective.  It is usual for many of the manufacturers to use the event to make announcements of new items or showcase updates to new products under development. This year was no exception although Hornby  of course announced their plans for 2016 last week but held over two items to be announced at the show.
Many thanks to those of you who read this blog for popping by the Topley Dale layout on the Hornby Magazine stand, where I was playing trains during the weekend, and saying hello it was good to see you.

Hornby

In addition to the announced plans for their 2016 range last week, which I have also recently updated, so check back again for the additional information. Hornby also announced two further models in the shape of NER / LNER Raven Q6 0-8-0 and Holden B12 4-6-0.

Hornby Adams Radial No. 30852 with Drummond boiler
I was also able to photograph one of the production samples of the ex LSWR 0415 class Adams radial tanks in the shape of number 30582 in BR lined black with the Drummond boiler (it should be noted that one of the separately applied safety valves was missing on this sample that had been handled quite a bit over the weekend of the show.  The first of these model variants announced as part of their 2015 range should available during January next year. It makes an interesting comparison with the photograph of the Oxford Rail version, which has now hit the retailers in my post here. I will let you decide which version you prefer.

The Hornby Class 71
Also photographed was the Class 71 due for release in May 2016 and the 3D Stereolithography prints of the two types of SR cattle wagons (Diagrams 1529 and 1530) although being in white and under the photographic lamps made it tricky to capture all of the detail that is present.

3D prints of the two SR cattle wagons dias 1529 (front) & 1530 (rear)
I was also able to gain some clarification about the proposed  ‘early BR’ liveries for the two series three Merchant Navy locomotives, both will be in lined Brunswick Green. Also despite how they are currently listed on Hornby website I can now confirm that in fact there will be a SR and BR livery version of each diagram. There are still still a few outstanding queries with respect to the range that I am in communication with the development team at Hornby about, so what this space.

 

Bachmann / Graham Farish

The Graham Farish PLV/PMV in N Gauge
As is usual for Bachmann / Graham Farish no new models were announced at Warley. However they did have on display the Engineering prototypes of the Graham Farish ‘N’ Gauge SR PLV/ BR PMV Passenger luggage vans that just like there recently released Bachmann 4mm counterpart looked exceptionally good. Other than that there was no other news to report from the Bachmann / Graham Farish stable on the Southern front, with no news to add, for example, on the progress of the previously announced ex SECR birdcage coaches.

Model Rail Magazine

The Model Rail EP of the USA tank (SR version)
Model Rail Magazine  had running samples of their ’00’ SR 0-6-0t USA tank that was originally announced, back in April 2012 as a project with Dapol but since September 2013 has been with Bachmann.
Livery details are currently being signed off before manufacture can commence soon.

Model Rail USA tanks a line up of the variations, see if you can spot the differences!
The level of and shear number of detail differences between the variations of this model being produced, for the different owners such as USATC, SR and BR(s) and eras, is quite outstanding and mechanically they ran exceptional well. Once the livery samples are signed off it is hoped that these will go into production during the first quarter next year.

Dapol 

Dapol Class 73
The main surprise at Warley with respect to Dapol, although not Southern related, was the announcement of a new ‘Black Label’ range of extremely high specification locomotives with Diecast bodies, synchronized DCC sound with dual speakers, smoke units (including from the whistle when the sound function is action and working lights. It will be interesting how this higher priced range is received by the market and what further models get released in the range.

Dapol SR Rail Post signals
They also had the first EP of their ‘0’ gauge class 08, which looked very impressive (and somewhat better than the release CAD images appeared to look) along with further livery variations of their recently released A1 and A1x 0-6-0 Terriers also in 7mm scale.
I was able to photographer their new ’00’ gauge class 73, the first versions of which are due to be at the retailers later this week! The level of detail is pretty good although I do question slightly the shape of the domed roof above the cab as it appears to have a slight dip.
Also in 4mm scale on show were the first samples of the working Southern Signals both rail post and lattice post (the latter being a rather dinky platform starter).

The first livery sample of the Dapol N Gauge Schools class
The first livery sample of the ‘N’ Gauge Schools Class V 4-4-0 was present in BR lined black, although the main issue and most instantly noticeable was the cabside number which was 921 instead of 30921 and too large in size and possibly too white rather than cream. The lighting also accentuates the light grey lining , although in reality this did appear to be too light nearly white and prominent.

AYJAY Models

AYJAY models whom have been producing a range of 4mm scale resin bodied and etch brass Southern / Southern Region EMU kits (with some also available Ready to Run) launched a 4mm version of the Class 508 EMU in both kit and Ready made versions and in ‘N’ Gauge a version of their 4Cor EMU kit at the show. Many thanks to Grahame Hedges for the heads up.

I think that just about covers it for now, if there is anything that I have missed and am advised of I will update this post accordingly.

General, Model News

First Oxford Rail Adams Radial tank on the way.

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Oxford Rail, the new brand of The 4mm scale road vehicle manufacturer Oxford Diecast, announced last November their intention to enter the UK 4mm 00 scale ready to run market, with initial an ex London & South Western Railway (LSWR) Adams 0415 class 4-4-2T Adams Radial Tank and a range of 1923 PO wagons (which perhaps would have been better being the 1907 version not currently already produced in RTR form). Within weeks of their announcement Hornby also announced that they were already producing such a model and theirs is currently due in January 2016.  Oxford Rail have this week released images and samples of the first version of the locomotive in their range reference number OR76AR001 as number 30583 in British Railways Late Crest livery and stated that they are due to be available from Monday 23/11 next week.

I have not yet seen a physical model in the flesh and fully accept that judging such a model from only the pictures released by Oxford Rail here along with the image below, that is courtesy of Tony Wright / BRM Magazine / Andy York / RMweb / (although their sample does appear to have a bent piston rod and one of the tool boxes is not sat square on the running plate), does not possibly give the full story, so this post is not a review just a few initial thoughts.

The Oxford Adams radial 30583 picture courtesy and copyright of Tony Wright / BRM Magazine

The first thing that struck me is that the front face of the model does not appear to be quite right, which might be due to what seems to me to be a lack of taper on the chimney, slightly high positioning of the smokebox number plate and the silver painted possibly slightly overscale appearance of the handrails, stanchions and also the smokebox dart (perhaps if they had been left unpainted they might have looked finer?).  But I would have to reserve final judgement once I have had a chance to see the actual model in the flesh. From a construction / tooling perspective there appears to be some prominent mould lines along both the boiler, chimney and also the cylinders and the dome does not appear to sit as flush to the boiler as perhaps it should. Also the motor assembly (including a flywheel),  that drives the rear axle,  is located forward within the smokebox end of the boiler resulting in the motor casing being visible under the boiler at the front which should really be daylight above the frames.
Other details such as cab backhead, pipework, underframe brake gear etc. look to be to the fine standard we have come to expect from recent Ready to Run models.

There were a number of detail difference between the last surviving three locomotives such as front frames, slide bars, Adams / Drummond boilers (with differing domes and safety vales) which were swapped betweenthe three locomotives over time, and rear radial wheel diameters etc. Oxford Rail have stated that they are tooling for all this differences and from my initial check the combination of the variations appears to be correct for 30583 in the livery being produced.

We shall have to wait and see how these models look and perform in the flesh and compare with the albeit slightly more expensive Hornby model in due course.  We will of course be able to pay our money and make our own choice.

 

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…

General, Model News

Oxford Rail further details on Adams Radial and announce RCH 7 Plank wagon

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Back at the start of November last year the 4mm scale road vehicle manufacturer Oxford Diecast, launched a new brand called Oxford Rail and their intention to produce an ex LSWR 0415 class 4-4-2T Adams Radial Tank. They have today released further details about the model, with samples due in April, and also announced their first item rolling stock, namely a range of Railway Clearing House (RCH) 7 Plank 12 ton mineral private owner wagon.

The first three livery versions, priced at £99.95, of the Adams Radial announced are as follows:

OR76AR001 BR lined black late crest number 30583
OR76AR002 BR lined black early emblem number 60584
OR76AR003 Southern number 488 (no further details on the actual variartion of the Southern livery or if as preserved has been provided)
[Edit: The Oxford Rail website has now been amended to read “LSWR number 488”, so therefore likely to be as preserved]

The standard 12 Ton Mineral wagon was the most numerous design of mineral wagons built in the UK after 1923. They were originally built with 7 side planks, had a universal length of 16’6″ with a width of 8’0″ and wheelbase of 9’0″  These wagons were of a simple design and employed standard RCH fittings throughout.

The first livery variations of this wagon, priced at £8.95 due the second quarter this year, and already fully tooled, are as follows:

OR76MW001 No.95 Fear Bros Staines (Red body, white lettering shaded black)
OR76MW002 No.10 Leamington Priors Gas (Red body, white lettering shaded black)
OR76MW003 No.44 E Welford & Son Oxford (Red body, white lettering shaded black)
OR76MW004 No.16 Weymouth & District Co-op (Dark green body, white lettering)
OR76MW005 No.217 Coventry Collieries (Black body, white lettering)
OR76MW006 No.286 Arley Colliery (Red body, white lettering shaded black)

Full details and images of the wagon liveries can be found on the Oxford Rail website

General, Model News

Hornby 2015 range announcement from an SR/BR(s) perspective sees an S15 and Adams Radial

20 Comments

Following on from their break in tradition by announcing some of next years range at the Warley show last month today sees the announcement of their full plans for 2015, this post is a summary of the information from a Southern / BR(s) modellers perspective. The main highlight is completely new tooling to produce an S15 class 4-6-0 freight locomotive along with the 0415 Class Adams radial tank that was shown at Warley.

S15 Class

A 3D test print prior to tooling of the S15 With Flush sided tender

The S15 4-6-0 locomotives were first introduced by Urie on the London South Western railway in 1920, with later batches being built by the Southern Railway under Maunsell. I was able to speak with the design team at Hornby responsible for these models, last week, and handle the first 3D test print illustrated here.

A further view of the 3D test print. Note the bogies under the tender are not the final Maunsell versions

I can confirm that they have tooled for the SR built versions (i.e. not the original ex LSWR version with the stepped footplate numbers 496 to 515) and are to produce a number of different details and variants including: both the Urie (823 to 837) flared 5000 gallon tenders, the Maunsell (838 to 847) flat sided 5000 gallon tenders complete with newly tooled bogies, and ultimately pairing with an ex King Arthur 4000 gallon 6 wheel tender (as used on the central section) and even possibly  versions of 30833 and 30837 that were paired with ex Schools class 4000 gallon tenders in 1962.

The chassis is a completely new design with a 5 pole motor, twin flywheels and tooling to accommodate the 3 different styles of driving wheels / balance weights fitted!

R3327 SR Maunsell lined olive green livery with Urie Bogie tender
R3328 BR early emblem livery with Maunsell flat sided bogie tender
R3329 BR late emblem livery with Urie Bogie tender

The actual locomotive numbers are still to be confirmed. The intention is that these should be available from around July next year.

0415 Class Adams Radial

A rear 3/4 view of the Adams radial, (Admas Boiler variant) see the Warley post for the front on view.

Originally introduced by Adams on the LSWR in 1882 for suburban work, three of the class became iconic by being used in the heavily graded and severely curved Lyme Regis branch lasting until 1961. It has ranked high on the various model railway wish lists over the last few years and this year has now seen R-T-R versions announced by both Hornby at Warley and also as reported here Oxford Rail. The Hornby design team advise me that they are producing both Drummond and Adams boiler versions with similar chimney variations as well to enable a wider range of livery versions to be release in the future (as the two  types of boiler were swapped between between different locos at different times).

R3333 No. 30584 in BR early emblem livery – Adams boiler
R3334 No. 30582 in BR late emblem livery – Drummond boiler
R3335 No. 488 in LSWR livery as preserved on the Bluebell Railway with Adams boiler

The intention is for these to be available by the end of 2015.

Locomotives and Train Packs

R3300 Winston Churchill funeral train pack

R3300 Winston Churchill funeral train pack to mark 50 years since the state funeral on 30 January 1965: comprising of Bulleid original style light pacific No. 34051 with cut down tender, in BR livery with late crest,  2 off Pullman cars ‘Lydia’, ‘Perseus’ and Pullman liveried Gangwayed Bogie Luggage Van S2464 (note existing tooling is being used for the GBL and not strictly as per the prototype van that was modified with additional windows in the centre pair of doors).

R3302 1940 Dunkirk train pack

R3302 ‘1940 return from Dunkirk’ train pack;  comprising of a 700 class No. 325 paired with a 14ft wheelbase tender and 3 coach Maunsell low window set No. 447 comprising of 2 off four compartment brake 3rds (4059, 4061) and a composite (5149) in unlined olive green.

R3304 700 class 30316 with 13ft wheelbase tender

R3304 700 class No. 30316 correctly paired with the first appearance of brand new tooling for the 13ft wheelbase tender, in BR black livery with early emblem and weathered.

R3310 34006 Bude

R3310 Bulleid original style light pacific No. 34006 ‘Bude’ with long smoke deflectors (as fitted for the 1948 locomotive exchange trials) and cut down tender (number 3262) as paired with ‘Bude’ in August 1961, in BR livery with late crest.

R3311 Schools V Class 30908 Westminster

R3311 Schools V class No. 30908 ‘Westminster’ in post August 1956 BR green livery with early crest .

Other train packs include:

  • R3340 2 Hal EMU in BR green livery with full yellow end set No. 2603
  • R3341 2 Hal EMU in BR blue livery set No. 2677
  • R1176 Eurostar Class 373 train set in brand new blue livery c/w track and controller
  • R3215 Eurostar Class 373 blue livery train pack
  • R4580 Eurostar Class 373 blue livery centre saloons coach pack

Additionally

It is not just the Southern Modellers that benefit from new tooled models as also announced is an LNER J50 0-6-0 tank. Additional new tooling for coaches announced over and above the LMS non corridor coaches shown at Warley includes 5 new all steel  K type Pullman cars:

  • R4660 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Kitchen Car No. 72
  • R4661 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Parlour Car No.  73
  • R4662 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Brake Parlour Car No. 79
  • R4663 K Type All Steel Pullman First Class Kitchen Car  ‘Loraine’
  • R4664 K Type All Steel Pullman First Class Parlour Car -‘Agatha’
All steel K type Pullman ‘Loraine’

These are very fine looking models and have been produced to Hornby’s usual fine standard for Pullman cars,  using laser scanned data from surviving prototypes as well. In general though the prototypes ran on the Eastern Region,  [edit 17/12/14] with thanks to an informative comment below from Colin Watts; both Agetha and Lorrain came to the Southern Region in 1961 and were used on the Bournemouth Belle. They incorporate a new style of table lighting achieved via LEDs directly under tables rather than the previous fibre optic method, which makes assembly and dis-assembly of these coaches much easier.

Class 71

It should be noted that although this model was announced at Warley it will form part of the 2016 range.

N Gauge

It was also advised at the media briefing day last week that following the success of the Hornby International brand Arnold British 1:148 scale N gauge 5 Bell EMU that further N Gauge products are likely to be announced later in the year, so what this space.

Full 2015 range

For details on the full 2015 range see either Hornby.com or RMweb.

Hornby’s supply chain issues over the last few years are well documented and continue to cause supply issues even though new factories are now producing models, many of the 2014 releases are having to be carried over to 2015 (although recently the K1 model that was moved out to February 2015 has now appeared). Hornby have advised us that the intention is to supply all of the 2015 announcements during 2015. Stocks of the LMS horsebox and the BR 21T hopper wagon announced at Warley are already in the Hornby warehouse ready for immediate shipping in the new year. The new all steel K type Pullmans are also at a very advanced stage of development so should be available quite early on in the year whilst the LMS non corridor coaches are at the final tooling stage.

I would also like to thank members of the design team at Hornby whom have been very patient with all my questions and exclusively provided me with additional information on their SR related plans to hopefully be providing here one of the most comprehensive round ups.

Note: all pictures are courtesy and copyright of either Hornby Hobbies Ltd. or A York.