Following on from the excellent Steam’s Lament – Bulleid’s Light Pacifics is the next title provided to me by my friends at Strathwood Publishing being Steam’s Lament – Bulleid’s Merchant Navy, Q1, Leader and Other Works . This follows the same wide landscape format and contains 208 pages often with multiple black and white photographs per page along with well researched and informative captions.
Steam’s Lament – Bulleid’s Merchant Navy, Q1, Leader and Other Works features every one of the Merchant Navy Pacifics in both original and rebuilt condition, together with a photograph of every one of the forty Q1s and all three of the Leaders that were built. Also included are some of Bulleid’s other works including his diesel & electric locomotive designs.
The photographs are from a number of sources such as: Colour Rail,Rail photoprints , Anistr.com, Rail-Online.com and the Transport Treasury so will not be new to many of us, there are also a number of photographs from other sources such as Strathwood‘s own library, that are not so familiar and many that I have not seen before. The selection of photographs covers details and variation in liveries and naming and shows the locomotives in action, on shed and in close up. The benefit is that the they are all nicely reproduced in the one book and at a good size afforded by the wide landscape format.
As well as the Leader, the book includes a few examples of: Bulleid’s drafting improvements with Lemaitre multiple-jet blast pipes and their associated large diameter chimneys, his 500hp 0-6-0 shunter 11001, the 350hp 0-6-0 shunters, the 10201-3 main line diesels and also the Bulleid/Raworth electric locos 20001-3.
By covering each locomotive in turn and including images from different periods of their working life it provides a great reference for railway historians and modellers alike, a welcome addition to my library and wholeheartedly recommended.
A change to the norm for picture of the month, one of my own favourites of 35006 Peninsular and Oriental S.N Co about to run around her train at Cheltenham Racecourse Station, taken at the annual 35006 Locomotive Society members and shareholders day, usually held in July.
More information about how you can support the 35006 Locomotive Society can be found here.
PS. Happy we got rid American Independence Day to my USA readers on the 4th, a date that is overshadowed by my own birthday…
A Drummond T14 4-6-0 “Paddlebox” 461 a NuCast kit is turned whilst 21C14 “Nederland Line” a Series 2 Merchant Navy Pacific, a Millholme kit, heads towards London with the ‘UP’ Devon Belle.
The first “Hornby clockwork train” was released by Meccano Ltd. back in 1920 and therefore the current Hornby are marking the Centenary in style. The full history of Hornby can be found elsewhere but I am sure we are all familiar with the Hornby brands and ranges including:
In this post I will provide outline details of the limited edition centenary releases and their new tooling releases; although there is new tooling for the Southern Railway modeller this year, new livery versions of existing tooling relevant to Southern / Southern Region are included.
I am also able to bring some additional information regarding Work In Progress the remaining outstanding Southern related items. The full 2020 range is available on the Hornby website here.
Centenary Range
Hornby’s Centenary Year will include a variety product launches including a special range of limited edition products to celebrate each decade and will feature packaging to represent the relevant decade and include a limited edition certificate. They will be released evenly during the year.
1920s: ‘The Hornby Electric Train’ – 4 new ‘0’ Gauge tinplate locomotives; London North Western Railway black, Midland Railway red, Caledonian Railway blue and Great Northern green. 100 per livery, Availability Jan, Mar, June, Sept.
1930s: ‘HORNBY-DUBLO’ 1938 – LNER A4 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ and two teak coaches, track and transformer. Limited to 1000 units available June
1940s: ‘Hornby DublO’ ‘Candy Stripe’ packaging 1948 – LMS 6231 ‘Douches of Atholl’, Die cast body. Limited to 500 units available May.
1950s: ‘DUBLO DIECAST’ 1957 – a selection of 6 diecast vehicles, Austin K8 Van, Morris J Van, MG TC, Fordson Tractor, VW T2 Van and a Scammell Mechanical Horse Van Trailer. Limited to 2000 each version available May.
1960s: ‘Tri-ang Railways’ 1963 – Stephenson’s Rocket Train Pack, Rocket locomotive and 3 coaches, completely new tooling true to 1/76 00 scale. Limited to 1500 units. Availability Feb.
1970s: ‘Tri-ang Hornby’ 1971 – 9F 92220 ‘;Evening Star’, includes commemorative makers plate. Limited to 1000 units, available July
1980s: ‘Hornby Railways – Blue Belt’ 1983 – 56024 ‘Smokey Joe’ – Hornby’s longest serving locomotive (tooling modified to include extra detailing parts such as handrails etc.) Limited to 2000 Units, available June.
1990s: ‘Hornby Railways – Top Link’ 1998 – LB&SCR 45 ‘Merton A1 Terrier in Strudley’s improved engine green. Merton was where the original Tri-ang trains factory was located. Limited to 1000 units, available July.
2000s: ‘Hornby’ celebrating the step change and resurgence in new Hornby models – 35028 Merchant Navy Pacific ‘Clan Line’, 18ct gold plated details and valve gear. Limited to 1000 units, available August.
2010s: ‘Hornby’ 2017 – Peckett 614, includes brass effect makers plate. Limited to 2000 units available Sept.
2020: ‘Rovex’ 100 years of Hornby Train set, celebrating the first train set produced by Rovex, a black livery Princes Elizabeth and 2 off LMS Coaches
Other celebratory limited edition collectable mechanise will be available including: a mug, pen and gold plated anniversary badge and a new book by Pat Hammond ‘The Hornby Book of Trains The First one Hundred Years’.
Also keep and eye out for the Hornby Centenary video campaign, a limited number of tickets available for a British Belmond Pullman Experience train on Saturday 19th September behind 35028 Clan Line. One box in each of the Centenary range products above will feature a ‘Golden Ticket’ to win one of a number of prizes including a trip on the Belmond Pullman or vouchers for the Hornby website.
New tooling
Whilst there is no new tooling this year for specifically Southern / Southern Region modellers, except BR Mk1 RB Coaches, Hornby are still investing in an ambitious plan for the year that includes:
BR Class 370 Advanced Passenger Train 5 and 7 car train packs and additional coach packs will be available and (note totally Hornby’s own new design and tooling) It will be complete with tilting mechanism- available Dec
Stephenson’s Rocket and 3 coaches standard version train pack – available Feb
BR Thompson 4-6-2 A2/2 class – 2 livery versions – available Dec
LNER / BR Thompson 4-6-2 A2/3 class – 4 livery versions – available Dec
BR Standard 2-6-0 2MT 78xxx class – 3 livery versions – available Dec
LNER 4-6-4 W1 class ‘Hush Hush’ original form No. 10000- 3 livery versions – available Dec
LNER / BR 4-6-4 W1 class ”Rebuilt’ No. 10000 and 60700- 2 livery versions with and without valences – available Dec
BR Bo-Bo Class 91 Electric locomotive – 4 livery versions – available Dec
LMS Stanier Coronation Scot coaches – BTKs, FK, RKs and RTOs – available Oct
BR Mk1 Restaurant Buffet (RB) coaches to Diagram 24 including in BR(S) Green livery R4972 as S1720 as introduced in 1961 and R4972A as S1757 as introduced in 1963. They will also be available in Western, Midland and Intercity liveries – available Nov.
New liveries
New liveries for Southern / Southern Region models are listed below:
R3846 – LSWR 0-6-0t A1 Terrier class No. 735 in LSWR livery, purchased by the LSWR from the LBSCR 735 (ex 668) along with 734 (ex 646) entered service on the LSWR in April 1903 mainly in the East Devon area until languishing at Eastleigh Works in 1919 – available July
R3845 – LBSCR 0-6-0t A1 Terrier class No. 40 ‘Brighton’ in Stroudley’s improved engine green livery as carried before she was sold to the Isle of Wight Central Railway in 1902- available July
R3847 – SR 0-6-0t A1X Terrier class No. W14 ‘Bembridge’ SR Olive Green as she carried on the Isle of Wight between April 1932 and May 1936 when she returned to the mainland- available July
R3848 – SR 0-6-0t A1X Terrier class No. W13 ‘Carisbrooke’ BR Malachite Green as she carried on the Isle of Wight between early 1948 and April 1949 when she returned to the mainland – available July
R3763 – SR 0-4-4t H Class No. 1552 SR black, with non shaded lettering but shaded number, as per reference picture that Hornby have based the model on taken at Nine Elms on 29/8/1948 – available Jan
R3862 – SR 4-6-0 Lord Nelson Class No. 864 ‘Sir Martin Frobisher’ SR Malachite Green, as she ran between February 1947 and May 1948 – available July
R3863 – LSWR 4-4-0 T9 Class No. 120 in LSWR Green as preserved, running and repainted by British Railways in March 1962 before becoming part of the National Collection in 1963- available Oct
R3943 – Express Dairy Co. Ltd., Ruston & Hornsby 48DS 0-4-0 236611 in Express Dairy Blue livery as seen at Mordon – available Dec
BR Mk1 coaches in BR(S) Green R4975 SK No. S34310, R4976 CK No. S15574, R4977 BSK No. S34967, R4979 TS) No. S4009, R4981 FO No. S3065 and R4982 GB No. S84289 – available Dec
R6911B LSWR 20t ‘New Van’ Goods Brake Van No.10124 in LSWR livery – available Aug
R6938 SR Diagram 1543 24t Goods Brake Van No. 55052 in post 1936 (small lettering) SR livery (yes I do agree with many that the shade of brown is too light) – available Aug
R6915B BR Diagram 1543 24t Goods Brake Van No. S55063 in BR grey livery – available Aug
R6944 3 Plank wagon (generic) in LSWR Engineers dept. Brown livery No. 316 – available Aug
R6948 5 plank PO wagon ‘Herbert Rigler No. 106, Bournemouth’ – available Oct
R6952 7 plank PO wagon ‘Madge No. 62, London and Brighton’ – available Oct
R1253M 373 Class Eurostar “Yellow Submarine” livery train set – and all new new licensing agreement (also includes R3829 Train Pack and R4001 divisible centre saloons coach pack and Corgi models). This is based on the livery applied to set 3005/3006 in 1999. Although in reality each of the 18 coaches had different graphics, as virtually no one can really run a full 18 coach set, the Hornby release replicates the majority of these with different graphics on each side of each available coach – available May
Railroad Plus
The railroad range is slightly enhanced with a “Plus” version of the range with additional livery details and touches, including in some instances etched nameplates, when compared to the existing Railroad range. The range includes 3 off Class 47 Co-Cos , a Class 20 Bo-Bo, a Class 37 Co-Co, a BR 2-10-0 9F class No. 92218 and finally R3910 Class 73 Bo-Bo No. 73964 ‘Jeanette’ in GB Railfreight livery – available Sept
Work In Progress Update
Whilst we have been able to take delivery of many of the Southern / Southern Region modes from last years range such as the all new tolling ex LBSC A1 and A1X Terrier locomotives, the excellent Bulleid 59ft coaches and the just arrived ex LSWR Diagram 1543 24t Goods Brake Vans, some items have been delayed. It is well known that the Hornby supply chain includes a number of different factories in China, one of which was unexpectedly at very short notice closed, due to a compulsory purchase of the land by the Chinese government!
This has impacted the production of the new Merchant Navy pacifics, both versions of the Peckett industrial tanks, the Class 800 Azuma units and the new tooling GWR 61xx large Prairie tanks locomotives.
Work to move the tooling to another factory has taken place and the livery samples for R3716 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland America Line’ ‘35022’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) in BR Brunswick Green, early crest and R3717 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Aberdeen Commonwealth’ ‘21C7’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) in SR Wartime Black, original ‘widows peak- front end with no smoke deflectors can be seen left.
Included within the 2019 range was also R3649 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Ellerman Lines’ ‘35029’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest representing the condition she ran in between July 1952 and June 1959 when she was rebuilt. This model required new tooling to be completed for the 5100 gallon, series two tender (no 3129) that she was paired with in 1952. The Engineering prototype of this new tooling can also be seen left. This is a very positive step as it will open up the possibilities for Series Two Merchant Navy models to be produced int he future so watch this space.
I am also assured that R3632 – BR 4-6-2 ‘East Asiatic Company’ ‘35024’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Line Blue, early crest from the 2018 range announcement is also still in progress.
Other Items
The HM6000 & 6010 App based analogue control system
Hornby have also announced an brand new phone or tablet based analogue control app that can control up to 8 separate circuits of track. The system works via a bluetooth between the phone / tablet app to layout mounted HM6000 base units that can each control up to two separate circuits and up to 4 HM6000 units can be connected together (note track power as per analogue as no chips are required for locomotives).
The HM6010 base unit can control up to 4 points and accessories and up to three HM6010 base units can be connected together to therefore control up to 12 accessories.
It also includes locomotive sounds (from the phone / tablet speaker not the locomotive).
This system is a step between the traditional rotary knob type controller and DCC style control via apps like WiThrottle.
Steampunk
A complete new market sector for Hornby and launched via the Bassett-Lowke brand as they meld together the world of Steampunk; a World where steam has evolved into the primary power source, where dinosaurs are domesticated, where the elegance of tea drinking is the ultimate pleasure and where society is still enmeshed in the Victorian era; as an introduction to model railways.
Initially a range of models from locomotives, rolling stock and buildings will be available, that have been created from minimal modifications to existing tooling and the addition of extra resin parts.
Any new market sector and development that has the potential to bring new interest into the hobby, also think of some of the layouts and animations that appeared in the Channel 5 Great British Model Railway Challenge, is to be applauded.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at Hornby for the hospitality extended to me last month and the advanced information provided to enable me to bring the above summary of their celebratory plans for this year ahead to you.
Further to my update of 8th May here regarding Bulleid Merchant Navy pacific 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co and her steaming plans for this month, things change quickly, 35006 was additionally steamed and running services on 16/17/18th May, but now a problem with a repair carried out to P&O in the early days has caused 35006 to be stopped until a new repair can be carried out. The 35006 Locomotive Society will be starting the repair tomorrow, which will most likely require a new machined part and specialist welding, 35006 will not now be running on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway’s (GWRS) this weekend nor during next week. As always for the very latest information on loco rostering check the GWSR website here
[Update 24/05/17] Good news 35006 was steam tested again yesterday after a couple of repairs and will be available for the GWSR gala this weekend. The original problem was that there was a significant steam leak around the rear relief valve on the right hand cylinder, but whilst testing our other repairs it was found that the Right HandMechanical lubricator was not working. With assistance from GWSR staff this has also been repaired.
Better news on the Bulleid Merchant Navy front is that yesterday, 18/05/17 saw the light load test runs of both 35028 Clan line, returning to the main line after a major overhaul by the excellent owners the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society; and also 35018 British India Line, privately owned by Dave Smith of West Coast Railways steaming on the main line in preservation for the first time since she went of of British Railways service in August 1964. 35018 is notable being the first of the Merchant Navy Class to have been rebuilt in February 1955 and still carried a few of the unique features, such as the front sand box position, due to be being the first of the class so rebuilt. I am led to believe that 35018 did have a slight issue with a hot middle big end bearing but I am sure this will be quickly resolved. YouTube video below by khankadet
Whilst 35028 Clan Line was running in undercoat in preparation for a return to full British Railways lined Brunswick green livery, for some reason, possibly only known to Dave Smith, 35018 is currently being outshopped in both an unauthentic gloss black livery and also masquerading with Bulleid Light Pacific West County 34016 nameplates Bodmin rather than British India Line. Along with 35028 and 35005 Canadian Pacific, 35018 becomes the third Bulleid Merchant Navy to run on the Main line in preservation.
I can not say I am a fan of changing locomotive identities, let alone between different classes of locomotive or unauthentic liveries, at least it good see both 35028 and indeed 35018 back on the main line. Hopefully 35018 will return to her proper identity and authentic livery perhaps once initial test runs have been completed.
I am especially pleased that the major overhaul to main line stalwart 35028 coming to an end, as being a Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society member I am booked on the UK Railtours ‘Waterloo Sunset’ railtour on 9th July behind 35028 between Waterloo and Yeovil Junction and return to commemorate the end of the steam on the Southern Region in 1967.
The winners of the first British Model Railway Awards for 2016 have been announced today and can be read here. This year saw a resurgence for Hornby wining not only 00 manufacturer of the year, but also Overall Manufacturer of the year, helped by within a number of the categories Southern Railway / Region related products winning and or polling highly.
Set 45 comprising of a Dia 418 Brake Composite and and Dia 99 Brake Third
Also polling well was their Class 71 electric locomotive with over 25% of the vote in the 00 Gauge modern traction award; therefore ensuring that the Southern Railway is well represented in the awards, which is always good news. With the Hornby original Merchant Navy and ex SECR H Class 0-4-4T due to the hit retailers this year in my opinion they will also have a strong contenders for the awards in 2017 as well.
Also well done to the UK Model Shops website for justifiably winning the website of the year award, for the second year in a row, a category in which I was surprised to have been again nominated and came a creditable 5th among a wide range of high quality and informative websites, so many thanks to all who did take the time to vote.
Well the annual event that is the Warley National Model Railway show at the NEC has now been and gone and by all accounts it appears that it was a good show, not that I was able to see as much of it as I might have liked. I had a good weekend on the Hornby Magazine stand operating friend and Editor Mike Wild’s latest layout Grosvenor Square, despite it being Western Region and DCC, but I think I just about coped. I apologise to anyone whom overheard and didn’t like my complaints (usually timed to gained maximum effect depending on whom was in earshot…especially that nice Mr Pete Waterman on the stand opposite…) that all Western region locomotives look the same, it was in jest… honest!
As is becoming more usual now a number of suppliers and manufacturers time announcements, product development updates and availability of new product around the time of / during the show and this year was no exception. This post attempts to round up some of those items of interest seen at the show from a Southern perspective, although this was slightly more limited than it has been in the past.
Hornby
Like last year, Hornby used the Warley show to give a presentation on some of their plans for 2017 and make some new product announcements, including a Hitachi IEP Bi-Mode Class 800/0, which can be found via their website on their Engine Shed Blog. The full 2017 range including all the liveries variations from existing rather than new tooling is planned to be launched in January 2017.
Hornby H Class EP
Further to the ex SECR H lass 0-4-4T announced in September they have also now clarified the planned initial releases as being as follows, which differs slightly from the initial information I was given at the time:
R3538 number 308 SECR lined green. No.308 was built at Ashford Works in June 1906, entering traffic at Slades Green and was repainted to Maunsell Dark Green in 1925, when also renumbered as A308. Moving to Gillingham in July 1931, her last shed was Tunbridge Wells West, from where she was withdrawn in December 1962.
Hornb y H Class EP rear 3/4 view
R3539 number 31518 BR late crest (with Overhead Electric warning flashes) lined black and pull push fitted. No. 31518 was built in July 1909 at Ashford and entered traffic at Orpington, numbered 518, Being dual braked, 518 mainly worked Chatham section trains. In December 1923 she became A518, then 1518 in July 1931. Post Nationalisation she was renumbered 31518 and later pull push fitted in March 1952, Withdrawal took place from Three Bridges shed in January 1964.
A further view of the Hornby H Class EP
R3549 number 1324 SR Maunsell Olive Green. No.1324 was built at Ashford Works in May 1907, entering traffic as No.324 at Ashford. In 1924, based Tonbridge, she often operated services between the Eastern and Central sections of the Southern Railway. Renumbered as No.31324 under British Railways, withdrawal from Three Bridges shed occurred in July 1962.
It therefore appears that the previously advised release of the BR early emblem version will not materialise as part of the first releases.
Hornby livery samples of 21C1 and 21C3 together
The running samples of the new original style Bulleid Merchant Navy pacifics were on display, the malachite green versions of 21c1 and 21C3 can be seen left, and they represent the condition that these locomotives first ran between introduction in 1941 and early 1943.
Hornby livery sample of 21C1 note the cover for the chimney
There is one correction to be made to the livery to 21C3 which will be reflected on the production models in that the side numbers and Southern lettering on the tender will be correctly shaded in black not green. The four releases of these models are due first quarter next year (delayed from 2016) and are as follows:
Hornby livery sample of 21C3
R3434 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Channel Packet’ ’21C1′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) in as introduced 1941 condition with widows peak
R3435 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Mail’ ’21C3′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) in as introduced 1941 condition with widows peak
A further view of Hornby livery sample of 21C3
R3436 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Clan Line’ ‘35028’ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green. early crest ,
R3382TTS- BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland-Afrika Line’ ‘35023’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest with TTS Sound
Look out for a post likely to be published next week detailing the exact condition and dates applicable to all these four versions which I hope will assist those wishing to purchase the correct version for their time period or those potentially wanting to renumber to other members of the class.
Hornby also announced a brand new ‘King Arthur’ tooling! Although this is in the form a Class 87 AC electric number 87010 ‘King Arthur’ in BR Intercity ‘Swallow’ logo, (I can now remove my tongue from my cheek!)
The SR cattle trucks announced last year have this week also arrived in the shops, once my versions arrive I will post a picture review. Just to clear up some misunderstanding on what versions have been released in this batch, as information on some retailers websites has been inconsistent due to changes in the information originally supplied / described by Hornby, the following versions are available:
R6735 – late SR livery, Bulleid designed version to SR diagram 1530 as introduced in 1947
R6735A – late SR livery , Bulleid designed version to SR diagram 1530 as introduced in 1947
(although it would not doubt have been a while before these ended up in BR livery)
R6737 – BR livery ex SR Maunsell designed version to SR Diagram 1529
R6737A – BR livery ex SR Maunsell designed version to SR Diagram 1529
It is still hoped that further livery versions, perhaps the inverse of the above, will be part of the 2017 range, although it should not be beyond the skills of many to re-livery the diagram 1529 version to the SR period.
I also remind readers that the 2016 livery versions of the excellent S15 4-6-0 model have also arrived at retailers namely
R3411 – SR 4-6-0 ‘827’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – Post war Bulleid black with ‘Sunshine’ lettering
R3412 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30842’ Maunsell S15 Class, flat sided tender – BR Black early crest
R3413 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30831’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – BR Black late emblem
Peco
Following on the recent announcement of their intention to produce 00 bullhead plain track with a more prototypical sleep spacing (bearing in mind that 00 being 16.5mm gauge rather the prototypical 18.83 it is still a compromise that the majority of us modellers accept) Peco also had on display an early mock up / EP of a large radius turnout which certainly looked good. It is my understanding that the geometry will match their existing code 75 streamline turnouts.
Bachmann
No new announcements from Bachmann, as is often the case at Warley, as their 2017 range is planned to be announced on January 8th next year, slightly earlier than their usual March date.
The EP of the Bachmann ex LBSC H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 picture courtesy and copyright of A York / BRM
In their usual display cases at the show were a number of Engineering Prototypes of current work in progress this included the first views of the ex London, Brighton and South Coast (LBSC) Brighton H2 Class Atlantic Engineering Prototype as seen pictured left. The planned initial releases, although it looks like tooling will allow for future further variations, for the H2 class are as follows:
A further view of the Bachmann H2 EP. Picture courtesy and copyright M Wild / Hornby Magazine
31-920 H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 No. 2426 ‘St. Alban’s Head’ in Southern Railway olive green livery
31-921 H2 Class Atlantic 4-4-2 No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ in BR black livery with early emblem.
Also on display were the EPs of the ex SECR Birdcage Stock that have been seen for a while now.
Trafford Model Centre (TMC)
TMC announced a number of wagon commissions, via Bachmann one of which being one of the 14 Cycle branded PMVs which were introduced in 1952, primarily for use on boat trains, being essentially a modification of ex SR Parcels and Miscellaneous Vans to incorporate hooks inside to hang cycles.
The TMC cycle branded PMV Picture courtesy and copyright M Wild / Hornby Magazine
Numbers so converted were 1055,1103,1208,1728, these had 60 hooks presumably for up to 30 cycles, whilst 1057, 1113, 1175, 1282, 1293, 1305, 1314, 1317, 1454, 1882 had 24 hooks each. Number 1317 in addition to the bike symbols on the outside was additionally stenciled, until 1966, for use between Ashford and Cannon Street to convey cycles by manufacturer Normans of Ashford. These vans, except numbers 1175 & 1208 withdrawn in December 1962, had all returned to the general pool by 1969. The version being issued by TMC is number S1282S correctly in BR crimson livery with yellow lettering and the white cycle stencil.
TMC have also commissioned Bachmann to produce the ex LNER /BR 22T double bolster wagon and this is at EP stage
Dapol
There were no new announcements made by Dapol at the show in either 00 or N, as they are looking to get to market all outstanding products currently under development before making any new announcements. The ex London and South Western (LSWR ) B4 0-4-0T announced back in March 2014 is still at the CAD stage. They did have on show some of the results of the alignment of the Dapol and Lionheart ranges in 0 Gauge but none of these were SR related.
Back in January this year Heljan announced their intention to release an 07 Class 0-6-0 Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Shunter numbers D2985-D2998 (TOPS numbers 07001-07014).
Heljan 3D printed sample of their proposed Class 07 shunter (version 1). Picture courtesy and copyright A York / BRM
Introduced in 1962 this class of 14 locomotives was designed specifically for use in the Southampton Docks complex on trip and shunting duties. With the decline of traffic within the docks the class was re-assigned to duties in the Eastleigh area before withdrawal and finding further work with a number of industrial companies. Heljan advise that initially two versions will be produced reflecting ‘as-built’ condition and later modified locos with waist height air brake connections as follows:
Heljan 3D printed sample of their proposed Class 07 shunter (version 2). Picture courtesy and copyright A York / BRM
Version 1 non-air braked
2900 D2985 BR Green
2901 D2990 BR Green
2902 D2992 BR Blue
2903 07010 BR Blue
Version 2 air-braked (extra cabinet, air receiver compartment and air pipes (high level)
2910 2993 BR Blue
2911 07005 BR Blue
2912 (07001) Peakstone yellow
2913 (07003) British Industrial Sand white
Proposed for release in 2017, Heljan had a early 3D print mock ups of this model on display.
Note: that the images of Engineering Protptypes sometimes show combinations of components that are mixed and matched and do not necessarily correctly represent the combinations for model variations announced (but can be a hint at possible future variations as well!)
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.
A new Society, The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, has been formed with the aim of not only restoring but more ambitiously returning Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific 35011 General Steam Navigation into original air smoothed condition. 35011 was introduced in December 1944, as one of the second series built (described and illustrated in more detail in model form here), and subsequently like eventually all of the 30 strong Merchant Navy class she was rebuilt in July 1959. The rebuilding entailed the removal of the air smoothed casing and more fundamental the replacement of the chain driven valve gear encased within an oil bath with a full set of standard Walschaerts valve gear.
Although the current preservation scheme is not all that short of Bulleid’s creations, such as number 35006 of which I am shareholder and whose restoration is nearly compete, however there is of course a missing link. The lack of an original air smoothed and chain valve gear driven Merchant Navy is an obvious gap in the preservation scene of Southern Railway locomotives.
This video below illustrates the aims of the Society more succinctly than I can put into words.
