This months picture…
Picture of the Month – May 2023
Tag Archives: S15 class
And now for something different… Southern related influences up t’north… some bank holiday reading
With this weekend being a bank holiday, with so far some typical overcast weather (at least it’s not raining yet…), I thought I would provide some light reading based on my trip away, with the 35011 General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society last weekend, to some of Yorkshire’s railway attractions where I was able to find a Southern Railway related connection.
A Bulleid coach far from home
Coach number S1469 is a Diagram 2017 Open Third built at Eastleigh between October and December 1950 with the deeper 15″ window vents rather than the 10″ vents fitted to the SR built versions. They were introduced as loose vehicles, i.e. not allocated into a coach set.
Whilst many like to see the preserved Bulleid coaches in green livery, I think she does look very smart in the immaculate Crimson and Cream livery.
A Southern / Bulleid connection to a BR standard 4MT tank
The design, although based on the LMS Fowler / Fairburn tanks, of these locomotives, introduced from 1951 was completed and the first batch built at Brighton. The design was required to meet the the L1 loading gauge to give them a great route availability (such as working between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells West). They therefore have a continuous curved profile to the tanks and cab sides, (not to be confused with the overall loading gauge), that also matched the curve of the Bulleid locos and stock. There was even a discussion at the time about them being built with Bulleid-Firth-Brown style wheels.
Even the LNER coach has Bulleid connection as before he left the LNER to become CME of the Southern Railway he had modernised the interiors of such open coaches with the use of the new synthetic leathercloth ‘Rexine’.
What’s in a name…
There are two Merchant Navy Class names plates on display at the National Railway Museum. With the Merchant Navy’s four plates were cast (the centre part disc was enamelled), two for the loco, one presented to the relevant shipping company and one circular part turned into a coffee table and also presented to the shipping company at the time of the official naming ceremonies (I have not yet managed to see any of the coffee tables, I wonder if any any survive and if so do the owners know the significance?)
The Orient Line name plate is from the actual 21c8 loco, you can compare the difference in the wear and tear including the remaining thickness of the raised cast letters to tell the difference. The boiler currently being restored by the 35011 General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, is coincidently the one that was first fitted to 21c8 when built.
We didn’t remove any parts honest…
Whilst neatly sectioned and painted to show the inner workings of a steam locomotive I feel the Museum have missed a trick as there are no actual information board to explain the how it works part of the exhibit to visitors. Whilst photographing I did spend time to actually explain how it works to many visitors.
I’m sure it doesn’t need it’s crank axle really… with 35011 General Steam Navigation needing a new crank axle it would be nice to swap this now static exhibit with a plain axle to help get 21c11 / 35011 back in steam but I think the museum staff would have noticed if I tried to borrow it… The tender would be handy too…
Duck à le bleu…
Developed using wind-tunnels, the train could travel the 178 miles between the two station in 138 minutes, at an average of 77mph.
This was considered to be an expensive option but led to Bugatti assisting Bulleid and Gresley with the A4 front styling and overall streamlining.
Mallard was also a visitor to the Southern Region a couple of times the first being for the 1948 Locomotive Exchange trails, where she failed at Salisbury with a hot middle big end, and again later in the 1960s on rail tour duty.
Doesn’t need a key… (sorry Stanier…)
When the class were first introduced under wartime austerity conditions in 1942 William Stanier was reported to have said “Where do you put the key” in response to the look of the loco.
I hope you enjoyed the read and the SR connections.
Hornby announce full 2017 range; a Southern Railway / Southern Region related roundup [updated 16/01/17]
Hornby have today announced their full range for 2017. As with the range for 2016 new tooling announcements fro 2017 have already been made during the last year via their informative Engineshed blog and a presentation /launch at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. These from a Southern Railway perspective has already included the announcement last September of the ex SECR 0-4-4T H class Tank.
[Updated 13/01/17] R3566 – BR 4-6-2 ‘British India Line’ Rebuild Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific number ‘35018’ has been changed to be 35014 ‘Nederland Line’ due to the unique detail differences of 35018 as the pioneer rebuilt of the class.
[Updated 16/01/17] Confirmation that R3568 – BR Class 71 ‘E5018’ will be in BR Green Livery with plain green ends.
The range also sees a welcome reintroduction of the Bulleid 0-6-0 Q1, Light Pacific Classes; both Air Smoothed and rebuilt, and reverse SR / BR liveries for the two excellent Diagram 1529 and Diagram 1530 SR Cattle wagons introduced last year.
The aim of this post is to round up the announcements that are of a Southern Railway / Southern Region interest, it should be noted that as I advised here a number of the 2016 range announcements have already been moved into the 2017 range for release, Including the original Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacifics (detailed in my post here) and these items are highlighted below by a Red [*]. An indication of the planned release date via the Quarter system (eg [Q2] is also provided.
Locomotives
- R3515 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Kenley’ ’21c168′ Bulleid Battle of Britain Light Pacific – 4500 gallon tender – SR Malachite Green. Part of Hornby’s ‘The Final Day Collection’ Marking the 70th Anniversary of the end of the ‘Big Four’. Represents the condition she ran in between introduction in October 1947 and September 1948. The Final Day Collection range also includes a GWR King Class, LMS Royal Scot Class and LNER A3 Class. [Q3]
- R3521 – BR 0-4-4T Drummond ex LSWR M7 Class number ‘30129’ long frame, pull push fitted in BR Lined black with late emblem, as she ran between April 1960 and November 1963. [Q2]
- R3524 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Trevone’ Rebuilt Bulleid West Country Light Pacific number 34096 in BR Brunswick Green with late emblem representing her condition between April 1961 and September 1964. [Q3]
- R3525 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Sir Archibold Sinclair’ Bulleid Battle of Britain Light Pacific number ‘s21c159’- 4500 gallon tender – Malachite Green with s prefix to number and Sunshine ‘British Railways’ on tender. Representing her condition between Feb 1948 and March 1949. [Q2]
- R3527 – SR 4-6-0 ‘Camelot’ Urie N15 Class number 742, Urie style tender – Post war Bulleid black with ‘Sunshine’ lettering representing her condition between June 1942 and August 1946. [Q2]
- R3528 – ex LBSC A1X ‘Terrier’ Class – Number 4 in Weston, Clevedon and Portishead green livery.[Q3]
- R3538 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 308 in full 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. [Q4]
- R3539 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 31518 BR late crest (with Overhead Electric warning flashes) lined black and pull push fitted. As she ran between post 1956 to January 1964. [Q4]
- R3549 – [New Tooling for 2017] ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class number 1324 SR post 1931 Maunsell Olive Green. 1324 I believe also made it through the war still in olive green! [Q4]
- R3559 – SR 0-6-0 Bulleid Q1 class number C24 – Post war Bulleid black livery. [Q4]
- R3559 – BR 0-6-0 Bulleid Q1 class number 33032 – BR Unlined black livery late emblem. [Q4]
- R3566 – [Updated 13/01/17] BR 4-6-2 ‘Nederland Line Rebuild Bulleid Merchant Navy Pacific number ‘35014’ in BR Brunswick Green with early crest and black backed nameplate representing her condition between May 1956 and December 1960 (when a speedometer was fitted. [Note: This replaces the originally announced 35018 due to the unique detail differences of 35018 as the pioneer rebuild of the class]. [Q4]
- R3568 – BR Class 71 ‘E5018’ [Updated 16/01/17 to reflect confirmation of the livery as being with plain green ends] – BR Green, with Plain green ends. [Q2]
- R3569 – BR Class 71 ‘E5005’ BR Blue. [Q4]
- R3577 – Not Southern related, but included on this post just because…, Sentinel 0-4-0 diesel shunter Oxfordshire Ironstone Co, red livery with connecting rods named ‘Graham’. [Q3]
- [*] R3412 – BR 4-6-0 ‘30842’ Maunsell S15 Class, flat sided tender – BR Black early crest. [Q1]
- [*] R3422- SR 4-4-2T ‘3125’ Adams Radial 0415 Class – Bullied post war black and Sunshine lettering. [Q1]
- [*] R3423 – BR 4-4-2T ‘30583’ Adams Radial 0415 Class – BR lined black late emblem. [Q1]
- [*] R3434 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Channel Packet’ ’21C1′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) represents her very early condition from when first introduced in February 1941 and May 1941. [Q1]
- [*] R3435 – SR 4-6-2 ‘Royal Mail’ ’21C3′ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) is as introduced in September 1941 condition again and when she was painted in wartime black livery in May 1943. [Q4]
- [*] R3436 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Clan Line’ ‘35028’ Merchant Navy Class (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green. early crest. Modelled without the fairings between the front of the cylinders and the buffer beam and with safety vales in the forward position representing the condition she ran in between June 1953 and December 1954. [Q3]
- [*] R3445 – BR 4-6-2 ‘Camelford’ ‘34032’ West Country Class – BR Early – Air Smoothed representing the condition she ran in between January 1951 and October 1954 when safety vales were resited. [Q2]
- [*] R3457 – SR 4-4-0 ‘116’ Class T9 – Post 1931 lined Maunsell olive green [Q1]
- [*] R3458 – SR 4-4-0 ‘Shrewsbury’ Schools Class number ‘921’ – SR Black with Sunshine lettering, Lemaitre large diameter blast pipe and chimney as her condition between April 1944 and January 1948. [Q1]
- [*] R3468 – BR 4-6-2 ‘603 Squadron’ ‘34077’ Battle of Britain Class – Rebuilt – BR Lined Brunswick Green with late emblem as her conditon between July 1960 and August 1967. [Q2]
- [*] R3373 – BR Class 71 ‘E5001’ NRM – BR Green. [Q1]
In addition to the ex SECR 0-4-4T H class tanks Hornby’s new tooling for 2017 comprises of LMS 4-6-2 Modified Princess Coronation Class, BR Class 87 Electric locomotive (including R3582 number 87010 ‘King Arthur ‘) and the latest Hitachi soon to be introduced on the UK network IEP Bi-Mode Class 800/0 units. Although the 2017 range includes a number of post war Southern liveries, suiting the period I model, I would add that as far as I am aware that has not been due in any way to my influence.
Twin Track Sound (TTS) fitted Locomotives
- [*] R3382TTS – BR 4-6-2 ‘Holland-Afrika Line’ ‘35023’ Merchant Navy (Original Air Smoothed) – BR Brunswick Green, early crest with TTS Sound representing the condition she ran in between gaining Brunswick green in March 1952 and the fairings being removed in May 1953. [Q2]
- R3507TTS – BR 4-6-0 ‘30832’ Maunsell S15 Class, Urie style tender – BR Black early crest representing the condition she ran in between March 1951 and June 1957. [Q3]
Train and Coach packs
- R3512 – H Class Pull / Push Train Pack – Limited Edition, comprising of Wainright ex SECR 0-4-4T H Class tank number 31551 in BR Lined Black with late emblem livery and BR ex Maunsell Pull Push set number 602 – coaches S1318S (SO) and S6681S (BCK) in BR(s) Green. Set 602 was unusual in that the outer end of the SO also had the set number applied, which will be correctly recreated by Hornby. [Q4]
- R4534E BR ex Maunsell Pull Push Coach pack set number 601 – coaches S1315S (SO) and S6687S (BCK) in BR(s) Green. [Q2]
- [*] R3398 – Lyme Regis Branch Line Train Pack – Limited Edition, Comprising of Adams 0415 radial tank number 30583 in BR lined black with early crest and two coach set No. 42 made up from Brake Third No. S2636S and Brake Composite No. S6401S in BR Crimson [Q1]
Coaches
- R4792 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Eight Compartment Brake Third Class Non-Corridor, SR Green, Diagram 99 No. 2638 that formed set 44 with R4794. [Q3]
- R4793 – S R 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Third Coach, SR Green diagram 98 No. 2628 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
- R4794 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Composite Coach, SR Green, Diagram 418 No. 6403 that formed set 44 with R4792. [Q3]
- R4795 – SR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Nine Compartment Lavatory Third Class Coach, SR Green, Diagram 31 No. 320 used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
- R4746A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Eight Compartment Brake Third Class Non-Corridor, BR Crimson, Diagram 99 No. S2646S that formed set 46 with R4748A. [Q3]
- R4747A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Brake Third Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 98 No. S2627S used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
- R4748A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Six Compartment Lavatory Brake Composite Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 418 N0, S6405S that formed set 46 with R4746A. [Q3]
- R4749A – BR 58′ Maunsell Rebuilt (Ex-LSWR 48’) Nine Compartment Lavatory Third Class Coach, BR Crimson, diagram 31 No. S280S used as ‘loose’ stock. [Q3]
- R4768 – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3778, branded set 243. [Q2]
- R4768A – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3779, branded set 243. [Q2]
- R4769 – SR Maunsell Corridor 8 Compartment Third Class Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2001, Number 1224, part of 4 coach set 243. [Q2]
- R4770 – SR Maunsell Corridor 7 compartment First Class Coach – SR Olive Green – High window style to diagram 2501, Number 7412, part of 4 coach set 243. [Q2]
- R4796 – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3777, branded set 247. [Q2]
- R4796A – SR Maunsell 6 Compartment Third Class Brake Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2110, Number 3794, branded set 247. [Q2]
- R4797 – SR Maunsell Corridor 7 compartment First Class Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2501, Number 7212, part of 4 coach set 247. [Q2]
- R4798 – SR Maunsell Corridor 8 Compartment Third Class Coach – BR Crimson and Cream – High window style to diagram 2001, Number 1187, part of 4 coach set 247. [Q2]
It is good to see that Hornby, with a little advice, understand and acted upon the need to produce SR / BR(s) coaching stock to make up suitable set formations. The sets chosen by Hornby for the Maunsell high window style being 243 and 247 in SR and BR liveries respectively were two of the seven four coach sets 241 to 247 formed between March 1932 and April 1933 for use on the South Western section. A further release of the high window version of the Maunsells has been very often requested and these are the most logical sets to choose of that type of restriction 4 coach (as opposed to the narrower Hastings line stock of the same period) as other sets of that type comprised of a greater number of coaches so this creates correct and easily achievable sets.
Hornby’s new coach tooling for 2017 comprises of BR Mk 1 Brake Standard Open (BSO) and First Open (FO) coaches neither of which are being produced in BR(s) green this year.
Pullman Coaches
As is expected the Hornby range always includes a number of Pullman coaches, due Q1 2017 in 1950’s style livery, they are as follows:
- R4738 – First Class Parlour Car ‘Minerva’
- R4739 – Second Class Parloour Car ‘Car No.34’
- R4740 – First Class Kitchen Car ‘Argus’
- R4741 – Second Class Kitchen Car ‘ Car No. 58’
- R4742 – Second Class Brake Car ‘Car No. 162’
Wagons
- R6827 – SR Cattle truck in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery, number 553767 – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Q4]
- R6827A – SR Cattle truck in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery, number 3768 – Maunsell diagram 1529. [Q4]
- R6826 – BR ex SR Cattle truck – Bauxite livery, number B891313 – Bulleid diagram 1530. [Q4]
- R6826A – BR ex SR Cattle truck – Bauxite livery, number B891214 – Bulleid diagram 1530 (Note: this appears to be an incorrect running number as listed by Hornby and is possibly a typo that should perhaps be B891314, I am checking this with Hornby). [Q4]
Note: the 2017 Hornby Catalogue has incorrectly transposed the diagram numbers in its headings for these cattle trucks but the illustrations are correct. - R6802 – SR ex LBSC Brake Van in post 1936 Small lettered SR livery. [Q2]
- R6775 – SR Vent Van in in Pre 1936 large SR lettered livery. [Q2]
Hornby’s new wagon tooling for 2017 comprises of a GWR 20 ton Diagram AA15 ‘Toad’ brake van.
Railroad range
The Hornby Railroad range contains models from older tooling to suit a lower costs market segment and includes the following SR related items:
- R3586 – BR 4-4-0 Schools Class V number 30935 ‘Sevenoaks’ in BR Brunswick Green early crest livery
- R3591 – BR Class 73 number E6002 in early BR Green livery
- R4743 and R4744 – SR ‘generic’ Composite and Brake Third respectively in SR malachite green livery
The full Hornby 2017 range can be found on the Hornby website here. The issues affecting Hornby over the last few years has been well publicised and discussed elsewhere but this range, including items carried over from 2016 and the slightly fewer new tooled models for this year shows the practical and conservative approach being taken by the new management team. I hope that this and their apparent positive re-engagement with the retailers will hopefully lead to a prosperous 2017 for all.
Warley 2016 updates from a Southern Perspective [updated 30/11/16]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
Kernow Model Rail Centre
Likewise no new announcements but the Kernow Model Rail Centre has on disaply their EP samples of the PBA/JIA clay tigers, the ex LSWR Gatestock as featured last week on my post here, and also, although GWR origin, the delightful diminutive 1361 class 0-06-0T saddle tanks with all the correct detail variations that they are producing.
Heljan
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).
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:
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!)
Workbench Witterings #4 identity changing and weathering
At long last, assisted by a few days off work over the recent Easter weekend, I have finally completed a few outstanding items on the workbench. This has mainly been around renumbering, naming and weathering a few items of rolling stock so I thought I would share with you some of the locomotives that I have now finished.
I have detailed a few times on this blog my method of renumbering (see Workbench Witterings #3 here) and also weathering (such as in this post here) so I wont repeat all those details this time.
First up, is a Bullied Battle Britain Class 21c149 ‘Anti Aircraft Command’ for friend and fellow post war period modeller Robin Sweet (Gwrrob on RMweb) for use on his excellent, albeit GWR, layout ‘Brent’ based on South Brent in Devon to represent one the regular SR crew route familiarisation turns, via Dawlish to Plymouth that also took WR engines over the ex LSWR north Dartmoor route.
21C149 was in this period a Salisbury engine, so again like the N Class I have done for Rob before, again a nice link to Fisherton Sarum, but Exmouth Junction must have hijacked her for a while…
She started as a Hornby 21C159 split from one their train packs as this was in the correct condition with the original forward position of the safety valves, She gained the wedge shaped cab modification in March 1948, was named in April that year and not fully renumbered to 34049 until April 1949. In addition to the renumbering and naming using HMRS Pressfix decals and Fox Transfers etched nameplates, I also fitted front steps and cylinder drain pipes from the excellent RT Models range, Springside Models front lamps and real coal in the tender.
Secondly are two Hornby S15s, one as number 829 from the first batch of the Maunsell S15s built in July 1927 paired with a Urie style tender and one as number 845 from the third batch of Maunsell S15s built in October 1936 paired with a Maunsell flat sided bogie tender.
Number 829 was a Salisbury allocated engine during my 1946 to 1949 modelling period, whilst 845 was initially allocated to Feltham but in 1947 was moved to Exmouth Junction and therefore would also have regularly been seen at Salisbury.
Finally for now, is Hornby Schools Class V number 929 ‘Malvern’ whose repainting and numbering was the topic of my Workbench Wittering #2 post way back in June last year! Now finally her weathering is complete. As I mentioned in that post Schools class number 929 “Malvern” was one of only seven members of the class not to regain malachite green livery after the war, but stayed in SR black until January 1949. The Schools Class V were not often seen at Salisbury in SR days but as she was a Brighton allocated engine from 1947 my excuse is that she has arrived on one of the Brighton to Plymouth services that changed locomotives at Salisbury.
That’s all for now, I will post some details of some of the other items of rolling stock that I recently completed in due course.
Picture of the Month – March 2016
This months picture…
Picture of the Month – February 2016
This months picture…
Workbench Witterings #3 a change of S15 identity to the Maunsell Locomotive Society’s 30847
This weekend I finished changing the identity of one of Hornby’s excellent S15 Class 4-6-0 models to represent 30847 one of the locomotives preserved by the Maunsell Locomotive Society. I carried out the work on behalf the Company Secretary of the Society and it was a pleasure to assist him in getting a model of 30847, that has been lovingly restored by members of the Society, and has seen frequent service on the Bluebell Railway.
Further details on the actual 847 / 30847 can be found on the Maunsell Locomotive Society’s website here, in addition to 847 they also have U class 2-60’s Nos. 1618 & 1638, Q class 0-6-0 No. 541 and Schools Class V 4-4-0 No. 928. If you are interested in joining and supporting the Society click here.
The donor locomotive was a Hornby R3328 No. 30843, although I have detailed my method of changing model identities on this site before and I generally followed my usual processes, I detail them again here for reference. In this instance I did not require to repaint the model and for a change I would be giving the locomotive a BR identity.
I actually removed the entire number on each cabside rather than just try and change the last digit (as generally the available transfers never quite exactly match the factory applied numbers) using good quality enamel thinners on a cotton bud, this also leaves the are where the numerals have been removed as a shiny surface finish which is good for the application of the replacement transfers. I took care not remove the existing small 6F power classification printing. I then replaced the numbers starting with the centre digit ‘8’ and working outwards on both cabsides, as this I find it easier to keep the numerals level, using HMRS Pressfic transfers sheet 14 BR steam era loco and coach insignia. To seal the number transfers and retrun the cabsides to an ex-factory finish I masked off the model just leaving the cabsides exposed and sprayed with a light coat of Railmatch satin varnish.
The smokebox door number plate was changed using transfers from the Fox Transfers FRH4099/003 – Southern Region Smokebox Numbersets 30726-31059 set which simply and neatly covers the existing printed number plate.
To complete the identity change I fitted one of the very fine (and small!) etched shed code plates for 72B (Salisbury) also from Fox Transfers. Finally I finished the model by adding its detail pack of brake rigging on both loco and tender, front steps and cylinder drain pipes, although it should be noted that the packing does require some trimming to allow the model to fit back in once these items have been fitted.
I hope the owner will be pleased with his S15, now 30847, and if readers are able to support the Maunsell Locomotive Society in anyway, I am sure you will be more than welcome.
With a break from real work planned over the Christmas period I hope to be able complete a number of outstanding projects so watch this space for further ‘Workbench Witterings’.
Hornby’s first S15 ‘goods Arthurs’ arrive, an initial review
I have posted before about the S15 class firstly in my Talking Stock #16, blog post titled, The S15 Goods Arthurs and covered the announcement made by Hornby in December last year that they were to produce the S15 in ready to run form during 2015. The first of the variants being produced have now arrived in the shops in the shape of R3328. For this post I have taken a look at this version of the model before I backdate her to suit my own 1946-49 modelling period.
R3328 has been released in BR early emblem livery as 30843 paired with a Maunsell flat sided bogie tender. 30843 was one of the third batch of Maunsell S15s built in September 1936. 30384 ran in this livery as an Exmouth Junction allocated locomotive, with a 72A shedplate, between December 1954 and July 1959 when she gained the late crest (She ran with no emblem on the tender at all between a repaint in August 1949 and November 1954). She has blanking plates on the smokebox where the snifting valves were removed from the S15s during 1947 and 1948.
Hornby’s model is being produced from completely new tooling for all components, including the Urie style tender rather than introduce any manufacturing logistical complexities by trying to share any of the tender tooling from the previously released N15 class.
The model has a wealth of separately applied details such as handrails, pipework (the pipework running down either side of the firebox has multiple fixing brackets which whilst correct for 30843, I am not sure why they have been picked out in copper paint, these brackets appear to vary from locomotive to locomotive, depending on time frame), injectors, reversing rod, lamp irons, vacuum pipes, sprung buffers on both locomotive and tender and whistle and safety valves. The smoke deflectors are of course separate items and correctly affixed at the top to the boiler handrails. The chassis block also has representation of the detail and riveting around the firebox etc.
An accessory bag is included that include the front foot steps, cylinder drain pipes, dummy screw link couplings, steam heating pipes, loco and tender brake rigging for the owner to fit, and supplied with the late crest version is an AWS protector plate to mount under the front buffer beam. Also included is a front tension lock coupling to be fitted if required (although mine arrived missing the rear tender tension lock coupling).
The overall paint finish in a pleasant semi satin black and the number and emblem decal application is up to the usual high standard we would expect for Hornby, although personally I would like the smokebox to be more of a matt black. For some reason the the water pipework to the boiler clack valves have not been picked out in copper but the same brass colour as the boiler fittings. Being an open cab the detail included and painted is impressive and crying out for crew to be added. Although once again the copper pipework has, albeit neatly, been picked out in a brass rather than copper paint.
The S15 is powered by a large 5 pole motor with twin brass flywheels driving the rear axle through a tower worm gearbox and runs very quietly and smoothly through the speed range. I have not yet managed to exceed the haulage capacity which I now is excess of 25 to 30 wagons and at least 7 – 8 coaches. The correct pattern wheels and balance wights, motion and its bracketing is also very nicely modelled.
Electrical pick up is via all driving wheels and those on the tender. The loco is permanently coupled and wired to the tender with a bar that allows for a closer coupled position for those modellers with more generous curves, she will happily pass through medium radius points in the closer coupled position (but will not locate back in the the packaging). The fall plate between locomotive and tender is also hinged (I think a first for Hornby) rather than being in one fixed position. The tender coal load is removable, although the fire iron stands are part of this moulding, to reveal a fully detailed coal load space underneath, ideal for those that want to add their own real coal loads.
Although I am not in the DCC camp there is space in the tender for both an 8 pin decoder and and also a cut out in the weight ready for a 28mm round sound speaker located over cut outs in the chassis for the sound to escape. It is however a bit of a shame that design is such that to access the two screws holding the tender body to the chassis require the bogies to be removed first (although these are not totally removable as the wired pickup connections are soldered).
The other two releases on the way this year are as follows:
R3327 in SR Maunsell lined olive green as number 824 paired with a Urie Bogie tender and smoke deflectors representing the condition she was in from September 1932 when renumbered without the ‘E’ prefix. Number 824 was one of the first batch of the Maunsell S15s built in March 1927 and an Exmouth Junction allocated locomotive during all her Southern Railway days. 824 remained in this livery until April 1940 when under wartime conditions she was repainted in unlined olive green with Bullied style lettering. She also has the additonal detail of the crosshead driven vacuum pump fitted correctly on the left hand side only and snifting valves on the smokebox.
R3329 in BR late emblem livery as 30830, with AWS fitted, paired to a Urie Bogie tender c/w auxiliary vacuum reservoirs. 30830 was a from the second batch of Maunsell S15s built in August 1927. 30830 ran in this livery, with a 72B Salisbury shed plate between May 1960, when AWS equipment was fitted, and December 1963 when she was transferred to Feltham.
It is good to see that Hornby have very much returned to form over the last 12 to 18 months or so with releases such as the Drummond 700 class and meeting the intended delivery schedule for the S15 as being a 2015 release. Long may it continue, mine will now go in the queue for backdating and renumbering, (thankfully the smokebox door is quite easily removed to assist with the removal of the BR number plate) and suitable weathering, so keep an eye on my Workbench Witterings pages for further details.
Picture of the Month – August 2015
This months picture…
