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Thursday 28 May 2009

Streamlined Duchess of Hamilton



I visited the National Railway Museum at York at the weekend to see the new exhibit (actually the return of an old one) - Duchess of Hamilton which was paraded in the art deco streamlining that she last wore in 1947. I found the following information on her from Wikipedia

"6229 was built in 1938 at Crewe as the tenth member of its class and the last in the second batch of five red streamliners (the original five 6220-4 having been given a unique Caledonian blue livery), complete with silver speed cheat stripes. In 1939 6229 swapped identities with the first of the class 6220 Coronation and was sent to North America with a specially-constructed Coronation Scot train to appear at the 1939 New York World's Fair [1]. There was therefore for a while a blue 6229 Duchess of Hamilton in the UK and a red 6220 Coronation in the USA. R.A. Riddles drove for most of the tour, owing to the illness of the assigned driver. The locomotive (though not its carriages) was shipped back from the States in 1942 after the outbreak of the Second World War, and the identities of the locomotives were swapped back in 1943.

6229 was painted wartime black livery in November 1944. Her streamlined casing was removed for maintenance-efficiency reasons in December 1947 and she was then given the LMS 1946 black livery. In 1948 she passed into BR ownership. BR added 40000 to her number to become 46229 on 15 April 1948. She was painted in the short-lived BR blue livery in April 1950, but was soon repainted on 26 April 1952 into Brunswick green. The semi-streamlined smokebox was replaced with a round-topped smokebox in February 1957, and in September 1958 she was painted maroon. The lining was BR style to begin with then in October 1959 she received the current LMS style lining which she has carried for all her years in preservation.

46229 was saved from the scrap yard along with classmate 6233 Duchess of Sutherland as a result of Sir Billy Butlin's efforts to place these locomotives as children's playground exhibits at his holiday camps. Duchess of Hamilton survived at Minehead Holiday Camp and it returned to steam on the main line under the auspices of the Friends of the National Railway Museum. The Museum accepted the locomotive from Butlin's in 1976 on a twenty-year loan, and purchased it in 1987. It first ran as the Museum's flagship locomotive in 1980 and was operational until 1985. After an extensive overhaul, it resumed running in 1989 and was finally withdrawn from main line duty in 1996 when its seven-year boiler ticket expired.

From 1998 to 2005, 46229 was a static exhibit in the National Railway Museum, standing next to Mallard. She is one of three preserved Duchesses, the others being 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and 46235 City of Birmingham.

In September 2005 the National Railway Museum announced that the streamlining would be re-instated, returning the locomotive to its original appearance. This work was undertaken at Tyseley Locomotive Works and on 18th May 2009 it was returned to the National Railway Museum, going on display in a new exhibition called "Duchess of Hamilton Streamlined: Styling An Era"."

Unfortunately apart from a limited edition model from the NRM there are no other Duchess Class locomotives available for model makers. That said Hornby do do the similar Coronation Class locomotives which could be converted.
Click here to find out more about the Coronation Class loco.


Wednesday 27 May 2009

Evel Knievel Stunt Set

I couldn't help it! When I saw this I had to post it even though it has nothing to do with Model Trains! Its the Evel Knieval Stunt Set which I remember so well from the 70's.

"The 1970s may well have been the decade that taste forgot but it was peppered with all-American heroes: from the Six Million Dollar Man and Vegas-era Elvis to Fonzie, Muhammad Ali and Burt Reynolds. But for lovers of derring-do, there was only one idol worth worshipping: Evel Knievel.



Whether he was plummeting down a canyon, careering headfirst into the side of Caesar's Palace, or going for a burton whilst attempting to leap over a load of London buses, our bourbon-soaked hero managed to generate more column inches than any other accident-prone stuntman in history.

But the main thing Evel Knievel will be remembered for is the ludicrously popular toy bearing his name. This gloriously entertaining stunt cycle single-handedly saved the ailing 70s toy industry and eventually grossed over $350 million dollars. Not bad for a wind-up bike with a bendy figure sitting on it!

And now you can recreate those wonder years with these re-issued classics. The Evel Knievel Super Stunt Set and the Evel Knievel Super Stunt Cycle have been made using the original 70s moulds. The memories will come flooding back the second you start cranking the energiser. Evel's incredibly sturdy stunt bike still shoots down staircases, whizzes along corridors and scares the living daylights out of cats and dogs. It also allows you to perform the frankly insane stunts Evel made famous over 30 years ago - including wheelies, jumps, flips and wince-inducing wipe-outs...."


click here to see a video of the Evel Knieval Stunt Set!!!!


Tuesday 26 May 2009

Sundance Central Modular Railroad - 1

The Sundance Central is a 1:20.3 scale modular model railroad consisting of 22 modules for a layout size of 45' by 20' in its original configuration. The layout consists of 235' of hand laid code 250 aluminum rails that are hand spiked with individual tie plates onto wood ties. This is video 1 of 3 in the series.

Monday 25 May 2009

Saturday 23 May 2009

Bachmann's VDA Vans




These freight vehicles for the 1970's to 1990's were recently reviewed in British Railway Modelling magazine and were given favourible reviews. "A lovely looking model with a sharp lively livery application, good colours and some really fine detail. It's going to be a popular choice of D&E modellers."

These vans are currently available at a 20% discount with a further 5% discount of purchases of 5 more or more.

Click here for details of how to order

Thursday 21 May 2009

Circus Train Big Top Circus



The Circus comes to town with this exciting new Railroad train set. The Circus train brings the excitement and the fun of the Circus straight to your door.

This exclusive Hornby Railroad set is complete with colourful locomotive, assortment of wagons plus an oval of track with siding and controller.

This set also includes a card Big Top, and a Circus Midimat on which you can gradually add to your track layout in easy stages (using the Hornby Track pack).

A full range of die-cast metal Circus vehicles are available with additional circus wagons, tents and side shows from the Hornby Thomas range.

Contents:
Bartellos 0-4-0 Diesel locomotive.
Circus closed wagon
Big Top flat bed with tent
Wild Cats Circus lorry on flat bed.

Track:
3rd radius starter oval. Track packs A&B
C990 wall transformer
R8250 train controller
Power track
Hornby Midimat 1600x 1270mm
Bartellos Circus big top card kit.

Click here for details of how to order

Current price £45.00 which is a saving of £34.99 on the RRP - Bargain!

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Hornby East Coast Sleeper Value Package - over £75 off



Pick up a bargain with this value package from Hornby.

Pacakge comprises the folowing items in individual packaging.

R2691 BR 4-6-2 Robin Hood Britannia Loco
R4264A BR 61ft 1st Class Sleeper Coach
R4264B BR 61ft 1st Class Sleeper Coach

Available while stocks last only.

click here for more info

Class A1 60163 Tornado BR Apple Green from Bachmann



A1 Class No. 60163 Tornado in lined BR apple green with BRITISH RAILWAYS in full on the tender.

The A1 Class, which numbered 49 locomotives in total, has usually been accredited to A H Peppercorn of the LNER, but in reality their construction was authorised when Thompson was still the CME at Doncaster.

The first 16 were authorised for construction at Doncaster, in October 1945, followed by an additional 23 in 1946, built at Darlington.The remainder of the Class was built at Doncaster in 1949.

Tenders linked to Darlington engines had countersunk (flush) rivets, whilst Doncaster tenders had snap-head rivets clearly visible on their surfaces. Originally the locomotives were un-named, but later took names removed from Class A4’s, whilst others were named after previous CME’s, and a few named after constituent companies which formed the LNER.

On their introduction, the A1’s were allocated to principal sheds between London and Edinburgh on the East Coast Main Line, working many of the prestigious expresses. The arrival of Type 4 and ‘Deltic’ diesels on the ECML saw the A1’s quickly withdrawn from service, sadly after only fifteen years working life and all were scrapped.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust - a registered charity - has built a completely new 'A1' to the original design and with the help of the latest technology. Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, Tornado is fully equipped for today’s main line railway. The loco is currently hauling specials on the main line and details can be seen at www.a1steam.com

Release date Nov/Dec 2009 - Pre order yours now

Tuesday 19 May 2009

How To Avoid Model Railroad Derailments

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time?

This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section.

It frustrated me to the point of wanting to give the hobby away..!

A smooth running model train is a dream for most model train beginners. But it is actually quite easy to achieve with a little attention to detail.

Here are 7 ways to stop your model train derailing:

1 - Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted.


Sounds like common sense? But poorly assembled track joints are the worst offenders for derailing model trains.

Slide your finger across the joint. It should feel level with the gap between the tracks kept to the absolute minimum. I solder my joints because this stops any problems with expansion and contraction opening and closing of the joints.

With a small file I am able to create a continuously level track and have a beautifully smooth running model train.

2 - Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.


Another common problem for model train derailments is incorrect track gauge. A tight track gauge will cause the wheels to climb up and derail off the track.

A wide track gauge will also derail your model train as the wheel flanges can not span the track properly. The gauge can be adjusted using a soldering iron to gently heat the rail, moving the rail to the correct position and allowing it to cool.

3 - Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.


Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the movable section where it strikes up against the stock rails. This can grab on the wheels and cause a model train derailment.

A small file can be used to gently smooth the moveable part of the points to allow a nice smooth transition. Remember to check the gauge in both positions.

4 - Check all your model train couplers.


A snagging coupler will cause model train derailments. Some new carriages can come with unpolished couplers which can catch and force derailments.

Clean off any rough edges and adjust the couplers for proper centering. The manufacturers usually provide these instructions.

5 - Add extra weight to your freight cars.

I find that most freight cars are too light and sometimes all the wheels do not contact the rails equally. By adding a small amount of weight to the cars your model train will run smoother and you will eliminate derailments, especially on the tight radius’s.

Just make sure you add the weight as low as possible to the car and in the centre, keeping a low center of gravity.

6 - Check all your wheel sets for proper operation.


Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or moving freely will cause your model train to derail. Check your wheel sets and make sure that your carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel flanges into the rail, making it prone to derail.

The carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.

7 - Lubricate the squeaks.

Sometimes the smallest drop of light oil will cure a problem with your model train derailing. An unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can cause a slight tip over, or jar, which usually forces the wheel flange to snag the rail and derail your model train.

Oil attracts dust and can damage paintwork, so make sure you use only the smallest amount required.

Now you have no reason to put up with your model train derailing.

It usually comes down to a small bit of maintenance from time to time. With the quality most manufacturers are producing today, and some ongoing maintenance, you can make model train derailments a thing of the past.

Monday 18 May 2009

Hornby Roadshow Event - London Festival of Railway Modelling 2009, Alexandra Palace

The Hornby Roadshow team visit Alexandra Palace, London, for the London Festival of Railway Modelling.

Sunday 17 May 2009

North Eastern Steam Main Title Sequence 'Revised Version'

"Seen as things have been quiet, I decided to upload the revised title sequence which also has the release date for Episode 1. Enjoy "

British Railway Modelling June 09 Out Now


The lastest edition of British Railway Modelling came through subscribers letter boxes earlier this week and it comes in at a big 180 pages with a free supplement Layout of a Lifetime: 5.

British Railway Modelling is the quality model railway monthly for modellers of all scales and gauges. Featuring beautifully photographed layouts and detailed articles to inspire both the new and experienced railway modeller, together with product and book reviews, diary dates of model railway events and pages of retail outlets. Subscribe to British Railway Modelling today and experience railway modelling at its best. Save up to 25% off the newsstand price and receive your copies direct to your door!
Lets Subscribe

Friday 15 May 2009

Hornby Standard 4 Pre-Production Sample

An HD look at the forthcoming Standard 4 class locomotive. WATCH IN HD.

Out Now - The Railway Magazine June 09

This months Railway Magazine is now out. You can now order the magazine so that it is delivered to you electronically which is a great way to ensure that you get your copy as it is released. By ordering the digital version you can read the magazine online or download to your PC to read offline later. If you click the link below you can test the magazine out by getting three free zoomed pages from the latest copy. The best thing to do is to open it up and browse the limited version before deciding which pages to enhance.

IPC_The Railway Magazine - Subscription


The Railway Magazine has been published since 1897 and is now the UK's best-selling general interest rail title. Every month, The RM provides enthusiasts and professionals with authoritative and informed news coverage of the following: - Network Rail and the train operating companies- Locomotives, multiple units, carriages and wagons- Steam, heritage and the preservation world, inc narrow gauge- Metro and underground systems- In addition, the magazine carries frequent items of overseas interest.The Railway Magazine is also renowned for its wide-ranging and innovative


Click here to test the electronic version of Railway Magazine

Thursday 14 May 2009

The Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 arrives



My Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 that I ordered from OnTracks turned up yesterday which was a turn around of just a few days. I have managed to get it onto our current layout and take the picture that you see above. I will be looking to totally redesign the layout shortly and the Ivatt will be a core engine in that layout as I will be modelling a small village station on the old Spalding to Yarmouth line which was shut in 1959.

You can see what else OnTracks have to offer by clicking here.

Saturday 9 May 2009

Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0


I've been spending some time looking into trains that would have ran on the M&GN lines in the area around Spalding in Lincolnshire. There seems to be a lot of Ivatt 2-6-0's and J6 0-6-0 on the line up to the closure of a lot of the line in the area in 1959.

I'm intending to model a stretch between Spalding and Holbeach and to that end I have ordered an Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 as the first train that properly fits the line being modelled. A number of other Ivatt class trains can be found at OnTracks

Monday 4 May 2009

70350 City of Peterborough at Nene Valley Railway

The 70350 City of Peterborough leaves Nene Valley Railway station on its way to Peterborough on 4 May 2009.

City of Peterborough steam train at Nene Valley Railway

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