The Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling - January 2019 - Preview

JANUARY 2019

HORNBY'S NEW 'ELECTRIC SCOT'

TO page 9

Running-in your new model

ALPHAGRAPHIX CUSTOM BUILDS P41

0-gauge 43XX mogul from Heljan

P14

ACCURASCALE 'DELTIC' PROJECT  O-SCALE 'CLAYTON' ANNOUNCED  ST. ANN'S COVE  RETURN TO BUNTINGFORD  RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY  N-SCALE BEYER-GARRATT  DAPOL MGR HOPPERS IN 0-SCALE  TOP AWARD FOR BACHMANN BALDWIN MODEL

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January 2019

January 2019

EDITORIAL | 3

From the editor

GUIDE TO

Modelling

W

Staff

Editor Pete Kelly RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk Contributors Nigel Burkin, Ian Lamb, Jon Longman Production editors Pauline Hawkins, Sarah Spencer Designer Holly Furness Picture desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Group advertising manager Sue Keily Publisher Tim Hartley Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Subscription manager Paul Deacon Circulation manager Steve O'Hara Marketing manager Charlotte Park

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February 2019 issue of RMM is out on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Pete Kelly Editor

ith heads reeling from the seemingly non-stop announcements of new models in all the popular gauges, particularly over the weekend of the Warley Model Railway Club’s NEC Exhibition on November 24-25, perhaps it’s finally time to take stock and let it all sink in.

Even the models we are reviewing right now are exceptional, with the resurgence in ready-to-run O-gauge exemplified by two wonderful GWR releases by Heljan – first the 61XX Large Prairie tank that you read about last month, and now the 43XX 2-6-0 tender engine that Nigel Burkin describes at length on pages 14-16 of this issue.

The Danish firm continues to put its faith in the more unusual British diesel classes, too, with the announcement of an O-gauge model of a centre-cab Type 1 Class 17 ‘Clayton’ expected to be available by the end of the year and, moving to narrower gauges, one final Heljan delight has been the announcement of a forthcoming ‘OO9’ model of Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 1898 Baldwin 2-4-2T Lyn. Accurascale’s announcement of a plethora of finely detailed OO-gauge ‘Deltic’ diesel-electrics, some versions of which will be marketed in a tie-up between the manufacturer, Locomotion Models, Rails Limited and the Deltic Preservation Society, came as another welcome surprise.

Widnes retailer Hatton’s plans to market a ‘mighty atom’ in the shape of an N-gauge version of the OO-gauge LMS 2-6-6-2 Beyer Garratt that it successfully introduced in 2014, and another Hatton’s announcement is of a Plasser & Theurer 12t single-jib general purpose crane.

And the good news just kept coming, including the first engineering prototype samples of Bachmann Branchline’s OO-scale Class 159 three-car diesel multiple unit and, from the Graham Farish arm, the updated N-scale Stanier 8F 2-8-0 and five types of BR Mk2F coaches.

It’s also great to see more historic types of steam locomotive models being produced in several different liveries to cover their long life spans, a prime example being that of the Caledonian Railway McIntosh 812 Class 0-6-0 that is now under development

by Bachmann.

Expected to be delivered in 2020, the variants will include a premium blue version dressed in the complex and iconic original CR blue livery and three others in plain black.

There’s much to come from Hornby, too, including a completely retooled version of a streamlined ‘Princess Coronation’ Pacific due out any time now, and there will be a report on Hornby’s Media Day in the next issue.

Nigel Burkin’s cover photo of a brand new Hornby model of ‘Princess Coronation’ Pacific No. 46225 Duchess of Gloucester on a KPF Zeller rolling road reminded me so much of the late-lamented Rugby locomotive test station that began as a joint project between the LMS and LNER. Building started in 1936 but was curtailed by war, and the facility did not open until after the formation of British Railways in 1948.

The idea of such a plant – for the testing of locomotives from all companies – was first mooted by the great Nigel Gresley as far back as 1927, and a site on the outskirts of Leeds was identified, but sadly the economic conditions at the time were not favourable, and the government help asked for was not forthcoming.

Testing at the Rugby plant was supplemented by dynamometer car runs with very heavy trains between Skipton and Carlisle, and No. 46234 Duchess of Abercorn achieved one of the most remarkable outputs by any British steam locomotive at 3350ihp (indicated horsepower).

When these magnificent locomotives reached the end of their days, noted railway writer Ossie Nock wrote: “There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a ‘Princess Coronation’ in full cry.

“We shall never see their like again.”

4 |

January 2019

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

Accurascale reveals OO-gauge ‘Deltic’ The surprise announcement at the Warley MRC Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham on November 24-25 was the development of a high-fidelity 4mm scale model of the English Electric Type 5 Class 55 ‘Deltic’ locomotive by Accurascale.

Accurascale’s marketing manager Fran Burke revealed details of the new model at 10.30 on the Saturday morning. It will be available in 17 different forms covering the life of the locomotive from its early 1960s introduction until privatisation.

No fewer than nine models in various forms of BR blue livery are included in the first release, including the unusual ‘Porterbrook’ purple No. D9016 which will feature the correct running light clusters and up-to-date fittings. Tooling has been designed to incorporate service modifications made to the class,

This was the moment when Accurascale marketing manager Fran Burke announced the firm’s first ready-to-run OO-gauge model, the Class 55 ‘Deltic’.

including relocation of the air horns to the bonnet tops, fitting of cab quarter light blanks and variations in the head code boxes and steamheating boiler ports.

Both fabricated and cast bogie types will be represented alongside the fitting of electric train supply equipment (ETS) to models representing later versions of the locomotive.

To meet the expectations of modellers brought about by Accurascale’s highly-acclaimed HOP24 model, the ‘Deltic’ will feature a very high level of detail, achieved through the use of individually-moulded and etched components, and this will be necessary to achieve the locomotive and era-specific details for each of the various releases.

Furthermore, No. 55 019 Royal Highland Fusilier was used to capture accurate sound recordings for the digital sound options that will be equipped with an advanced ESU sound decoder. Other technical features will include NEM coupling pockets, directional lighting and wheel set options for EM and P4 gauges. Accurascale is accepting advance orders for the ‘Deltic’ model, alongside the recently-announced CIE ‘Metrovick’ A/001 Class locomotive that was announced recently at the Dublin show by sister company Irish Railway Models. Delivery is

There will be no’ one-size-fits-all’ tooling for the ‘Deltic’. The tooling will accommodate the needs of all ‘Deltic’ enthusiasts with locomotive and period specific-detail accommodated in the design to allow the class to be represented from introduction through to Privatisation.

expected in the fourth quarter of 2019 for both models. Prices are competitive for such a high level of specification, with conventional analogue models costing £160 and digital sound versions at £250.

Visit the Accurascale website

Sister company Irish Railway Models announced a model of the ‘Metrovick’ A/001 Class locomotives at the recent Dublin show – and it represents the company’s first entry into the Irish model locomotive market following the release of several successful wagon models.

Accurascale’s surprise ‘Deltic’ announcement has enabled Locomotionmodels, Rails Limited and the Deltic Preservation Society to work together on a range of exclusive models that will be marketed jointly by all three organisations, and the following versions will be produced: ■ No. 55 015 Tulyar in 1980s BR blue livery with the distinctive Finsbury Park white cab (era 7).

■ No. D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier in BR two-tone green as running post-1965 (era 5).

■ No. D9009 Alycidon in BR blue livery with pre-TOPS number for main line running, high-intensity headlight, GPS pods, etc, as currently operating on the main line (era 9).

■ No. D9002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in two-tone green

at accurascale.co.uk/collections/ class-55-deltic for details of advance order options and payment for the ‘Deltic’, and irishrailwaymodels. com/collections/a-class-locomotive for details of the CIE A/001 Class model. livery as currently preserved and running on the National Network (era 9).

■ No. D9002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in two-tone green with full yellow ends, as repainted in 1980 for its final 13 months in traffic before withdrawal on December 31, 1981. The repaint was paid for with the aid of a grant from the Friends of the National Railway Museum (era 7).

■ No. D9008 The Green Howards in ex-works green livery without yellow warning panel and without name as delivered in July 1961.

The locomotive was not named until September 30, 1963. The model will come with central BR totems, plain sides, no vents, etc, but optional nameplates will be provided in the box to be affixed as required (era 5).

Heljan adds Class 17 ‘Clayton’ Bo-Bo to its O-gauge range O-gauge models of the unreliable but unusual 117-strong centre-cab Type 1 Class 17 ‘Clayton’ Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives are the latest to be added to Heljan’s fast-growing large-scale range.

Despite the lack of success of the full-sized Paxman-powered locomotives in service, Heljan’s OO-scale model of the type proved popular with modellers, and the O-gauge models will feature twin power bogies, provision for the simple fitting of an ESU digital sound decoder and smoke unit alongside realistic lighting effects.

Etched details will give it a fine appearance, and the large centre cab will be fitted out with flush glazing and interior details.

One of the four Class 17 models to be listed in Heljan’s new 2019 catalogue will be

finished with factory-applied weathering as No. D8607, and the remaining three will be decorated in BR green livery with a small yellow panel, BR green with a full yellow panel and BR blue in pristine condition.

In common with many Heljan

O-gauge releases, the choice of number will be left to the modeller. The prototype model is expected to arrive early in 2019, with release anticipated towards the end of the year.

An O-gauge Class 17 ‘Clayton’ Bo-Bo diesel-electric was one of three new models to be announced by Heljan at Warley National 2018. The newcomers also include a re-tooled model of the OO-gauge ‘AL6’ Class 86 electric.

Toy & Train Fair dates Joe Lock’s 2019 Toy & Train Fair dates at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, near Epping, Essex CM16 7ER for 2019 will be Thursdays: February 7, April 4, June 13, July 18, September 12, October 31 and December 12.

At Richard Hale School, Hale Road, Hertford, Herts SG13 8EN, they will be on Wednesdays: January 9, March 6 and July 3.

Theydon Bois Village Hall (on the B172) is close to the M25 J26 and M11 J5, and Richard Hale School is close to Hertford East and North stations, the bus station, the M25 and A10.

Opening times at each venue will be from 7pm until 9pm, and Joe can be contacted on 07866 641215.

January 2019

| 5

6 |

January 2019

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

Hatton’s to release Plasser & Theurer crane Just in time for the big Warley show, Hatton’s announced a highly-detailed OO-gauge model of the Plasser & Theurer 12t single-jib crane (or general purpose crane), TOPS coded YOB. Often called ‘on-track’ plant, rail-mounted cranes and other items of mobile engineering equipment are usually overshadowed by locomotive and rolling stock models, so the announcement will be warmly welcomed by enthusiasts.

Thirty Plasser & Theurer general purpose cranes (GPC) numbered DRP81503-81532 (5501-5530) were acquired by BR between 1977 and 1981 for infrastructure duties, and many have survived to see use on the privatised rail network and on heritage railways.

To make them as flexible as possible, the GPCs are self-propelled, allowing them to work within the confines of an engineering possession on an adjacent track to those being worked on.

They are not permitted to run on the main line, and are moved within infrastructure trains or as a dedicated load behind a locomotive.

GPCs were used throughout the UK, so they could be found at almost any location where work was planned, or in yards between duties.

Hatton’s will release 10 versions of the crane, with livery and equipment variations specific to eras and operators. While the models will feature a high level of stand-alone detail, they will not be motorised, so can be included in the consists of model engineering trains.

The models will represent cranes in BR ownership alongside infrastructure companies such as Balfour Beatty, Carillion Rail, Fastline, Jarvis and GTRM, making them widely appealing.

More details of the project can be found on the Hatton’s website at https://www.hattons.co.uk/ NewsDetail.aspx?id=394. Advance orders are being taken for the models at £69 each.

Narrow-gauge modellers are catered for with a second new ‘OO9’ model from Heljan in the form of Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Lyn, a Baldwin 2-4-2T. Four versions of the locomotive will be available, alongside a black model for freelancing. Photo: Brian Daniel.

‘OO9’ Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Baldwin 2-4-2T Lyn is on the way

Trade support for modellers in OO9 gauge continues to grow, with Heljan announcing its second new narrowgauge model at the Warley exhibition.

The delightful model of Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 1898 Baldwin 2-4-2T Lyn will come in four versions to allow modellers to complete a their L&BR locomotive fleet – including L&BR olive green and dark green

alongside the Southern Maunsell green liveries of pre- and post-1932, with details specific to the livery and period of Lyn’s operation.

A nice touch will be a fifth version finished in unnumbered works black livery for modellers with freelance ‘OO9’ railways.

Bespoke name and number plates for narrow gauge models can be

How to become a model engineer

Hatton’s Model Railways’ large stand at Warley National 2018 included a full-sized Beilhack snowplough blade, courtesy of Network Rail.

The new 2019 Heljan catalogue.

More than 200 people have now enjoyed the Society of Model and Experimental Engineers’ basic model engineering courses at their base in south London -and they will appeal to any model railway enthusiast wanting to develop engineering skills, particularly in scales from O gauge and Gauge 1 upwards.

Another such course, introducing the basics of model engineering, will start on February 9, followed by another in May that will run over six monthly sessions to demonstrate the

construction of a small steam engine and boiler.

Different metalworking techniques will be used, and after each session students will make model parts in their own workshops.

For more information about SMEE courses, see the www.sm-ee. co.uk website or write to SMEE Courses, Marshall House, 28 Wanless Road, London SE24 0HW. All of SMEE’s volunteer tutors are keen model engineers or toolmakers, and some have won prizes at model engineering exhibitions.

commissioned from Narrow Planet (shop.narrowplanet.co.uk) which was also present at the show.

Heljan has also issued a new 2019 catalogue detailing its new O-gauge models together with details of its retooled Class 86 in as-built form ‘OO’ gauge and the narrow-gauge range.

Model engineering to fire your imagination If your railway modelling interests go beyond ready-to-run in the popular small gauges, the very best in model engineering will be found at the London Model Engineering Exhibition at Alexandra Palace from January 18-20.

It will be open from 10am until 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, and from 10am until 4.30pm on the Sunday, with last entries at 4pm Friday and Saturday and 3.30pm Sunday.

On-line tickets via the www.

This model of a steam engine was made by Paul Reft-Davies, a beginner in model engineering taking a Society of Model and Experimental Engineers course.

londonmodelengineering.co.uk

website until midnight on Tuesday January 15 will cost £11.50 adults, £10.50 senior citizens/students and £3.50 children aged five to 14.

At the door prices will be £12.50, £11.50 and £4.50 respectively.

January 2019

NEWS | 7

The handsome lines of the Stanier 8F 2-8-0 will be captured to perfection in the forthcoming N-scale Graham Farish model.

Bachmann Europe plc unveils latest EP samples to public at Warley Show Among the latest engineering prototype models displayed by Bachmann Europe Plc in the Bachmann Collectors’ Club Members’ Lounge at the 2018 Warley Show were several being shown in public for the first time.

These included the OO-scale Bachmann Branchline Class 159 three-car diesel multiple unit, an extensively reworked Graham Farish N-scale Stanier 8F 2-8-0 and five types of Graham Farish N-scale BR Mk 2F coaches.

Note the glazing and many other detailing touches that will be incorporated into the upcoming Grafar Class 159 three-car DMU.

Lots of detail will also be incorporated between the coaches of the upcoming diesel multiple unit.

All five examples of the N-scale Graham Farish BR Mk 2F coaches are seen in this EP display.

She flies through the air with the greatest of ease! Aberdeen Model Railway Club displayed the futuristic ‘City of Tiers’ layout, that won Channel 5 TV’s Great Model Railway Challenge, adjacent to the Bachmann stand at the Warley event, and had a busy weekend entertaining visitors and answering numerous questions. Many younger modellers were attracted to the layout as they watched the trains, including this Hornby GWR Class 800, glide past. Photo: Nigel Burkin.

Dennis and Richard join Locomotion models team Locomotionmodels, who produce the National Collection in Miniature for The Railway Museum at York and Locomotion at Shildon, have announced two key appointments to the team – Dennis Lovett as exclusive models marketing executive and Richard Barnett as retail and business enterprise manager.

Dennis joins the team in a part-time role, following his recent retirement from Bachmann Europe plc, where he was public relations manager for 13 years. Before joining Bachmann, he worked in the rail industry in advertising, audio-visual, marketing and public relations roles, latterly serving as deputy director corporate affairs for Virgin Trains.

He has been involved in model railways for most of his life and remains an active member of Milton Keynes Model Railway Society, which he joined upon its formation in 1969 and served as chairman for 28 years.

He was on Locomotionmodels’ stand D113 at the Warley exhibition.

Richard, who joined the business full-time on December 3, has moved across from the East Lancashire Railway following his most recent stint as its commercial manager, and has a wealth of experience in both business management and the model railway industry.

A keen enthusiast, he has devoted much time to volunteering at the Foxfield Railway and is proud to be a driver on that line.

N-gauge modelling is a popular scale for compact and micro-layouts, as demonstrated at the Warley show by Malcolm Goodger’s ‘Priory Lane’, which has many beautifully composed scenes and structures. Photo: Nigel Burkin.

8 |

January 2019

News

Have you got a story for us? Email: RMModellingeditor@mortons.co.uk

Hatton’s plans an N-scale LMS Beyer-Garratt

‘Lymebrook Yard’ is an N-gauge layout exhibited at the Warley MRC show by Steve Farmer, which shows how much detail and operating potential can be squeezed into a 4ft x 2ft space. Photo: Nigel Burkin.

.

Following Hatton’s success in releasing an OO-gauge model of an LMS 2-6-6-2T Beyer Garratt in 2014, the Widnes-based model retailer is to replicate the complex articulated design in the tiny N scale!

The Beyer Garratts were designed to negate the need for doubleheading on heavy coal trains from the Midlands coalfields to London, and the first of the Fowler/Beyer Peacock LMS design was introduced in 1927, with the rest following from 1930.

Early in their careers, the locomotives had their fixed bunkers replaced by rocking ones to help bring coal towards the cab while on the move. They lived out their lives

Hornby’s completely retooled ‘Princess Coronation’ streamliner is on the way Hornby’s much-anticipated, completely retooled versions of the streamlined ‘Princess Coronation’ Pacifics are due out any time now – and compared with previous versions of the model, they will be in a different league, with allowances made for a huge number of extra features and body detailing.

These will include a sliding cab roof, flanges over the front bogie where the cylinder by-pass valves had to be hidden, the Hudd ATC apparatus, speed recorders, different handle positions on the front casing, streamlined lamps, the correct sand box filler caps, brake blocks, different chimneys, slotted front steps, the extra catch on the front casing for those that needed it and extra access panels.

And all this is not forgetting the streamlined tenders, both with and without shrouds.

Thinking about our Decemberissue cover picture of Barry H Freeman’s Winter Wayfarers painting, the original of which is owned by Pete Waterman, there’s never been a better time to replicate it in OO-scale model form!

The model will come in three different liveries – No. 6221 Queen Elizabeth in the LMS Caledonian blue of the ‘Coronation Scot’ (R3623); No. 6244 King George VI in LMS crimson lake (R3639); and No. 3677 Duchess of Hamilton (R3677).

The streamlined locomotives were the LMSR’s response to the LNER’s A4 Pacifics, and the original shape arose from tests conducted by the LMS Research Department on Stanier’s ‘Princess Royal’ class that was introduced in 1933.

The first of Stanier’s new and more powerful four-cylinder locomotives, No. 6220 Coronation,

entered service in June 1937, the year of King George VI’s coronation, and set a British steam record at the time of 114mph. The following four locomotives, Nos. 6221 Queen Elizabeth, 6222 Queen Mary, 6223 Princess Alice and 6224 Princess Alexandra also carried the Caledonian blue livery with silver stripes for ‘Coronation Scot’ duties.

The next five locomotives, Nos 6225 Duchess of Gloucester, 6226 Duchess of Norfolk, 6227 Duchess of Devonshire, 6228 Duchess of Rutland and 6229 Duchess of Hamilton incorporated some draughting modifications and were painted in the more familiar LMS crimson lake with gold stripes to match existing express carriage stock.

The new Hornby models will each cost £189.99.

The much greater detailing incorporated into the new streamlined models is immediately apparent in this line drawing of Hornby’s R3677 version of No. 6225 Duchess of Hamilton, which will carry the LMS crimson lake and gold livery.

on the coal trains they were designed for, and were withdrawn after the introduction of the BR Standard 9F 2-10-0s in 1954.

Sadly none of the Garratts survived the cutting torch and so the preservation movement lost an important part of the British railway scene.

The N-scale versions to be released, with expected delivery around January 2020, are: H2-BG-001, No. 4994 in LMS black H2-BG-002, No. 7983 in LMS black H2-BG-003, No. 47967 in BR black with ‘BRITISH RAILWAYS’ lettering H2-BG-004, No. 47972 in BR black with LMS lettering and block-style numbers

H2-BG-005, No. 47996 in BR black with number on cab, and plain tanks H2-BG-006, No. 47996 in BR black with early emblem H2-BG-007, No. 47981 in BR black with early emblem H2-BG-008, No. 47992 in BR black with early emblem.

All versions will cost £199 and they will feature a five-pole motor driving the wheels at the bunker end, heavy and highly-detailed chassis, RP25 wheel profile, highly-detailed liveries, an 18-pin DCC socket, fully-detailed cab and NEM coupling pockets.

For more information on the project, visit www.hattons.co.uk/ ngarratt or contact Dave Mylett on 0151 733 3655 (dave@hattons.co.uk).

Bachmann’s ‘OO9’ Baldwin wins prestigious narrow-gauge award With its OO9-scale model of a Baldwin 10-12-D steam locomotive, Bachmann Europe Plc became the first recipient of the OO9 Society’s P D Hancock Award recognising ‘outstanding achievement in narrow gauge railway modelling’ at this year’s Warley National Model Railway Exhibition on November 24-25.

The award was presented to Bachmann Europe’s research and development manager Stephen Tooley

by Dr Charles Insley, secretary of the

OO9 Society, accompanied by treasurer Geoff Bowyer. Stephen was joined by R&D colleagues Steve Smith, David Parsons and Tom Whalley.

Bachmann Europe’s entry into OO9 narrow-gauge comprises the Baldwin along with a covered goods wagon and open bogie wagon, further variants of which are due for release. The range will be further expanded by new models such as the Quarry Hunslet steam locomotive and Ashover bogie coach currently under development.

One feature of the Warley show this year was a focus on minimum gauge modelling (MOMING or ‘MODelling MINimum Gauge’), an exhibition of six layouts within an exhibition co-ordinated by Christopher Payne. ‘Afon Adit’ by Martin Rich, was displayed as part of the collection of layouts and is a 7mm scale ‘O9’ model based on gold mining in mid-Wales, modelled with surface workings and underground galleries in a mere 4ft x 2ft area! Photo: Nigel Burkin.

January 2019

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January 2019

in What's the shops

An O-gauge MGR hopper wagon from Dapol

Dapol has created a very convincing replica of the once-numerous MGR wagons in O gauge, and it is fitted out with a wealth of small details, many of which are neatly attached to the underframe with small screws.

As Dapol releases its superbly well-detailed O-gauge MGR coal hopper wagon, Nigel Burkin is impressed by the very attractive price that’s being asked for such a complex model.

T

he MGR wagon story is a remarkable one that started in the mid-1960s when air-braked hopper wagons were introduced for coal haulage between colliery and power station, together with some industrial coal flows. It was a totally new design which revolutionised bulk coal handing, replacing many ageing BR standard wagons such as the HOP24.

Like the HST and Mk 2 coaches, the MGR wagon is a railway design icon for the time and a symbol of rail modernisation under BR. To accommodate the long trains of MGR wagons, infrastructure at power stations was designed with large loop tracks, allowing trains to be discharged efficiently without the need to run the train locomotive around the stock for the return run to the loading point. Discharge of MGR wagons was automated, with a mechanical lever system which opened and closed the discharge doors using trackside equipment known as ‘Daleks’.

Unless there was a problem, the discharge process was automatic, requiring no manual operation.

Discharge required the train locomotive to work at a constant speed of 0.5mph through the unloading terminal to prevent conveyor belts from becoming overloaded and clogged. An electronic

Slow Speed Control system was fitted to the Class 47/3 fleet commonly used in MGR operation, along with Class 56s and 58s. A small number of BR locomotives of other classes received Slow Speed Control, including Class 20s and 26s.

Upon introduction, Classes 60 and 66 locomotives were also capable of operating through MGR unloading points.

A large number of the MGR wagons were built, mostly at Shildon, and coded HAA under the TOPS system. No fewer than 10,702 of the standard HAA wagons were constructed, with an additional 460 upgraded wagons added to the fleet in 1982, coded HDA. MGR wagons spread their wings to industrial coal operations, including deliveries to Hope cement works and steel works such as Scunthorpe. Their decline started with the downturn in coal mining in the UK, together with the take-up of alternative generation fuels such as natural gas.

Some MGR wagons were reallocated to different traffics with varying degrees of success, including a handful modified for china clay traffic.

Following the introduction of highcapacity bogie coal hopper wagons by the private Railfreight companies, the MGR wagons fell out of use following a 45-year design life. The last use of MGRs was to deliver industrial coal to Hope cement Works in 2010. Some wagons have been preserved, including the two prototypes – 350000 at the NRM and 350001 with the SRPS on the Bo’ness Railway.

Main assembly The full-size wagon is a complex design, with a multitude of angles and curves in the hopper body alone.

The main body of the model consists of an intricately moulded hopper fitted to a equally fine and delicatelooking cradle. The assembly is to a cast metal underframe that provides the open wagon with useful mass. Construction is very durable, with the use of small cross-head screws to fix the main

components to the underframe. They are neatly tucked away out of sight on the underside of the frame.

The hopper moulding represents an updated wagon with strengthening members along the inside of the hopper body instead of cross-bracing. Internally, the vertical strengthening members are fitted alongside interior dividers leading to the three discharge doors. One small detail not represented is the door detail found in the bottom of the full-size wagons which can be added when detailing the model.

On the underside, the discharge doors are modelled alongside the various door stop details which are a distinctive feature of the MGR wagon. The ends of the underframe adjacent to the headstocks are open, showing some of the frame members. Headstocks and the narrowed portion of the underframe are accurately modelled, doing much to replicate the distinctive style of the full-size wagons.

The rear of the axle guards are also part of the underframe casting, to which the cosmetic axle guards are fitted with securing screws.

Fine details Most of the stand-alone details are assembled to the underframe casting, and many are secured by small crosshead screws instead of adhesive, making this area of the model as durable as one could wish. Those details include the brake equipment and the axle guards, with fitted suspension details. Spring buffers with metal heads are assembled to the headstocks, together with air-brake hoses

and sprung ‘Instanter’ couplings. Holes for the detachable lamp irons’ cosmetic tail-lights are present in the headstocks.

Fine details also include the disc brake calipers and brake levers, all neatly and securely attached. Wheels are of metal and finely made with no sign of wobble or any eccentricity. They have axles with pin-point ends which in turn are fitted to the axle guards with pin-point cup bearings, resulting in a free-rolling model.

In fact, the model’s 400g of mass, together with its free-rolling nature, meant much care being needed to prevent it from rolling off the glasstopped desk here in my office!

Above the solebar are the all-important door activation levels which are part of the ‘Dalek’ discharge system that made the MGR system so efficient.

They are fitted as separate details, including the rodding and some of the equipment fitted through the ends of the underframe.

Overall finish A pleasing dull silver finish has been applied to the hopper, representing the dull grey appearance of the metal after a short period exposed to the elements.

Railfreight red is applied to the hopper cradle, making it suitable for the BR Railfreight era, although repainting it would not be difficult. Data and TOPS information is applied to black panels applied to the hopper body, identifying it as HAA No. 350274.

Black is correctly applied to the underframe and its fittings with a satin finish effectively representing an

ex-works wagon. It’s open to a great deal of workbench time with weathering colours, primarily dark greys for coal dust and repainting the hopper cradle to represent different HAA wagons to represent them at different times in their history.

Overall, the price of the model for the level of detail and care in its assembly represents exceptional value for money, particularly when compared to the price of OO-gauge wagon models released at around the same time.

A rake of Dapol’s MGRs will look impressive, and although 20 of them would tip the scales at 8kg, not an inconsiderable weight to lift over 40 axles, the power of ready-to-run O-gauge diesel locomotive models, and the free-rolling nature of the model means that running long power station coal trains should not be a problem.

MODEL FEATURES:

Accurately moulded hopper body.

Fine cradle moulding.

Sprung metal buffers.

Use of small screws to secure most components.

Heavy cast-metal underframe.

‘Instanter’ couplings with return springs factory-fitted.

Brake equipment including disc calipers.

Cosmetic tail-light detail.

Length: 208mm over the buffers.

Weight: 400g.

MODEL DETAILS:

Merry-Go-Round (MGR) hopper wagon (HAA).

Manufacturer: Dapol Ltd. Scale: 7mm scale, O gauge.

Era: 1965-2010.

Web: www.dapol.co.uk Individually fitted details include sprung ‘Instanter’ couplings, sprung buffers, brake pipes and the discharge door activation levers.

Metal wheels are fitted with disc brake and tread brake details on opposing wheels of each axle. The model has finely moulded brake equipment including brake levers and disc brake calipers installed as separately moulded details.

Suggested retail price: £54.95.

January 2019

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January 2019

in What's the shops

Hornby’s new

‘Electric Scot’ Hornby’s ‘OO’ gauge Class 87 model is now available in the shops, including an original BR blue version of the 1970 and early 1980s, writes Nigel Burkin.

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ntroduced in 1973 for the completion of the last stage of West Coast Main Line electrification linking Weaver Junction with the greater Glasgow area suburban network, the Class 87 became the main traction for long-distance workings from London Euston, particularly after formation of the InterCity sector.

Mk.2f air-conditioned locomotivehauled coaches were coming on stream, and the longer Mk.3a was not far behind, modernising trains used on Anglo-Scottish passenger services.

A total of 36 5000hp Class 87s were built at BREL Crewe Works as a development of the successful Class 86 (AL6) with electrical equipment manufactured by GEC. One locomotive was delivered as a test locomotive with ‘Thyristor’ control instead of tap changer control and rectifiers. It was classified as Class 87/1 and numbered 87 101 to identify it from the remainder of the fleet.

They were powerful mixed-traffic locomotives designed to cope with the steep gradients on the northern section of the WCML. Multiple working equipment was provided, and although Class 87s spent most of their time working daytime expresses, they also found employment working in pairs on heavy night-time freight together with Anglo-Scottish night trains such as sleeper services, until sectorisation saw them dedicated to InterCity services.

The Class 87s soon became popular with enthusiasts, particularly after naming began in 1976. No. 87 001 was the first to receive nameplates, to commemorate George Stephenson and coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The plates were simply lettered Stephenson, but were the start of a scheme to name all Class 87 locomotives.

Eventually, No. 87 001 was renamed Royal Scot given that the Class 87 had become the 25Kv AC version of that famous class. The Stephenson nameplates were transferred to No. 87101, where they remained until the locomotive was withdrawn from service.

Class 87s served the WCML well, lasting into privatisation under the Virgin Trains West Coast operation, where they found themselves displaced by the introduction of Class 390 ‘Pendolinos’. Many of the names were retained until final withdrawal, by which time they shared duties with Class 90s, a development from the ‘Thyristor’-controlled Class 87/1 No. 87101 which ended its operational career as a freight locomotive.

Today, the Class 87 is rarely seen on the BR network with No. 87002 being the only regularly used member of the class in the last few years. It finds employment on charter trains and for stock movements on behalf of

Flexi-coil secondary suspension is well represented, and is fitted in such a way that the bogies will swing far enough to allow operation through second-radius curves.

Caledonian Sleepers.

Most of the fleet was due to be exported to Bulgaria when a downturn in traffic saw the export contract curtailed, leaving numerous Class 87s without work and resulting in many being scrapped.

A total of 21 Class 87s were exported between 2008 and 2012.

Two Class 87s are currently preserved, including No. 87 001 which was secured for the National Collection in 2005 and No. 87002, which is owned by the AC Locomotive Group.

Although sought for preservation, the unique Class 87/1 was controversially scrapped at Barrow Hill in 2002.

Hornby’s Class 87 model came as a surprise to many modellers when first announced, and attracted comment regarding the need for further development of easy-to-use overhead line equipment (OHLE) systems such as the Dapol or Peco models. The model effectively replaces the ageing Lima model with a high-fidelity product that has all the character of the fullsize locomotives. The review model represents the class in as-built or 1970s and early 1980s condition, finished in BR blue livery as No. 87 035 Robert Burns, and equipped with the original cross-arm pantograph.

A wealth of fine detail is fitted to the model, particularly the underframe and bogies.

Hornby’s brand new OO-gauge Class 87 was released in the autumn of 2018, including the featured model of No. 87035 Robert Burns in late 1970s and early 1980s condition with nameplates.

Body moulding Not only is the body shell of the correct length and proportions, but it is also an example of how well Hornby can tool fine detail into its models, as demonstrated by the grilles and fine bolt head detail along the upper side of the body shell. It has succeeded in capturing the subtle curve to the cab front, and the two front cab windows are of the correct shape and size. If anything can be said, the distinctive cab front window frames are so fine that they do not appear as prominent as on a real Class 87.

Examining the model further alongside reference photographs and drawings, it’s clear that Hornby has definitely got under the skin of this one, with the recessed central roof detail modelled to a high standard, and the complex shape of the cab roof dome appears to be well modelled.

The featured model (R3580) is detailed with features specific to the 1970s and 1980s era, including the original multiple working equipment, round headlights and cross-arm pantograph, which were subsequently replaced by Brecknell Willis high-speed pantographs.

Underframe and bogies Below solebar level, AC electric locomotives are complex machines, particularly those fitted with ‘flexicoil’ secondary suspension springs between the bogies and underframe, which is the case with the Class 87.

Both the spring detail and underframe boxes are fine mouldings, with the springs appearing fully circular and with good depth of relief. Underframe boxes are all crisply-moulded details, particularly the curled pipe

The side fitted with equipment compartment windows allows a view of the interior equipment which is modelled in the side of the chassis frame.

MODEL FEATURES:

Finely tooled body shell assembly enhanced with individually applied fittings.

Sprung metal buffers.

Screw couplings and brake pipes supplied as add-on details.

Lightly sprung cross-arm pantograph.

Eight-pin DCC interface.

All-wheel drive in a heavy metal chassis.

NEM coupling pockets and close coupling cams.

Running lights illuminated with LEDs. Separate wire hand rails.

Detailed cab interiors with flush glazing.

Brake details fitted in line with the driving wheels.

Length: 232mm over the buffers.

Weight: 470g.

MODEL DETAILS: BR Class 87 electric locomotive.

Manufacturer: Hornby Hobbies Ltd. Scale: 4mm scale, OO gauge.

Era: 1973 to present day.

Web: www.hornby.com Suggested retail price: £170.99.

January 2019

component which is protected by a very fine etched guard. The appearance of depth to this area of the model has been achieved, even allowing for the larger tank moulding which has been adapted to conceal the lighting switch.

Drive and electronics The opportunity was taken to test the model on an extensive HO layout with 16.5mm track and a long continuous 2% incline. Its heavy die-cast chassis, combined with four-axle drive and powerful frame-mounted five-pole skew wound motor, saw it handle the equivalent of nine Mk3 coaches (Norsk Modelljernbane NSB B7 stock) with ease, and with smooth performance both running uphill and back to the staging yard, and with a starting point so smooth that it did not snatch at the couplings.

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Based on this testing, the model is capable of propelling a scale-length WCML train of Hornby Mk 3 coaches and DVT on level track without any trouble at all.

Current collection is through fine wiper pick-ups hidden behind each wheel, resulting in reliable operation of the model. Its length plus long bogie wheelbase ensures that stalling over turnouts is unlikely.

Internally, an eight-pin DCC interface is fitted alongside running lights illuminated with LEDs which are bright but do not cause any light leakage into the cab. Changing over from day to night-time running lights is supposed to be through a switch in the base of the underframe, but it did

Hornby has captured the character of the Class 87 well, including profile of the cab front, sides and roof dome.

Flush glazing is excellent, and allows a good view of the cab interior which is fitted with a cab light.

not control the lighting as one might expect. With the advent of PLuX22 decoder interfaces with additional poles for lighting and sound functions, the use of an eight-pin interface socket in a model with complex lighting is out-dated and Hornby could consider a change in the circuits to incorporate PLuX22 for control of all lighting functions through a decoder.

Fine details When it comes to fine detailing, Hornby has excelled with this model, particularly in the area of the underframe, the cab interior and the roof section. The individual mouldings are crisp, without moulding flash and supported with wire or etched details.

The pantograph is fine in appearance, but robust too, and it is fitted with a light spring allowing it to be used with OHLE systems. Particularly

commendable points include the clear flush glazing, an impression of the equipment room interior through the side windows and a host of small details applied to the bogies.

Finish An accurate shade of rail blue is applied to the model, with pre-1987 warning panel to the cab fronts. Both colours are smooth, opaque and cover raised detail well with no bridging over recessed detail. To the lowered roof section is applied a pale cream colour, while small details are picked out in appropriate colours, such as brown to the insulators and orange to the bus bar. Details are appropriately coloured on the body, within the cab and on the underframe, with orange used on electrical jumper cable connectors and electrical conduit and white to pipe runs on the bogies.

Small details are sharply printed, including nameplates, TOPS numbers and data panels.

Overall: One small detail anomaly of note is that the circuit breaker on the roof is modelled in the open position, meaning that the roof circuit is not complete, cosmetically speaking! It may be rectified by the modeller if required. Apart from that and the limited lighting function control when used with a decoder, the model is a lovely replica of a oncecommon electric locomotive, and one that is missed by those who follow electric traction.

It’s a fine addition to the Hornby range, and is sure to increase the call for an OHLE system which can be used to cover more than plain running line and simple junctions.

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January 2019

in What's the shops

O-gauge Great Western Class 43XX mogul is another Heljan triumph Hard on the heels of a superb 7mm-scale 61XX Large Prairie tank from the renowned Danish modelling firm comes a model of one of the Great Western Railway’s 43XX 2-6-0 mixed traffic locomotives – and it’s a real beauty, writes Nigel Burkin.

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here was a feeling of déjà vu when taking the beautifully appointed Heljan Churchward 43XX Class 2-6-0 from its box with its varnished transportation plinth, for it was only a month or so since a similarly finished model from Heljan, covered with a multitude of fine details, graced the studio.

On first impressions, there is no doubt that this second GWR steam locomotive model by the Danish company will set the hearts of GWR and BR Western Region enthusiasts racing, particularly given its very attractive price for a 7mm scale model. It clearly enjoys the same high standard of detailing and

finishing as the 61XX Class locomotive.

As a choice of prototype, the 43XX Class will have wider appeal than the 61XX Class because they were powerful mixed-traffic locomotives with a relatively low weight restriction (blue disc) allowing them to be operated over most GWR routes.

A total of 342 were built at Swindon Works between 1911 and 1932, with a near-continuous production run between 1911 and 1923, and this will further add to the appeal of the model. In common with locomotives constructed over a long time period and in small batches, small differences crept in as improvements were implemented.

The tender has received the same level of attention as the engine, with some crisp and well cut-in tooling.

Small details including metal lamp irons, wire hand rails and moulded fittings finish it off nicely.