The Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling - December 2018 - Preview

DECEMBER 2018

A TIN TRAIN FOR CHRISTMAS

Inspired by railway art

LURE OF THE FFESTINIOG

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O-SCALE 61XX 'LARGE PRAIRIE' FROM HELJAN P10

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December 2018

EDITORIAL | 3

December 2018

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 Designers Holly Furness, Tracey Markham Picture desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield 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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Next edition

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January 2019 issue of RMM is out on Friday, December 21, 2018.

Pete Kelly Editor

e’ve finally got the track glued down and everything up and running on our N-gauge ‘St Ann’s Cove’ project layout, and the first Bulleid Light Pacific-hauled train has already called at the seaside station.

Having been brought up in the north-west, I knew nothing about these locomotives and their much larger ‘Merchant Navy’ stablemates until, in 1961, a friend and I who were both 16 and had just left school cycled from Warrington to Bournemouth to visit an aunt who lived there. It took us two days flat each way, spending cold nights in a pup tent, and no gears on either bike. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be that fit again!

One day during the four days we stayed with her, knowing of our railway interest (and no doubt wanting us out of the way for a bit) she bought us each a day-return ticket to Waterloo. We’d always yearned to see what these Southern engines looked, sounded and performed like – and were mightily impressed by the beautiful-looking rebuilt ‘Merchant Navy’ Pacifics and their smaller ‘West Country’ and ‘Battle of Britain’ stablemates in both their original and rebuilt forms.

Fast forward to this year’s Remembrance Sunday, marking 100 years since the signing of the Armistice in 1918, and I found myself at Bury’s Bolton Street station, on the East Lancashire Railway, for a couple of trips along the heritage line with a brother and an old mate of ours. The station was busy because several special parties had been arranged to mark the historic occasion, and I was delighted to see that our engine was none other than air-smoothed ‘West Country’ Pacific No. 34092 City of Wells, which arrived in a shroud of steam which cleared to reveal a bright poppy wreath on its smokebox door.

What memories its departure for Rawtenstall evoked, the ear-splitting hiss of the cylinder drain cocks quietening down to reveal the soft, steady blast from its chimney as it accelerated smoothly away, leaving a trail of pure white steam in its wake. A well-managed Bulleid Light Pacific is a truly magnificent steam generator.

The most poignant moment came when, at around two minutes to eleven on the return journey to Bury, the train came to a gentle halt somewhere along the line and everything fell totally silent.

Even Elsa, my rescue dog, who now has to come everywhere with me, seemed to sense that something out of the ordinary was happening, and lay quiet as a mouse on the floor between our compartment seats.

I remembered that sepia-tinted picture of my Great Uncle Peter, after whom I was named, on a mantelshelf in my grandparents’ terraced home in Roome Street, Warrington, who fell in that bloody conflict, and my travelling companions seemed lost in similar thoughts.

Then, out of the intense silence, a shrill whistle sounded and we got under way again. It certainly was a Sunday to remember!

Sometimes in this job, a little humility is required, and after the last issue was printed, I was horrified to learn that I’d misheard the name of Channel 5’s Great Model Railway Challenge star Callum Willcox on the phone and called him Colin in our news piece about the Swansea show.

The only thing to do was ring him immediately, apologise and suggest paying him a visit to write a feature about him.

“Oh, that doesn’t matter, Pete,” was his immediate reaction. “There’s no need to come all the way down here just to see me, but I’ve just finished writing a piece about my ‘Amiens’ layout, and I can send that instead if you like.”

After running round at Heywood, the most easterly point on the East Lancashire Railway, ‘West Country’ Pacific No. 34092 City of Wells prepares to return to Bury Bolton Street station on Sunday, November 11.

PHOTO: JOHN LIVENS.

His write-up duly appears on page 40, and the expertise shown by himself and all the team in their winning debut in the first Challenge programme is clearly evident in the pictures. We can rest assured that the future of our hobby is safe in the hands of modellers like Callum.

After some initial misgivings, I warmed to The Great Model Railway Challenge and everyone involved with it as the series progressed. Congratulations to the Aberdeen Model Railway Club on winning the final on Friday, November 9 – and I’m delighted that a second series is being planned.

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December 2018

News

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

Going Forth – to Signals Model Shop’s 10th birthday party Signals Model Shop in Midsomer Norton celebrated its 10th birthday in style on Saturday, November 3 when the heat-winning Blackadder ‘Go Forth’ layout from the first screening of Channel 5’s Great Model Railway Challenge was set up in the shop and attended by some local members of the Railway Video Division team that built it.

The layout had arrived in three pieces a fortnight earlier, and it took the team longer to reassemble than it had done to build it!

After the 10am opening, there was a steady stream of visitors all day, and children were encouraged to set off some of the special effects such as firing the rail gun, and were even allowed to control some of the trains.

The Railway Video Division used smoke effects to enhance both the gun and the crash site of Flasheart’s biplane. Woodland Scenics’ ‘Just Plug’ lighting system illuminated the bunker, with Train Tech welding effects used for distant explosions.

Specific Blackadder figures by WD Models, assembled and painted by Callum Willcox, were used in cameos such as the bunker with Blackadder, Baldric and Darling; Melchett’s manor house; Melchett, Blackadder and Darling on the parade ground with Baldric playing the triangle, and Flasheart standing in the trench by his crashed and smoking plane. Huzzah!

The ‘Go Forth’ team comprised Callum, Adrian Boots, Callum Shergold, John Filer (Callum W’s grandad), Adam Ashford and

Visitors study the imaginative layout at Signals Model Shop.

With Callum Willcox in the middle, it’s all smiles from members of the ‘Go Forth’ team.

Will Hawks.

Callum Willcox has been a Signals customer since his early teens, and has been shopping there ever since it opened.

After the event, the layout remained on view for a while, but with no trains running, and there has been some talk of selling it for charity, although this has not yet been confirmed.

More details about ‘Go Forth’, together with lots of videos, can be found on Callum’s You Tube channel SDJR7F88 (see the connections?) including behind-the-scenes footage of the layout.

Activity book marks the first decade of ‘Peter’s Railway’ success

Chinese factory reorganisation delays Bachmann production At its annual Press Day at the Churnet Valley Railway on Friday, August 31, Bachmann Europe plc outlined that its parent company, Kader, had opened a new model railway production facility in Gaobu to supplement the existing facilities at Shenzen and Dongguan.

Although the Kader site in Dongguan was earmarked for redevelopment by the local authority, it was expected that production would continue in the medium term while the new sites came on stream.

Unfortunately, Bachmann has been asked to vacate the site sooner than previously indicated, and to facilitate this, staff from other locations have been engaged in the transfer of machinery, tooling and materials to the new Gaobu site.

This will lead to a temporary reduction in production capacity while the reorganisation of facilities takes place, but once this is complete, Bachmann Europe plc will be in a stronger position, with the increased production allowing it to deliver the models still outstanding along with the many more that are in development.

Meanwhile, the following are in transit and expected to be released before 2018 is out: OO-scale Class H1, H2 and C1 Atlantics, Class 37 ‘EuroPhoenix’, BR Mk 1 POT coaches, BR Mk 2F coaches (all types), FFA/FGA Freightliner Flats and BR Mk 1 horse boxes. Further supplies of the N-scale Class 3F ‘Jinty’ tank locomotives are also due to arrive.

A future modeller in the making has a go at uncoupling.

Exhibition manager John Noorani presents the Showtrain Cup.

Helensburgh modellers take Showtrain Cup The Hampton Court Model Railway Society’s ‘Tolworth Showtrain’ exhibition has long been associated with Remembrance Weekend, and various parts of this year’s show were designed to commemorate the 1918 Armistice that brought the conflict to an end.

Two layouts depicted the tasks undertaken by railways on the Western Front, and the public voted one of them, ‘Trenches’, as their favourite.

It was exhibited by the Helensburgh and District Model Railway Club, whose members were duly awarded the Showtrain Cup.

Members of the Helensburgh and District Model Railway Club observe the two-minute silence behind their winning ‘Trenches’ layout.

When the first ‘Peter’s Railway’ children’s train book was published in 2008, author Chris Vine, a chartered engineer, had no idea what the next decade would bring.

The book came about due to his love of trains which, over the years, saw him build a miniature railway and an award-winning model locomotive, and he simply wanted to share his knowledge of railways and engineering with the next generation.

Ten years later, no fewer than 19 ‘Peter’s Railway’ books have been written with sales all over the world (there have even been translations into Chinese!)

Two Young Engineers’ Centres with interactive exhibitions have been set up at two of the UK’s top heritage railways with more in the pipeline; Chris has taken part in Channel 5’s The Unstoppable Flying Scotsman; and there have been four years of school workshops by invitation of the Isle of Man government.

Aimed at older children, the ‘Peter’s Railway’ series combines adventurous story-telling with serious engineering subjects – and now a ‘Peter’s Railway’ Activity Book including train and engineering puzzles, colouring activities, number challenges, brain teasers, ‘spot the difference’ pictures and ‘The Most Dangerous Station in the World’ has been launched to keep children entertained wherever they are – at home, on the train, in the car, in the garden or on holiday.

Go to Our Story at https:// petersrailway.com/ourstory/ or https:// petersrailway.com for more information.

December 2018

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December 2018

News

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

North Ings Farm photos We are happy to point out that three photos that appeared with a letter from Graham Lilley about the North Ings Farm Museum in our August issue should have been credited to Graham Lightfoot. One of them is repeated here.

City of Edinburgh in LMS black from Hornby Penelope and her three coaches make a pretty picture on the incline at Pear Tree Junction at the North Ings Farm Museum.

Photo: Graham Lightfoot.

BlueRailways launch A new Model 602 wireless receiver/ controller, a single-track analogue DC controller containing a low-power wireless interface, has just been released by blueRailways of Taverham, Norwich.

It can be used as a conventional handheld controller or controlled wirelessly using the Model n720 wireless controller or an Android smartphone/tablet using the blueRailways app, available free from the Google Play Store.

Hornby’s R361 OO-scale model of Stanier Pacific No 6241 City of Edinburgh, in LMS black with maroon-backed nameplates, has just been released, and one of the models will be reviewed in next month’s RMM.

An improvement over its Model 601 predecessor, it now has a 1 Amp output, incorporates electronic short-circuit protection and has a range to cover even the largest model railway layouts.

No modifications are needed to model locomotives to use the 602, and it has four LEDs to indicate the status of the inputs and outputs.

For more details, visit www. bluerailways.co.uk .

Cheltenham GWR exhibition boosts Pied Piper Appeal More than 500 visitors enjoyed the 48th Cheltenham GWR Modellers’ Exhibition at St Margaret’s Hall, Hatherley, Cheltenham over the weekend of October 27-28, and raised £1010 for the Pied Piper Appeal for sick and disabled children in the process.

Among the layouts and attractions selected

by Mike Walker were the O-scale ‘Rose Cottage’ and N-scale ‘Matley’,

with ‘excursions’ to Bristol, Cromer, East Germany and Earl’s Court in between.

The next Cheltenham GWR Modeller’s Exhibition will take place on April 6-7, 2019.

A small layout is admired at close quarters by two visitors to the Cheltenham GWR Modellers’ Exhibition over the weekend of October 27-28.

‘Highland Chieftain’ on the Forth Bridge While major engineering work was being carried out at Falkirk, the northbound ‘Highland Chieftain’ was diverted to traverse the cantilevers of the Forth Bridge on Friday, October 19, bringing this rare photo opportunity, writes Ian Lamb.

Ironically this was the originally proposed route to Perth, through Fife, when the train was established in the mid-1980s – yet although it

meant a longer mileage, it made more commercial sense when the service was inaugurated to direct it through Stirling and Falkirk to ensure that both towns had direct daytime access to London.

When the ubiquitous HSTs are eventually replaced by Hitachi ‘Azumas’, it will no longer be possible to slide down a window and create such a memorable photograph.

Enjoy it while you can! When the HSTs are replaced by Hitachi ‘Azuma’ trains, there will be no more lowering of windows to take photos like this.

Bachmann Europe’s new communications manager

Following the retirement of public relations manager Dennis Lovett, Richard Proudman has become Bachmann Europe plc’s communications manager.

After joining Bachmann in 2013 as part of the Bachmann Collectors’ Club team, Richard worked his way up to Bachmann Collectors’ Club manager, and now he also takes over as editor of the excellent Bachmann Times magazine that’s part of the BCC package.

Much of the experience gained for his new position has come from working

alongside Dennis for the last five years.

Dennis’s retirement after 13 years with Bachmann marks the end of a 48-year career working with railways, both real and in miniature. He joined British Rail upon leaving school in 1970, working with Network SouthEast, InterCity and Virgin Trains before joining the modelling firm. Bachmann Europe’s managing director David Haarhaus said: “Richard has worked with Dennis during his whole career at Bachmann so far, and his familiarity with the

Collectors’ Club and our many product ranges makes him well-equipped for the opportunities ahead.”

Thanking Dennis for his support, energy and enthusiasm for the industry, David said: “He has been ever present at public exhibitions, and I have only ever received positive feedback from the professional manner with which he has handled the many thousands of consumer enquiries.

“All at Bachmann wish him a long and happy retirement.”

December 2018

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December 2018

in What's the shops

Hornby ‘Devon Belle’ observation car returns Modellers have welcomed the return of the ‘Devon Belle’ observation car to the Hornby range after a long absence, writes Nigel Burkin.

T

he use of the Pullman ‘J’ Type ‘Devon Belle’ observation car in Pullman service was relatively short, being introduced as part of an attempt to return Southern Railway services to relative normality after the war. The ‘Belle’ operated between Waterloo and Ilfracombe, with a portion running through to Plymouth.

Two distinctive observation cars, built from redundant vehicles by Pullman at its Brighton works in 1947, were numbered 13 and 14 respectively.

Each car could seat 27 passengers and had a bar counter area as well as brake equipment.

Following a decline in passenger numbers, the ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman service was steadily reduced in frequency before ceasing in September 1954, when the observation cars spread their wings to the Midland Region of BR for use in charter and ‘land cruise’ trains following renumbering and repainting.

In 1961 they were transferred to the Scottish Region for use as observation cars on Kyle of Lochalsh and West Highland line services until their eventual withdrawal later in the 1960s.

MODEL FEATURES: ■ Fine glazing of the observation saloon.

■ Thin body shell moulding.

■ Detailed saloon with angled armchairs and grab rails.

■ Metal coach disc wheels.

■ Close coupling cam fitted to the inner end.

■ Metal buffer heads.

■ Interior lighting which is DCC ready.

■ Separately applied roof vents and water tank pipes.

■ Brake shoes with yokes fitted in line with the wheels.

■ Weight: 150g.

Two Pullman Type ‘J’ observation cars were built for the short-lived ‘Devon Belle’ service, and Hornby’s OO-gauge model captures their appeal and appearance very well indeed.

Both cars are now preserved, with No. 13 on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and No. 14 on the Swanage Railway. Each has been fully restored and is in full working condition.

Hornby’s OO-gauge model of the car is most appealing, and will be useful to Scottish Region modellers of the 1960s in addition to those wishing to complete their ‘Devon Belle’ trains. The model was last issued in 2009, when it sold out relatively quickly, and it is good to see Hornby responding to requests for its reinstatement in its catalogue.

The latest issue (R4860) is likely to be just as popular as before!

Body and interior Coaches that have large areas of glazing, affording uninterrupted views of the interior, present a very difficult task for model designers, but on Hornby’s Pullman ‘J’ Type observation car this has been done particularly well, with thin plastic mouldings giving a similar reflective appearance to that of window glass. It has minimal distortion around the edges and can easily pick up fingerprints – so give it a gentle polish with a clean camera lens cloth!

A view of the inner end of the car with separately applied water tank pipes, gangway and sprung metal buffers. A close coupling mechanism is also fitted to the inner end.

Internally, there is little sign as to how the glazing is attached – a good thing, for otherwise it would have spoiled the nicely detailed saloon area, with its mix of single and twin seats positioned at different angles to the windows.

The rest of the body moulding is well assembled and neatly detailed, with individual fittings applied to the body shell including plastic water tank filler pipes (a little delicate), roof vents and commode handles. The car’s body is moulded with a thin section to assist with the saloon glazing, and its shape is very well replicated in the body and roof moulding. There’s no doubt that it is an excellent facsimile of the full-sized vehicles.

Underframe As we have come to expect from Hornby, the underframe is fitted out with numerous individually manufactured details including battery boxes, dynamo, brake cylinders and the trussing – all neatly and securely attached to a heavy underframe. Bogies have a good depth of detail with brake block in line with the wheels, an excellent representation of the axle box covers and inner end foot steps.

Technical details Although the observation car is a hauled coach, the model has some interesting technical details. Interior lighting is installed, together with a decoder socket that’s supplied with power from wiper pick-ups acting on the axle of each wheel set. This type of pick-up means that current collection is through two wheels for each polarity, and will result in some friction on the wheels.

The model rolls well but not freely – not a problem, as modellers should be hauling their ‘Devon Belle’ trains with a powerful locomotive. To avoid flicker of the lights in normal operation, DCC users could consider fitting a ‘Keep Alive’

The saloon is very nicely modelled with thin, clear glazing and a lack of any clips or fittings to clutter the interior.

decoder such as those offered by LaisDCC or TCS. The yellow lighting resulting from the surface mount LEDs fitted to the model would be better if warm white LEDs had been used instead, and the exposed circuit board could be disguised by the more enthusiastic modeller when detailing the interior.

An NEM coupling pocket is fitted to the inner end of the coach but not the front, which is detailed with a screw coupling and brake hoses. A close coupling cam with a light but firm return spring is also fitted.

While the model is supplied with a tension lock coupling, simple coupling bars for fixed rakes would work as well unless the operations representing end-of-line turning of the car on a turntable is desired.

Overall The Hornby Pullman Type ‘J’ observation car is a lovely model with great-looking glazing, a clean and uncluttered interior and lots of scope for the addition of passengers and luggage.

The livery finish is sharp and accurate right down to the legible plate below the passenger entry door which reads ‘Clayton Wagon Limited, Builders 1921 Lincoln’.

Hornby could explore the potential of the model further by offering it in BR condition as used in Scotland and latterly also as heritage vehicles.

MODEL DETAILS: Pullman ‘J’ type ‘Devon Belle’ observation car Manufacturer: Hornby Hobbies Ltd. Scale: 1:76 scale, ‘OO’ gauge.

Era: 1947-1954 for the featured model.

Seating is fitted to the saloon area together with a bar counter and the characteristic grab rail behind the second row of forward facing seats. The model has interior lighting and a DCC interface socket.

Lining and printed livery details are neat and level, with small details such as the builder’s plate being legible. The model is a fine one with superb levels of detail.

Web: www.hornby.com Suggested retail price: £74.99

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December 2018

in What's the shops

Tipping the scales at 1625g, the model has excellent tractive effort, but with that weight, a great deal of care was taken not to drop it!

Heljan’s O-gauge ‘Large Prairie’ tank A detail-rich GWR/BR ‘61XX’ Class ‘Large Prairie’ marks Heljan’s debut in O-gauge steam. Nigel Burkin examines No 6132, finished in late-crest lined BR green livery.

Heljan has made an excellent job of its first O-gauge steam locomotive model and has chosen an interesting prototype to model – The GWR/ BR ‘61XX’ Class 2-6-2T ‘Large Prairie’ tank locomotive.

H

eljan’s first O-gauge steam locomotive model is of a successful tank locomotive design by Charles Collett that dominated suburban services from Paddington for more than 20 years.

The GWR ‘61XX’ Class 2-6-2T, referred to as the ‘Large Prairie’, evolved from the GWR ‘5101’ type, itself a development of the 31XX Class that had been successful in suburban traffic.

Constructed between 1931 and 1935, the powerful 61XX Class tank locomotives could run at speed in both directions.

A 225 psi boiler pressure, combined with medium-sized driving wheels, gave the locomotives good acceleration and sufficiently high tractive effort to lift heavily-loaded suburban services with tight timings.

A total of 70 61XX Class locomotives, numbered 6100-6169, were constructed at Swindon Works between 1931 and 1935. They were fitted with trip-cock equipment for working LT lines and (either from new or as a retrospective installation) GWR Automatic Train Control.

Allocations included Old Oak Common, Slough and Aylesbury until the ‘Large Prairies’ were displaced by Class 117 and 121 DMUs from 1959. By the late 1950s, the writing was on the wall for

the class, and withdrawals began in 1958.

The locomotives’ roles were diminished to freight and parcels duties in the early 1960s, together with some branch working, until total withdrawal at the end of steam in 1965.

One 61XX Class locomotive, No. 6106, has been preserved and is on static display at the Didcot Railway Centre.

Body moulding First impressions are important, and the initial one is of a well constructed model that matches published photographs of the full-size locomotives well. The proportions look good, and the character of these hard-worked suburban locomotives has been beautifully crafted in O gauge by Heljan. A closer look reveals a high level of subtly-executed moulded detail on the body sections, including the rivet detail, the line of the tapered boiler, with its fine boiler bands, and the distinctive shape of the firebox top.

The prototypical gap under the boiler behind the smoke box saddle is present as are the (cosmetic) sliding cab side screens. The cab roof ventilator slides open, allowing it to be posed to suit the use of the model.

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December 2018

Fine details In addition to the neat assembly of the main body components, there is a wealth of separate fittings too numerous to list individually.

From larger parts such as the chimney and dome through to the whistles, a tiny smoke box steam lance and the darts themselves, the model is covered with detail which gives it an exceptional appearance.

Everything, including handrails and the larger fittings such as water tank lids, are all neatly applied with no sign of glue marks, and all are correctly seated.

The number plates are plastic mouldings fitted to the bunker sides with printed numerals instead of the raised ones found on the prototype, but it is easy to pry them off the model and replace them with etched brass number plates.

To protect the model when in transit, it is securely fixed to a packing plinth when boxed. It prevents the model from shifting in the box if it is handled with less than the usual care.

Cab interior Fine detailing is extended to the cab interior, which is decorated with pressure gauges, water gauges, levers and controls, all picked out in copper, brass and the appropriate colours for the driving controls. A brake stand and reversing lever are visible on the inside of the cab sides while the doors are fixed, one in the open position. They are fitted as separate mouldings which, with a



 1. A moulded coal load is fitted to the bunker. With care, it can be removed if the owner wishes to upgrade this area of the model.

2. A fully-detailed and neatly-painted cab interior is another feature of the model. The cab doors are fixed, but could be detached to reposition them.

MODEL DETAILS: GWR/BR 61XX Class 2-6-2T in BR lined livery.

Manufacturer: Heljan A/S Scale: 7mm scale, O gauge.

Era: 1931-1965.

Web: www.heljan.dk Suggested retail price: £699.00

little time at the workbench, could be detached, refitted and possibly hinged too, such is the modelling scope offered by O gauge. The cab floor is planked and ready for some coal dust, grime, oil and other weathering effects!

Below the running plate Fine detailing does not stop at the body of the model, with brake gear and its rigging faithfully represented, and the brake blocks in line with the finely-modelled wheels. A quick check with photographs shows that the wheels are accurate, even though the tyres appear a little on the slim side. The motion is well made from metal parts and sturdy, with workbench running tests demonstrating its smooth action without any catching.

The front and rear bogies are not fitted to the model from new, for there’s little room to accommodate them in the box with the model mounted on its packing plinth, but once the model was removed from its plinth, the bogie wheel assembly with guard irons was fitted to the front of the locomotive, and the one with the larger diameter wheel to the rear. A cross-head screwdriver is required to complete preparations for operation.

Completing the picture are sprung buffers with plastic heads that depress only part way, and very fine factory-fitted screw couplings which have a tiny screw thread allowing them to be adjusted for length with the tommy bar, in the same manner as the real thing. Brake hoses are supplied in the detailing pack for the modeller to fit.

Electronics A five-pole motor with a single flywheel sits at the heart of this model, which is a good start when replicating the haulage power of the full-size 61XX Class.

An ESU-compatible decoder adaptor is fitted and it has a blanking plug fitted for conventional 12v dc operation. The socket will accept a plug and play ESU Loksound L4.0 decoder for digital sound.

A speaker chamber is fitted to the chassis to make digital sound installation easier to complete.

Hard wiring to the ESU interface adaptor is the only way of fitting a different brand of decoder to the model. Current collection is through wiper pick-ups acting on the rear of the wheels which supplies power to the circuit board. Only one lighting circuit is fitted which powers the fire box flicker effect. This is controlled through function F3 when a decoder is installed.

Performance Tipping the scales at 1625g, and with six driving wheels, the model has impressive tractive effort for its size and is capable of managing six suburban coaches with ease. The instructions caution the modeller as to the importance of good running-in practices before placing the model under load and subjecting it to full power. The review model ran smoothly and without any sign of binding in both directions, there being little difference in the performance when running in reverse compared to the forward direction.

The model replicates the shape of the full-size ‘Large Prairie’ locomotives very well, including the tapered boiler, firebox top and the front of the locomotive with its running plate support stays.

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December 2018

in What's the shops

Finish The review model is decorated in lined BR green as No 6132, and very smart it looks too. The BR green finish is very good, with sharp lining that’s well executed with no sign of fuzzy edges. This sharp lining is apparent on the boiler bands and the cylinders too. The finish is eggshell – not totally dull, but with a slight sheen which, together with the copper and brass fittings, makes for an attractive model. Small details are picked out in appropriate colours, including the copper chimney cap, whistles and drain cocks.

Colouring of all the individual parts is consistent, with no part finished in an obviously different shade.

Overall Given that OO-gauge modellers are expected to pay between £75 and £89 for limited run wagons these days, the £699 price tag attached to Heljan’s ‘Large Prairie’ looks very good value for money considering the high level of detail, the care in which the model is packed for transport and the excellent running qualities. One point I would make, though, is in regard to the service sheet supplied with the model. A high-end O-gauge model like this one deserves better than the folded A4 sheet with pictures a tad too small to see clearly how to dismantle the model for decoder installation and maintenance.

While this does not detract from the model itself, a quality booklet with clear graphics and pictures would do much to enhance the feel of a really high-quality package which has already created a good impression with its well-designed box and varnished wooden packing plinth.

Nonetheless, take good care of the model, together with its packaging and instruction sheet, and there is no reason why it cannot prove to be a good investment and fun at the same time.

MODEL FEATURES: ■ Finely-tooled body shell assembly with individually applied fittings.

■ A detail-rich model, including lamp irons, whistle and water tank fillers.

■ Sprung plastic buffers.

■ Separately-applied drain cock detail and steam lance valve details.

■ Five-pole motor with single brass flywheel.

■ ESU Loksound L4.0 compatible DCC interface.

■ Illuminated firebox.

■ Fully-detailed cab interior ■ Adjustable sprung screw link couplings.

■ Wire handrails and knobs fitted throughout.

■ Separately-moulded plastic number plate.

■ Separate whistle and safety valve detail.

■ Flush glazing applied to the cab.

■ Brake details fitted in line with the driving wheels.

■ Length: 285mm over the buffers.

■ Weight fully assembled: 1625g.

■ Weight: 150g.

Detail moulded in the body components is very subtly executed, including the rivet detail.

Overall, Heljan’s Large Prairie is beautifully turned out with accurate and rich livery colours and neat assembly of all the small parts to the body.

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December 2018 July 2018

COMPETITION |

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WIN ... WIN ... WIN ... WIN ... WIN ...

A triple set of Hornby 20-ton coke hoppers could be yours Laden with Christmas gifts – and even a reindeer box at the back for Rudolph and his friends – Santa's Express could be steaming through the snow straight to your door!

Santa's Express Christmas Train Set

Last month’s Railway Magazine Guide to Modelling reviewed a triple pack of By entering this wordsearch puzzle, you could consecutively numbered 00-gauge Hornby 20-ton coke hoppers, which we become thefavourably winner of Hornby's delightfully compared very indeed to the real thing.

colourful OO-scale setton that Coke takes up a lot more train space per thanlast coal,month's and the bulky Shildon-built wagons boast superb detailing, crisply applied lettering, Railway Magazine Guide including to Modelling reviewed as superb builder’s details andfeature well-modelled springs and brake part ofplate a seasonal about boxed sets.levers.

To enter, simply look through the adverts on this page, find a word that's To enter, simply look through the adverts underlined or picked out in bold type – there's one in each advertisement – on page, find word that's underlined or andthis then seek them outaon the wordsearch.

It’s that simple!

picked bold type – there's one each Once youout havein completed the wordsearch, pleaseinsend the page, including your contact details–(photocopies accepted) advertisement and thenare seek themto:out and The Railway Magazine – Guide to Modelling, Wordsearch Competition, circle them on the wordsearch.

It’s that simple!

Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6LZ

Oncedate youis have completed the wordsearch, please Closing July 26, 2018 send the page, including your contact details Terms and conditions apply.

For full details and conditions, visit www.railwaymagazinemodelling.co.uk. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. (photocopies are accepted) to: There are no cash alternatives available. is important DATA: Protection of your personal data– The Railway Magazine Guide totoMortons.

Modelling, Your data will be stored securely and only be used for the purpose of processing the competition and Wordsearch Mortons Media Group Ltd, notifying the winners.Competition, Data will then be destroyed.

PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6LZ Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................

Closing date is December 19, 2018

Address: Terms and................................................................................................................................................................ conditions apply. For full details and conditions, visit www.railwaymagazinemodelling.co.uk. The winner will be the first ....................................................................................................................................................................................... name drawn at random. There are no cash alternatives available. ...................................................................... Postcode:........................................................................................

DATA: Protection of your personal data is important to Mortons.

Tel: ............................................................

Email: Your data will be stored securely and................................................................................................ only be used for the purpose of processing the competition and notifying the winner. Data will then be destroyed.

Name: .........................................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ....................................................Postcode:............................................................

Tel: ...............................................................................................................................

Email: ........................................................................................................................

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