Last year I posted about Armchair Ready-To-Run designers being an extension of the  term “armchair modeller” that has been used in the hobby referring to those who are vocal in criticism and comment but are sat in their comfy chairs tapping away on their keyboards without actually the processes involved in various aspects of the hobby. That particular post focused on the design side of things and why just because one model has been produced it should mean that a further slightly different model can or should also be produced.

The NRM Ivatt C1 Atlantic (picture courtesy and copyright NRM)

The announcement today by the National Railway Museum working with Bachmann of the exclusive model of the ex Great Northern Railways Ivatt C1 4-4-2 Atlantic locomotive has prompted this further ‘Armchair’ post.
Some say… that such a model was inevitable as Bachmann had already announced the ex LBSC Marsh H2 Class Atlantic.

ex LBSC H2 Class Atlantic (picture courtesy of Bachmann)

It is true that the  Marsh H2 Class and its predecessor the  H1 class can be directly traced back to the Ivatt C1 Atlantic owing to the fact Marsh had previously worked with Ivatt on the C1 class whilst he worked for the GNR and that the boiler and a proportion of the chassis design is the same.

In model terms though such lineage does not necessary mean savings in design, tooling, or production costs. As I mentioned in my previsious armchair post a common boiler does not help with tooling costs as often it is combined with different cabs, fitting,  running plates or other differing details. In the case of the two Atlantic models, and I discussed this with Bachmann staff a couple of weeks ago,  in reality only approximately 70% of only the chassis components are actually common. The loco body, tender and trailing truck are all different and therefor unique tooling. Therefore it is only a small proportion of time that can be potentially saved at the design stage,  as such as design work carried over for those small number of common components (remember its  approx 70% of the chassis only that is common) that can be simply copied.

Even with these limited number of common parts the two models are likely to be completely separately tooled. This is due to other reasons which a lot of people do not consider such as: the fact that if part of the tooling is used for more than model it creates double the wear on certain tools compared to the rest, the logistical issues of either stock holding between production runs or trying to manage production slots of both models at the same time.
This logistical challenge is hard enough for Bachmann whom unlike Hornby only have production at one factory. Hornby have different models being made at a number of  factories which is another reason why they would not usually share any aspect of tolling or components between models / factories as other wise it would be a logistical, transport and stock holding nightmare, in addition to the issue of uneven tooling wear.

I hope this post gives further food for thought into the issues that have to be considered in the design, tooling  and production of models for the Ready-To-Run market.

Fisherton Sarum is set in the time when many boys, if asked about a career, wanted to be an “Engine Driver”. The dream of becoming a Driver in charge of crack express such as the ‘ACE’ or ‘Devon Belle’ whilst understandable, was not in those days a quick or easy process.  For nearly all such drivers the first step on the ladder, often literally,  maybe for boys as young as 14, was that of  ‘Engine Cleaner’.

Cleaners aptly at work on the side of Bullied West Country Class 21C102 ‘Salisbury’. There wooden steps / platform is being put to good use.

This initial role that included other shed duties such as fire raising, assisting fitters and boiler smiths (with the usually very dirty and less than glamorous tasks) would be for well over 12 months. After which, without any formal additional training  they might be examined by the Locomotive Inspector and upgraded to being a ‘Passed Cleaner’ This new rank enabled them to be utilised by the shed foreman for firing turns on shunting duties and sometimes local goods trains. Eventually after such turns the Passed Cleaner would gain further promotion to Fireman and would then have to work up through the rosters  known as ‘Links’ before becoming a top link fireman for express services. Then progress  onto Passed Fireman and ultimately Driver starting once again in the bottom link before eventually progress up the links to be able to drive trains such as the ‘ACE’ or ‘Devon Belle’. Progress up all the links whether a Fireman or a Driver was often slow and often relied on members of links above you retiring or moving on.

Merchant Navy 21C6 received attention from the Fisherton Sarum Engine Cleaners before its next turn of duty on the Atlantic Coast Express.

I have a number of Cleaners going about their duties on Fisherton Sarum. Most are from either the Dart Castings or G T Stevens Model Railways range of white metal castings, suitably painted. Following the introduction of the air smoothed Bulleid pacific’s,  ladders and or platforms were required, both for cleaning and filling the sandboxes,  and these often were made from what ever materials the shed had available or could get hold of at the time.

A am very fortunate through this hobby of ours to have met and made a good number of like minded friends. many of whom I would consider as being ranked as being talented and exquisite modellers that can achieve things far in excess of my humble efforts.  Yesterday I was fortunate and privileged, to have been able to arrange for a small gang of fellow members of the High Wycombe and District MRS, to visit and play trains on Little Bytham the layout , of  one such friend , the well known, talented and respected  Tony Wright. Little Bytham is in fact being built as a collaborative effort via horse trading with other talented modellers whom have carried work in return for Tony’s talents in the building of locomotives etc.

35023 sweeps into Little Bytham station. At this stage a lot of the buildings are just mock ups.

Tony, who actually lives in Little Bytham,  is modelling the East Coast Mainline Station and surrounds as it was in the mid 1950’s before both the station itself and the Midland and Great Northern that crossed the ECML at Little Bytham closed. The four track mainline through the station and its interesting track plan from an operation perspective is a perfect recreation of that period,and that, along with his superb stock completes the scene perfectly.

21C6 heads south towards Little Bytham Station

In addition to being operate his layout for the day, we were also able to run some summer excursion specials from our own collection, so I took great delight in adding a splash of malachite to the East Coast Mainline.

Firstly a few pictures in the shape a couple of my original Merchant Navy Pacifics 21C6 and 35023 ahead of a rake of Phoenix (ex BSL) Bulleid coaching stock, seen running alone the embankment and through the station as some of my fellow High Wycombe and District MRS members look on.

Another view of 21C6

It is  pretty certain that the Bulleid Leader never reached the ECML but I couldn’t resist. Also my Drummond T14 ran through Little Bytham with the SR Cinema coach no. 1308s and Bulleid ‘Inspection saloon’ no. 100s, both paired with their respective generator vans.

The Bulleid Leader waits for the road as a Pullman races past.

All in all it was an excellent, fun and enjoyable day just as the hobby should be.  It was a real tonic of a day being full of laughter, enjoyment and great company.

T14 on the Cinema Coach and ‘inspection saloon’ rake.

I must express my own personal sincere thanks, and those of  all of us at the high Wycombe and District MRS to Tony for allowing us and trusting us to play on his train set!

ps. also thanks to Tony for taking and providing me with the last two photographs, that remain his copyright.

Much has been written in the past about the locomotive exchanges that took place in 1948 shortly  after nationalisation; indeed my own Talking Stock #2 post here discussed the exchange trials and featured some of the locomotives that appeared on the Southern with respect to the Express Passenger, General Purpose locomotive trials.  Not discussed so often is the fact that as well as passenger locomotives a number of trials were also conducted with the freight locos of the time. This post looks at some of the freight locomotives that appeared through Salisbury on the Eastleigh to Bristol freight trials and therefore I have modelled to occasionally be seen on Fisherton Sarum.  My thoughts on the overall effectiveness or otherwise of the 1948 locomotive exchange trials will form the basis of a further post.

Hornby have produced models of three of the freight locomotives used on the trials on the Southern and whether by complete coincidence or not are two correctly numbered for the actual locomotives used. It should be noted that the Southern did not put forward a freight locomotive.  I am not sure why an S15 was not put forward perhaps the Southern felt it was not a modern enough design when compared to their Bullied Pacifics? I am yet to model the London Midland Region 8F number 48189 but it on the list of things to do.

28xx number 3803 from a Hornby model passes Fisherton Sarum during the trials.

First up is the 28xx class 2-8-0 from the that other railway the Western Region number 3803. I have fitted etched brass number plates over the original printed number plates to enhance the appearance, added real coal to the tender and lightly weathered. I am pretty certain this is not the first picture that has appeared on this blog of a WR locomotive, or for that matter run on Fisherton Sarum, but they are pretty rare!

Eastern Region O1 class 2-8-0 number 63789

The second Hornby locomotive is the Eastern Region O1 class 2-8-0 number 63789 and is generally thought of as being an excellent model. I have replaced the later British Railway crest (that did not exist at the time of the trials) with the correct style for the period wording ‘British Railways’ in Gill Sans.  Again just the addition of real coal in the tender and weathering was required before entering the fleet.

In addition to the above two locomotives the WD 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 classes were also trialed, although the 2-10-0 was larger with a larger firebox and grate area it was essentially the same boiler as its slightly smaller brother and in fact the 2-8-0 generally gave better results.

A back dated Bachmann WD 2-8-0 as 78531 allocated to the SR in 1946

The Ministry of Supply WD 2-8-0 produced by Bachmann is in my opinion currently one of their finest steam outline models in terms of both looks and performance. My model does not strictly represent the exact locomotive used in the trials as she is based one of the class as allocated to the Southern Railway in 1946 having been backdated with the Westinghouse pump etc but is pretty much in the same condition as number 77000 that was used in 1948.

Ministry of Supply WD 2-10-0 number 73774

My model of the WD 2-10-0 number  73774 is built from a DJH kit specifically to match the condition of her real life counter part used on the Eastleigh to Bristol runs. For those confused by the 77xxx and 73xxx numbers of the WD Locomotives they were renumbered into the BR standard 90000–90732 number range in the early 1950’s.

During the trials the freight runs to assess performance, just like the passenger runs the ex North Eastern Railway Dynamomenter car was attached to the locomotive. My model is  from Golden Age Models and will also feature in a future Talking Stock post.

As many of the regular reader to his blog will know I have been assisting the Kernow Model Centre with the research and development of a number of the their Southern Railway related commissions.

I am pleased to advise that  after several iterations of the CADS have been processed that Kernow Model Centre  have today signed these off to allow tooling to commence.  It should also be noted that they are pleased to confirm that the final set (K1004) will be produced with the modified bodyside sheeting, continuing their commitment to produce models as accurately as possible and incorporating the many individual unique features of each individual vehicle.

Initially four version of the Gate Stock will be available.  I also should point out that to produce these four versions accurately it actually requires three different sets of tooling, see if you can spot the differences! (click on images to enlarge)

K1001 Set number 374 in SR Lined Maunsell Green livery

K1002 Set number 373 in SR unlined Malachite Green livery

K1003 Set number 363 in BR Crimson livery

K1004 Set number 373 in BR (SR) Green livery

Each twin pack will contain the Driving Brake Composite (which was downgraded to Driving Brake Third during 1939) and Third coach and will be priced at £99.99.  This price is valid for pre-orders only and will rise once the models arrive into stock.

Kernow Model Rail Centre Managing Director Chris Trerise said “It has been a frustrating couple of years where not much has happened.  The changes we made last year to work directly with the factory in conjunction with Dave Jones of DJ Models have meant every single outstanding project has come on in leaps and bounds!“

Further information is available at Kernow Model Cente dedicated web page

Last weekend I had the privilege to be assisting fellow High Wycombe and District MRS members Alan and Simon Paley with their delightful Pre-Grouping layout Loughborough Road (on which most of the pictures  below were taken) at the excellent RMweb live event in Coventry.  It was also a chance to catch up with a number of the manufacturers and see their progress on some Southern related models.

Kernow Models O2 class Mainland Pull Push fitted version

Firstly further progress is being made with the Kernow Model Centre’s ex LSWR Adams O2 locomotives and I am pleased to advise the second engineering prototypes (EP’s) have now been received. Unlike the first EP’s received that were a bit of a mix of some of the tooling options these samples combine the all the correct tooling options for the each of the seven variants being produced.

Kernow O2 rear 3/4 view

Also a couple of issues highlighted from the first EP’s have also been corrected. Now that these models are being project managed by Dave Jones of DJ Models the development has moved on a pace and the livery details can now be completed. As I reported here the Kernow Models Gate Stock sets also being managed by DJ Models have recently been signed off for tooling to commence.

Hornby Drummond 700 Class EP

Hornby were represented at the RMweb Live show by Simon Kohler, now working as a consultant to them, and with his kind permission was able to take a close up look at some of their new items either just released or in development.
Firstly the Drummond 700 this model was first announced at the end of last year is now also at the 2nd EP stage.

Hornby Drummond 700 Class

They have certainly captured the look the prototype and I am advise they hope to have these in the shops before Christmas.  The changes made to the originally announced number and livery versions that I reported here back in January, following my discussion with Hornby, has now been confirmed to all retailers. They will be producing E695 (Maunsell pre-1931 lined black) , 30315 (BR Late Crest) and 30693 (BR Early Crest).

Hornby 2 Hal in Southern unlined olive green livery

The well documented supply chain difficulties experienced by Hornby over the last few years do actually appear to be finally resolved with a flow of new production appearing to arrive, including further batches of the 2 Bil and R3194 Hornby Schools Class 30937 ‘Epsom’.
Just starting to hit the shops now is the brand new R3260 2 HAL EMU looking very smart in SR olive green livery,  the first of a number of livery variants due, that like the Drummond 700 was first announced at the end of last year.

Hornby/Arnold 5 Bel unit production version

Simon also had on display and running the first production sets of the Hornby/Arnold 5 Bel Brighton Bell sets in the later blue and grey and livery and these should be available during October with the Brown and Umber versions to follow before the end of the year. I was very impressed by the models that also include lit table lamps that appears nice and subtle with now signs of any flicker. The unit running was also very smooth, although I did notice that one compromise that had to be retained was that the solebars do have a couple of cut outs to allow the bogies to swing, however the effect was not as obvious as I first through it would be from the initial EP’s seen.   As first announced here these models are  only  available via www.Hornby.com and orders can now be taken via their website here..

It’s good to see such positive progress on a number of the Southern related models over the last few weeks, and I am happy to say that some progress,  behind the scenes, of some of the other already announced models  has also been made (I have had Cads for checking from many sources recently) . Long may this continue and I will endeavour to continue to provide the latest updates on this blog along with any new Southern related announcements that may or may not already be in the pipeline (was that enough of a tease?)

There are two more chances to see Fisherton Sarum in operation at exhibitions this year, I have timed this post to act a reminder and hopefully give you a chance to include them in your diary. As regular readers of this blog will know I only usually exhibit the layout at three or four shows each year. I am as ever indebted to my parents and fellow members of the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society for their time and assistance at these shows to enable Fisherton Sarum to be exhibited at all.

The first of the two shows coming up is the Peterborough National Festival of Railway Modeling being held on the 18th and 19th of October, at the East of England Showground near Peterborough. This show is organised by Warners publications the group behind the British Railway Modelling Magazine.

Fisherton Sarum will be stand 126 in the centre of the main hall. There will at least 30 layouts at the show, along with the usual mix of traders and the BRM Village with a mix of layouts, demonstrators and a chance to meet the team behind the magazine.
In addition to exhibiting Fisherton Sarum I shall also be involved in a Question and Answer session each day in the Model Railways Live theatre discussing the background to Fisherton Sarum, a passion for all things Southern Railway and also my involvement assisting a number of the model manufacturers, such as the Kernow Model Rail Centre, with their Southern Railway related models.

The 1st of November sees
Fisherton Sarum being exhibited a little closer to home at Wycrail ’14 the annual show of my own local model railway society the High Wycombe and District MRS.  
Wycrail has established itself as one of the best one day shows in the South of England, (as said by others not just my own possibly biased opinion!)  and this year maintains the standard with 28 high quality layouts attending  along with a good mix of traders and demonstrators.  Full details can be found on the dedicated Wycrail website here.
It is held in the excellent large,  bright and modern Cressex Community School, located in Cressex Road, High Wycombe, HP12 4UD. A free bus service is also provided between High Wycombe Station on the Chiltern Line, Wycombe town centre and the exhibition venue.
This will be Fisherton Sarum’s second appearance at Wycrail as it made its public debut at the 2006 exhibition.

I sincerely hope you get a chance to visit at least one or other of the shows and please make sure you come and say hello, as it is always a pleasure to meet new friends made via this blog.

This coming weekend 11th / 12th October sees the second Great Electric Train Show organised by Hornby Magazine  will feature 25 top quality layouts across all of the scales. This year as well as usual for such Hornby Magazine events I can be found not only behind one of Magazine Editor Mike Wild’s layouts  ‘Twelve Trees Junction’, making its exhibition debut, but also ‘Hinton Parva’ from the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society of which I am member.

The Great Electric Train Show is being held at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire, and admission to the exhibition also includes entry into the Museum itself.  Further details of the show can be found here.

Hornby Magazine’s latest layout Twelve Trees Junction a combination of Southern Region steam and EMUs.

Built by Mike Wild and Mark Chivers for the Hornby Magazine Yearbook No. 6, Twelve Trees Junction represents a busy Southern Region main line station and junction close to London. At its heart is a double junction which creates two routes – one through the station and one on avoiding lines. A large number of sound fitted locomotives will also be operating consisting of steam and diesel locomotives as well as third-rail Electric Multiple Units.

Where the Regions meet Hinton Parva with a Southern / Western secondary line meeting the Midland and Eastern main line

High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society’s Hinton Parva depicts a junction station in the mid-1950s with Midland and Eastern Region services running on the main line and Western and Southern Region services coming in off the branch.  Built first and foremost for operation, the aim is to always have at least one train movement and usually more at anyone time due to the seven operators deployed. All the signals are fully working and interlocked comprising of 37 semaphore and a small number of colour light signals. I have had quite a hand in the construction of this layout (and provided some of the BR Southern Region stock) therefore quite of bit of Southern based architecture has crept in via the buildings I have scratch built for the layout, see if you can spot them.

In addition to the two layouts above there are others with a Southern interest such as: Thonbury Hill, Knights Hill,  Casterbridge and Wellbridge

As you might have guessed The Great Electric Train Show does feature Steam and Diesel models but they are of course in model form being electric powered. I hope to see you there!

_{Pictures copyright and courtesy Mike Wild / Chris Nevard / Hornby Magazine}

Fisherton Sarum will be making its penultimate appearance of the year this weekend, the 18th and 19th of October, at thePeterborough National Festival of Railway Modeling  at the East of England Showground near Peterborough. This show is organised by Warners publications the group behind the British Railway Modelling Magazine.

Fisherton Sarum will be stand 126 in the centre of the main hall. There will at least 30 layouts at the show, along with the usual mix of traders and the BRM Village with a mix of layouts, demonstrators and a chance to meet the team behind the magazine.

In addition to exhibiting Fisherton Sarum I shall also be involved, both days of the show,  in a Question and Answer session each day in the Model Railways Live theatre discussing the background to Fisherton Sarum, a passion for all things Southern Railway and also my involvement assisting a number of the model manufacturers, such as the Kernow Model Rail Centre, with their Southern Railway related models.

I hope to see you there, please come and say hello. If you unable to attend this weekend then perhaps you might be able to get along to see Fisherton Sarum at the Wycrail ’14 show, the annual show of my own local model railway society the High Wycombe and District MRS.   being held on The 1st of November. Full details can be found on the dedicated Wycrail website here.

Next Saturday 1st November is the annual Wycrail model railway exhibition of the High Wycombe and District Model Railway Society, of which I am a member. Fisherton Sarum is returning to this exhibition having made its public debut at the 2006 show.

Looking Across the shed yard at Fisherton Sarum

This year’s Wycrail ’14 exhibition will once again, take place at the now established, larger and bigher venue of The Cressex Community School, Holmers Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 4UD.

Wycrail ‘14 will have 28 high quality and inspirational model railway layouts, of British, North American and Continental outline and in a wide range of scales and gauges including 2mm finescale, N, 3mm, 00, H0, EM, P4, 0 and narrow gauges.
Layout highlights include: the delightful 2mm finescale ‘Tucking Mill’, Welsh narrow gauge in 009 with ‘That Dam Railway , ‘Georgemas Junction’ based on the real location in Scotland in 00,   ‘Diesels in the Duchy’ recreating, in EM gauge,  St Blazey during the 1980’s Sectorisation period, ‘Fourgig East’ in 0 guage  and bringing  a North American flavour in HO. ‘Galatia, KS’.

Full trade support will be present ranging from tools, kits, electronic components to R-T-R models and books.

The Limited Edition Chesham and Wycomb e Co-operative Coal Merchants wagon available at Wycrail

Once again the Society has teamed up with the West Wales Wagon Works and commissioned a limited edition wagon based on a local coal merchant ‘Chesham and Wycombe Co-operative Coal Merchants’.  The model that will be available at the show is based the Dapol 10t open wagon.

The venue is conveniently close to the M40 Junction 4 and the free vintage bus service will once again be operated between Wycombe Railway Station (Chiltern Line) and Wycombe Town Centre  to the Cressex Community School.

It is always a good show so come along and say hello, you never know you might even get a Fisherton Sarum controller thrust into your hands! Further information and details can be found on the Societies website at www.hwdmrs.org.uk

I have now made two previous posts on this blog about the 1948 locomotive exchange trials, and my models of the locomotives that featured on Southern metals and would have passed through Salisbury and therefore can occasionally be seen on Fisherton Sarum. The first Talking Stock # 2 post focused mainly on  the Express Passenger and general purpose locomotive trials whilst the second post Talking Stock #30 focused on the less often referred to freight locomotives trialed. This post is by way of my own thoughts and conclusion about the actual trials themselves.

Ex LMS City of Bradford Heads past Fisherton Sarum onm an Exteter to Waterloo working. Note the WD tender fitted due to lack of water troughs on the SR.

These trials were not attempting to judge an overall winner but to gain an insight and comparisons of good design and practice that could be in theory carried across into the future design of new British Railways steam locomotives.

A number of observers are of the opinion that the trials should have been larger to encompass more locomotive varieties and that there are some notable missing classes.

Ministry of Supply WD 2-10-0 number 73774

Some of the missing classes that have been mentioned include: the Western Region’s Castle Class, the London Midland Region’s Royal Scots or Jubilees, the Eastern Region’s V2s and of course the Southern Region’s Lord Nelson; of which a direct comparison with the Royal Scot Class would have been very interesting due to similarity on the origins of the designs. Also as I mentioned in my Talking Stock #30 post the Southern did not put any freight locomotive forward so perhaps the design of the S15 whilst being a possible contender was considered to be too old.

ex LNER A4 Seagull heads towards Exeter.

One major inconsistency that directly affected all the recorded parameters, despite all the precautions taken, was with the locomotive crews. The method of engine control varied; from those crews trying to be as economic as possible, such as the London Midland crews, whom allowed timings to slip to the benefit of coal consumption; whilst others, especially the Southern Region crews,  were keen to show the best of what the engines could do performance wise including some extremely impressive hill climbs. Coal and water, but not oil, consumption’s were all recorded and compared along with horsepower outputs and overall efficiencies. These therefore varied considerably by the style of driving. Additionally; loads on each test run varied rather than being controlled to be something near constant and that on a number runs considerable signal checks were experienced rather than Control ensuring a clear run where possible.

Ex LMS Royal Scot Hussar

Also the Southern Region crews were not used to such prolonged running due to the relatively short maximum length of route available; 143 miles, between Waterloo and Exeter compared to runs on other regions ranging from 172 to 299 miles. The later being between Euston and Carlisle which was also longer than usually worked by the Eastern Region crews too.

Eastern Region O1 class 2-8-0 number 63789

As all locomotives were coaled with Yorkshire hard coal this immediately put the Western Region engines at a slight disadvantage as the drafting arrangements for these engines had been designed around the use of softer South Wales steam coal. Subsequent additional tests were carried on the Western Region with these engines on their more usual South Wales steam coal which did result in an improvement in coal consumption.

Due to the inconsistencies explained above it is very difficult to grade or score the performances of individual locomotives designs. In some cases locomotives were inconsistent on consumption, horsepower between runs or varied from route to route.  Some of the possible conclusions that can be drawn are as follows:

• In the express passenger group it was a close run thing on efficiencies between the Eastern A4s and the London Midland Duchess Class.
  All of the Pacific’s were very consistent across all runs; however the results of the 4-6-0s varied more across the different routes.
• In the general purpose engines group the Southern Region West County Pacific’s put in some brilliant and very impressive performances but these were at the expense of efficiency figures as already implied. The London Midland Region Class 5’s showed the best efficiencies of this group. The Eastern Region B1 class showed some considerable fluctuations in efficiencies between routes.
• The greatest variation in overall efficiencies was experienced with the freight group with no engine type being consistent across all routes although the closest to this was the Eastern Region O1 class, but it put in a variable performance on the Eastleigh – Bristol route for an unexplained reason.
• The widest variation of all in efficiencies and performance was seen with the Ministry of Supply WD 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 locomotives. In fact the 2-8-0s did not on the whole distinguish themselves very well at all.
• Whilst the Eastern Region A4 class locomotives put in some fine performances they were marred by the fact that there were three failures during the testing attributed to the middle big end overheating on each occasion.

The data recorded and utilised in the final report was not generally seen by most as being fully conclusive, not helped by the fact that it took no account of the costs of construction or average costs of maintenance for each locomotive design.

Whilst it is also generally considered that future British Railways standard designs perhaps bore more resemblance to the origins of their designer, the trials were if nothing else a Public relations exercise for the newly formed British Railways as a show of unity between the now Regions.

After a  teaser campaign on there new website www.oxfordrail.com The 4mm scale road vehicle manufacturer Oxford Diecast, that has producing models for some time have today launched a new brand called Oxford Rail to produce a range of 4mm 00 gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

Their first locomotive, that they advise is already at a very advanced stage of development including tooling, is an ex LSWR 0415 class 4-4-2T Adams Radial Tank. This particular class of locomotives, famed for the three old age survivors working the Axminster to Lyme Regis branch, has been high on the wish list polls for a number of years. In fact there has been a number of manufacturers looking at producing this particular model recently but Oxford Rail have managed to be first past the post to announce it.

They advise the following:

“For some years the development team at ‘Oxford’ have been examining the possibilities of bringing their undoubted skills at producing accurate and detailed models to the varied and diverse world of the UK model railway market and have now decided that the time is right for them to launch their first model. Introduced under the Oxford Rail banner, the inaugural locomotive will be the much vaunted Adams Radial, Class 415, however this new division is not just interested in producing adhoc and random locomotives, but have established a development plan of introductions not seen in the UK for many years. CEO Lyndon Davies explained. “I, along with my development team have been closely monitoring, for several years the interest in model railways especially in the UK and now believe that the time is right for Oxford Rail to enter the market. Anyone who knows me is aware that I would not be interested in just introducing the odd locomotive.  We have a rolling planned introduction program based on extensive market research, as well as sitting down and talking to the modeller, and more importantly listening! I am determined that Oxford Rail will be seen and judged on the integrity and the quality of our models that I, along with my team will be offering. Our first model, which I am really excited about will be the Adams Radial, Class 415 but there will be other items announced in the not too distant future and not all will be locomotives. This first item is already in tooling and will be launched in 2015, with first shots in Q1 2015.”

The Oxford Rail website is now active and further updates on new introductions and their development will be part of the site with enthusiasts and modellers being invited to comment. Products will be available through all good hobby shops and specialist outlets.

Further announcements will be made shortly, but for the moment Oxford Rail wish it to be known that they are now open for business and it is the business of providing excellent quality models.”

Full details can be found on their website here although the list of actual variations being produced, numbers and liveries has not yet been announced. It should be noted that there were variations even amongst the final three with two different boilers  being swapped around and other detail differences, the webpage states BR rather than LSWR or SR so perhaps only BR liveries will be produced first (which would be a shame as I know other potential manufacturers were looking at a wider range of options)  so watch this space.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

By Dr John McCrae, 1915

Wear your poppy with pride today, pause respectfully for two minutes at 11am this morning, remembering those who have given their lives for the freedom that we all enjoy today and support the sterling work of the Royal British Legion.

Lest we forget not just the often young brave military personnel but also the dedication and efforts of the railway workers that worked tirelessly, in all too often difficult and life threatening conditions themselves, indeed many did also fall, actually within or at whilst working on the home railways,  as a result of many of the theatre’s of war, including and since World War 1.

“In grateful remembrance of the 532 men of the L.B.& S.C.Rly. who gave their lives for their country, 1914-1919″

Locomotive 333 was built originally by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway, designed by Billinton, as an L class 4-6-4 ‘Baltic’ tank. She was given the name Remembrance and became the companies War Memorial engine and carried a plaque with the inscription above.
In 1934, under the auspices of Maunsell they were rebuilt as Class N15x (an appropriate Brighton-style suffix) 4-6-0s, and fitted with standard Urie LSWR tenders along with smoke deflectors. Now number 2333 ‘Remembrance’ retained its name, plaque and status within the Southern Railway, hence being used again to illustrate this timely post.

Regular readers of this blog will know that I do not exhibit Fisherton Sarum all that often, primarily so that it does not become too familiar on the exhibition circuit, potentially avoiding the walk on by syndrome that can be seen with some layouts that the public has seen time and time again.

However I do enjoy heading out on the road a few times a year and meeting up with old friends and making new ones especially those made through my ramblings here on this blog, if you do manage to get along to any of the shows I am at please make sure you say hello.

Plans are now taking shape for 2015, and I can now advise the confirmed, to date, appearances for next year as being:

Saturday 21st February 2015 – Risex – Princes Risborough and District MRS – Princes Risborough Community Centre 

10th / 11th October 2015 – Great Electric Train Show – Hornby Magazine – Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon 

Other exhibitions appearances currently in discussion will be added to the list on my Exhibition Diary page here when confirmed.

I am of course indebted to the continued valued help and assistance of my family and also members of the High Wycombe and District MRS, of which I am a member, to make exhibiting Fisherton Sarum possible at all.

Last weekend saw the annual Warley National Model railway Exhibition at the NEC, this post rounds up the news from a Southern / BR(s) perspective. As duplication seems to be the order of the day I have also duplicated part of the post title from one I have used before. It is usual for some manufacturers to use the event to make announcements of new items or showcase updates to new products under development. This year was no exception although Hornby make the unusual step of announcing part of their intended plans for 2015 at the show.
Many thanks to those of you who read this blog for popping by the Shortley Bridge and Felton Cement Works layout on the Hornby Magazine stand, where I was playing trains all weekend, and saying hello it was good to see you.

Hornby

In making the unusual step of a pre-announcement announcement of their 2015 range Hornby are going head to head with two previously announced SR / BR(s) models from other manufacturers. This is likely to be due to the fact  that they have been working on the development of these models for some time now, Simon Kohler discusses such duplication in his interesting blog on the Hornby website here (posted just before the Warley show). Some people may ask why manufacturers can not simply talk to each other to avoid such duplication but this of course would fall foul of anti competition laws.

Image copyright and courtesy A York

First up is the ex LSWR Adams Radial 4-4-2T, that was announced earlier this moth by Oxford Rail. Hornby had an Engineering Prototype on display they also had on display extracts from CAD drawings that show their intent to produce variations of Chimney and Boilers (Adams vrs Drummond) and also frame lengths, images of these can be found on the Hornby website here along with details of other non SR related items. Hornby advise that this model should be available late 2015. This particular prototype has finished high in recent wish list polls, hence the interest. I was also assisting another potential manufacturer of this model but this has now been sensibly replaced with another model instead, albeit non SR related, once the intent of the other parties was discovered.

An image of the initial Class 71 CAD

Secondly they also announced a BR(S) Class 71 3rd rail electric locomotive for delivery in 2016. This model has been previously announced by DJModels back in July using a kickstarter campaign hosted via the Kernow Model Railway Centre. only last week they confirmed that the required number of orders had been reached to allow the production of the model to go ahead.

Image copyright and courtesy A York

In addition to the above announcements that also had livery samples of the ex LSWR Drummond 700 Class 0-6-0’s on display.

Hornby will be announcing the full details of their 2015 range on the 17th December and I will bring you a round up all the specific SR and BR(s) information to you at the same time, having been briefed along with the rest of the model railway media at Margate a week before.

Bachmann

Image copyright and courtesy A York

On the Bachmann stand were livery samples of their ex LBSC E4 on display in both Maunsell Pre 1931 lined olive green and also BR black versions.
The exhibition also saw for the first time the, only just arrived,  Engineering Prototype of the Southern Passenger Luggage vans PLV/PMV’s.

An initial image, a better one will be uploaded in due course

I am now also able to confirm that only one tooling for these vans is being introduced to despite their catalogue and website that mixing the terms PLV/PMV and CCT they are not producing a Southern Van U (BR designation CCT) with the end opening doors. Further information about these vans and the various can be found on my Talking Stock #6 post SR Luggage Vans which is based on the kits that this RTR version will now also kind of duplicate.

Graham Farish

No new SR related news to be had as they were showing the same first off Engineering samples of the N class and original style third series Merchant Navy Bulleid pacific that we have seen before, this does not of course mean that no further progress has been made behind the scenes.

Model Rail Magazine

Model Rail Magazine announced a further two livery versions of their USTC/SR USA 0-6-0T model commissioned via Bachmann,  in the form of: MR105 N0. 300 ‘Major-General Frank S. Ross’ in Longmoor Military Railway blue and MR106  No. DS233 in department black with post 1956 BR emblem, these and the previously announced models can be pre-ordered here although Model Rail advise that If you want a ‘USA tank’ you need to be quick placing your pre-order as one livery has already sold out and others are nearly all sold. Away from the show I have been privileged to have assisted in the reviewing of the CADs for these models and they are now very close to going for tooling.

Dapol

Dapol had on display various model samples for models first announced back in 2012 :
In N gauge, livery samples of their Maunsell coaches in SR Olive Green along with the Van C.
In 4mm scale they had the latest Engineering prototypes of both versions of the Class 73 Electro Diesel (73/0 – JA and 73/1 – JB).  It appears that the 73/0 variant might be available first, even though to date they have only announced 73/1 versions!
For 0 Gauge modellers the first liveried sample of the Terrier was on display in Brighton livery.

Heljan 

On their stand in addition to livery samples of the 05 Class diesel shunter (one of the prototypes of course was outposted on the Isle of Wight for quite some time) they had the kit of parts that will make up their 009 ready to run Lynton and Barnstaple 2-6-2 Exe, Tor and Yeo locomotives.

Comet Models

Following the untimely passing of proprietor and friend Geoff Brewin, in September, his family are pleased to announce that the entire extensive range of locomotive chassis, coach kits and detailing items has now been successfully sold to Andrew Hartshorne of Wizard Models (and Model Signal Engineering), welcome news indeed. The transfer is planned to take place over the weekend of the 5th – 7th December inclusive, and Andrew hopes to open for trade of Comet items on Monday December 8th.

So all in all a very busy Warley show, with many announcements made, including those of interest to modellers of other railways. I am sure some will have ongoing ramifications within the model railway world, including no doubt some conspiracy theories,  interesting times ahead I feel…

The American phenomenon of Black Friday really hit our UK shores in anger this year and not only included retailers cutting prices on the Friday itself but many online retailers making offers for the week before. Traditionally in the USA it was the amount of trading the day after their Thanksgiving, which signified the start of the run up to Christmas, that was when traders got themselves back into the black financially , hence the name. Special offers than started to appear and so on.  Last year a number of mainly US owned stores got in on the act here and its now spread like wildfire across many stores and mediums, all without having to have eaten turkey the day before…

The Hornby Bogie Van B changes from blue to green over the weekend. Now to replace glazing, decal and re-affix chassis

I took advantage of one of the deals and purchased direct from Hornby a BR blue version of the ex SR Bogie Van B, a fine model but one they have not yet produced in malachite so I though it would make a better candidate for repainting than their nicely done olive green version.

Once stripped of removable details and decals the N class changes from green Friday to grey Saturday with a coat of Halfords plastic primer

In addition to the Van B repainting I have also been working this weekend, in parallel,  on the repainting of a Bachmann N class for a friend who is modelling the South Devon GWR line around Brent, whom wanted to recreate a photograph of an N class on one the turns used to ensure SR drivers were familiar with the line for diversion purposes (GWR drivers also did turns on the SR line round the North of Dartmoor too).

The N Class turns into a black Sunday and now awaits Sunshine decals and light weathering

She, as per the photograph, will be become number 1848, and at this post war time, was in fact a Salisbury based engine so it provides a nice link to Fisherton Sarum whilst infiltrating a GWR layout!

Once complete I will pose a photograph on Fisherton Sarum before she heads off to her new home running in GWR metals.

My repainting process for both follows the same basic process with the bodies removed from the chassis:

• Remove the existing decals (with Bachman locos I used good quality enamel thinners on a cotton bud)
• Remove factory fitted such as smoke deflectors, pipework, valve fittings, glazing etc.
• Mask any areas such the buffer beams or roof on the Van B
• Give a dusting of the excellent Halfords plastic primer, this gives a key for the top coat and prevents any reaction between the factory paint and the top coat of Halfords Satin black or Railmatch malachite for the Van B
• Brush paint matt black the smokebox and cab roof and ends of the Van B, repaint the buffer beams if required
• Decal using HMRS Pressfix decals.
• Lightly weather

This is tried and tested method that I have deployed on pretty much all of my repainted R-T-R stock that can be found on Fisherton Sarum

I am pleased to announce that Fisherton Sarum will be appearing at the London Festival of Model Railways at Alexandra Palace over the weekend of 28th and 29th March 2015 , this follows on from my post here last month advising of the two then booked appearances for Fisherton Sarum next year.

Looking Across the shed yard at Fisherton Sarum

The London Festival of Model Railways is organised by Warners (as per the Peterborough and Doncaster shows) in association with The Model Railway Club. It is held in the historic venue of Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY . Fisherton Sarum will be one of 40 or so layouts attending along with the usual wide mix of traders.

I hope you get the chance to see Fisherton Sarum at one of the shows in 2015, if you do please make sure you say hello.

Following on from their break in tradition by announcing some of next years range at the Warley show last month today sees the announcement of their full plans for 2015, this post is a summary of the information from a Southern / BR(s) modellers perspective. The main highlight is completely new tooling to produce an S15 class 4-6-0 freight locomotive along with the 0415 Class Adams radial tank that was shown at Warley.

S15 Class

A 3D test print prior to tooling of the S15 With Flush sided tender

The S15 4-6-0 locomotives were first introduced by Urie on the London South Western railway in 1920, with later batches being built by the Southern Railway under Maunsell. I was able to speak with the design team at Hornby responsible for these models, last week, and handle the first 3D test print illustrated here.

A further view of the 3D test print. Note the bogies under the tender are not the final Maunsell versions

I can confirm that they have tooled for the SR built versions (i.e. not the original ex LSWR version with the stepped footplate numbers 496 to 515) and are to produce a number of different details and variants including: both the Urie (823 to 837) flared 5000 gallon tenders, the Maunsell (838 to 847) flat sided 5000 gallon tenders complete with newly tooled bogies, and ultimately pairing with an ex King Arthur 4000 gallon 6 wheel tender (as used on the central section) and even possibly  versions of 30833 and 30837 that were paired with ex Schools class 4000 gallon tenders in 1962.

The chassis is a completely new design with a 5 pole motor, twin flywheels and tooling to accommodate the 3 different styles of driving wheels / balance weights fitted!

R3327 SR Maunsell lined olive green livery with Urie Bogie tender
R3328 BR early emblem livery with Maunsell flat sided bogie tender
R3329 BR late emblem livery with Urie Bogie tender

The actual locomotive numbers are still to be confirmed. The intention is that these should be available from around July next year.

0415 Class Adams Radial

A rear 3/4 view of the Adams radial, (Admas Boiler variant) see the Warley post for the front on view.

Originally introduced by Adams on the LSWR in 1882 for suburban work, three of the class became iconic by being used in the heavily graded and severely curved Lyme Regis branch lasting until 1961. It has ranked high on the various model railway wish lists over the last few years and this year has now seen R-T-R versions announced by both Hornby at Warley and also as reported here Oxford Rail. The Hornby design team advise me that they are producing both Drummond and Adams boiler versions with similar chimney variations as well to enable a wider range of livery versions to be release in the future (as the two  types of boiler were swapped between between different locos at different times).

R3333 No. 30584 in BR early emblem livery – Adams boiler
R3334 No. 30582 in BR late emblem livery – Drummond boiler
R3335 No. 488 in LSWR livery as preserved on the Bluebell Railway with Adams boiler

The intention is for these to be available by the end of 2015.

Locomotives and Train Packs

R3300 Winston Churchill funeral train pack

R3300 Winston Churchill funeral train pack to mark 50 years since the state funeral on 30 January 1965: comprising of Bulleid original style light pacific No. 34051 with cut down tender, in BR livery with late crest,  2 off Pullman cars ‘Lydia’, ‘Perseus’ and Pullman liveried Gangwayed Bogie Luggage Van S2464 (note existing tooling is being used for the GBL and not strictly as per the prototype van that was modified with additional windows in the centre pair of doors).

R3302 1940 Dunkirk train pack

R3302 ‘1940 return from Dunkirk’ train pack;  comprising of a 700 class No. 325 paired with a 14ft wheelbase tender and 3 coach Maunsell low window set No. 447 comprising of 2 off four compartment brake 3rds (4059, 4061) and a composite (5149) in unlined olive green.

R3304 700 class 30316 with 13ft wheelbase tender

R3304 700 class No. 30316 correctly paired with the first appearance of brand new tooling for the 13ft wheelbase tender, in BR black livery with early emblem and weathered.

R3310 34006 Bude

R3310 Bulleid original style light pacific No. 34006 ‘Bude’ with long smoke deflectors (as fitted for the 1948 locomotive exchange trials) and cut down tender (number 3262) as paired with ‘Bude’ in August 1961, in BR livery with late crest.

R3311 Schools V Class 30908 Westminster

R3311 Schools V class No. 30908 ‘Westminster’ in post August 1956 BR green livery with early crest .

Other train packs include:

• R3340 2 Hal EMU in BR green livery with full yellow end set No. 2603
• R3341 2 Hal EMU in BR blue livery set No. 2677
• R1176 Eurostar Class 373 train set in brand new blue livery c/w track and controller
• R3215 Eurostar Class 373 blue livery train pack
• R4580 Eurostar Class 373 blue livery centre saloons coach pack

Additionally

It is not just the Southern Modellers that benefit from new tooled models as also announced is an LNER J50 0-6-0 tank. Additional new tooling for coaches announced over and above the LMS non corridor coaches shown at Warley includes 5 new all steel  K type Pullman cars:

• R4660 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Kitchen Car No. 72
• R4661 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Parlour Car No.  73
• R4662 K Type All Steel Pullman Third Class Brake Parlour Car No. 79
• R4663 K Type All Steel Pullman First Class Kitchen Car  ‘Loraine’
• R4664 K Type All Steel Pullman First Class Parlour Car -‘Agatha’

All steel K type Pullman ‘Loraine’

These are very fine looking models and have been produced to Hornby’s usual fine standard for Pullman cars,  using laser scanned data from surviving prototypes as well. In general though the prototypes ran on the Eastern Region,  [edit 17/12/14] with thanks to an informative comment below from Colin Watts; both Agetha and Lorrain came to the Southern Region in 1961 and were used on the Bournemouth Belle. They incorporate a new style of table lighting achieved via LEDs directly under tables rather than the previous fibre optic method, which makes assembly and dis-assembly of these coaches much easier.

Class 71

It should be noted that although this model was announced at Warley it will form part of the 2016 range.

N Gauge

It was also advised at the media briefing day last week that following the success of the Hornby International brand Arnold British 1:148 scale N gauge 5 Bell EMU that further N Gauge products are likely to be announced later in the year, so what this space.

Full 2015 range

For details on the full 2015 range see either Hornby.com or RMweb.

Hornby’s supply chain issues over the last few years are well documented and continue to cause supply issues even though new factories are now producing models, many of the 2014 releases are having to be carried over to 2015 (although recently the K1 model that was moved out to February 2015 has now appeared). Hornby have advised us that the intention is to supply all of the 2015 announcements during 2015. Stocks of the LMS horsebox and the BR 21T hopper wagon announced at Warley are already in the Hornby warehouse ready for immediate shipping in the new year. The new all steel K type Pullmans are also at a very advanced stage of development so should be available quite early on in the year whilst the LMS non corridor coaches are at the final tooling stage.

I would also like to thank members of the design team at Hornby whom have been very patient with all my questions and exclusively provided me with additional information on their SR related plans to hopefully be providing here one of the most comprehensive round ups.

Note: all pictures are courtesy and copyright of either Hornby Hobbies Ltd. or A York.

It looks like it’s a cold and bright December Morning as we approach Christmas at Fisherton Sarum and snow lay round about, crisp and even. Services have so far been largely unaffected (remember when that was the case?), no long closures for engineering works and bustitutions here, just a cessation of services on the big day itself .

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers of my little Southern Railway part of the blogesphere for taking the time to read my ramblings which I hope you have found of interest. I also thank those whom have taken to time get on touch either via the comment facility on here, email or personally at exhibitions. Also of course the valued and sometimes privileged input from traders and manufacturers alike that help me keep this blog as up to date as I can. I enjoy hearing from and meeting you all.

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note
and make way for a fresh and bright New Year.
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!