40 minute read
REALITY CHECK
HSTs HSTs
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British Rail’s Inter-City 125 is one of the most recognisable and successful trains in railway history but is now reaching the end of its operational days. Some units, however, are enjoying a second life, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
T IS HARD TO BELIEVE the iconic
IInter-City 125, or High-Speed Train, is now almost 50 years old. This sleek, streamlined design icon revolutionised railway services in the 1970s, lifting average speeds by around 30mph to 100mph and proving capable of sustaining 125mph for hours on end. They have been the mainstay of services on the East Coast, Midland and Great Western main lines for decades and have proved popular with passengers and operators alike.
Now, however, the fleet has been largely replaced on front line duties by new units from the Hitachi stable, yet a considerable number have escaped to find further use with some entering preservation, some in charter fleets and with a handful even finding employment on freight trains.
The HST was developed to some extent due to the difficulties that were being experienced in the construction of the Advanced Passenger Train, which was running over budget and under expectations. BR’s Chief Rolling Stock Engineer, Terry Miller, was given just £800,000 and was told to develop a more conventional alternative which could still run at 125mph. To do this it was calculated that 4,500hp would be required, provided by using two diesel power cars, one at each end of the train, which would also allow operation in fixed formation.
SEVENTIES FLAIR
Construction of the power cars took place at Crewe, with their striking design coming from Kenneth Grange, while the accompanying carriages were built at Derby to the latest Mk 3 design. The new trains proved to be an instant success, with 161 sets being ordered and being introduced first on services to the West of England and later taking over on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). In the end the order was cut back and only 95 sets were actually made and plans to use them on North East-South West services and between Glasgow and Edinburgh were dropped. As HSTs came into service, the impact on services was remarkable. The new trains cut an hour off the London-Edinburgh journey time while you could now travel from Paddington to Cardiff in 1hr 45mins. They were also a publicist’s dream because passengers loved them and now, for the first time since the 1930s, trains were appealing again. This enthusiasm was matched by a substantial increase in ticket sales and BR proudly proclaimed that this was ‘The Age of the Train’. Electrification of the ECML ten years later led to many of the HSTs being displaced to Cross-Country and Midland Main Line duties and upon privatisation the fleet was shared out between GNER, Midland Mainline, Great Western and Virgin Trains. This latter move led to some set reformations with Virgin, in particular, favouring short sets while other operators preferred to lengthen theirs by one coach. As originally built, the HST’s power cars were fitted with Paxman power units, which had a reputation for producing a
A solution was worked up for these services to be worked by pairs of HST power cars with four or five coaches between them, which would provide what the public would perceive as proper express trains but at the performance levels of the previously-used DMUs. As a result, 27 former Great Western power cars were transferred to Scotland and their accompanying coaches were fitted with retention toilets, power doors and enhanced disabled facilities. Known as Inter7City these trains are used between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. Although Great Western had dispensed with its HSTs on its principal routes some were retained for local and regional services in the South West. There, 24 power cars were formed up into 11 fourcoach trains, being rebranded as ‘Castle’ sets, with modifications including the provision of power doors and retention tank toilets. While these sets have operated successfully since, time is running out as there are spare Class 80x trains due to changes in demand from the Covid pandemic, which - perhaps with other diesel units filling in - will replace them completely from December 2023.
CHARTER OPERATION
In a surprising move, a small fleet of power cars and coaches was obtained by Crewe-based private train operator Locomotive Services Ltd. Two of the power cars and nine coaches have been reliveried in the style of the Midland Pullman train of the 1960s and have been offered out for charter work. This set is unique amongst HSTs in that all nine coaches are now First Class and all have been refurbished to high standards. The company also has a second HST set, which has five coaches, painted in a green Rail Charter Services livery. This was used for a scheduled scenic service over the Settle-Carlisle line as well as for charter trains. It could find work in Wales in 2023. Some HSTs have found work outside the passenger sector. Network Rail uses the class on some of its Measurement Trains while Colas Rail also has some power cars that it supplies for similar work. However, perhaps the most unusual second use for HST equipment has come from a new operator, RailAdventure, which has acquired a number of power cars which it operates in back-to-back form essentially as conventional locomotives. These have been used for hauling stock moves, such as of Class 777 trains for Merseyrail, but also for moving track equipment such as Railvac machines around, producing the unlikely sight of two HST power cars hauling a single wagon on the main line.
PRESERVATION
As might have been expected some HST sets have found their way into preservation, with at least one group having its eyes firmly set on using its sets back on the main line. The 125 Group was formed in 2011 and was responsible for the return to service of prototype power car 41001, and now has a fleet of four power cars. Although based at Ruddington, due to access issues it currently bases three of its power cars and a rake of eight coaches at the Midland Railway Butterley where they operate service trains on selected days. The group intends to use its trains on charter work and for this reason it is investigating the fitting of retention toilets to its carriages. In contrast 125 Heritage, based at the Colne Valley Railway in Essex, has three power cars and a number of coaches and intends to confine its operation to this short line, where it hopes to build
GWR 'Castle' Class HST power car 43097 Castle Drogo awaits departure from Taunton, bound for Cardiff Central on August 11 2021. Mark Chivers.
Colas Rail Class 43 43251 leads a Network Rail overhead line inspection train, including test coach Mentor, through Helpston on October 4 2022 with 43257 at the rear forming 1Q18 Darlington South Sidings-London King’s Cross. Mike Wild.
LNER HST power car 43277 arrives at Edinburgh Waverley bound for London King's Cross, as Scotrail Inter7City liveried power car 43177 rests between duties in the adjacent platform on February 25 2019. Mark Chivers.
Heljan REVITALISES
Heljan has produced six new versions of its upgraded ‘OO’ gauge Class 14 0-6-0DH for general release. the Class 14
The Swindon-built Class 14 0-6-0DHs have been refreshed for a new The Swindon-built Class 14 0-6-0DHs have been refreshed for a new lease of life with Heljan. MIKE WILD inspects one of the new batch.lease of life with Heljan.
THE Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ were one of the few failures from Swindon Works. They were conceived at a time when the railway was transitioning from steam to diesel traction and trip freights between yards and short distance goods workings were still a part of the daily scene.
The first order was placed in 1963, with the class eventually totalling 56 locomotives - but even by the time the first of the new 0-6-0 diesel hydraulics were completed in 1964, the work they were intended for was already drying up. However, despite this, the Class 14s were reliable locomotives and following withdrawal from BR service in 1970 the remaining Class 14s passed into industrial service. Amazingly, 19 of these 650hp hydraulics have been preserved.
Heljan first released the Class 14 for ‘OO’ gauge as an exclusive product for Hattons in 2010 (HM33), but it has since migrated into the main Heljan range. Previous releases have had an 8-pin decoder socket, but for this latest production run, the Class 14 has been upgraded to have a 21-pin decoder socket inside. • • • • • • Gauge: ‘OO’ Price: £199.00 Cat No: 1413 (reviewed) Site: www.heljan.co.uk Era: 5 DCC: DCC ready, 21-pin socket
The new ‘OO' gauge ‘Teddy Bears’ feature improved running characteristics, new Printed Circuit Board and 21-pin DCC decoder socket.
The 21-pin socket is connected to a new Printed Circuit Board which sits on top of the motor in the longer bonnet of the Class 14. A pair of leads is included for connecting a speaker, although being an older generation model space is at a premium inside this locomotive.
Running qualities are improved with the chassis of this new batch built to tighter tolerances to reduce side-to-side movement of the wheels and in turn ensure the rear of the wheels stay in contact with the pick-ups which are now made from blackened metal to disguise their appearance at the top of the chassis block. During our tests we found this latest Class 14 to be smooth running and powerful with capacity to move a 20 wagon goods with ease.
Externally, the model captures the Swindon ‘Teddy Bear’ superbly with neat detailing throughout, correct shaping of the handrails plus neatly applied body colours and printed elements. Even the headcode lettering has been refined. Our sample models D9545 in original BR two-tone green with ‘wasp stripes’ and it is one of six versions which have been released alongside a seventh as a train pack with four ‘Dogfish’ ballast hoppers.
The Class 14s may not have had the longest service life with British Railways, but for the Western Region hydraulic era modellers, these are a must-have addition to complement the bigger ‘Westerns’, ‘Warships’ and ‘Hymeks’. (MW)
New from Heljan‘HYMEKS’
The popular Class 35 ‘Hymek’ is back from Heljan with an upgraded chassis. MIKE WILD inspects a classic BR two-tone green version of the Western Region hydraulic.
Heljan has introduced a series of improvements to its venerable ‘OO’ gauge ‘Hymek’ B-B diesel hydraulic.
THE ‘Hymek’ B-B dieselhydraulics were the Western Region’s answer to the need for a mixed traffi c Type 3 diesel locomotive. The fi rst was introduced in 1961 and they featured a single Maybach MD870 engine giving the fl eet of 101 locomotives a maximum speed of 90mph.
In model form, the Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ have been produced for ‘OO’, ‘O’ and ‘N’ gauge and this month Heljan has released a new batch of its longstanding and popular ‘OO’ version. Five versions are on the way, with our sample model being D7041 in BR two-tone green with small yellow warning panels.
This locomotive was completed at Beyer, Peacock’s Gorton Works in Manchester in July 1962 and remained in service for just 10 years and was later disposed of, leaving just four in preservation – D7017, D7018, D7029 and D7076.
Heljan produced its first ‘OO’ • •Gauge: ‘OO’ •Price: £209.95 •Cat No: 3531 (reviewed) •Site: www.heljan.co.uk DCC: DCC ready, 21-pin socket •Era: 5
The upgraded The upgraded ‘Hymek’ includes a new ‘Hymek’ includes a new Printed Circuit Board, 21-pin Printed Circuit Board, 21-pin DCC decoder socket, switchable DCC decoder socket, switchable lighting and LED lights.
gauge Class 35 in 2003 and the model which we are reviewing here stems from that product. However, for this version, while the external appearance is the same, it has received upgrades to its chassis in the form of LED lighting, a 21-pin decoder socket and switches to allow analogue users to manage the cab and tail lights on the locomotive. The only small down side is that there isn’t a specific space for a speaker and that no wired socket is provided to connect to the speaker terminal on the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
The paint finish, which features correct rendition of the BR twotone green colours, is enhanced with additional painted elements on the bogies and white tanks below the buffer beams. One of the buffer beams is also fully appointed with pipework while a full set of spare parts for the other is included in the box together with small tension lock couplings.
The Heljan ‘Hymek’ is always a popular model in ‘OO’ gauge and we can see this latest batch being an attractive proposition to transition era Western Region modellers. (MW)
buffer beams is also fully appointed with pipework while a full set of
REVOLUTION’S IPA CAR CARRIERS ROLL IN
NEWLYARRIVED from Revolution Trains are these eye-catching ‘OO’ gauge IPA car carriers.
Originally built as double-deck car carriers for use in France in the 1950s and 1960s, they were identified as being suitable for conversion in the late 1980s ahead of the opening of the Channel Tunnel for use in the UK and to/ from Europe. To enable them to work within the restricted British loading gauge they were reworked as single deck open carriers with new side panels for use through the Channel Tunnel and also provided with securing points for use on train ferries.
Designated IPA under TOPS, they were permanently formed into twin-vehicle sets for conveying a variety of cars and vans.
Some vehicles were later converted to covered car carriers in a bid to protect their valuable cargoes from getting damaged in transit. These conversions included canvas sides being added as well as covers with rooflights. While also formed as twin-sets, some of these were also permanently coupled together to form quad-sets.
These models have been designed to represent the various forms of these vehicles since conversion in the late 1980s and are offered as IPA open twin-sets, open twins with side stakes, twin-sets with canvas sides and roofs and quad-sets with canvas sides and roofs. Liveries cover original STVA grey, STVA red and Groupe Cat blue (quads).
For review, we received an IPA-B quad-set in STVA red numbered 23.87.4384.021-3 (Cat No. OO-IPA461B) with what may appear on first glance to include four identical vehicles. However, this is not the case as one vehicle in each pair features more brake equipment than the other and on even closer inspection, one vehicle per fourcar set also features yellow painted handbrake wheels.
Weighing in at around 109g each, the wagons feature a diecast chassis around which the moulded superstructure parts are fitted. Our quad-set featured separately applied wire handrails, etched metal footsteps, pipework, handbrake wheels, buffer rungs and chequer-plated flaps between vehicles (fixed in position at outer ends with small wire clips and movable at the inner end of one vehicle per twin) to aid loading of cars onto the decks.
The main bodywork on each vehicle is well moulded, formed from three parts – two sides and the roof section. The sides feature taut canvas sheeting and there are neatly formed ripples where appropriate for added effect. The roof features seven glazed
Revolution Trains’ newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge IPA car carriers are now available.
earlier models and this new batch bares no relation to the original model other than the fact that it recreates the same prototype. Two versions have been produced by Heljan to model the Class 26/1s in original condition with boiler water tanks and in later condition with air brake equipment between the bogies. The tooling also caters for two door styles and two types of windscreen wipers while there are also optional accessories to allow earlier Class 26/0 steps to be fitted and NRN radio aerial pods, should a specific locomotive warrant such features.
Our sample of the Class 26 modelled one of the refurbished examples equipped with air brakes and a plated boiler port finished in Railfreight red stripe grey. This model is unnumbered, but is otherwise fully decorated and it is clear that Heljan has upped its game when it comes to the paint finish on its ‘O’ gauge locomotives. Highlights include smooth application of the body colours, excellent reproduction of the BR double arrow logo plus BR blue backed data panels, electrification
Directional lighting is fi tted the detailed cab fronts. “In ‘O’ gauge only the Class 26 has been made before with the arrival of the Class 27 being the fi rst time that a ready-to-run model of the 1961-introduced Bo-Bos has been available for 7mm scale.”
MIKE WILD
warning flashes, boiler pipework picked out in white, painted buffer beam pipes and even painted gauges and controls in the cab.
The external appearance of the Class 26 is captured superbly by this model and it’s a definite improvement over the previous product from the wheels up. The bogies have much greater depth while the body has all the right ingredients for the Sulzer Type 2. Etched grilles are fitted on the bodyside while the roof fan grille is also etched metal and affords a view of the powered roof fan below. Also neatly done is the Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) engine room roof panel.
Cab interior detail is comprehensive and as well as the control desk there is an AWS bell on the central bulkhead while the cab to engine room partition is detailed in both moulding and painting too.
Moving on to the younger brother, the Class 27 received for review models an example from the 1960s finished in BR green with small yellow warning panels. Like the Class 26, its decoration is excellent with crisp application of the main colours together with plenty of detail printing and painting too. It is another
Detailed cab bulkheads with internal lighting from above. unnumbered version leaving it up to the customer to choose their own identity for the locomotive.
The detail variations introduced into this new series of models are clear to see with this Class 27 having windows in the cab doors, boiler exhaust for the steam heating equipment and a single large engine cover panel without the GRP section.
Outwardly this is an excellent reproduction of the Class 27 and we can see ‘O’ gauge modellers being particularly pleased to be able to add these BRCW locomotives to their fleet for the first time. Detail highlights include the bogies, underframe, cab interiors and buffer beam which, alongside the accurately shaped body, add up to an attractive package.
Large brass fl ywheels on each motor.
Fully detailed cab interior including control desk.
All-wheel drive with a fi vepole motor on each bogie.
REVIEWS Revolution delivers ‘OO’ ECOFRETS
Intermodal traffic forms an important part of the present-day rail scene and Revolution Trains' all-new FWA Ecofrets are set to fill another gap for ‘OO’. MARK CHIVERS takes a closer look.
REVOLUTION TRAINS’ newly-tooled ‘OO’ gauge FWA Ecofret intermodal wagons have arrived.
First introduced in 2012, the Greenbrier-built vehicles were introduced to maximise payloads on intermodal trains. With an increase in the transportation of 40ft containers, traditional 60ft container flats have often been seen running with just a single 40ft container per flat wagon, resulting in wasted space if there were few 20ft containers to fill the vehicles to capacity.
The shorter FWA-A Ecofret container flat was designed by Lloyd’s Register Rail around a single 40ft container deck, maximising the number of containers that can be carried in a given train formation. In addition, a FWA-B inner wagon was designed that could also carry two 20ft containers (or a single 40ft container) – thanks to a set of pivoting spigots at the centre of the vehicles.
Owned by rail leasing company VTG, the Ecofrets are operated by Freightliner, GB Railfreight and DB Cargo. The Freightliner sets work as twin-sets comprising two FWA-A wagons, while triple vehicle sets are leased to GB Railfreight and DB Cargo, formed of two FWA-A outers and a single FWA-B inner wagon. These distinctive vehicles can be seen operating across the rail network between inland terminals and major container ports.
Revolution Trains' models are available in twin and triple vehicle sets with twin wagon packs in VTG (Freightliner) green, together with triple wagon packs in VTG (GBRf) blue and VTG (DB) red.
Our review samples were finished as FWA-A outer wagons 83.70.4520.184-0/83.70.4520.1857 and FWA-B inner wagon 83.70.4521.028-8 (Cat No. OO-FWA4111C) in VTG/GB Railfreight blue, representing vehicles built in 2016.
As soon as you release each of these super container flats from the stout cardboard box and packaging, you can feel their quality. Weighing in at 57g59g (inner/outers) each, their sturdy metal spine construction aids stability on the track. Once assembled, our triple-wagon pack measured 553mm over buffers.
Detailing is superb throughout with a raft of separately fitted parts including levers, brake equipment, pipework, data panel boards, handbrake wheels and more – even the SCT bogies comprise separate parts. Each of the outer wagons features spigots at each corner for one 40ft container, while the inner vehicle is similarly equipped but also features the four
Detailing includes a wealth of decorated moulded and separately applied parts.
As well as the exquisite external fi nish, each coach also features a fully decorated interior.
Amongst the new Darstaedmanufactured ‘O’ gauge carriages is this LNER faux teak Restaurant First with Kitchen, which also features rounded edged window frames.
Above: Each coach features LNER clipped buff ers, magnetic corridor connections and Kadee couplings.
standard and comprise finely detailed brass sides, moulded roofs, die-cast underframe, compensated die-cast bogies, impressive interior detailing, illuminated interiors, magnetic corridor connectors, Kadee couplings and sprung LNER clipped buffers.
Amongst the impressive small parts included are separatelyfitted door handles and hinges, grab handles, footboards, steps, carriage roof board holders, roof ventilators, water filler pipework and a wealth of underframe components including battery boxes, dynamos, reservoirs and intricate bogie details. Roofboards for these carriages are also available separately from Ellis Clark Trains.
Look closer inside each of the vehicles and you’ll also appreciate exquisite interior detail, with decorated seating and tables (appropriate to the respective vehicles), brass luggage racks, lamps and mirrors. Glazing is neatly fitted and transparent, except for areas that are opaque – lavatories and the Kitchen car area on our review samples.
Subtle nuances such as roundedged windows to the RF and square-edged examples on the TK are also notable, while our review samples reflect the various bogie design differences that have been incorporated for the new coaches – 8ft heavy (BG), 8ft 6in light (TK) and 8ft 6in heavy (RF).
Decoration on our review samples has been superbly applied with a realistic representation of the simulated teak effect (known as scumbling) – adding to the wow factor. The overall finish certainly looks the part, relieved with pristine white roofs and light brown solebars. Pipework and conduit also features a light brown finish, while footboards and bogie foot steps are black, as are the bogies, trussing and underframe equipment. Shaded lettering and running numbers are crisply printed on the sides, while interior handrails are printed along the inside of the windows on corridor sides of appropriate vehicles.
MARK CHIVERS
PERFORMANCE
Each vehicle also features corridor connections at each end fitted with magnets to ensure the vehicles maintain a connected appearance while in use, and Kadee couplings are fitted to each buffer beam to complete the secure coupling of each coach.
Factory-fitted interior lighting operates through pick-ups to one bogie and illuminates under analogue and digital control, while darkened turned metal wheels are fitted to the bogies. These feature pinpoint axles in standard brass bushes and alternative ball bearing-fitted axleboxes are also available at a supplement to the standard coach price to help reduce drag in lengthy formations.
OVERALL
These latest arrivals from Ellis Clark Trains represent the LNER’s new coaches in the final years of Grouping. Darstaed has made an excellent attempt at replicating this effect in model form for ‘O’ gauge, recreating some truly eye-catching and outstanding vehicles from the period. (MC)
Manholes and drains
• • • • • Gauge: ’OO’ Price: £12.49 Cat No: LX-350-O Site: www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk Era: Any
Scale Model Scenery has added packs of laser-cut manhole and drain covers to its range of accessories.
New from Scale Model Scenery is this pack of 4mm scale laser-cut and engraved manhole and drain covers.
Formed from 0.4mm laser board, the laser-cut fret includes 84 assorted drain covers and manholes in a selection of shapes and sizes.
Typical dimensions are 12mm x 12mm x 0.4mm for these 7mm:1ft scale covers, while 4mm scale (‘OO’) versions are also available (Cat No: LX-350-OO).
Scale Model Scenery recommends that they should be painted in appropriate colours while still attached to the fret. Once dry, they can be removed with a sharp blade and glued in place with Roket card glue or similar. Available now. (JN)
Scammell low loaders
Corgi has added two new versions of its 1:76 scale Scammell low loader to the Trackside range of die-cast vehicles.
These latest additions appear in Pickfords and George Sanders of Mancherster colour schemes – the former accompanied by a Coles crane and the latter a drag shovel.
Both models feature die-cast bodies, removable low-load trailer and their respective separate loads. The British Railways liveried Coles crane features a swivelling base, pivoting crane arm and rotating wheels, while the George Sanders Ruston Bucyrus 19-RB drag shovel can also be posed in position. Fine threads are fitted between the 19-RB’s cab and drag shovel arm to represent the lifting mechanism as a further • • • • • Gauge: ’OO’ gauge Price: £29.99 Cat No: DGS00001/DGS00002 Site: www.corgi.co.uk Era: 3-5
Corgi has issued two new Scammell low loaders suitable for 'OO'.
enhancement to this model.
Decoration is to a high standard on each, with the Pickfords example featuring a neatly applied blue colour scheme, crisp white lining to the tractor unit and white cab roof, while the crane features a maroon body and white arm. The George Sanders lorry displays a gloss red paint finish to the lorry, low loader and drag shovel, relieved with a black cab roof to the Scammell, together with white cab roof to the 19-RB. A silver grey finish has been applied to the arm mechanism and shovel.
Printing is crisp and legible on both with British Railways branding to the Pickfords tractor unit and crane and ornate shaded letters to the cabsides of the Sanders liveried items. Further embellishments include registration plates, chromed radiators and lights.
Sure to look the part in a yard scene or on a road. (JN)
Corgi’s popular 1:76 scale Dennis F12 Pump Escape fire engine Dennis F12 Pump Escape • • • • • Gauge: ‘OO’ gauge Price: £15.99 Cat No: DG223004 Site: www.corgi.co.uk Era: 4-6 returns in the manufacturer's trackside range, now finished in City of Coventry yellow.
This eye-catching machine features a die-cast body with neatly represented door/compartment handles and hinge detail, glazing, cab detail, silver and black radiator grille, black bumpers, twin blue lights and hose reel, silver trim, hose connector equipment, headlights and roof-mounted bells. Printed detail includes neat Dennis badges, FIRE markings, lettering, registration plates and coats of arms. Corgi's 1:76 scale Dennis F12 Pump
Sure to add a splash of colour to a Escape fi re engine gains City of street scene. (JN) Coventry yellow for its latest outing.
Mail by Rail Disused railways Disused railways Exeter’s Railways Exeter’s Railways
Author: Peter Johnson Publisher: www.pen-and-sword.com Title: Mail by Rail ISBN: 978-1-52677-613-6 Price: £35 Spec: 296 pages, hardback Author: Mark Jones Publisher: www.crecy.co.uk Title: Exploring Britain’s Disused Railways: North-West England ISBN: 978-1-80035-257-5 Price: £20 Spec: 176 pages, hardback Author: David Mitchell Publisher: www.nostalgiacollection.com Title: Exeter’s Railways ISBN: 978-1-85794-474-7 Price: £40 Spec: 224 pages, hardback
HE carriage of mail by rail fi rst
Tbegan shortly after the Liverpool & Manchester Railway opened in 1830 and has continued in one form or another – along with the odd hiatus – through to a more streamlined form today.
This recent release from Pen and Sword focusing on Mail by Rail is in two main parts, the first featuring material on the Travelling Post Office (TPO) network of services through the years (some of which has appeared before) with details of the apparatus, rolling stock, routes operated and much more.
Part two covers the underground system operated in London known as the Post Office (London) Railway – branded Mail Rail in later years – and its subsequent transition to The Postal Museum, where you can take a ride through the tunnels of this once secret system.
For modellers there is a great deal of detail covering rolling stock, workings, train names and formations, as well as a look at the equipment used both on the trackside and inside the carriages – all of which are useful for those wishing to reflect these mail operations in model form. Additional details cover rolling stock allocations through the years, the current Royal Mail fleet of Class 325 EMUs, preserved rolling stock, Post Office (London) rolling stock details, special postmarks and more.
Illustrated throughout with an impressive array of black and white and colour images on high quality gloss paper, this is a richly detailed history of the way mail has been transported by rail throughout the country – above and below ground - with fascinating insight. (JN) HE Victorian ’railway mania’ resulted
Tin the UK being covered near and far with main lines, secondary lines and branch lines. With the introduction of motorways and families being able to aff ord their own motor car, many of these railways were closed, lifted and lost forever.
Early closures from the 1920s to the 1950s accelerated in the 1960s, with some routes lost as recently as the early 2000s. This latest book from Crecy focuses on a variety of closed and disused lines in North West England.
Some of Britain’s earliest railways can be seen in this book, now long-gone and consigned to history. The area covered by the volume covers the Wirral and Chester, Mid and East Cheshire, Warrington and Altrincham, Liverpool, Wigan and St Helens, Bolton and Bury and Stockport and Tameside. Also covered are Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale, East Lancashire and Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool and Southport, Fleetwood, Lancaster and Morecambe, Barrow and the South Lakes, Whitehaven and Workington, Carlisle and North Cumbria, Pennine Cumbria and some tram lines too.
The book is illustrated throughout with a super selection of mainly colour photographs, together with occasional black and white images which also cover the present day locations too, some of which bear little or no sign of their previous railway heritage.
Text is well written and informative, while reproduction throughout is very good and the volume also includes maps of each area together with a key to show which lines are still operational and which have closed. (JN) EW from Silver Link Books is this
Nimpressive work showcasing the rail network in and around Exeter in Devon.
At more than 220 pages, this weighty tome charts the history of the railway in great detail from the early days of broad gauge to the present day operations that emanate around Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central stations.
As well as the Great Western Railway lines, the former Southern Railway route is also included, together with chapters on the Exmouth branch, Exe and Teign Valley lines, the GWR and SR engine sheds, signalboxes, the famous gradient between St David’s and Central stations, passenger and goods traffic and much more – even the Southern’s Exmouth Junction concrete works warrants a mention.
More recent events such as the Exeter resignalling works, flood prevention work around the Cowley Bridge area and reflection of the changing railfreight scene since the 1970s (with some long-gone views of goods facilities) are also included within the volume’s pages. Each of the topics is well illustrated with historical and modern photographs, drawings, diagrams and timetables with superbly reproduced black and white and colour images throughout, depicting steam and diesel era motive power and rolling stock.
In addition to the general history of the railway in the area, the book also includes some rather enthralling anecdotal observations during the steam era and some out-of-the-ordinary photographs too.
A well-researched and fascinating read. (MC)
Modelling electrics Yorkshire steam Yorkshire steam Midlands freight Midlands freight
Author: Ian Morton Publisher: www.crecy.co.uk Title: Electrics for the Railway Modeller ISBN: 978-1-91080-978-5 Price: £14.95 Spec: 80 pages, softback Author: Keith W. Platt Publisher: www.amberley-books.com Title: Steam around Leeds in the 1960s ISBN: 978-1-39810-550-8 Price: £15.99 Spec: 96 pages, softback Author: Paul Shannon Publisher: www.keypublishing.com Title: Rail Freight: The Midlands ISBN: 978-1-80282-352-3 Price: £15.99 Spec: 96 pages, softback
N this fast-paced world, little stays the
Isame for long, it seems. This certainly applies to the seemingly complex topic of model railway electrics, which is often the very aspect of the hobby that is the most daunting and off -putting for both experienced modellers and those new to the craft.
However, in this updated volume of Electrics for the Railway Modeller, Ian Morton seeks to take the sting out of model railway electrics and shed light on how things work - and how you can apply that knowledge to your layout.
Beginning with the assumption that the reader has little knowledge of the subject, this book guides you through the various methods used until you have a basic understanding of how to wire up a model railway – from starter to more elaborate arrangements. Following a detailed introduction to electricity and how it works, the author also outlines using multiple controllers, wiring point motors and frogs, control panels, bulbs, LEDs, accessories and much more.
The basics of soldering wires are covered - an essential skill - while a series of practical examples are also featured to help put everything into perspective.
Such is the breadth of the book, it covers the pinnacle of analogue layout operation - so-called cab control – the working of signals and points, train detection and lighting in an easy to read, step-by-step fashion with the use of simple drawings and step-by-step guides.
If you're looking to expand your skills or simply demystify the topic, this volume is a great place to start. (JN) EEDS was a real hotspot for steam in
Lthe 1960s with its leading shed 55A Holbeck home to the last of the Stanier ’Jubilee' 4-6-0s. Yorkshire was one of the crucibles of the railway and steam lasted almost until the very end of BR service there.
It boasted fascinating variety - from express steam and heavy freight to industrial railways serving the many collieries and other heavy industries in the area. Locomotives were also built there at Hunslet’s famous Works.
This book features a superb array of photographs around Leeds and the West Riding such as Low Moor, Bradford Exchange and Leeds City Station. Locomotives featured include ’Black Fives’, ’8Fs’, Fairburn ’4MT’ 2-64Ts and BR Standards as well as flagship locomotives of the East Coast Main Line such as the ’A1s’, ’A3s’ and ’A4s’. Each photograph has a caption which includes the locomotive(s), location and the date, along with information relating to that image.
From a modeller’s viewpoint, this book offers a great close study of the condition of steam in the 1960s which is perfect for reference when you’re weathering a model. The air of neglect - particularly towards the end of steam - is palpable, and there are many useful details around engine sheds, stations, the lineside and general railway scene which are eminently modellable.
The album features a super selection of well reproduced photographs which really capture this period when steam was in decline and brings the area and era back to life. An excellent reminder of the 1960s scene around Leeds. (JN) HIS latest release from Key Books
Tfocuses on railfreight in the Midlands from the 1980s to the present day.
As with previous picture volumes in the series from Paul Shannon, this album is full to the brim with monochrome and colour photographs from the author’s collection.
Chapters are set out by county and cover Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, West Midlands, Worcestershire and East Shropshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire.
As you might expect, coal was one of the dominant freight operations during BR days and into privatisation, but is now almost nonexistent. This and a vast array of freight are featured throughout the volume including aggregates, automotive, cement, chemicals, china clay, containers, offal, oil, steel and more.
From Class 08 shunters on the main line to mighty Class 70 diesels on oil trains, there is a diverse collection of freight illustrated throughout the volume, with many of the goods facilities and yards featured no longer in existence. However, examples of modern day facilities are included as are the various – and in some cases one-off – colour schemes carried by the various freight operators’ locomotives.
Reproduction is excellent throughout with images presented on glossy paper stock which really enhances the detail in the photographs. Each is accompanied with an extended caption outlining the scene, train and date information, providing plenty of inspiration for those wishing to replicate some of the train formations in model form. (MC)
DIGITAL CONTROL Wheeltapper sound for the Dapol ‘Manor’ for the Dapol ‘Manor’
The Dapol GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 is designed with sound installation The Dapol GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 is designed with sound installation in mind. MIKE WILD explores its simplicity with a new sound profile from the Wheeltapper collection on an ESU V5 chip.
MODERN MODELS have been making great strides in simplifying how we can go about adding digital sound. Dapol has been particularly keen to make its models as friendly as possible in this area with its recently released GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 being the latest to employ its tool-free route to sound.
The real locomotives were introduced in 1938 to a Collett design with 30 being completed to provide a mixed traffic locomotive of a lighter weight. They were synonymous with the Cambrian Coast route, but were also seen in the West Country and occasionally operated as pilot engines to assist heavily laden trains over the Devon Banks. Nine have been preserved including the subject of our project locomotive 7827 Lydham Manor.
The ‘OO’ gauge model from Dapol features its slide out Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in the smokebox which plays host to a Next18 decoder socket on one side and a space for a 15mm x 11mm cube speaker on the other which is held in place with a dedicated sound chamber from the accessory pack. Also included in the accessory pack is a plastic tool which is used to remove the smokebox door and to slide the PCB out.
For those who want to go further, a second speaker can be added in the tender, but this does require the use of additional tools including wire strippers and a soldering iron to make all the necessary connections.
Our project uses a new sound profile from Wheeltapper Sounds for the GWR ‘Manor' which for the GWR ‘Manor' which has been created to suit the has been created to suit the Dapol model of this class of 30 Dapol model of this class of 30 locomotives. Highlights of the locomotives. Highlights of the project include function control of project include function control of heavy exhaust and coasting sounds heavy exhaust and coasting sounds as well as the firebox glow and as well as the firebox glow and
can go about adding digital sound. a full range of steam locomotive sounds for the Collett 4-6-0s.
The complete installation process for this model took less than 30 minutes from start to finish for the twin speaker setup and you can read the full step by step guide below. Plus don’t forget to visit www.keymodelworld.com/manor to watch our full video sound demonstration and read our full collection of ‘Manor’ related news, reviews and features. HM
TOOLS » Crosshead screwdriver » Soldering iron and solder » Small scissors » Wire strippers » Heatshrink insulation » Black Tack adhesive
SOUND FUNCTIONS F0 Firebox glow F1 Sound on/off F2 Whistle F3 Whistle F4 Buff er clashing/coupling F5 Brake application F6 Emergency braking F7 Injector F8 Automatic uncoupling F9 Flange squeal (speed dependent) F10 Guard’s whistle (stationary) F11 Wagon buff er clash (speed dependent) F12 Coal shovelling with fi rebox glow F13 Water fi ller (stationary) F14 Safety valves F15 Cylinder drain cocks F16 Heavy load exhaust F17 Shunting mode F18 Detonators F19 Turn off random sounds F20 Aux 2 F21 AWS bell F22 AWS horn F23 Coach door slams F24 Wheeltapper F25 Coasting sounds F26 Ejector off when decelerating F27 Volume control
WHAT WE USED Dapol GWR ‘Manor’ sound profi le www.dckits-devideos.co.uk ESU LokSound V5 Next18 sound decoder www.dckits-devideos.co.uk 20mm x 20mm x 7mm mini cube speaker www.dckits-devideos.co.uk 15mm x 11mm cube speaker www.dckits-devideos.co.uk
