WJVintage April 2021 Newsletter
Welcome to the April edition of the WJVintage newsletter. Spring is here, Easter has been and gone and in true English weather tradition, I woke up to a covering of snow the other morning! Ever since it has been sunny but still quite cold so winter is trying to hang on. Hopefully warmer weather will be here soon as we also emerge from ‘lockdown’ here in the UK. I won’t beat about the bush, I have some disappointing news to impart so I will get it out of the way immediately! Last month I boldly declared that our new locomotive would be unveiled in this edition of the newsletter. I did also mention that the Czech Republic has been badly hit by Coronavirus in a third wave of Covid 19. Well, I’m afraid the result of this is that our new prototype has been further delayed. It is so frustrating because it is probably still a week to ten days away, but I have held out as long as I could. On a positive note, I have now seen the loco in bare metal and it looks terrific. The finished, decorated version will be even better so I think the wait will be worthwhile. I am really sorry about this, but these are unprecedented times. On a further positive note, we are delighted to announce that a further brand-new wagon is going to be available very soon! Scroll down to the ‘What’s New’ section for first photos! Plus, all the usual features are also here to enjoy so I hope you enjoy a good read. Do please stay safe and … Keep Enjoying Your Trains 1
Customer Corner (aka - Your ‘Lockdown Locos’) Those Pesky Kids! If you recall, last month I brought you the story of how music teacher (and railway enthusiast) Kevin Byrne had helped a former pupil and his siblings to create their own garden layout. I also showed a photograph of Kevin’s own ground level garden layout looking a little forlorn under a layer of snow. Well, seeing what the children had achieved, with a design that is raised above ground level, Kevin felt that he should do something about his own layout, ‘Waller’s Ash Junction Garden Railway’. So, in his own words: ‘I took a look at mine and before I get too decrepit, have decided to completely rebuild Waller’s Ash Junction.’ Of course, any relatively large outdoor layout will require a fair amount of groundwork and raising the entire layout requires considerable support. The photo below shows the Jewson lorry craning off the timbers for the structure.
With all the materials delivered work then started in earnest on the foundations and installing the support structures that will hold the new layout at a raised height more suited to ageing backs and knees. The photo below shows the foundations in the process of being laid.
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Kevin has promised more photographs of progress for the next edition of the newsletter but as a taster, the header photo of this newsletter shows an Autotrain waiting in the bay platform of the brand-new Waller’s Ash joint station. Thanks Kevin – it is great to hear that the youngsters you helped have now also inspired you, and I for one am looking forward to a few more photos for next month.
Big Big Coach Conversions Brian Edinboro from Lincolnshire has sent some photos of some rather nice coach conversions based on ‘Triang Big Big Train’ coaches. Sadly, he can’t claim to have made these himself, but he is very happy to credit his friend Barry from Moray in Scotland with these impressive conversions. The photo below shows a standard Big Big Train BR Mk2 Coach, as designed, as a plastic toy – before conversion.
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The next photo is the ‘after’ conversion. What a difference! The doors are flush, sides reconfigured, roof filled and smoothed, plus a complete repaint and decals added.
It may not be one for the purist, but I think Barry has done a splendid job of making a really decent model from a toy. I can’t move on without showing a photo of one of Brian’s favourite locos. He calls it his ‘War Horse’ and says it runs like a sewing machine and hauls like a tank. It is of course the ETS version of a BR (Ex-Southern) USA Tank Engine. Every time we talk Brian extols its virtues with such enthusiasm that I simply had to show it at work shunting a Mk2 coach.
Brian is currently working with Barry on a new conversion. This time he has commissioned him to convert a Lima BR Mk1 coach. If I have photos for next month, I will show you the results. Thanks again Brian for the photos.
Wagons Roll! Cattle Trucks in Action Regular readers will recall Andrew Spooner’s remarkable own-design Cattle Trucks from a few months ago. Well now I am excited to be able to show them in action. Andrew has sent a short (2minute) video clip of his 4
equally remarkable indoor layout – all shot at eye level from the back of the rake.
Here in his words is what you are about to see:
‘After featuring the addition of bespoke cattle trucks in one of Paul's earlier newsletters, he asked for a short clip of them running. The layout of three primary circuits is still very much under construction, the detritus of track building and tools litter the scene and buildings are only partially completed with basic scenery beginning to emerge. The turntable is motorised, and five controllers manage the analogue system. Since the last clip, the track laying for the engine shed and sidings is complete, additional carriage sidings and a carriage workshop are also in place. There is another 7 metres of platform to build with two Ace Trains canopies to place as the station begins to take shape.’ It really is impressive, and I love the low-down camera angle. Here is the video link: https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos %2Foldmanse%2F51070683768%2Fin%2Fdatetaken%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Caeaf65c7b785 4affd5d408d8efbd6c63%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6375229441300242 74%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJX VCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=1di3Slius4vi5z7N7DMh6r9EQGNKHfCfw08Ju6reTNg%3D&r eserved=0 Click on this link or copy and paste it into your browser. Here is some further comment from Andrew on the filming: ‘It is on Flickr and has to remain under 3 minutes, much fun in 'scripting' the scene - this is take 12! - too easy to forget a point change, a reversing lever or which of the five controllers. Some of the out-takes are amusing, check camera height before passing under bridge, don't panic on speed dial when going in the wrong direction and clear the points after passage. When deciding on a career path after school, I applied as a signalman and was told I was overqualified - too many O Levels - just as well after trying to film this clip!’ Andrew, you definitely qualify for your filming skills in my book and thanks so much for sharing with us. Please feel free to share more as and when you get the inclination/courage to try again
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What’s New? Brand New Rectangular (Tar) Tank Wagon
Many, many months ago (years even?), a customer suggested that a rectangular (Tar) type tank wagon would be a nice addition, particularly as they evoke memories of the vintage Tar tank wagons produced in the past by Mills Brothers (Milbro) and Leeds Model Company (LMC). This was logged on my ‘suggestions’ list and during our last trip to ETS (so preCoronavirus times) it was discussed. Now I am delighted to be able to launch a new range of these fabulous wagons.
These characterful wagons were first introduced around 1885 and they remained in production until as late as 1946, although most production ceased during the late 1920s as cylindrical tanks became more popular. They were used primarily for the transportation of tar, pitch and heavy oils and, as such were an important part of the railway goods scene, and a reasonably common sight across the entire country, especially during the pre-war years. The initial range will feature six liveries, all produced in very limited quantities. They will be: Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Tar Distillation Co. Shell/BP GWR ICI WD Smith & Forrest 6
The photos below give an indication of how the wagons will look, but final artworks will be subject to changes. More in future newsletters as the project develops.
First deliveries are expected during June. Price for the wagons is expected to be £48.00 each plus P&P. As quantities are going to be extremely limited, you are welcome to place your pre-orders right away. Please get in touch to reserve yours now.
Well Wagons
Sadly, it looks like production of the Well Wagons will be delayed a little, but first releases should still be available from late-May/early June. Preorders remain very encouraging across all liveries so please, if you fancy one (or more) of these, do let me know as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. I will be allocated just 100 pieces spread across 6 liveries so some will be extremely limited as follows: 20 x LNER (2 running numbers available) 10 x LMS (1 running number only) 15 x SR (2 running numbers available) 20 x GWR Crocodile H (2 running numbers available) 20 x BR Weltrol MV (2 running numbers available) 15 x WD (1 running number only) 7
GWR and BR have been particularly popular, and both are around 60% sold. LMS, with a lower production quantity is also 50% sold. I am awaiting the first artworks and will show these as soon as I can. The Well Wagons will be priced at £99.00 each plus P&P and please note they are supplied without loads. However, Graham Lock is developing a range of loads specifically designed to go with the well wagon. These will include: Boilers in the liveries of Bassett-Lowke (see above), J.T. Lowke and Marklin. These are priced at £24.00 each plus P&P Cable Drums in the liveries of Callender, Enfield, Liverpool, BICC, Bassett-Lowke, JT Lowke and Longmoor Military Railway. These will be priced at £15.00 each (inc chock) plus P&P (Note the triangular frame shown in the photo below is not included)
Twin Cable Drums This is a new addition from Graham and has been designed specifically to fit the Well Wagon
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It comes complete with metal frames and wooden cradle as shown and will be priced at £25.00 each plus P&P. Large Packing Cases in the liveries of: Meccano Binns Road/Swift Levick Sheffield
Metropolitan-Cammell/Pullman Car Co.
Swan Hunter/MOD Royal Navy Davenport
Eastleigh Engineering/Vulcan
Ironworks
MOD Royal Navy Chatham/Harland & Wolff (not Vickers as shown below)
Packing Cases will be £14.00 each (inc block to locate in Well Wagon) plus P&P
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WJVintage 10th Anniversary Commemorative PO 7-Plank Wagon
Yes, hard to believe but I will have been in business for 10 years this coming October. I would have liked to have had a big party but unfortunately, I just don’t think it is worth the risk given where we are with Covid. So, instead I will be launching a limited-edition wagon.
With a production run of just 60 pieces, these look like becoming rather collectable. My order book is now up to 45 pieces at time of going to press so I don’t anticipate them being around for long. Thanks to everyone that has ordered to-date – your support is really very much appreciated. Price will be £39.99 each plus P&P. Please order quickly to secure yours!
Mineral Wagons
No real update this month. The bodies are being manufactured, as are wheels and chassis. More to come in future newsletters. Just as a reminder, this new range of ‘Simple, Super-Detail’ Mineral Wagons has been developed in collaboration with Michael Foster. They feature a beautifully detailed, resin-cast body married to a standard WJVintage/ETS tinplate chassis. The big advantage is in the weight, which comes in at approx. 230gms (about 8 ounces in old money) per wagon. Previous ready to run all-cast metal mineral wagons weighed in the region of 400gms each and were deemed by many far too heavy for a long rake. By way of contrast a finescale Lionheart all-plastic mineral wagon weighs in at approx. 125gms so I hope you will agree that these have sufficient weight to be reliably stable on the tracks, without being too heavy to haul easily. I think they represent a very good compromise. The photos below show early mock-ups of the BR Grey and Bauxite versions.
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Prices for these mineral wagons will be £39.95 each for a single wagon and £150.00 for a set of 4 wagons, both plus P&P. Coal loads will also be available, but pricing is still to be confirmed – should be around £5.00 each plus P&P.
Revised Couplings Back in Stock I am pleased to announce that a further 500 wagon couplings have now come back into stock, plus I have some of the slightly longer loco couplings still available. They are priced at £4.25 plus P&P per pair for the wagon couplings and £4.50 plus P&P per pair for the loco couplings. A bag of 20 pairs is also available for £80.00 plus P&P for the wagon couplings and £85.00 plus P&P for the loco couplings. The wagon couplings are designed to fit easily to all Bassett-Lowke (Corgi/Hornby era) and WJVintage issued wagons and make a massive difference – reducing the distance between buffers from circa 25mm to just under 10mm (see photos below for before and after) without any buffer lock problems. They are far less obtrusive more visually pleasing.
BEFORE
AFTER
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The loco versions can be easily fitted to any WJVintage/ETS produced locomotives to create a similar effect.
Tram Project is a ‘GO’
Last month I announced a possible ETS tram project suggested by enthusiast Jamie Green. Well, I am pleased to announce that the level of interest has been encouraging and the project has been given the green light! Sheffield Single Deck Open Tram The tram in question is a Sheffield Corporation single decker. It is a restored tram based at Crich – No.46 but in its current restored form it has been much modified and shortened. The ETS model will be closer to the original vehicle during its early service life from 1899 to 1921. Below is a very quick mock-up of what is proposed:
Huge thanks to Michael Yorke who mocked up the prototype above on his computer
The model is designed to operate at 0-12 volts on the ETS 2-rail tram track system and the proposed price will be £154.00 each plus P&P. Only 20 pieces of this tram will be produced, and I already have orders for half this number. If you would be interested in one of these trams, please let me know as quickly as possible. I would estimate delivery would be in around 3 to 4 months so availability probably around August/September time. Please email me at wvvintage@outlook.com to confirm your interest. As a UK distributor for ETS I can get all of the tram track, power units etc. Let me know if this is of interest as well.
…and last but by no means least… New Early Edwardian Locomotive Announcement I am really sorry, and just a little embarrassed to have to disappoint you by not being able to announce the new loco this month. However, I promise it will be ready by next month’s newsletter! 12
It has been a long time in the development phase and delayed, due largely to Covid, but I hope you will think it has been worth the wait. The prototype model is made but has now to be painted and decorated. It should be done in the next week to ten days. As mentioned last month, it is an early Edwardian locomotive that saw service through until the BR era, so liveries cover the pre-grouping, big 4 and post-nationalisation BR eras. Watch this space!!
The David Bates Collection
The David Bates Collection is now nearly sold out. The two remaining items are shown below along with Youtube links where you can see them in action. David has refined the system that he uses, and on offer is the very latest in 2.4ghz radio control, expertly adapted for use in coarse scale O gauge locomotives. They are ideal for indoor or outdoor use. They really are quite something as I think you will agree when you read on. What’s on offer? Well, David has converted all his locos to battery power, using state of the art Lithium Polymer batteries for long run time. He has fitted sound and smoke to most of the locos and each is fitted with a receiver, speed controller and battery. For operation, you will also receive a transmitter, programmable controller, battery charger, as well as full instructions – in fact around £250.00 of radio equipment with each loco. They really are ‘ready to run’. What’s more, David has produced a video to accompany each loco so you can see for yourselves exactly how realistically they operate. He explains the features of each loco and the functions. Here is the list of remaining locos: No 1 2
Loco Name A4 Bittern (Double Tender) 9F Evening Star
Make Seven Mill Models Ace Trains
Smoke yes Yes
Price £999.00 £850.00
The models are pictured below and there is also a link to Youtube videos where David explains the features and operation of each loco. A4 Bittern
9F Evening Star
(Double Tender)
Seven Mill Models A4 Bittern - YouTube
Ace Trains O Gauge 9F Evening Star - YouTube
Remember, each loco comes complete with the following: Transmitter , Programmable Controller, Full Instructions for Use
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This is a unique and exciting opportunity, particularly if you operate outside, or just wish to be free of all the hassle of keeping track joints electrically sound and rails clean enough for good conductivity. Everything you need is included. All you have to do is charge up, switch on, bind the radio and you are away! Now, obviously all these items are one-offs so it is very much first come, first served. Please get in touch as quickly as possible to secure one of these great locos.
LGB ‘G’ Scale Collection
I have recently acquired a fairly large collection of used LGB garden scale locos, rolling stock and track. I am in the process of getting these sorted and listed on my website. If anyone is interested, please get in touch and I will send you a list. Alternatively keep checking my website. I have had a few problems getting it loaded, but I think it is now ready to go and it will be listed there over the coming days
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See us at Shows – it’s not happening for a while yet! Despite the recent reductions in Covid 19 infections, the very rapid and successful UK rollout of a vaccine programme and the recent relaxation of lockdown, we still have a way to go before life returns to normal. It will still be some time, late summer at a guess, before I have any shows to attend – assuming no third wave and/or mutations of the virus! However, I am still open for business, indeed I could do with your support more than ever at this tricky time financially, so do remember that I can still take your orders and despatch by post. Ordering and Payment options as shown below towards the end of this newsletter.
Don’t forget to like our WJVintage Facebook Page I am pleased to say we have returned to 500 Facebook ‘likes’! All the latest news is often seen on Facebook before it appears in the newsletter as updates can be done instantly rather than monthly. If you are a member of Facebook why not look us up and give us a ‘like’?
Plus, we also now have a ‘Youtube’ Channel!
I have to confess, after a good start, the channel has been quiet for a while. This is entirely down to my lack of technical skills - which my son possesses. Unfortunately, he is unable to visit us due to the lockdown rules 15
and so we have not been able to film any updates over the past few months. I am hoping that the videos will be able to recommence on a more regular basis over the coming weeks as Covid restrictions ease. I’ll keep you posted.
Ordering from WJVintage is still Easy Online Please use the WJVintage website as a shop window and then place your order by using the dropdown menu on each product page to select and submit the item you wish to purchase. This automatically sends me your details and I will be in touch to confirm your requirements and take payment. Alternatively select what you want and then give me a call or email me. Whichever method you use I will get back to you asap and I can confirm stock, particularly for highly limited items, and postage options. Please see below for full contact details. Credit Card We have a credit/debit card facility, so you can telephone and place your order with us by calling 07711 092497 – please have your card to hand when calling. Cheque If you would prefer to pay by cheque, that is no problem either. Just download the order form from our website and complete your requirements. Then make a cheque out for the total and post both order form and cheque to us at the address shown. Please make cheques payable to WJVintage. Email Alternatively, you can place your order by email and payment can then be made either by card, PayPal, direct bank transfer or cheque. Please note our email address is: wjvintage@outlook.com BACS A growing number of customers are now choosing to send money direct to my account by BACS transfer. If you would like to use this method, please contact me and I will send you my bank account details.
Delivery Situation Slowly things are easing, and life is getting back to more like normal. Postal and courier services are currently operating very well but are still extremely busy as they deal with heavy demand coupled with reduced
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staffing levels in order to keep the workforce distanced and safe. UK services are now generally very good. However, some overseas parcels are still subject to delay and, of course the situation is subject to change as Covid spikes in some countries may result in further measures to control the outbreaks. Brexit also appears to be delaying some European deliveries. Please bear this in mind when ordering from overseas and please do be patient. Touch wood, nothing has been lost at all yet, but there have been, and will be, delays. Just to repeat my statement from previous newsletters this is still relevant: Staff and Premises • • •
As a one-man-band I am continuing to operate from the WJ Vintage HQ in the Northamptonshire countryside. Currently I am fit and well and keen to crack on as usual, whilst exercising all possible caution according to government guidelines. I operate from a home office, plus a small, custom-built storeroom/pick and pack area and I am currently taking extra care to ensure a clean working environment with surfaces being regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Deliveries • • •
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I am currently continuing to work with Royal Mail, Parcelforce and other delivery services to get your parcels to you in good time. In most cases, delivery drivers will drop off parcels without you having to physically sign for them. Public Health England (PHE) has advised that people receiving parcels are at virtually no risk of contracting the coronavirus. From experience with other coronaviruses, we know that these types of viruses don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels. This works in tandem with my own policy of regular hand washing and use of sanitiser gel when handling and packing goods.
Stay Safe Everyone!
Paul WJVintage
********* Tel: 07711 092497
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