Apologies if this is blindingly obvious, but it's about non-blue rolling stock, so my knowledge is extremely limited.
I'm looking at the Dapol coaches, and wondering a) are they any good, and b) did they just run in pairs, or were there other combinations?
I'm guessing a 'set' is a pair, in which case the supplementary question is: would more than one set be used at once? For example, would two sets make up a four coach train?
Hi
Yes the B set was a pair of identical coaches with a brake section at the outer end. Ideal for branch traffic. However to mix things up there was a build of individual coaches to the same design that could be added if required . In the London area there were 4 car sets with brakes at outer ends only - I guess one such coach was a compo a well - but real experts can give the diagram numbers.
I guess comparing to blue era if you thought 2 EPB and 4EPB you would not be far wrong.
The B set by Dapol is a lovely model - only downside I think is that the inner ends are not close coupled but perhaps on sharp curved layouts this is ok .
The model predates close coupling cams an also uber flush glazing. Not that expensive as well.
Robert
The Dapol B set is a fine model. Some suggestions on improvements are here by Maurice Pearce (Osbournes Models) http://www.gwr.org.uk/pronbset.html (http://www.gwr.org.uk/pronbset.html)
I have to disagree with Robert S - the London sets were 5 coaches if I recall correctly. And yes the look of them is improved by close coupling.
Norman
Hi On RM web - link below, every day a school day the 4 car or "D" sets were a West Midlands concoction. Happy to sit corrected on 5s in London - makes sense with denser pouplation.
http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/70103-the-suburban-b-set-coaches (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/70103-the-suburban-b-set-coaches)
cheers
Robert
Very nice coaches, I still have my two BR ones bought at Warley on release day for the princely sum of £12 each, they don't cost much more than that now, what is it 14 years later?
Roy
Thanks all. I'm planning for BR maroon, so if necessary I can hook a BCK on the end of a B set, by the look of it.
Not the best of pics but here's my 64xx pannier with the B set in the bay on 'Kimbolted'
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/42/264-110816122401-42774240.jpeg)
Quote from: Newportnobby on September 18, 2018, 09:41:44 PM
Not the best of pics but here's my 64xx pannier with the B set in the bay on 'Kimbolted'
Ooooooh, a bit close to the baseboard edge there Mick :P :D
Quote from: tutenkhamunsleeping on September 18, 2018, 10:25:06 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on September 18, 2018, 09:41:44 PM
Not the best of pics but here's my 64xx pannier with the B set in the bay on 'Kimbolted'
Ooooooh, a bit close to the baseboard edge there Mick :P :D
Any fall from there is only 2 inches :P
:laughabovepost: :laughabovepost:
Quote from: Yet_Another on September 18, 2018, 08:10:28 PM
Thanks all. I'm planning for BR maroon, so if necessary I can hook a BCK on the end of a B set, by the look of it.
Yes, it was not uncommon to see B-sets strengthened with other vehicles.
(http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_08_2015/post-13188-0-37729500-1440606445.jpg)