Anyone know what the critical temperature may be before damage occurs to rolling stock and locos? My loft is currently 49'c most I can take is 5 minutes before I have to come down... got me wondering

Yes, I didn't choose an easy one, hence deciding not to bother. I think the easiest would probably to be 3D print a new body on a Farish underframe; with toilet retention tanks added. Last think I need is another project though!

Quote from: njee20 on July 11, 2026, 12:50:25 PMChris your contributions are becoming a bit like Google's AI. Lots of words only vaguely related to what's being asked! 

I looked at doing E21249, Tornado's original one, but the unique window arrangement meant I basically couldn't be bothered! I also preferred the look with all carmine and cream, rather than having one maroon coach in the rake, even if prototypical.

E21249 is awkward as it has extra windows in the van end, grills on the sides, one side window half whited out, and various other underframe cases and boxes. Plus LED tail lights on the ends!

Generally though, they aren't too much modified externally, except the addition of toilet waste tanks nowadays. 21096 (60007's support coach - currently out of action have new tyres fitted) is I believe the only Mk1 currently running on BR1 bogies with roller bearings, rather than oil axleboxes.

Chris your contributions are becoming a bit like Google's AI. Lots of words only vaguely related to what's being asked! 

I looked at doing E21249, Tornado's original one, but the unique window arrangement meant I basically couldn't be bothered! I also preferred the look with all carmine and cream, rather than having one maroon coach in the rake, even if prototypical.

Support coaches for both Tornado and Sir Nigel Gresley are on the to-do list. I've done some very basic research. Haven't taken it any further yet. I'm focusing more on my aircraft modelling these days.

For N gauge (2mm) modellers in the UK, orange cantrail stripes—which denote electrical warning limits near overhead lines on British rolling stock—can be sourced as ready-to-apply waterslide decals or thin self-adhesive strips.

The most popular options for upgrading N gauge locomotives and coaches include:Railtec Transfers

Offers multiple N gauge specific cantrail lining packs (such as Product 2mm-1008 and 2mm-1088) featuring ultra-thin, scaled orange warning lines.

Rainbow Railways: Supplies a generic N gauge Cant Rail Lines Transfer Pack containing multiple 20 x 150mm orange lines suitable for various BR and post-privatisation models.

Peter's Spares: Frequently stocks pre-sized Railtec Orange Cantrail Lining Decals in long continuous strips that you can trim to fit your specific coach or locomotive body length.Train-Tech /

 Upstairs Downstairs: Also lists Railtec Orange Cantrail Lining in their dedicated N scale detailing and spares sections.

Alternatively, many modellers choose to paint their own using a dedicated match like Phoenix Precision Paints "Cant Rail Orange" (Specification 81/500).


Railtec RT-2-1088 Orange cantrail lining Transfer –

https://railsofsheffield.com/products/railtec-2-1088-orange-cantrail-lining?


https://www.petersspares.com/p/railtec-2mm-1003-overhead-warning-electrification-flashes-decals-n-gauge

https://nebula.wsimg.com/eef2032150b62272c2ead3a497fd3a23?AccessKeyId=8C7C2C110638425F2686&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

BHE ft101
Cantrail lining
Part 6
Fao brian
Bhengauge@gmail.com

For Mk1 or Mk2 coaches acting as support coaches on the mainline, you would need to make sure they have an orange cant-rail stripe at gutter level, modern OHL warning flashes on the ends and toilet waste tanks installed.

Here are some pictures of Sir Nigel gresley's support coach, still running on BR1 bogies...

Oh dear! You lot must be melting! 31 degrees? We'd be shivering in Chez Bealman!

I recorded 41 degrees one January day a few years back.

We had 32 deg C yesterday. Are you near that in F?

             
Alan

Interesting question

     
Vintage train support coaches—
often converted from British Railways Mark 1 passenger brake vehicles—provide a mobile base for service crews, carrying spare parts, tools, and mess facilities for mainline steam operations.

Here is a breakdown of their main purposes and notable examples in the UK:Functionality : They serve as crew break rooms, kitchens, mobile workshops, and equipment storage during long-distance, mainline r?ailtours.Locomotive

71000 "Duke of Gloucester": The BR Class 8 ?Steam Locomotive Trust purchased and restored a Mark 1 coach stabled at the Tyseley Locomotive Works to support its operations.Locomotive 60163 "Tornado":

This mainline steam locomotive is supported by its own E35457 Mk1 coach, and a highly detailed model version has been produced

Locomotive 45596 "Bahamas": The Bahamas Locomotive Society operates a Mk 2a ?support coach (No. 14060) which operates from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway


                   
Vintage Trains uses converted BR Mk1 General Utility Vans (GUVs) and support coaches on their mainline steam excursions to house equipment, spare parts, and additional water tanks.


This support rolling stock extends their steam locomotives' operating range and allows them to bypass modern water towers on the rail network.

Key Facts About Vintage Trains' Support Fleet GUV Water Carriers: Vintage Trains (based at Tyseley Locomotive Works) utilizes authentic Mk1 GUVs—such as W96100—to carry large tanks of water to feed their express steam engines on long-distance tours


 Might be worth


Railtec Transfers https://share.google/aAY615metNXBvrrbB
https://www.railtec-models.com/catalog.php?type=5&gauge=2mm&theme=39


http://www.railtourinfo.co.uk/coach.html