The Lone Star OOO thread got me thinking. If I were to start a collection of the most significant British N gauge items of the last 50 years, what would be in it? Peco Jubilee (obviously), Farish 9400 tank (early version), possibly a Lima AL6 (class 86) in the early Wrenn Micromodels packaging, and maybe a Minitrix Britannia. Rolling stock - some Minitrix Mk1s, Farish Pullmans and early production Peco wagons. Any other suggestions? I'm thinking of models that actually raised standards in N gauge.
For me a big advance in N stock came when Farish introduced their Mk1 coach and, for the first time, we had a real British passenger vehicle accurate for scale, with a fitted interior and little details like 1st class and non smoking indications on the windows.
Before that we had had to put up with under scale coaches (for British prototype) from Lima or the better, but very basic, Minitrix vehicles.
P/S And the only 'choice' before these were introduced was either a composite or brake vehicle. Not a brilliant 'selection' to make up a prototypical train!
Quote from: belstone on July 07, 2015, 12:03:23 AM
The Lone Star OOO thread got me thinking. If I were to start a collection of the most significant British N gauge items of the last 50 years, what would be in it? Peco Jubilee (obviously), Farish 9400 tank (early version), possibly a Lima AL6 (class 86) in the early Wrenn Micromodels packaging, and maybe a Minitrix Britannia. Rolling stock - some Minitrix Mk1s, Farish Pullmans and early production Peco wagons. Any other suggestions? I'm thinking of models that actually raised standards in N gauge.
For me probably the biggest single advance for British N happened in 1976 when Farish introduced their "new" steam loco chassis replacing the rubbishy plastic ones. These chassis was well designed, reliable and worked pretty well even in three pole form. It stood the test of time for over 30 years through the five pole variants and upgraded incarnations of them continued to be produced by Bachmann until only a few years ago. This basic chassis design formed the basis of so many locos without which British N could never have grown in the way it did.
Roy
I know quite modern but since I have been in the hobby biggest steps forward (personal opinion):
Kato Eurostar
Outside Frame Class 08 by Farish
JJA Autoballest by Farish
Blue Pullman
Skyline2uk
I'll go with the Blue Pullman :drool:
But how about track. Peco flexible in the late 60s and in particular the long point and crossing. I reckon that planted the idea of realistic curves and sweeping landscape vistas in the minds of many innovative people back then. :thumbsup:
I would be tempted to say the new Jubilee as it was the first all-new steamer since Farish was taken over by Bachmann. Prior to that it had all be re-relases of old Poole-era models. This was the first one with details like separate handrails, finer wheels and all the modern specs that we now take for granted.
The Dapol 48xx/14xx auto tank and coach also deserves a mention as it was their first N gauge release. Arguably the entry of Dapol gave the whole scale a much-needed shot in the arm and encouraged Farish to up their game.
Whilst they have had their QC issues, the N gauge range would have been far poorer without their entry.
Quote from: Karhedron on July 07, 2015, 12:01:31 PM
I would be tempted to say the new Jubilee as it was the first all-new steamer since Farish was taken over by Bachmann. Prior to that it had all be re-relases of old Poole-era models.
That's not entirely true - the V2 was the first Bachmann released model. I think from what I've read that it was in the offing from Poole Farish but Bachmann scrapped the chassis designs and started a fresh. It was the first with separate handrails, can motor, finer profile wheels, etc.
The Jubilee was the first (Farish) with proper spoked wheels and was another step up worthy of being on the list as you say.
Cheers
Alan
Has to be Farish gears.
Never in the field of N gauge modelling has so much hair been pulled out by so many with few hairs anyway :laugh:
:laughabovepost: :smiley-laughing:
I've got drawers full of 'em! Locos with split gears, not hairs :worried:
Yep, definitely a British N icon.... split gears.
On ya, NPN. :thumbsup: :beers:
Very personal thing - icons. So everyone can record what stands out for them
For me, perhaps defining "icon" a little more broadly, it has to be Chee Tor. When I first saw it at a show, all those years ago, it was the first time I'd seen a layout with so much impressive scenery and then, as I watched, this tiny but lengthy train appeared and drifted through the scene. It's something that has stuck with me.
I appreciate that Chee Tor was 2mm not N gauge and that other layouts, equally impressive, have come along since, but as a lasting impression and encouragement to work in the small scale, it's definitely an icon for me.
Adrian
If we are allowed to name layouts (and why not indeed) then my vote is for Hedges Hill Cutting.
I have had the privilege of operating this small layout and was told this weekend that it more than 20 years young.
In my humble opinion it deserves a mention because it still makes even modern standard n gauge models look even better.
Skyline2uk
Quote from: Adrian on July 07, 2015, 01:44:03 PM
Very personal thing - icons. So everyone can record what stands out for them
For me, perhaps defining "icon" a little more broadly, it has to be Chee Tor. When I first saw it at a show, all those years ago, it was the first time I'd seen a layout with so much impressive scenery and then, as I watched, this tiny but lengthy train appeared and drifted through the scene. It's something that has stuck with me.
I appreciate that Chee Tor was 2mm not N gauge and that other layouts, equally impressive, have come along since, but as a lasting impression and encouragement to work in the small scale, it's definitely an icon for me.
Adrian
Chee Tor - I only saw it once but to me that was what N Gauge is all about - trains lost in the landscape in a way other sizes can not come close, let alone match.
Chiltern Green had the same effect on me.
Good idea for a thread.
For me, who came into the N Gauge world in the mid 90s, my icons are:
Farish 94xx - my first N loco
Dapol 14xx and Autocoach - as others have said, gave a much needed shot in the arm for N and launched Dapol as a competitor for GF, thus making GF up its game.
Farish V2 - the first ready to run loco with separate handrails - something which got me very excited at the time.
Peco Collett - a new ready to run loco from Peco after many years. At the time, an exciting prospect of yet a third company making RTR locos (sadly not to be).
Hi
For me
Icon 1 - Reliability of Minitrix locos in the 1980's
Icon 2 - Dapol's cardon drive shaft - such fun - but so much better than tender drives!!
Icon 3 The Brighton Bell - and carriage lighting in general.
Cheers
Mac :beers:
Agree with many of the above:
Rolling stock - it is those items that brought something new to the market so yes to:
Peco "wonderful wagons" - a little dated now but at the time the widest and most comprehensive range in the scale.
Peco/Riverossi Jubilee - So far ahead of it's time.
Dapol 48xx - not a great model in itself, but the first from a new entrant who went on to become the second biggest supplier. That competition is what drove Farish on to ever higher standards.
Farish Jubilee - Farish's response to Dapol's entry to the market.
People:
Andy Calvert - Many fine and varied layouts plus in his time as the N-gauge society Trade Officer responsible for the development of the Society range of kits.
Layouts:
I'll nominate
Andy Calvert's 'Nether Stowey' - for me that was the layout that proved that shunting WAS a viable prospect in N-gauge even with late 80s/early 90s locos if they were properly maintained.
'Kinlett Wharf' - overhead electrics done to a standard that put most 4mm attempts to shame.
'Littledale' (I think certainly "little" something) Settle & Carlisle based on the circuit in the early 1990s - the first layout I saw that really put the trains in the landscape.
I would add Vale of Oxbury to the list of iconic layouts. A lovely railway in a landscape.
The "icons" I would nominate for because they marked milestones in British N gauge over the years:
Peco's Fairburn and Hymek loco body kits - in the 60s, allowed models of British prototypes, albeit using continental European chassis, for those who only had a modicum of skill;
Wrenn/Lima's range, first introduced mid-late 60s;
Peco/Rivarossi's Jubilee, launched late 60s;
Farish's Holden tank and 94XX, in 1970/71;
Farish's "new" metal 0-6-0 chassis launched with the 94XX, late 70s;
CJM's renditions of several diesel classes from the mid-80s, using flywheel-driven chassis and other refinements;
Dapol's 14xx launched in 2003, first new loco by them in N;
Peco's 2251 0-6-0 - first mass-produced British outline DCC factory fitted loco;
Farish's Jubilee - the first of the all-new Blue Riband locos (with tender drive)
Farish's WD Austerity - first mass-produced British outline loco fitted with coreless motor.
Bassenthwaite Lake by Don Annison. IMHO the best representation ever of open water on a layout.
An "icon" for the wrong reasons - Poole's "one-size-fits-all" wheelbase for all it's Co-Co diesels, and I think you can even add the Class 40 1Co-Co1 and the Class 31 A1A-A1A to that list, too. The upshot was it meant that when a gear inevitably split you could easily cannibalize one from any other loco.
Matt
I would also like to nomimate the Graham Farish Black 5 of 1978 - the locomotive that launched a thousand kits!
I would add Graham Farish's DELTIC Prototype DP1. Never thought we would see a RTR version of that loco especially to the detail/quality of what was delivered.
Kind regards
Paddy
Dream It | Believe It | Achieve It
Great idea for a thread :beers:
For me the Hornby Minitrix diesels were indestructably reliable, so I nominate the Warship and the Class 27 (and yes I know 'indestructably' is a made up word, but it seems to be an appropriate description!).
From the modern era it has to be the Blue Pullman - it is superb
And finally one that hasn't been nominated by anyone else so far and that is the NGF itself. As an overseas based British outline modeller, it has provided me with indispensable help and advice. I am sure the same applies to UK based folks as well!
It's not British N gauge, but one iconic locomotive for me is definitely Minitrix PtL 2/2.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BsuVI16pOAM/R1sUkq90l8I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/-34-VwbpMow/s400/Minitrix+12017+-+PTL+2%2B2+%28Glaskasten%29+1909+-+K.Bay.Sts.B.+-+EP.I-5.jpg)
http://kbaystsb.blogspot.fr/2007/12/minitrix-12017-ptl-22.html (http://kbaystsb.blogspot.fr/2007/12/minitrix-12017-ptl-22.html)
http://kpev.blogspot.fr/2008/06/minitrix-12005-t2.html (http://kpev.blogspot.fr/2008/06/minitrix-12005-t2.html)
In the 90s I was impressed, and I'm still.
For British N gauge, I would say Dapol's Bubblecars.
And my heart would also choose Union Mills' Adams.
Quote from: Karhedron on July 07, 2015, 06:34:37 PM
I would add Vale of Oxbury to the list of iconic layouts. A lovely railway in a landscape.
Indeed it is very pretty, and exquisitely elegant in build. But for some reason I can't quite explain, when I got to see it in the flesh at Railex (Aylesbury) last year I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. Possibly the operations were just a bit slow for my taste. Maybe its the vast open spaces of remarkably uniform fields without much going on in them. Not sure.
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: captainelectra on July 07, 2015, 07:30:25 PM
I would also like to nomimate the Graham Farish Black 5 of 1978 - the locomotive that launched a thousand kits!
That's the one that started me on N Gauge, I still have it and it still runs (after several repairs that is).
So I certainly nominate it as an icon!
Ray
My twopenneth...I'll freely admit a number of these have already been chosen (the same reasons), but then again, they're icons aren't they?
The Minitrix Warship/class 27 - ubiquitous, ultra reliable and seemingly indestructible
The PECO Jubilee - way ahead of its time in terms of reliability and detail
The generic Farish 'big Four' carriage - still the starting point for scratch building and conversions
The Fleischmann DB class 218 - Although early, it seemed to find its way onto so many UK layouts as the 'visitor' in the 70s and the 80s - probably because it was so much more reliable than anything else available at the time!
The Kato Eurostar - okay it was 1/160, but a model of such quality of a prototype operating in the UK marked it out as something special
The Farish building range - they may have been crude, but how many of us started our modelling with these simple, but neat kits?
The Viking Porsche 911, Audi 100, VW 411 and Ford Capri set - how many of these were sold?
Quote from: Chetcombe on July 07, 2015, 08:27:59 PM
For me the Hornby Minitrix diesels were indestructably reliable, so I nominate the Warship
An underrated machine which would pull a house (almost literally).
I once deliberately tried to make it slip just to see how much it could pull - 15 coaches around TWO 180 degree first radius Peco Setrack curves without a problem. I couldn't try more as the back coach was no more than ABOUT 3 INCHES from the loco!
P/S Does anyone know how much that model could pull before it slipped (on straight, level track)?
Agree with Kato Eurostar and the Blue Pullman.
Also would add the Kato tram systems (track and trams) and Kato track itself.
What about the PECO wagon kits, even my ham fisted Cousin who was a die hard 00 fan could put one together that ran, but could not build a 00 kit to save his life.
Quote from: Pengi on July 08, 2015, 09:23:40 AM
Also would add the Kato tram systems (track and trams) and Kato track itself.
Hmm, not quite British? They'd definitely feature on a Japanese list.
Indeed - much of this list is influenced by the majority of us being British. I forgot a couple of real icons.
The Arnold V220 - There are many claims to be the first N gauge loco (amist the fog of scales in the early 60s), but this one has a pretty strong stake.
PECO track - used globally
The Kato 0 Series Bullet - chancing my arm here, but this has been in production for over 30 years in the country with the biggest N gauge market. It is a global icon, and the Japanese are hugely proud of it. Could this model be the highest selling N gauge model of all? It may have a rival in the form of the Kato class 103 EMU.
Quote from: Claude Dreyfus on July 08, 2015, 10:43:27 AM
Indeed - much of this list is influenced by the majority of us being British. I forgot a couple of real icons.
The OP did ask about 'significant
British N gauge items of the last 50 years.
Well the original post says "If I were to start a collection of the most significant British N gauge items of the last 50 years, what would be in it?"... Though if we're talking Japanese now, the C11 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=28579.msg315314#msg315314) mentioned recently should probably also be there.
Back on topic, I think I can claim to have at least one representative of British N-gauge production from each of the last 5 decades :beers:
Quote from: newportnobby on July 08, 2015, 11:04:37 AM
Quote from: Claude Dreyfus on July 08, 2015, 10:43:27 AM
Indeed - much of this list is influenced by the majority of us being British. I forgot a couple of real icons.
The OP did ask about 'significant British N gauge items of the last 50 years.
That's me told then... ;)
In seriousness, I missed that detail.
I have now put my money where my mouth is and bought a Peco Jubilee. Supposedly mint, boxed, never been run and seems cheap at £50. I'll see what actually turns up in the post. Next target - an early Farish Pannier or Holden tank in that lovely velvet-lined clear plastic box that Farish used in the early days. Not sure I'd dare actually try to run it though. Bzzz, crunch, whirr, screech.
The PECO Jubilee is a fantastic model especially given its age. It looks good, runs well and is seriously well made. Had a couple of Jubilees in my time and they were repainted in BR green. Sold mine and replaced them with the new BachFar Jubilee which is also lovely.
Paddy
I'm moving to a new workshop in October and there is enough space in the office for an 8x2 roundy-roundy layout. It might be quite fun to do a Seventies retro layout to run some of the oldies - Peco code 80 track, H&M Duette controller, Bilteezi card building kits etc etc. The Jubilee would look good with eight or nine Farish "mainline" coaches behind it.
Quote from: belstone on July 08, 2015, 05:43:11 PM
I'm moving to a new workshop in October and there is enough space in the office for an 8x2 roundy-roundy layout. It might be quite fun to do a Seventies retro layout to run some of the oldies - Peco code 80 track, H&M Duette controller, Bilteezi card building kits etc etc. The Jubilee would look good with eight or nine Farish "mainline" coaches behind it.
Cough, cough... that sounds a lot like HOLLERTON JUNCTION! :-[
Paddy
Quote from: Bealman on July 07, 2015, 12:48:34 PM
:laughabovepost: :smiley-laughing:
I've got drawers full of 'em! Locos with split gears, not hairs :worried:
Yep, definitely a British N icon.... split gears.
On ya, NPN. :thumbsup: :beers:
If you send them to Bob at BRLines he could, very probably, restore them.
I'd go for the Minitrix 2-6-2 Ivatt tank as my icon of choice. Anyone who got into British N Gauge in the 70s seemed to buy this as their first loco. Looked good, ran well, lasted forever. I got mine in 1977 (I think) and it's still going strong.
PW
A really interesting topic this is turning out to be.
Steam locomotive: PECO jubillee. Introduced in 1969 the standard was way ahead of any British or continental N steam loco of the time - and remained so for over 30 years. Just a shame PECO never exploited the tender and chassis to the full for other LMS types.
Diesel Locomotive: the original farish 47 introduced in 1981. Up to that time there were no decent representations of contemporary rolling stock, most (r-t-r and kits) were designed to fit around a chassis often looking terrible, Lima being the worst offender. The 47 was the first of many from farish during the decade, which allowed modellers the chance to model the 1980's railway fairly convincingly. - Late 1960's and 1970's railways too.
Wagon: N gauge society shark brake van. Though the kit is excellent its' not why I picked it. It pioneered more in its' production which was fairly uncommon for the time, being funded by subscription from NGS members as a private project led by Andy Calvert. Today we'd call that a crowdfunding project.
N gauge Person: Bernard Taylor. His work with TPM showed just how well you could model in N gauge. And the range still stands up well by today's standards and in some cases, better I think - take a second look at the 26 and 60 kits. And many scratchbuilt models too, such as his 150/2 sprinter.
Layout: I'm going for Acton Mainline. Again it showed how high a standard could be acheived in N; the superb buildings and redland tiles terminal, Richard Dockerill's rolling stock, especially his scratchbuilt 56, to name but three. I used to live in West London and passed through regularly on my way to work, and was always struck by how good the model was in comparison.
Manufacturer: CJM. Their models helped British N put its' best foot forward, with the likes of the channel tunnel rolling stock and layout, and their high spec bespoke locos. Many of the features we see today in mass produced N locos, like etched roof grilles were first seen on their models over 20 years ago. It also worth remembering that at one point, CJM were the only r-t-r british N gauge manufacturer producing models, until bachmann (very slowly) started graham farish production again.
Brain racked, I need a cuppa!
Carl
Quote from: paulprice on July 08, 2015, 09:32:51 AM
What about the PECO wagon kits, even my ham fisted Cousin who was a die hard 00 fan could put one together that ran, but could not build a 00 kit to save his life.
Although excellent kits (as discussed elsewhere) they suffered slightly from Peco making no transfers (or 'decals' as for some obscure reason they are called these days) for the kits and plastic wheels.
Had Peco done so, and supplied metal wheels, then yes, indeed they were very good.
Acton Mainline under a different guise is still on the go, its at Lincoln and Goole next year...................Rich puts in an appearance now and again!
"Retro modelling" is starting to sound appealing. Pick a date, and then build a layout using only products, materials and techniques which were available at that date. I've always wanted to build a Settle & Carlisle layout and my Peco Jubilee looks like a good starting point. I can probably stretch the available space to 10 x 3 which is an awful lot in N gauge.
My 20 N gauge iconic locomotives, in approximately chronological order:
1. Highfield freelance 0-6-0T on Minitrix T3 chassis - the first British outline RTR locomotive in N. Definitely produced in GER, Caledonian and NER liveries, and quite possibly a few more. How many of them still survive in running order, I wonder? I have one in NER livery, and I'd love to find a few more.
2. Highfield Stockton & Darlington long-boilered 0-6-0 (now available from B H Enterprises) - the first British outline locomotive kit in N, and what an inspired choice! OK, so the prototype had inside cylinders and the Arnold chassis has outside cylinders, but that's just fine details and doesn't matter, because it still manages to capture the essence of the "Hippopotamus" ....
3. Graham Farish 94xx 0-6-0T with original can motor - the first mass-produced British outline RTR locomotive in N
4. Peco Hymeck white metal kit - the first British outline diesel
5. Lima Class 86 - for many years the only RTR British outline overhead pantograph electric prime mover in N. Definitely a model ahead of its time.
6. Peco Jubilee, because it changed the rules of the game for ever
7. Cav'n'dish GWR 0-4-0T - the first British outline kit locomotive to make use of the Arnold pug chassis (yes - they beat Peco to it - but only by a month or so!)
8. Minitrix 9F. OK, so who cares if it's just a Britannia body shoved onto a German 2-10-0 chassis, and all the dimensions are out, it STILL looked the part. I mean, just LOOK at all those wheels!!! And WHAT a performer!!
9. Graham Farish Class 47. The diesel that you just cannot be without, no matter what (unless, like me, you're only interested in kettles ... )
10. Graham Farish 4P 4-4-0 - because going 4-coupled was one heck of a bold move. And then when they did the blue ones ... well, who CARES that it wasn't an accurate prototype for either the Caley or the S&DJR? ... We'd never DREAMED we'd see either of those liveries in a mass-produced N gauge RTR locomotive, and yet here they were!
11. Graham Farish Inter City 125 ... because HSTs are iconic, end of story.
12. ABS "Flatiron" 0-6-4T kit. There is something about the "Flatiron" ... and whatever that something is, the ABS whitemetal kit captured it to perfection. It's a shame we don't see more of them at work, truly it is.
13. N Brass Locomotives RTR "Coal Tank" 0-6-2T. Never heard of it? No ... few have. Fewer than two dozen were ever produced. But ... it was the second RTR model produced by N Brass, and signalled that they were a serious manufacturer and their RTR products were here to stay ... or at least, they would have been, if only the Farish factory hadn't closed and the supply of mechanisms dried up. It was the first (and still the only) British outline RTR 0-6-2T. What more can I say?
14. Union Mills J39. The locomotive with which the Isle of Man manufacturer announced its arrival on the British outline RTR scene, still in production despite the arrival of the Bachmann Farish version. When Lima and Minitrix had gone, and Farish was relocating to China, in those dark days at the turn of the Millennium, Union Mills alone was still producing British outline RTR locomotives; and if I could only choose one locomotive to signify Union Mills, this would be it.
15. Union Mills D20. On the other hand, if I'm allowed to nominate more than one Union Mills locomotive, the D20 has to be up there as well. The first UM 4-4-0; and Colin Heard had the courage to offer it in NER livery too (when, of course, you should call it an R class rather than a D20) ...
16. Dapol Terrier. Have you ever SEEN something so small?? And it runs!! And pulls a reasonable load, too. And the steady progression of different identities in Stroudley's "improved engine green" ... what's not to like??
17. Dapol M7 0-4-4T. A new manufacturer trying to carve a niche in the market needs to offer something just that bit different ... and BOY was the M7 different. It had a round-top boiler, which was a nice change from all those Belpaires. It was a brand new wheel arrangement which we had never had in N before. And it put a smile on the faces of all those who complained that the trade never did anything for the Southern fans ...
18. Bachmann Farish 08 class diesel shunter. FINALLY we have outside frames and proper cranks for the coupling rods ... and doesn't it look AMAZING!!
19. Bachmann Farish Deltic. Because ... well, just because.
20. Etched Pixels 2-4-2T kit. A locomotive from Etched Pixels? Yeah ... it's a new departure. And here too we have a brand new departure - a wheel arrangement never before seen in N. A GER locomotive type that ran well into BR days, so any steam buff can have one ... as long as they're modeling the flat lands of East Anglia ...
Quote from: PGN on July 08, 2015, 10:57:02 PM
5. Lima Class 86 - still the only RTR British outline overhead pantograph electric prime mover in N
Apart from the Dapol 86 and Farish 87 (out of production but still in stock in various places)?
Edited to add: and Farish 90 and 91, though those are too modern for me ;)
I do have a fondness for the Lima 86 though (I seem to have acquired 3 of the things, though two of them are earmarked for painting experiments).
Quote from: PGN on July 08, 2015, 10:57:02 PM
18. Dapol 08 class diesel shunter. FINALLY we have outside frames and proper cranks for the coupling rods ... and doesnt' it look AMAZING!!
Um, the 08 is Farish.
OK - thanks for those corrections - I'll go back and amend my list. (Diesels and electrics aren't really my thing, you know ... and modern catalogues are so expensive I no longer tend to browse through them)
Quote from: railsquid on July 09, 2015, 12:49:18 AM
Quote from: PGN on July 08, 2015, 10:57:02 PM
5. Lima Class 86 - still the only RTR British outline overhead pantograph electric prime mover in N
Apart from the Dapol 86 and Farish 87 (out of production but still in stock in various places)? Edited to add: and Farish 90 and 91, though those are too modern for me ;)
I do have a fondness for the Lima 86 though (I seem to have acquired 3 of the things, though two of them are earmarked for painting experiments).
Quote from: PGN on July 08, 2015, 10:57:02 PM
18. Dapol 08 class diesel shunter. FINALLY we have outside frames and proper cranks for the coupling rods ... and doesnt' it look AMAZING!!
Um, the 08 is Farish.
And, sadly, HUGELY out of gauge, as I discovered the moment I took mine into the station.
"The train standing ON Platform One is the Farish 08"! :D
Now confined to goods and loco yard though it is certainly a lovely little loco.
Quote from: D1042 Western Princess on July 09, 2015, 08:24:49 AM
And, sadly, HUGELY out of gauge, as I discovered the moment I took mine into the station.
"The train standing ON Platform One is the Farish 08"! :D
Now confined to goods and loco yard though it is certainly a lovely little loco.
Seems perfectly prototypical to me ...
I have fond memories of Cambridge station in the early 1970s, with two and sometimes even three 08s at work all at the same time, shunting the sidings between the platform and the cattle market, and the sidings which served the banana warehouse.
Quote from: PGN on July 09, 2015, 11:03:49 AM
Quote from: D1042 Western Princess on July 09, 2015, 08:24:49 AM
And, sadly, HUGELY out of gauge, as I discovered the moment I took mine into the station.
"The train standing ON Platform One is the Farish 08"! :D
Now confined to goods and loco yard though it is certainly a lovely little loco.
Seems perfectly prototypical to me ...
I have fond memories of Cambridge station in the early 1970s, with two and sometimes even three 08s at work all at the same time, shunting the sidings between the platform and the cattle market, and the sidings which served the banana warehouse.
All perfectly true but as mine was to be 'station pilot' it would have been shunting parcel vans and adding sleeping cars etc., for which duties it would have needed to enter the platforms. Sadly the outside cranks meant it hit the platform edges! :-[
So, in true railway modeller fashion I had to buy another loco for the duty, hence my Class 14 which is about 3 years outside its true operational period on the Western Region but what the heck! ::) I'll turn a blind eye to that one! :)
You could always buy one of the late model Graham Farish Class 08s without outside cranks . . . or a Class 03.
Quote from: Chris in Prague on July 09, 2015, 11:16:33 AM
You could always buy one of the late model Graham Farish Class 08s without outside cranks . . . or a Class 03.
Thank for that, but I have already got nearly 10% of my fleet as NON Diesel Hydraulic - many more would drive me to drink! :beers:
I understand but the WR had a large fleet of Class 03s with a few lasting well into BR Blue days.
[smg id=9297 type=preview align=center width=400]
[smg id=789 type=preview align=center width=400]
;D ;)
Now that's what I call a bargain. Mint, boxed, wheels are absolutely immaculate so I don't think it has ever been run, complete with transfers, optional double chimney and guarantee card. Purchased new from Pecorama in August 1989, probably for about what I paid for it. Anyone know when production ended? I'm trying to resist the temptation to knock off work early so I can go home and try it. And not sure if I dare try applying the transfers - anyone know if Methfix transfers still work after 26 years? It looks a bit unfinished without them.
(http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx178/glencoyne/jubilee%20002_zpswq5jsbln.jpg)
Quote from: belstone on July 10, 2015, 12:42:31 PM
Now that's what I call a bargain. Mint, boxed, wheels are absolutely immaculate so I don't think it has ever been run, complete with transfers, optional double chimney and guarantee card. Purchased new from Pecorama in August 1989, probably for about what I paid for it. Anyone know when production ended? I'm trying to resist the temptation to knock off work early so I can go home and try it. And not sure if I dare try applying the transfers - anyone know if Methfix transfers still work after 26 years? It looks a bit unfinished without them.
(http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx178/glencoyne/jubilee%20002_zpswq5jsbln.jpg)
Nice. - it's rare now to find one with the transfers unused and the double chimney included!
Always thought it odd that they bothered to produce the double chimney and included it with all liveries when it is only correct for a single loco and only in BR green livery which they never released... :doh:
When you put the transfers on, don't forget that for the truly authentic look you should put a different number on each side and whatever number/numbers you choose, you should use the name "Leander" (because that seems to be what's been done to at least 3/4 of he ones that turn up second hand... ::)
Quote from: PLD on July 10, 2015, 01:08:34 PM
Nice. - it's rare now to find one with the transfers unused and the double chimney included!
Bit of a dilemma here. I'm not a collector by nature - about the first thing I normally do with a new loco is throw the box away. But as soon as I cut up that transfer sheet and run this loco on a layout, it's just another second-hand Peco Jubilee. I might have to buy another one for everyday use :)
26 year old Methfix transfers SHOULD be fine ... just don't assume that the soaking times will still be the same, and use your own judgment.
I agree with PGN about the Dapol Terrier, I am amazed that they were able to make it at all.
Other favorites are the Peco Jubilee, the Minitrix A4s, Farish crabs, 37s and the prototype Deltic.
I do think the newer locos are getting better and better, my Farish Standard Class 5 is superb.
:NGaugersRule:
Quote from: belstone on July 10, 2015, 02:11:47 PM
Quote from: PLD on July 10, 2015, 01:08:34 PM
Nice. - it's rare now to find one with the transfers unused and the double chimney included!
Bit of a dilemma here. I'm not a collector by nature - about the first thing I normally do with a new loco is throw the box away. But as soon as I cut up that transfer sheet and run this loco on a layout, it's just another second-hand Peco Jubilee. I might have to buy another one for everyday use :)
Umm, sell the current one to finance the purchase of just another second-hand Peco Jubilee? I'm also of the persuasion that if it's not running (or serving as a spare parts donor) it's pretty useless. You only go through life once, if gazing at something static doesn't float your boat why bother keeping it around?
Quote from: railsquid on July 10, 2015, 05:17:18 PM
Umm, sell the current one to finance the purchase of just another second-hand Peco Jubilee? I'm also of the persuasion that if it's not running (or serving as a spare parts donor) it's pretty useless. You only go through life once, if gazing at something static doesn't float your boat why bother keeping it around?
You're right. Poor little thing has spent the last quarter of a century in a glass cabinet being stared at. It needs to feel the rails under its wheels. I gave it a few drops of oil and tried it - bit stiff and arthritic at first (like me) but quickly improved. It really needs a good running-in session, but I wonder if a new BachFar loco would work if you stuck it in a cabinet for 25 years first.
Run and enjoy her - that is what she was made for.
Kind regards
Paddy
Quote from: belstone on July 10, 2015, 08:03:22 PM
Quote from: railsquid on July 10, 2015, 05:17:18 PM
Umm, sell the current one to finance the purchase of just another second-hand Peco Jubilee? I'm also of the persuasion that if it's not running (or serving as a spare parts donor) it's pretty useless. You only go through life once, if gazing at something static doesn't float your boat why bother keeping it around?
You're right. Poor little thing has spent the last quarter of a century in a glass cabinet being stared at. It needs to feel the rails under its wheels. I gave it a few drops of oil and tried it - bit stiff and arthritic at first (like me) but quickly improved. It really needs a good running-in session, but I wonder if a new BachFar loco would work if you stuck it in a cabinet for 25 years first.
That's the thing! How many Peco Jubilees, Minitrix, early Farish (even where split gears have to be replaced) still run - I think there are rather a lot?
A bit like Hornby Dublo in that respect - and probably similar in detail - but they still run and pull like, well... A train!! How often do we read of recent Dapol/ Farish expiring very quickly - and how do you fix them?
Union Mills (never tried, but all of the accounts I have read seem very good) - again, possibly akin to Hornby Dublo?
How much detail is actually needed in N? - I would much rather have something that works (and is easy to fix when it does wear out) than detail which breaks off sometimes before you even get it out of the box).
So I went onto Ebay looking for a rolling road (running in locos on a 7 foot end to end track gets very boring, very quickly) and ended up with this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221846992221 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221846992221)
That's another N gauge icon ticked off the list. Hoping it's a really early one, not the plastic chassis version.
This is starting to look interesting. I just dug up the first review of the Pannier, Model Railway Constructor July 1971. They liked it. RRP was £5.99 which is the price printed on the end label of the box on this one. By September 1971 the RRP had dropped to £5.79, so it looks like this one might be from the first couple of months' production.
Quote from: belstone on August 08, 2015, 11:38:31 AM
This is starting to look interesting. I just dug up the first review of the Pannier, Model Railway Constructor July 1971. They liked it. RRP was £5.99 which is the price printed on the end label of the box on this one. By September 1971 the RRP had dropped to £5.79, so it looks like this one might be from the first couple of months' production.
Easy to tell if it a first production model. It will have a metal keeper plate, sprung couplings, gear coupling between rearmost two sets of drivers (no layshaft) and proper coupling rods (no open ends) connected to the centre wheelset (On the next very poor plug together chassis incarnation the centre wheelset floated). They also came in the small hard plastic box with card outer sleeve rather than the later flimsy plastic tray in longer card box. The first is an altogether better model.
Roy
Sorry, just seen the ebay link. It certainly looks like an original Pannier to me. Nice find!
Roy
This is an original, and better still, one with the thicker gears and original style with crank pins on all wheels.
Pretty rare in that condition - while plastic chassied, not the same as the ones that lose their rods willy nilly due to split gears within their plastic chassis.
Good find (I've never seen one in that condition in 17 years of N gauge modelling) - keep her safe, and be super careful if dismantling for maintenance - the plastic chassis can be fragile!
Cheers,
Alan
I've got a couple of them, one has original box and sleeve but not in as good condition as the one here. As you say Alan these originals are a rare enough find, probably only made for a couple of years if that before the plug together chassis variant replaced it, but even more so with packaging in that kind of condition. I wonder how many were made and how many survive..
Roy
P.S. the chassis on the next variant is very different employing a lasyshaft with a worm on each end as part of the drivetrain. With this one the drive is from a spur gear off the motor dropping down to a single worm which then drives the front gear in the geartrain.
Roy
The same seller has a nice looking early Holden tank, GER livery, same style packaging. I'm trying to ignore it.
Quote from: belstone on August 08, 2015, 12:53:51 PM
The same seller has a nice looking early Holden tank, GER livery, same style packaging. I'm trying to ignore it.
That will be full of split gears almost for certain!
Cheers,
Alan
Quote from: Dr Al on August 08, 2015, 12:57:28 PM
That will be full of split gears almost for certain!
Cheers,
Alan
The one I had for (I think) my seventh birthday managed three full circuits of my layout before the transmission let go. It was second hand though.
Quote from: Dr Al on August 08, 2015, 12:57:28 PM
Quote from: belstone on August 08, 2015, 12:53:51 PM
The same seller has a nice looking early Holden tank, GER livery, same style packaging. I'm trying to ignore it.
That will be full of split gears almost for certain!
Cheers,
Alan
The very first Holden Tanks had drive gears integral with the axle!
I have a mint runner in BR black with the later gear pushed on the axle. I rarely use it - I daren't but I have another slightly less loved one which came to me with the mechanism in a real gunky state. I cleaned it all out expecting instant failure but in spite of the usual reputation for gears splitting it just keeps on going!
Roy
Quote from: sp1 on July 11, 2015, 08:32:17 PM
Quote from: belstone on July 10, 2015, 08:03:22 PM
Quote from: railsquid on July 10, 2015, 05:17:18 PM
Umm, sell the current one to finance the purchase of just another second-hand Peco Jubilee? I'm also of the persuasion that if it's not running (or serving as a spare parts donor) it's pretty useless. You only go through life once, if gazing at something static doesn't float your boat why bother keeping it around?
You're right. Poor little thing has spent the last quarter of a century in a glass cabinet being stared at. It needs to feel the rails under its wheels. I gave it a few drops of oil and tried it - bit stiff and arthritic at first (like me) but quickly improved. It really needs a good running-in session, but I wonder if a new BachFar loco would work if you stuck it in a cabinet for 25 years first.
That's the thing! How many Peco Jubilees, Minitrix, early Farish (even where split gears have to be replaced) still run - I think there are rather a lot?
A bit like Hornby Dublo in that respect - and probably similar in detail - but they still run and pull like, well... A train!! How often do we read of recent Dapol/ Farish expiring very quickly - and how do you fix them?
Union Mills (never tried, but all of the accounts I have read seem very good) - again, possibly akin to Hornby Dublo?
How much detail is actually needed in N? - I would much rather have something that works (and is easy to fix when it does wear out) than detail which breaks off sometimes before you even get it out of the box).
I have a habit of collecting old Hornby Dublo, and it never ceases to amaze me how even the most battered examples with even minutes of work, actually work.
I've got a watch on that Holden tank too, Belstone.
I currently have three, all running beautifully (one renumbered, and one sitting as part of a boxed train set); and I'm thinking of taking this rather dusty looking one and repainting it in wartime grey livery.
I noticed the 94xx too, and I'm glad it went to a good home.
p.s. I've not forgotten that I had something I was going to send to you ... just been a little bit busy lately
Quote from: belstone on August 08, 2015, 11:13:37 AM
So I went onto Ebay looking for a rolling road (running in locos on a 7 foot end to end track gets very boring, very quickly) and ended up with this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221846992221 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221846992221)
That's another N gauge icon ticked off the list. Hoping it's a really early one, not the plastic chassis version.
Nice find Richard - did you get it?
Also, don't want to divert the thread away from the topic, but do consider DCC Concept's rolling road. Perhaps not the cheapest but I'm very happy with mine and they are extremely useful little bits of kit to have.
Dan
I should add - I've just received my Bachmann Farish N class mogul (SECR livery, obviously) - and I think that this is going to become an instant icon of N gauge.
It is, quite simply, AMAZING.
I don't get too excited about over-fastidious detail, because when running on a layout you don't see it. But the detail is there for those who do get excited about it.
What I get excited about is the running, and OH! how it runs!!!
INCREDIBLY smooth, wonderful starting and even better stopping (there's a flywheel in there, isn't there??). For those who enjoy running their trains at tortuously slow crawls, it will deliver the tortuously slow crawl to end all tortuously slow crawls. For those who like their trains to belt along at a fair old lick, it will belt along at a fair old lick. And it'll do everything in between, transitioning easily and effortlessly between them, making sensible use of every setting on the controller dial along the way.
And how does it pull? Does its pulling power let it down, or ... ?
Well, let's just say I started loading it up with old Farish generic bogie coaches. 12 was no problem. 15 was no problem. 18 was no problem. At 20 I ran out of coaches. It started the train with only the slightest of wheel slippage (but certainly no spinning) and then lifted them away easily and confidently. I don't see the point in testing it any further, to find where the limit of its traction actually lies. Who runs 20+ coach trains, single headed, on their layouts?
If you have ANY excuse whatever for running one (or more) of these beautiful locomotives on your layout BUY ONE NOW!!!
That's all I have to say on the subject ...
After that amazing review, I hope there will be some left by the time I can afford one 😄 the new Farish locos are very good indeed. My last purchase was a Standard class 5, also with a flywheel motor and it is superb.
Quote from: PGN on August 09, 2015, 11:05:11 AM
there's a flywheel in there, isn't there??
Nope, there's no flywheel. Just a smooth running coreless motor and double reduction gearbox.
Quote from: PGN on August 09, 2015, 11:05:11 AM
At 20 I ran out of coaches
Just be careful not to start stretching the traction tyres!
Cheers,
Alan
Quote from: PGN on August 09, 2015, 11:05:11 AM
I should add - I've just received my Bachmann Farish N class mogul (SECR livery, obviously) - and I think that this is going to become an instant icon of N gauge.
It is, quite simply, AMAZING.
<snip>
If you have ANY excuse whatever for running one (or more) of these beautiful locomotives on your layout BUY ONE NOW!!!
That's all I have to say on the subject ...
I'm trying to resist the N-class mogul but I have to agree, on the basis of the one I saw running in my local shop, that it runs like a dream. I do want one rather badly even though I don't think they ever worked on Western Region trains in Warwickshire in the 1960s.
Well, John, could one have worked an Inter-regional goods through to the Birmingham area? I have heard that the Late BR Crest ones are running out of stock but there are plenty of Early Crest ones (I'm still mulling over buying one). The model 'N' looks far more attractive than the full-size prototype!
Quote from: johnlambert on August 09, 2015, 06:04:43 PM
I do want one rather badly even though I don't think they ever worked on Western Region trains in Warwickshire in the 1960s.
I have a couple of 'spots' of N's at Oxford in the 60's, John. Both were on passenger services from the SR.
The next icon of N will have to be the pendolino, going by what the CADs look like it's going to blow everything else out of the water.
Alistair
No pressure then Ben/Mike ;D
Actually I have to agree, if it comes up to Rapido's usual standards (and I don't doubt that with the dynamic duo above involved) then it will truly be a milestone for N :thumbsup:
Paul
I'm really hoping my next iconic N gauge item will be either something from D.J. Models or the Dapol West Country/Battle of Britain. I've wanted a spam can for years but didn't want to go for the MN Farish have recently released, preferring the 'lighter' version - especially with the name of 'Spitfire'. The Dapol class 33 is also eagerly awaited but will probably be an equal to their class 26/27 so I wouldn't consider that an icon.
Hope yer not turnin' into a collector, there, Mick....
Hope to see the new stock in operation on the layout(s) :thumbsup:
George
Quote from: Bealman on August 10, 2015, 10:45:46 AM
Hope yer not turnin' into a collector, there, Mick....
George
Go and wash your mouth out with soap or I'll mention The Ashes, George :P
What about rollingstock? Are there certain runs or sets that are sought after?
Quote from: Hyperion on August 11, 2015, 01:34:21 AM
What about rollingstock? Are there certain runs or sets that are sought after?
Minitrix gresley coaches in BR Maroon are very rare and sought after - only one run of them done.
Cheers,
Alan
Forthcoming icon prediction: watch out for the RTR Dean Goods, which should finally arrive in September!!
Quote from: PGN on August 14, 2015, 08:34:27 AM
Forthcoming icon prediction: watch out for the RTR Dean Goods, which should finally arrive in September!!
Union Mills? I look forward to seeing it. A great choice, surprising it has taken so many years for Mr H to pick a GW prototype!
Roy
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 09:39:38 AM
Quote from: PGN on August 14, 2015, 08:34:27 AM
Forthcoming icon prediction: watch out for the RTR Dean Goods, which should finally arrive in September!!
Union Mills? I look forward to seeing it. A great choice, surprising it has taken so many years for Mr H to pick a GW prototype!
Indeed! And I for one will be buying one the month it comes out!
It's often been said on the forums that the UM mechanisms are too big to fit into the low, flat tenders commonly used on small GWR engines. I wonder how Colin H. has worked around this?
Cheers, NeMo
Since there has been talk of Farish's second loco, the Holden Tank but no pics up to now I will add one.
[smg id=28143]
In the hard plastic box is an original in GER livery. These have a subtly different chassis to the next variant. The keeper plate has squared off ends, the later one's taper plus the earlier one has gears integral with axles, the later's ones are a push fit onto axles (cheaper I am sure but a bit dire in the robustness stakes). Both of these are runners, the blue one is very noisy (Wifey wondered what the noise was and it scared the cats in the next room!) the black one as I mentioned elsewhere is actually a very nice runner in spite of having clearly previously having a hard life! I also have squirreled away an absolute mint BR one which also runs well but most of the time I'm too scared to run it given that mech's reputation for fragility!
I have included by way of comparison one of my original 94xx Panniers, this shows just how tiny the Holden is (look at those wheels) quite an achievement for 1972. Wouldn't it be nice if BachFarish surprised us with a state of the art one for the 50th anniversary of Farish N?
Roy
Quote from: Hyperion on August 11, 2015, 01:34:21 AM
What about rollingstock? Are there certain runs or sets that are sought after?
I'm not sure about sought after but I'd have thought that the Graham Farish 'Blue Ribband' Stanier or Mk1 coaches deserve 'iconic' status with their flush glazing, separate hand rails, close coupling mechanisms and NEM pockets. Were these the first N gauge coaches to offer all these features?
I think the Minitrix Gresley coaches might also deserve the icon label for being nicely detailed and finished by the standards of the day.
I'm not sure if there are iconic N gauge wagons but I'd be tempted to nominate the Peco wagon kits for offering a cheap and easy introduction to kit building, painting and detailing.
I agree with you, John, on all of your above points.
I like the old Farish Pullman coaches even though they look as though they've been printed with a John Bull printing set :D It would be nice if Bach/Farish did them again to modern standards, they'd look very nice behind a Merchant Navy.
As a matter of interest does anyone know if the newer Mk1 Pullmans were ever pulled by Merchant Navy locos during BR days?
Quote from: johnlambert on August 14, 2015, 10:53:46 AM
Quote from: Hyperion on August 11, 2015, 01:34:21 AM
What about rollingstock? Are there certain runs or sets that are sought after?
I'm not sure about sought after but I'd have thought that the Graham Farish 'Blue Ribband' Stanier or Mk1 coaches deserve 'iconic' status with their flush glazing, separate hand rails, close coupling mechanisms and NEM pockets. Were these the first N gauge coaches to offer all these features?
The Staniers are lovely coaches but I think Dapol may have got the drop on Farish with their Gresleys which also have all those features.
Regards
Roy
Roy
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 10:14:57 AM
this shows just how tiny the Holden is (look at those wheels) quite an achievement for 1972
The Holden body casting is really pretty good, and could still stand well in amongst more modern stock with only a minor amount of detailing.
The chassis is the thing - if there was a suitable modern replacement that could be shoehorned into the shell it could be a great little model. I just don't know that there is such a chassis - anyone tried it or got ideas?
Cheers,
Alan
Quote from: Dr Al on August 14, 2015, 11:15:56 AM
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 10:14:57 AM
this shows just how tiny the Holden is (look at those wheels) quite an achievement for 1972
The Holden body casting is really pretty good, and could still stand well in amongst more modern stock with only a minor amount of detailing.
The chassis is the thing - if there was a suitable modern replacement that could be shoehorned into the shell it could be a great little model. I just don't know that there is such a chassis - anyone tried it or got ideas?
Cheers,
Alan
Hi Alan
The Dapol Terrier I think has been suggested?
Regards
Roy
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 11:41:23 AM
The Dapol Terrier I think has been suggested?
Regards
Roy
Pretty sure the wheelbase/diameter is all wrong?
cheers,
Alan
Quote from: Dr Al on August 14, 2015, 11:43:52 AM
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 11:41:23 AM
The Dapol Terrier I think has been suggested?
Regards
Roy
Pretty sure the wheelbase/diameter is all wrong?
cheers,
Alan
Hi Alan
You are right I am sure, but possibly a compromise some might accept?
It was always a disappointment to me they the Holden wasn't reintroduced but clearly that was down to limitations of the "new" 1975 style chassis which would never have fitted. I have to confess I wasn't aware that the Holden tooling had been wrecked when adapting for the original "General Purpose" Tanks but there are only minor detail differences between the two so makes sense.
However today it is a different matter, the 03 and 04 shunters show what is possible by way of micro-engineering compared to which I am sure a Holden Tank would be a comparative breeze!
Oh well, I can dream on I guess, we do have a J72 to look forward to (and I am!). I'm just going to have to keep those little Holdens well looked after!
Regards
Roy
Keep the chassis and substitute a modern can motor? Is there one that will fit?
And Roy - it was the "Standard Tank" (which was on old,can-motor model) which was made by butchering the Holden moulds. The "General Purpose" tank was a brand new model (but no less freelance and generic) produced when they introduced the open-frame motors.
Quote from: PGN on August 14, 2015, 11:55:01 AM
Keep the chassis and substitute a modern can motor? Is there one that will fit?
The gearing and wheels are pretty terrible by todays standards also - it would really need a complete replacement chassis IMHO.
Cheers,
Alan
Quote from: PGN on August 14, 2015, 11:55:01 AM
Keep the chassis and substitute a modern can motor? Is there one that will fit?
And Roy - it was the "Standard Tank" (which was on old,can-motor model) which was made by butchering the Holden moulds. The "General Purpose" tank was a brand new model (but no less freelance and generic) produced when they introduced the open-frame motors.
Hi PGN
Of course it was yes, I stand corrected. I have just had a "body count" and have no less than 6 LMS Standard Tank bodies in various states of repair, their chassis long gone to the parts bin in the sky, most without their chimneys. I think I may even have a working one somewhere!
Roy
Quote from: Dr Al on August 14, 2015, 11:56:30 AM
Quote from: PGN on August 14, 2015, 11:55:01 AM
Keep the chassis and substitute a modern can motor? Is there one that will fit?
The gearing and wheels are pretty terrible by todays standards also - it would really need a complete replacement chassis IMHO.
Cheers,
Alan
Agreed, it is really the chassis design that is the weakness (especially later ones) the motor is actually comparatively good. Maybe a fold up etched chassis could be a solution with 2mm wheels/gears (or these days even 3D printed ones?).
Roy
Apologies if it has already been suggested on here, but how about the Peco Collet goods as an N gauge icon? First British r-t-r loco fitted with a decoder as standard, and a level of detail that has been a benchmark for everything produced since. Not that I'm biased in any way.
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 11:03:00 AM
Quote from: johnlambert on August 14, 2015, 10:53:46 AM
Quote from: Hyperion on August 11, 2015, 01:34:21 AM
What about rollingstock? Are there certain runs or sets that are sought after?
I'm not sure about sought after but I'd have thought that the Graham Farish 'Blue Ribband' Stanier or Mk1 coaches deserve 'iconic' status with their flush glazing, separate hand rails, close coupling mechanisms and NEM pockets. Were these the first N gauge coaches to offer all these features?
The Staniers are lovely coaches but I think Dapol may have got the drop on Farish with their Gresleys which also have all those features.
Regards
Roy
Roy
Good point, Roy. I'd forgotten about the Gresleys despite owning several.
Quote from: SidmouthJunction on August 14, 2015, 12:14:21 PM
Apologies if it has already been suggested on here, but how about the Peco Collet goods as an N gauge icon? First British r-t-r loco fitted with a decoder as standard, and a level of detail that has been a benchmark for everything produced since. Not that I'm biased in any way.
A nicely made loco and with inclusion of DCC very innovative if maybe a tad early (DCC has certainly take off since). Pricing at £130 plus was a major issue for many especially as it included the then by many unwanted chip in the price. However in the intervening period maybe that gap would have narrowed if compared to Chinese made items and DCC fitted is much more common.
Biggest thing that put me off though was the tender, it simply dwarfs the loco. I know there has been much debate about which type of GW tender it is supposed to represent and that using a larger one was said to be necessary to get all the mechanism and gubbins in in but even if the type was seen behind the loco it was extremely rare and untypical for the class.
Roy
The loco which converted me to N gauge was the Dapol 9f!!!
The level of detail was stunning and I just had to have one!
Then I had to build a layout... coff.....
Mine has always run superbly and looks fantastic with 7 coaches behind...
Yeah.... it's a very good model.
Quote from: Roy L S on August 14, 2015, 12:38:45 PM
Quote from: SidmouthJunction on August 14, 2015, 12:14:21 PM
Apologies if it has already been suggested on here, but how about the Peco Collet goods as an N gauge icon? First British r-t-r loco fitted with a decoder as standard, and a level of detail that has been a benchmark for everything produced since. Not that I'm biased in any way.
A nicely made loco and with inclusion of DCC very innovative if maybe a tad early (DCC has certainly take off since). Pricing at £130 plus was a major issue for many especially as it included the then by many unwanted chip in the price. However in the intervening period maybe that gap would have narrowed if compared to Chinese made items and DCC fitted is much more common.
Biggest thing that put me off though was the tender, it simply dwarfs the loco. I know there has been much debate about which type of GW tender it is supposed to represent and that using a larger one was said to be necessary to get all the mechanism and gubbins in in but even if the type was seen behind the loco it was extremely rare and untypical for the class.
Roy
Surely it would be possible nowadays with improved miniaturisation to produce a scale-size tender which contained everything necessary including a DCC chip socket? If only Peco would restart production (even by contract manufacturing in China) I'm sure they would sell plenty of these Collett 0-6-0s.