Lets have a quick chat about the Class 91...

[G_N_E_R]

Hello all!
The Graham Farish class 91 RTR is a crass model, it isn't well assembled, the printing could be improved and, like the 90, the buffer beam really ought to be attached to the body not the bogie. The model is neither DCC ready nor does it have lights however, with a bit of modifying, it can be made to look up to date! Now there is another thread on here that speaks about crowdfunding a 91+Mk4+DVT rake but frankly that is highly unlikely. With the development of the 90 in OO gauge by bachmann perhaps they'll make a 91 after the 90 sees the shrink ray but I doubt it, the "Archbishop Thomas Cranmer" set simply took too long to sell, unlike the mk4s.

This image shows the 91's dismal front end out of the box:



And here it is, next to my detailed version: A good enough improvement I think



Criticism of the GNER 91 seems harsh in my opinion when compared to the swallow 91 from the nineties but I think the swallow worked better due to the white bogie as opposed to the black one on the GNER liveried models. Please see below:




If anyone is interested here is a video I just made in response to the other one on here, I even speak on camera!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNFCxqVJqJQ

All in all I think the 91 can be made to look good without too much effort hence there is no need for a new one to be tooled and made
Hope this helps someone!
Philip

[johnlambert]

That's some nice detailing work.  I think the Class 91 is a very handsome loco and it deserves a decent model, your changes really make a world of difference.

[PostModN66]

Nice work, thanks for video

Cheers Jon

[ntpntpntp]

Seen that image on Hatton's web site. It does seem to be a particularly badly made or badly posed example, as if the whole bogie/buffer beam  moulding has dropped/come unclipped somewhere?

[G_N_E_R]

Hello!
Thank you Jon!
ntpntpntp;
It looks to be the track thats not flat on the board, thats how I recreated quite such a result!
Regards,
Philip

[kirky]

Thanks @G_N_E_R for that, miost useful. Something else to add to the 'to do' list. I thgink one of the things that immediately improves the mkIV is adding seats which are cheaply available from br lines. But that is a big difference to the 91, much improved. I am duly inspired.
And one of these days I'll get round to converting from GNER to National Express which is a better fit for our era on Northallerton.
Cheers
Kirky

[njee20]

A marked improvement, nicely done. If you want to perform more drastic surgery the PH Designs etches for the class 90 lights fit, and make a huge difference.

[Jameswgm]

A marked improvement, nicely done. If you want to perform more drastic surgery the PH Designs etches for the class 90 lights fit, and make a huge difference.

Any pictures of the that modification? Have a spare 91 bodyshell I'm tempted to have a go at improving.

Regarding the mk4s; I have a full rake of 8 Intercity livery, old Poole made, which are very dated. Is it worth trying to pick up some of the newer GNER types? Or better adding vinyls/seats to the ones I have?

[jacowin80]

I have a class 91 with mk4's with Electra vinyl's into VTEC.  I only have a small layout at the moment but I think it looks fantastic (from a distance) and probably the only way to get this model for a long time.

[kirky]

I have a class 91 with mk4's with Electra vinyl's into VTEC.  I only have a small layout at the moment but I think it looks fantastic (from a distance) and probably the only way to get this model for a long time.

@jacowin80
pictuure please

cheers
kirky

[Jameswgm]

I have a class 91 with mk4's with Electra vinyl's into VTEC.  I only have a small layout at the moment but I think it looks fantastic (from a distance) and probably the only way to get this model for a long time.

Had the new Virgin livery in mind, I'd need to source some transfers, however the basic livery seems do-able for a relative novice to painting locos.
And like Kirkby, would also like to see the pics 

[jacowin80]

I have a class 91 with mk4's with Electra vinyl's into VTEC.  I only have a small layout at the moment but I think it looks fantastic (from a distance) and probably the only way to get this model for a long time.

Had the new Virgin livery in mind, I'd need to source some transfers, however the basic livery seems do-able for a relative novice to painting locos.
And like Kirkby, would also like to see the pics 

I'm having a quick look through my Google photos now to see if I have anything to show without me having to get it all set up to take photos.  I used the Electra website.  Excellent service and easy to do.  I'm happy with the result but it's not perfect upon close inspection.  I think this is more to do with my skills though.

[jacowin80]

Sorry for the delay @kirky @Jameswgm.  Not the best photo but should give you an idea.



Also a little video.

[kirky]

Sorry for the delay @kirky @Jameswgm.  Not the best photo but should give you an idea.



Also a little video.

@jacowin80
Very nice work that. Thank you.
If you can be bothered to scroll through some of Northallerton pages we have a couple of pics of an HST in the virgin swosh. Not vinyls though, a re paint by one of our guys.
Cheers
Kirky

[njee20]

A marked improvement, nicely done. If you want to perform more drastic surgery the PH Designs etches for the class 90 lights fit, and make a huge difference.

Any pictures of the that modification? Have a spare 91 bodyshell I'm tempted to have a go at improving.

Regarding the mk4s; I have a full rake of 8 Intercity livery, old Poole made, which are very dated. Is it worth trying to pick up some of the newer GNER types? Or better adding vinyls/seats to the ones I have?

for the etches fitted to the 90, see here. The same guy's done a 91, and it looks great, but not got photos to share! It's @cornish trains jez he's not often here, but may want to show his excellent work off...!

re: mk4s they've never actually changed the model, the only thing I'd do is change to newer blackened wheels and fit interiors.