N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 07:48:56 PM

Title: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 07:48:56 PM
Hello everybody,

As I'm sure we are all aware, Farish GNER MK4 coaches are very, very sparse. I have looked on Ebay etc. and there are some around, but to save me the hassle, I'm really, really tempted to substitute the Mk4's with Mk3's. I know this would be inaccurate and would bug many people. I'm just wondering if anybody else has done the same and used Mk 3 coaches with the Class 91 instead of Mk 4 coaches. Does it look fairly realistic?

Thanks very much,
Matt
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:04:22 PM
Hi Matt,

Compared to the differences between either a Farish Mk4 and a real Mk 4 I would say the differences between a Farish Mk 4 and a Farish Mk 3 are really pretty minimal..........well within rule 1, (say 0.1).

...dons bulletproof vest...........

Cheers  Jon  :)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: ScottyStitch on February 17, 2016, 08:05:23 PM
These are on EBAY just now....:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Graham-Farish-374-550-mk4-75ft-coach-tsoe-gner-374-378-mk3-75ft-coach-trfb-/281938246888?hash=item41a4d43ce8:g:IiEAAOSwB4NWvHN5 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Graham-Farish-374-550-mk4-75ft-coach-tsoe-gner-374-378-mk3-75ft-coach-trfb-/281938246888?hash=item41a4d43ce8:g:IiEAAOSwB4NWvHN5)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Adam1701D on February 17, 2016, 08:10:44 PM
I have to accept a degree of responsibility by releasing conversion sets to turn the Mk4s into Canadian "Renaissance" coaches, which were formerly Nightstar stock (and based on the Mk4).

The Farish Mk4 is actually a pretty good representation but does benefit from a BR Lines interior and blackened wheels. Perhaps GF will release a batch in Virgin Trains livery this year.
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Cooper on February 17, 2016, 08:17:31 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:04:22 PM
Hi Matt,

Compared to the differences between either a Farish Mk4 and a real Mk 4 I would say the differences between a Farish Mk 4 and a Farish Mk 3 are really pretty minimal..........well within rule 1, (say 0.1).

...dons bulletproof vest...........

Cheers  Jon  :)

:scowl: :telloff:
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: CaleyDave on February 17, 2016, 08:17:30 PM
Just after reading this thread I find a video related to the very subject!

https://youtu.be/bXFbKdCrlBM?t=2m29s

Whilst this is not a GNER example but an intercity this is how a 91 looks pulling MK3 coaches in real life.

The video from 1989 covering diversions on the East Coast Mainline and as such any electric trains are being hauled by class 47's. I believe this is just prior to the MK4 coaches and DVT's being delivered hence the makeshift HST DVT being used.
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:23:51 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:04:22 PM
Hi Matt,

Compared to the differences between either a Farish Mk4 and a real Mk 4 I would say the differences between a Farish Mk 4 and a Farish Mk 3 are really pretty minimal..........well within rule 1, (say 0.1).

...dons bulletproof vest...........

Cheers  Jon  :)

Thanks for this. I suppose if I can't get hold of a full rake of Mk4's, then a full rake of Mk3's will do just fine!  :worried: ;)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:28:08 PM
Quote from: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:23:51 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:04:22 PM
Hi Matt,

Compared to the differences between either a Farish Mk4 and a real Mk 4 I would say the differences between a Farish Mk 4 and a Farish Mk 3 are really pretty minimal..........well within rule 1, (say 0.1).

...dons bulletproof vest...........

Cheers  Jon  :)

Thanks for this. I suppose if I can't get hold of a full rake of Mk4's, then a full rake of Mk3's will do just fine!  :worried: ;)

....don't expect universal acceptance - but you and I will be cool with it  8)

Cheers Jon  :)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: G_N_E_R on February 17, 2016, 08:34:51 PM
The Mk4's are a swine to find, best bet is model shops which aren't online I find. I may have a rake of 8 Mk4's for sale not in correct formation in the near future... :-X
Kindest Regards
Philip
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:37:37 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:28:08 PM
Quote from: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:23:51 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:04:22 PM
Hi Matt,

Compared to the differences between either a Farish Mk4 and a real Mk 4 I would say the differences between a Farish Mk 4 and a Farish Mk 3 are really pretty minimal..........well within rule 1, (say 0.1).

...dons bulletproof vest...........

Cheers  Jon  :)

Thanks for this. I suppose if I can't get hold of a full rake of Mk4's, then a full rake of Mk3's will do just fine!  :worried: ;)


....don't expect universal acceptance - but you and I will be cool with it  8)

Cheers Jon  :)

I have just realised what your username is, and have also realised that just half an hour ago I was watching YouTube videos of your layout without noticing it was you who replied to my topic!  :D ;D ::)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:44:19 PM
Quote from: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:37:37 PM

I have just realised what your username is, and have also realised that just half an hour ago I was watching YouTube videos of your layout without noticing it was you who replied to my topic!  :D ;D ::)

Hey great!  Assuming you liked them!!  Which layout, Lofthole or Deansmoor?

Cheers  Jon  :)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:56:47 PM
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 17, 2016, 08:44:19 PM
Quote from: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 08:37:37 PM

I have just realised what your username is, and have also realised that just half an hour ago I was watching YouTube videos of your layout without noticing it was you who replied to my topic!  :D ;D ::)

Hey great!  Assuming you liked them!!  Which layout, Lofthole or Deansmoor?

Cheers  Jon  :)

Deansmoor if I remember correctly, and yes, I admire the skill and work that must've gone into it greatly! The signals were fantastic, the scenery was stunning and the layout design itself with the high level station and the low level mainline was fab!

Really loved it!
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: robert shrives on February 17, 2016, 09:16:04 PM
 Shame really as you can get the GNER 91 and DVT for a steal on several shop sites but coaches missing. Right about hunting about at Warley show I saw two rakes of intercity livery Mk4s - gone with in hours !  I have a set in Intercity complete with interiors and really the flush printing fits the bill well, not sure if a new top spec model is required but way it is made prevents modern coupling solutions.

Hopefully Bachmann will revisit and I guess the New VTEC livery will be a no brainer even if a bit visually challenging compared to the grace and style of the GNER livery - without pink doors ! the nadir has to be the poor Nat ex liveries and sisters in  grey dull, dull dull...totally uninspiring to model and travel on.
Robert   
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Maurits71 on February 17, 2016, 09:41:05 PM
yes, i bought 3 to complete my rack, but i think he had at least another 20 left.

i must say, i have bought all my mk4's on shows during the last year of so and every time I paid around a tenner each.

so to a certain degree It looks to me that there are plenty available but you need to go out.
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 17, 2016, 10:13:21 PM
Quote from: Maurits71 on February 17, 2016, 09:41:05 PM
yes, i bought 3 to complete my rack, but i think he had at least another 20 left.

i must say, i have bought all my mk4's on shows during the last year of so and every time I paid around a tenner each.

so to a certain degree It looks to me that there are plenty available but you need to go out.

I think I'll have to get myself to more shows if I want to find some!  ;D ::)
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: scotrail on February 19, 2016, 09:50:28 AM
I made the mistake of offloading 4 of these a year or two ago. Kicking myself now!
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 19, 2016, 10:00:07 AM
Quote from: scotrail on February 19, 2016, 09:50:28 AM
I made the mistake of offloading 4 of these a year or two ago. Kicking myself now!

Haha, I think I'd be kicking myself too! Still, they are about; It just takes some patience and an Ebay account! :D
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: G_N_E_R on February 19, 2016, 11:12:24 AM
Ebay item 272131861448 may be of interest to you... 8 gner mk4's
[/quote]

I've got my eyes on those, and am prepared to pay a silly sum of money for them :-[
Kindest Regards
Phil
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Clapford Junction on February 19, 2016, 01:26:16 PM
Quote from: G_N_E_R on February 19, 2016, 11:12:24 AM
Ebay item 272131861448 may be of interest to you... 8 gner mk4's

I've got my eyes on those, and am prepared to pay a silly sum of money for them :-[
Kindest Regards
Phil
[/quote]

Well you certainly won't be competing against me to get them, that's for sure! I haven't even ordered the Class 91 yet, and my wallet isn't all that bulky at the minute  :(

Cheers,
Matt
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: G_N_E_R on February 19, 2016, 01:30:35 PM
Phew!  :bounce: I'm winning those even if its the last thing I do!!
Kindest Regards
Phil

PS I'll let you know if I see any mk4's about, I've got a few spare I think!
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: davidinyork on February 19, 2016, 01:38:43 PM
Quote from: robert shrives on February 17, 2016, 09:16:04 PM
Shame really as you can get the GNER 91 and DVT for a steal on several shop sites but coaches missing. Right about hunting about at Warley show I saw two rakes of intercity livery Mk4s - gone with in hours !  I have a set in Intercity complete with interiors and really the flush printing fits the bill well, not sure if a new top spec model is required but way it is made prevents modern coupling solutions.

Hopefully Bachmann will revisit and I guess the New VTEC livery will be a no brainer even if a bit visually challenging compared to the grace and style of the GNER livery - without pink doors ! the nadir has to be the poor Nat ex liveries and sisters in  grey dull, dull dull...totally uninspiring to model and travel on.
Robert   

The Mk4s are decent enough models, but the Class 91 is fairly awful as is the DVT- would they re-release it now? It's pre-DCC and doesn't have lights.
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: Rabbitaway on February 19, 2016, 09:44:05 PM
Hi All

Strange how some of these old style tool GF coaches are so expensive on eBay

I sold a single BR blue grey mk3 sleeper coach, new in box for £22 a few months back

A lot more than expected!

Mk2s seem very expensive as well

Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: davidinyork on February 19, 2016, 09:49:41 PM
Quote from: Rabbitaway on February 19, 2016, 09:44:05 PM
Hi All

Strange how some of these old style tool GF coaches are so expensive on eBay

I sold a single BR blue grey mk3 sleeper coach, new in box for £22 a few months back

A lot more than expected!

Mk2s seem very expensive as well

It's where there is no more recent model, and the old ones aren't available new any more - Dapol have done Mk3s, but they haven't done the sleeper.
Title: Re: The 'Mk 4 shortage'
Post by: scruff on February 19, 2016, 11:12:30 PM
When I asked about them producing the sleeper a couple of years ago, They said they "might" but only after the TGS was released... So... Time will tell..

Cheers
Mark