Seems we ought to create a new thread for UK SPAM (Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models)[1] rather than clog @trainwaiting's threads up.
This morning's SPAM railtour, hauled by a an old kit built J63 and the original generation Minitrix dock tank (both using the same mninitrix chassis design) plus a couple of early Farish generic four wheelers.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-170226121029.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158149)
[1] Not Dolly Parton
Would Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
@EtchedPixels , has your kit built J63 featured somewhere else - it looks familiar?
Tim
Quote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
The relationship with Hornby ran from around 1973 to early 80s I think. There were Minitrix British models before and after the period when Hornby was involved.
There is a clue with the boxes, as the Hornby period models have red/yellow labels and box lids with "Hornby" in the branding :) , whist they are green/yellow labels before and after.
Do they count as ancient? Well the chassis for the class 27, Warship (older chassis version), Britannia, Ivatts, and the dock tank go back to the late 60s. I think the 9F was a little later. All based on German loco chassis The class 47, Flying Scotsman and A4 models are later still, pretty sure those later steamers came along post Hornby.
This was the chassis used for the class 27. (this set dates from around 1968).
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/medium_5885-210723211522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=133758)
The Warships used these chassis (older above and later version underneath)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/97/medium_5885-230720112651.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=97287)
.. and the 9F used this chassis
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-260420155311.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91760)
Quote from: Moonglum on February 17, 2026, 03:26:04 PM@EtchedPixels , has your kit built J63 featured somewhere else - it looks familiar?
Tim
I may have posted it somewhere ages ago - I don't remember.
Quote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Quote from: EtchedPixels on February 17, 2026, 04:17:15 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Oh dear. I have a lot in that category :-[
Quote from: Newportnobby on February 17, 2026, 04:19:38 PMQuote from: EtchedPixels on February 17, 2026, 04:17:15 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
I think it depends how old you are. To some "it's so old it doesn't even have a DCC connector" is a thing 8)
Oh dear. I have a lot in that category :-[
Those of us who have been modelling in N for a while probably all have Mick. Even though I have been a DCC convert for many years now, I have a fair number non DCC models including some of my old kitbuilds, a couple of Jubs the late Fred Hempsall repainted into BR green for me, some early Farish, a mint Lima 2-6-4T, Minitrix A3 and A4......in fact quite a list and I simply couldn't part with them.
Roy
I think that under current era generations anything prior to 2000 is old so perhaps prior to 1980 will be ancient.
I'm in the Club with some ancient models.
GE
I have always regarded the "Modern Era" of N Gauge starting in 1980, with the Farish 08, Mark 1 coaches and then a year later with the 47, 37, HST and so on...
For me that was when the hobby really took off instead of relying on whitemetal kits and Mehano GP-40 chassis.
I think I have quite a lot of SPAM material in my collection ... mostly wagons but a few locos as well. Wren-Lima, Hornby-Minitrix, some early Graham Farish/Grafar ...
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXcBvXe
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX8S4mz
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX7hj5n
Does anybody have the Holy Grail of ancient models, the Lima Class 31 in Spanish Railways RENFE livery?
Quote from: Adam1701D on February 17, 2026, 09:30:28 PMI have always regarded the "Modern Era" of N Gauge starting in 1980, with the Farish 08, Mark 1 coaches and then a year later with the 47, 37, HST and so on...
For me that was when the hobby really took off instead of relying on whitemetal kits and Mehano GP-40 chassis.
As far as diesel modelling in N was concerned most definitely, before that all there was available ready to run that wasn't a foreign loco in BR livery was the pretty poor Lima 31, and the better but quite expensive Mintrix Class 27 and Warship.
The 08, 47 and 37 followed (I think - I had one) by the 20 really opened the N gauge diesel market up as did the Mk1s (I still have my rake of early blood and custard ones).
Roy
All I can provide Adam
@Adam1701D is a picture.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/7169-180226105432.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158158)
I didn't know this version existed - until now!
Tim
Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 17, 2026, 04:06:50 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on February 17, 2026, 03:18:58 PMWould Hornby Minitrix count as Ancient?
Can someone suggest a date/year after which this description would not be applicable please.
Cheers!
The relationship with Hornby ran from around 1973 to early 80s I think. There were Minitrix British models before and after the period when Hornby was involved.
There is a clue with the boxes, as the Hornby period models have red/yellow labels and box lids with "Hornby" in the branding :) , whist they are green/yellow labels before and after.
Do they count as ancient? Well the chassis for the class 27, Warship (older chassis version), Britannia, Ivatts, and the dock tank go back to the late 60s. I think the 9F was a little later. All based on German loco chassis The class 47, Flying Scotsman and A4 models are later still, pretty sure those later steamers came along post Hornby.
This was the chassis used for the class 27. (this set dates from around 1968).
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/medium_5885-210723211522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=133758)
The Warships used these chassis (older above and later version underneath)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/97/medium_5885-230720112651.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=97287)
.. and the 9F used this chassis
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-260420155311.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91760)
[/quote
Well I have a soft spot for Minitrix Warships have quite a lot... a trio of 27s,kits with the 27 chassis a repainted 47 and all the steam versions.
Plus a pair of nicely restored Peco Jubilee's and quite a few Poole Farish.
They suit my needs quite well!
Most definitely SPAM, and one of the best CDN$5 purchases I ever made!
(And it still runs!)
The lima 31 was my first locomotive ever (but in BR blue) as part of a christmas present back in 19?? Alas I sold it before I'd ever tasted SPAM!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/192-180226202524.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158164)
Mine sadly died some years back, in the "funny smell, smoke and that's a ringfield motor that won't be coming back to life" way.
At least though it was easy to convert to DCC, and these days I guess you could fit one with sound
Nowadays I don't fritter my money away on SPAM :-X
Today's spam. White metal class 25 on a modified US style chassis, with a pair of Beaver Mark 1 suburban coaches.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-190226142047.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158170)
The perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/192-190226154252.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158172)
I think this has been posted before, but thought I would add it to this thread, she still runs, though the current draw is a bit high and she takes a bit to get going sometimes
She runs beautifully!
Quote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
That's a 2nd generation one with open frame motor? I had one of the originals with the plastic chassis and can motor. It fell apart after not much use, which was a shame as it had been a present from Dad. A few parts survive under other projects.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on February 19, 2026, 05:54:25 PMThat's a 2nd generation one with open frame motor? I had one of the originals with the plastic chassis and can motor. It fell apart after not much use, which was a shame as it had been a present from Dad. A few parts survive under other projects.
Yes appears to be 2nd gen with the open frame 3 pole
G.
Quote from: madchadbrad on February 17, 2026, 11:23:38 PMI think I have quite a lot of SPAM material in my collection ... mostly wagons but a few locos as well. Wren-Lima, Hornby-Minitrix, some early Graham Farish/Grafar ...
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXcBvXe
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX8S4mz
https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX7hj5n
I'm stunned at the amount of wagon liveries Lima produced! A very nice collection there! Kev E.
Quote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
I would have loved to run this with those mysterious CIWL Pullman coaches Gafar produced!
https://flic.kr/p/2j2XdjS
https://flic.kr/p/hUYroN
I have some of the Lima ones which are a bit more common. Never even seen one of the Farish ones in blue.
Here's a Farish blue luggage Pullman. I don't yet have a full parlour coach.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/5885-160326161752.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158742)
Quote from: madchadbrad on March 16, 2026, 02:12:03 PMQuote from: grumbeast on February 19, 2026, 03:43:29 PMThe perfect SPAM model a SPAM can :)
One of my dream locomotives I wanted as an 11 year old.. only had to wait 40 years! But here is an early Grafar 35001 'Channel Packet'
I would have loved to run this with those mysterious CIWL Pullman coaches Gafar produced!
https://flic.kr/p/2j2XdjSJ
https://flic.kr/p/hUYroN
I know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
Quote from: Roy L S on March 16, 2026, 04:42:08 PMI know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
I had four CIWL diners and two Baggage cars for a while. The Diners averaged £34 and baggage cars £17 when I bought them (2007-2012). I sold the entire rake in 2015 for £250. They were interesting, but not super high quality items, compared with today's paint and finishes. I find it difficult to eulogize over models that were simply rare.
At one time I had every Minitrix warship made, plus one that was allegedly never made. D815 Druid in Green. I had Ramsey's verify that it was indeed a real version, and not an aftermarket renumbering. But rare as it was, it didn't make huge money. I sold it for £104 (at a time when maroon Zebra were £60). Happy days!
Bob G
Quote from: Bob G on March 16, 2026, 05:25:53 PMQuote from: Roy L S on March 16, 2026, 04:42:08 PMI know someone who has a long rake of the Farish CIWL Pullmans, both saloons and a couple of brake ends I think 8 or 10 all boxed, lord alone knows what it would be worth to a collector, but it is irrelevant as quite understandably it isn't for sale!
I had four CIWL diners and two Baggage cars for a while. The Diners averaged £34 and baggage cars £17 when I bought them (2007-2012). I sold the entire rake in 2015 for £250. They were interesting, but not super high quality items, compared with today's paint and finishes. I find it difficult to eulogize over models that were simply rare.
At one time I had every Minitrix warship made, plus one that was allegedly never made. D815 Druid in Green. I had Ramsey's verify that it was indeed a real version, and not an aftermarket renumbering. But rare as it was, it didn't make huge money. I sold it for £104 (at a time when maroon Zebra were £60). Happy days!
Bob G
Agreed, they were basically just the bog standard pullman cars originating from the 1970s with a different livery, but for me regardless of that there is still a certain intrigue factor and I would be curious to know how many were actually made.
I am proud owner of 11 BR maroon Minitrix Gresley coaches, there were only ever 1,000 made of each type in the livery and for a time they fetched crazy money. They are beautiful coaches and were way ahead of their time when released back in the late 80s. I could never part with them regardless of value (or not) I value them for what they are.
Roy
[quote author=Roy L S link=msg=879828 date=1773690210
I am proud owner of 11 BR maroon Minitrix Gresley coaches, there were only ever 1,000 made of each type in the livery and for a time they fetched crazy money. They are beautiful coaches and were way ahead of their time when released back in the late 80s. I could never part with them regardless of value (or not) I value them for what they are.
Roy
[/quote]
I have a rake of minitrix teak coaches but just one of the maroon Gresley brake comps. They add variety to the Dapol Gresley brake comp as the minitrix ones have a longer baggage section.
Quote from: EtchedPixels on March 16, 2026, 02:58:41 PMI have some of the Lima ones which are a bit more common. Never even seen one of the Farish ones in blue.
One of these? I think they only did just the one coach!
https://flic.kr/p/hTDYmH
I have only ever found this one umber and cream Pullman from Lima:
https://flic.kr/p/i2SRYQ
The CIWL livery version in my case, where the single coach style and some UK full brakes and a 71 did nicely for the Night Ferry.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/222-170326135010.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158752)
Hi folks
There is a chapter of SPAM down here in Australia too. OZSPAM
Here is my current project a Minitrix K4. This was my very first N scale locomotive acquired in about 1976. The K4 Minitrix is not considered by the N Scale Encyclopedia to be a fine runner due to sub standard pickup issues. Adding to its running difficulties, my pulsed power supply used in its early days damaged the motor I think. I'm now determined to get this little beast running as best as I can. So far, I've cleaned all the contacts, lubricated it, and added a bit of wiring to help things along. Still a pretty ordinary runner though better than when I started my refurbishments. My next planned improvements include replacing the motor with a coreless motor, adding a simple capacitor 'keep alive' system in the tender, and replacing its pathetic headlight with a LED.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/4229-180326050138.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=158768)
A bit more about the K4 model. Interestingly, the K4 locomotive was largely used as the inspiration for the design of the A1 and A3 by Sir Nigel Gresley. It would seem that some of the fine looks of the Flying Scotsman have been inherited from the K4. Also, the Minitrix K4 shares the same motor and chassis as the first version Minitrix Britannia and it's an upgrade kit for this loco that I'm going to install. (TRAMFABRIEK).
Webbo