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 blur 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
Entering the SPAM game! Admittedly, I've been sitting on these for a while, but just got around to photographing them. Added a couple of Minitrix locos to the collection: a late Britannia and the trusty Dock Tank. Also includes a collection of (mostly) period-appropriate coaches and wagons too!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/11512-120526150825.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=159709)
The Britannia was a birthday present and works reasonably well. I knew the Minitrix locos were rather, erm, impressionist, but I didn't realise quite how high it sits above the coaches... Still, I rather like it!
The Dock Tank is in a more sorry state and doesn't really run - although I suspect all it needs is a good clean. Even if the motor is kaput, though, it doesn't really matter as I plan to swap to a Micromotor and add a Zimo DCC chip in the process. (Which combined are nearly twice what the engine was on eBay, and that included a few of the wagons! Oh well, can't put a price on happiness...) The Britannia will get chipped as well, eventually.
@TeddytheSpoon Fantastic models! Welcome to SPAM! I used to have one of the Dock tanks but unfortunately is has been lost to the mists of time.
Graham
My oldest was originally, 1974, a Fleischmann 7161 which rapidly became an ex LSWR S15 class thanks to a Langley kit still got it has had one replacement motor. Does 52 years count as ancient in N gauge?
@Dorsetmike ah the old P8 / BR 38 loco. Yeah they've been around forever.
Well, last week after several attempts in recent months to acquire various lots of ancient UK origin models on Yahoo Japan Auctions and always being outbid I finally acquired not one, but two objects of desire. Although I am definitely a follower of the principles of the Dean of the Faculty of Non Collectors John
@Train Waiting , in this case I could not help myself from acquiring both of these fine Peco Jubilees in what I believe may be nearly BNIB/Mint condition, almost as they were when they left the warehouse in Beer at a time many complete orbits of the sun ago.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/7694-130526161450-1597381617.jpeg)
Although on closer inspection, despite appearing to have hardly been run, one of them has had its coupling changed to a USAean type with the hanging down bent pin thingy for magnetic uncoupling. As you will note these are complete with a full set of Methfix transfers and optional double chimneys.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/7694-130526161458-1597391725.jpeg)
This evening I ran them both. A sticky start at first having clearly been a long time in their boxes - however once they got going they ran very well.
I do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Anyway, I am very pleased with this acquisition - and fear not they will be regularly run, pulling trains, not left sad and lonely in their boxes as part of a collection. This will be alongside another Jubilee I purchased not long back, that being one restored by
@Ozymandias of this parish,
Have Fun!
Colin.
Quote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PMI do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Roy L S seems to have covered the variations here;
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=867222
The gear coupled ones of which he speaks had their coupling rods only fixed firmly to the centre wheels, with forked ends engaging over the leading wheels' crankpins. The rods only "hovered" over the trailing wheels with a dummy boss stamped into the rod.
Quote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PM[...] Anyway, I am very pleased with this acquisition - and fear not they will be regularly run, pulling trains, not left sad and lonely in their boxes as part of a collection. [...]
Simply
SuperSpiffing, Colin.
Proper job!
It would be difficult to imagine an endeavour more aligned with the objects of both SPAM* and the Faculty of Non-Collectors. Tiny trains are meant to be played with, not left languishing in boxes.
*SPAM - The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models.
Congratulations on your aquisition.
With all good wishes.
John
Dean of the Faculty of Non-Collectors
@cmason yup, I always considered them the "Rolls Royce" of British N steam locos back in the day. Look after them, don't strain the motor as the commutator melts if overloaded, and watch out for brittle plastic especially the tender underframes. (Peters Spares probably still have replacements).
I remember original one cost me £26 in 1979 (I blew most of my week's wages from my summer job on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway :) )
When I migrated to European N I sold it off with all my other related locos and stock, but of course since then I've bought three (along with old Mx Warships and 27s) just because I loved them as models. One of them has had a motor-transplant with a coreless type now fitted.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/132/medium_5885-260523113245.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=132636)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/131/medium_5885-240423101617.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=131770)
Quote from: chrism on May 13, 2026, 05:00:55 PMQuote from: cmason on May 13, 2026, 04:42:55 PMI do have a question to the collective expertise of the Forum. The manual refers to them as Jubilee Locomotive "MKIII" - is their some history of different variants over time? Was there a MKI and MKII?
Roy L S seems to have covered the variations here;
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=867222
The gear coupled ones of which he speaks had their coupling rods only fixed firmly to the centre wheels, with forked ends engaging over the leading wheels' crankpins. The rods only "hovered" over the trailing wheels with a dummy boss stamped into the rod.
Thanks
@chrism - very interesting - so a jewel case MkIII dates these to 1977/8 when I was in the lower 6th form. Coming up to 50 years ago,
Colin.
I acquired a LMS black Jubilee "Renown" at a toy fair when I lived in Geneva ... ... I was hoping to build it a train of Howarth Stanier coach kits but the project t got sidelined by life in general and I had to wait until Farish finally produced their Stanier coaches before I could finally run it with a proper train ... by which time the layout was in storage in the garage and infested by mice and spiders ... so the dining table oval had to suffice! https://flic.kr/p/qzv44o
My first Jubilee cost me £12 second hand, can't remember where it came from though
Probably my very first 3 purchases in N gauge - Minitrix Ivatt 2MT, 9F and Britannia. All still running well albeit noisier than more recent offerings
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214536-1597431068.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214534-1597401240.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/264-130526214534-1597401686.jpeg)
They all look in good nick, Mick. You've looked after them well.
Cheers,
Chris
Ta, Chris. They're still in their original boxes, too
I still have a Minitrix A3 "Flying Scotsman" and A4 "Mallard" bought new in the late 80s so in the "jewel case" type box. Neither have been much used so both still in decent nick (a tiny bit of cosmetic "edgewear") and still run well. I have no idea why I kept them so long, neither is a very good representation of the real loco in model form, I guess it is a nostalgia thing :hmmm: .
I also have an old Minitrix A4, a present from Mrs Grumbeast from more than a few years ago. It still runs beautifully but I have no box (it was another surprise find, spotted by her at the back of a dark cupboard in a store in Exeter on a visit back to the UK in the 90s)
I know they aren't the most accurate but I think they do capture the overall look of the A4 well enough and I love it!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-140526143227.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=159752)
Funnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Quote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Quote from: madchadbrad on May 14, 2026, 09:03:33 PMQuote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Yes - on my last trip to our HQ office in Lausanne back end of last year I had some scheduling reason that I cannot remember to stay near GVA and took the chance to pop into town and look for the model shops. It was late in the day and I manage to get to a couple however it was nearly disappointing. There was Bollets Jouer which I had visited once before maybe 15+ years ago when they had much more N-gauge and I found the selection to be quite limited, mostly Fleischmann. And then there was Expertrains @ 8 rue de Berne where I had a good chat with the owner who has indeed largely transitioned to RC and planes - he was lamenting the decline in interest in trains and as such he has had to change his business model. I don't even think he has the company name on the street signange any more, although he has a massive model of a tank wagon (Gauge 1 maybe?) in the window - cannot miss it. Anyway in conversation it turms out he does have some N-gauge but largely not on display. So has dug several boxes of old inventory for me to dig through - a mix of Minitrix, Arnold &c. I ended up buying several items from him including this Arnold E16 that I have previously posted about here on the forum.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/158/7694-230326151610-1588351425.jpeg)
So worth a visit if passing - there is some treasure in those boxes, just need to ask.
There is a model shop that I do recommend if visiting Lausanne. I have been to it several times. Le TGV on Rue Saint-Martin. Significant quantities of 2nd hand N-gauge - bought my Krokodil there (also previously posted):
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/157/7694-090126135706-1572731391.jpeg)
Cheers,
Colin.
My Minitrix Mallard has worn it's traction tyres out, unfortunately. :(
Quote from: madchadbrad on May 14, 2026, 09:03:33 PMQuote from: TeddytheSpoon on May 14, 2026, 08:28:26 PMFunnily enough the Ivatt 2MT was my first N gauge purchase as well - and funnily enough, also bought second-hand in (or near) Geneva! Must see if I can dig it out of my folks' storage one of these days...
Geneva had 4 or 5 model shops with good stocks of railway models back in the 1990s and I bought quite a few British profile minitrix items there including a Flying Scotsman, Evening Star and Britannia ... now I think there's only one left! A couple of the others went over to the dark side of RC cars and planes ...
Yes, I grew up in Nyon and the one model shop they had there has done the same - seems to be a worldwide trend. Must admit I'm surprised it's still going, even without trains!
I must check out that Lausanne shop next time I'm there though...
Quote from: Bealman on May 15, 2026, 02:35:46 AMMy Minitrix Mallard has worn it's traction tyres out, unfortunately. :(
Easy to replace. :)
https://www.petersspares.com/p/trix-minitrix-e12087800-s-traction-tyres-for-britanniaa3a4-formerly-72087800-pk20-n-gauge (https://www.petersspares.com/p/trix-minitrix-e12087800-s-traction-tyres-for-britanniaa3a4-formerly-72087800-pk20-n-gauge)
I still have four Minitrix Britannias; all are runners (some better than others), though not now used, and all are chipped. The first was bought in 1975, the last 1989. They are all repainted and renumbered, though, and are mostly on, I think, the third set of tyres. My Dock Tank still exists under a class 04 brass body, but the 2MT and 2MTT are now gone, as are my original 9Fs.
I also have a P+D Marsh 'factory built and painted' cl 47 and Peak cast body, though currently no chassis for them. The peak went on to a modified cl 40 Poole chassis (and was written up in the Journal) after the original stretched Mehanoteknica chassis failed. They date from circa 1978.
I also still have, though not in use, some Poole early mk1s with the window 'strip'; they are all fitted with Ultima etched replacement underframes.
No doubt I also have some early Peco and Farish wagons hiding somewhere.
Martyn
Well I've just returned from a holiday in the Kawartha's (lake area in Eastern Ontario) which was lovely, and as I was only 1.5hrs away from a fairly famous model railway store, Larkspur line in Merrickville I thought I should visit.
What an amazing old fashioned full of everything kinda store! And the owner was friendly and welcoming (I was in the store for an hour and a half, chatting and browsing). There is a SPAM point to all of this I promise, but before that, if you ever find yourself within a couple of hours of Merrickville its WELL worth the visit.
There is a pretty varied quite large, new and 2nd hand selection of N scale (its mainly a HO store though), books, art, supplies. Just a ton of good stuff. But now onto SPAM.
First off, I found a locomotive I've been looking for for 30 years! In 1996 at my first show in Canada I bought an 8 car set of old Concor NYC passenger cars, The NYC J3a that went with it was wrecked so I didn't buy it (I'm an idiot!) but last week lo and behold a Dreyfus styled J3a for only $125CDN, but wait, upon testing part of the valve gear detached, so it needs work, so the chap said 'Its yours for $25!!). So I have a little work to do with this one. I'm unsure if its one of the pre-1987 or post ones (I suspect its 90s)
What a beauty!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-290526062344.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160000)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062441.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160001)
Now for something totally different and sold again at a very reasonable price because at the moment she doesn't run, but again a locomotive I've always wanted, A peco Jubilee, 5713 Renown to be precise!. I've not had time to open her up to see whats up, but she does seem in good cosmetic condition
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062732.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160002)
And finally, for only $65 each, and in the running order that you would expect from a Kato 2 F3s (from 1988 run I suspect) in the wonderful CN Green and Yellow livery. Both run beautifully though I think they would benefit from a service.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526063336.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160003)
I think they all qualify as SPAM and I look forward to bringing them fully back to life!.
Incidentally I also visited probably the most famous model train store in Canada in Markham, some good stuff, some N scale, very overpriced and absolutely terrible sullen service so I just left without buying anything, its worth the 4 hr drive to visit larkspur instead
G.
Bargains, mate. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
My own Peco Jubilee started life as maroon LMS loco.
Bahamas but was repainted by a late friend as
Renown complete with yellow warning stripe. It also developed running problems, but was fettled by
@Ozymandias of this parish.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/123/255-290522080212-123096907.jpeg)
Quote from: grumbeast on May 29, 2026, 06:36:14 AMa Dreyfus styled J3a for only $125CDN, but wait, upon testing part of the valve gear detached, so it needs work, so the chap said 'Its yours for $25!!). So I have a little work to do with this one. I'm unsure if its one of the pre-1987 or post ones (I suspect its 90s)
What a beauty!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/159/192-290526062344.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160000)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/192-290526062441.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=160001)
Interesting looking loco! But did the cab really have no forward-facing window in real life? How did the crew watch for signals?
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: grumbeast on May 29, 2026, 06:36:14 AMI think they all qualify as SPAM and I look forward to bringing them fully back to life!.
Great stuff, Graham.
On your behalf, I checked with Bertie Poppingham, Chairman of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Models (SPAM). Here is his response:-
"Absolutely, Old Thing. That streamlined Hudson is
SuperSmashing, the LMS class '5XP' 4-6-0 is
SuperSpiffing and the Kato 'F3' 'covered wagon' units are
SuperSplendid.
All qualify as SPAM. I am delighted beyond words that SPAM spans the globe and wish all my fellow SPAMERS every success with their absolutely fabulous projects.
With the very best of good wishes.
Tickety-tonk
Bertie
PS Is it Opening Time yet where you are? They're closed here and I rather fancy a snifter."
Well, Graham, that looks like a definitive answer to your query and all I can add is to reiterate Bertie's good wishes for your projects.
With all best wishes.
Toodle-oo
John
Great finds, Graham. Hopefully we'll see them running in the not too distant future
Quote from: Papyrus on May 29, 2026, 09:35:27 AMInteresting looking loco! But did the cab really have no forward-facing window in real life? How did the crew watch for signals?
No, they had roughly rectangular front windows about the height of the cab side windows.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Central_Hudson
Well I've had Renown apart and it seems her little heart is no more. The motor casing is loose and when I do manage to coax a little life out of it, its very very weak. Also the drawbar contact spring is broken.
Apart from that, and the fact she is filthy inside (aren't we all really though ;) I think she is in great shape (certainly the locomotive is very free running despite being one of the earlier models with the geared drivers.
Father's day is coming up and my wonderful daughter thinks a replacement micromotor one from Peter's spares will be an appropriate gift to give this lovely old girl a heart transplant. Can't wait to order it when I'm back from Toronto in a couple of weeks
G.
Quote from: grumbeast on May 31, 2026, 07:32:17 PMAlso the drawbar contact spring is broken.
Tender frames and conductors can be rebuilt - new unused spares are still out there.
Cheers,
Alan
@grumbeast https://www.petersspares.com/c/peco/peco-spares/peco-jubilee-spares?pg=3 (https://www.petersspares.com/c/peco/peco-spares/peco-jubilee-spares?pg=3)
Quote from: grumbeast on May 31, 2026, 07:32:17 PMWell I've had Renown apart and it seems her little heart is no more. The motor casing is loose and when I do manage to coax a little life out of it, its very very weak. Also the drawbar contact spring is broken.
Apart from that, and the fact she is filthy inside (aren't we all really though ;) I think she is in great shape (certainly the locomotive is very free running despite being one of the earlier models with the geared drivers.
Father's day is coming up and my wonderful daughter thinks a replacement micromotor one from Peter's spares will be an appropriate gift to give this lovely old girl a heart transplant. Can't wait to order it when I'm back from Toronto in a couple of weeks
G.
i enquired at tramfabriek about the peco coreless conversion kit--but they are no longer available--so that just leaves the peters spares version. Has anyone done it ? Any hints would be appreciated---like how to locate the worm on the motor--the right distance? Only i messed up a minitrx dock tank and the result was laughable.
I posted this little Minitrix dock tank when I got it a few months back, and had the daft idea to DCC-convert it. I doubt I'm the first to do so, but I haven't seen anyone post pictures elsewhere, so here's my latest attempt at preservation. It's also my first DCC conversion, but I wasn't too worried about making a mess of it since I paid 25 quid for the loco - and that included a trio of wagons too! :D
I swapped the motor out for a coreless one too. Rather than Tramfabriek I went for the Micromotor BR89/T3 kit, as it includes a rather smart resin housing that I figured I could plonk the chip on.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/11512-180726154113.jpeg)
The decoder used is a Zimo MX615, which must be one of the smallest ones on the market (8mm x 6mm). Don't look too closely at the soldering...!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/11512-180726154323.jpeg)
Once it was tested and confirmed to show life, it was tucked down on the front where the bulge is (oh, matron). Then it was wrapped in leccy tape and the body test-fitted over the top. It's a snug fit, but being so small it fits nicely into the space where the capacitor and suppression coil were on the original motor.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/160/11512-180726154419.jpeg)
Once I figure out what to do with the videos I took, I will post them here too - but it does work! The wheels took a bit of cleaning to get a good contact, but after running in a bit it runs like a charm. It can do slow running and it even goes pretty well over points. It's rather noisy (especially in reverse), but that will hopefully be improved with a drop of oil.
Was it worth it? Well, as mentioned I paid £25 for the loco and three wagons second hand... The decoder and motor combined were nearly double that :confused1: Then again, I'm not in this hobby to be making sensible financial decisions! And for my first conversion I'm quietly rather chuffed with it.
It has given me the confidence I need to convert my Britannia, which I really don't want to mess up as it's in much nicer nick!
@TeddytheSpoon be careful about fully enclosing decoders in tape - they may overheat. Yes you need to isolate from other metalwork but otherwise leave the decoder room to breathe :)
So who's getting a Dapol SPAM wagon? :)
Don't know how long I've had these, 1st time the large box they were in has been opened this century.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/491-300726111642.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=161117)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/491-300726111746.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=161118)
Here's one from another discussion
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/491-290726163142.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=161114)
Wow! That's some find :goggleeyes:
Meanwhile, here is an undercover peek inside the ramshackle, inefficient works that is SPAM Lindfield:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/2975-300726171347.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=161122)
Currently undergoing what is laughingly referred to here as 'maintenance' are no less than four Britannias. Quite why so many ended up shedded here is a mystery. Boudicca Boadicea in the box at the back is the one with the broken crank pin, but otherwise runs fine. She is going to have a chassis exchange with the next in line, Duke of Gloucester, who can cope with a modified motion. His chassis is currently a non-runner but the Chief Mechanical Eejit thinks it is only detached/missing wires. He (the Dook, that is...) also has a missing nameplate and chimney. Third in line is Firth of Forth, running status unknown, which is going to become Hereward the Wake. Finally, there is John of Gaunt. He is OK apart from the fact that he also is missing a nameplate and needs new traction tyres. The CME is losing brain cells and there are none left in the spares box but he's coping with the stress.
Talking of the DoG, does anybody know of a source for a double chimney? N Brass is no more, of course, and BHE don't do them.
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Papyrus on July 30, 2026, 05:38:18 PMTalking of the DoG, does anybody know of a source for a double chimney? N Brass is no more, of course, and BHE don't do them.
Cheers,
Chris
There used to be a double chimney kit for the Peco jubilee. Also isn't there a current Farish loco with a double chimney? Farish spares are pretty good source of bits. Failing that a dead Dapol 9F?
Bob
It's some years since I converted a Brit to the Duke, but I'm pretty certain the double chimney was from BHE. It came as part of a twin pack of some sort, possibly 9F detailing kit?
Martyn
Quote from: Papyrus on July 30, 2026, 05:38:18 PMQuite why so many ended up shedded here is a mystery.
Haven't you missed out a letter "r" there?
:D
Quote from: ntpntpntp on July 18, 2026, 05:11:14 PMSo who's getting a Dapol SPAM wagon? :)
Free publicity for this discussion thread!
First, SPAM Japan has just passed this Coronation Crewe via Poole machine through its heavy repair shop for replacement of a broken cylinder block:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726152903-161137667.jpeg)
Its numbered 6242 (City of Glasgow) in lined-black, however its carrying 6245 City of London name plates. So I understand its not as originally passed out from Romany Works, Poole.... ( historians of our scale such as John
@Train Waiting or Ian
@icairns may differ in that opinion ?)
Purchased from, I believe it was, eBay quite some many circumnavigations of the sun ago (am not exactly sure when since its before I started properly logging all my stock in an Excel workbook) it has been sitting waiting for this repair for quite a while. Work done and she turns out to be an incredibly smooth, for its era, showing surprisingly decent slow speed control. This even though I did not as yet put back that ugly black wire running between coal hole and coal hole which provides the additional 2nd side tender pick up.
So then what stock to run with? Well! the recent post from
@Dancess got me digging in the carriage drawer. I own almost no LMS carriages except these two. They were in fact purchased for butchery for conversion to push/pull in line with an article in Railway Modeller of many years ago. I did one of those (poorly) in my teens and actually have no idea where it went. However they have been saved from the knife by the recent Dapol announcement! Both in their card boxes, one even in the original velveteen!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726152902-1611351922.jpeg)
So here they are hooked up to 6242/6245 (pick a number or name according to your taste! ):
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726152906-1611381454.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726160913-161139418.jpeg)
And I do think it makes a really smart combination. Even to a dedicated adherent to the faith of that other big 4 company with lettering beginning with L such as myself....
Cheers,
Colin.
And I just found the LMS Driving Trailer conversion article - Railway Modeller May 1977:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726170150-161140304.png)
The unfortunate victim was one of my first two N-gauge coaches - purchased for me by my father from part of the proceeds of trading in the Hornby Double-O 3 rail in 1973 (I think?).
Colin.
Well done Alan, just love this thread :thumbsup:
When I get the chance I must dig out the collection of my old locos and rolling stock.
Sixteen or so years back I had a fetish for collecting Grafar and Graham Farish models, most were bought by traveling round to toy fairs and exhibitions. The ones that I decided to keep are pretty much in mint condition.
The rarest because of the fact it works with its original working mechanism and chassis, and in its box and sleeve, has to be the Golden Arrow SC, I have a collection of these and its the only one that is fully functional.
Dave
What a
SuperSpiffing job,
@cmason . Proper job! And tricky, too, as this is a four-cylinder locomotive. Still at least you would have lifted the boiler so re-erecting the inside motion would be easier.
I understand Mr Ivatt the Younger's lined black was the late Derek Cross' favourite livery. The 'Royal Scots' also looked good so adorned, especially the rebuilt ones.
Assuming the printing looks original, the non-matching name and number might have been a manufacturing error. I have an '00' Wrenn
Hurricane with something similar.
With all good wishes.
John
Quote from: Bob G on July 30, 2026, 05:57:29 PMThere used to be a double chimney kit for the Peco jubilee. Also isn't there a current Farish loco with a double chimney? Farish spares are pretty good source of bits. Failing that a dead Dapol 9F?
Bob
Thanks for putting me on a possible trail. FarishNSpares do a number of spare smokeboxes with double chimney for just a couple of quid or so. Worth buying one and getting to work with a razorsaw.
Quote from: cmason on July 31, 2026, 04:32:37 PM(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726160913-161139418.jpeg)
And I do think it makes a really smart combination. Even to a dedicated adherent to the faith of that other big 4 company with lettering beginning with L such as myself....
Cheers,
Colin.
I do agree with you there. The Duchesses are handsome looking engines, even to us Eastern types. The lined black livery suited them particularly well, I think.
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Papyrus on July 31, 2026, 08:42:23 PMQuote from: Bob G on July 30, 2026, 05:57:29 PMThere used to be a double chimney kit for the Peco jubilee. Also isn't there a current Farish loco with a double chimney? Farish spares are pretty good source of bits. Failing that a dead Dapol 9F?
Bob
Thanks for putting me on a possible trail. FarishNSpares do a number of spare smokeboxes with double chimney for just a couple of quid or so. Worth buying one and getting to work with a razorsaw.
Quote from: cmason on July 31, 2026, 04:32:37 PM(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726160913-161139418.jpeg)
And I do think it makes a really smart combination. Even to a dedicated adherent to the faith of that other big 4 company with lettering beginning with L such as myself....
Cheers,
Colin.
I do agree with you there. The Duchesses are handsome looking engines, even to us Eastern types. The lined black livery suited them particularly well, I think.
Cheers,
Chris
Chris agree with you there one beautiful loco. Try Lee farish n spares
At lprails who took over from Bob Russell
Lprails20@gmail.com
Quote from: Papyrus on July 31, 2026, 08:42:23 PMI do agree with you there. The Duchesses are handsome looking engines, even to us Eastern types.
Definitely - although I prefer the streamlined version myself.
Here's my collection covering most of the variations - streamlined, de-streamlined and never streamlined, with single and double chimney in each case where appropriate.
Not all (or, maybe, not really) SPAM, however.
The streamliners are all from Ross Teirney's kits fitted to modern Farish chassis.
The non-streamlined ones, whilst being either properly-Poole or the Chinese modified version, have all been modified by me - those that were never streamlined have had the running plate front filled in as Farish got that bit wrong, whilst the one that
is an ex-streamliner sports the flat-topped smokebox - which they all had until their next boiler replacement when they received a fully cylindrical smokebox.
Also, 6230
Duchess of Buccleuch has been given a 3D printed replacement smokebox with a single chimney.
They've also all had a respray and etched nameplates fitted.
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=867893
Quote from: cmason on July 31, 2026, 04:32:37 PMIts numbered 6242 (City of Glasgow) in lined-black, however its carrying 6245 City of London name plates. So I understand its not as originally passed out from Romany Works, Poole.... ( historians of our scale such as John @Train Waiting (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=6222) or Ian @icairns (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=3276) may differ in that opinion ?)
Instead of suffering the stifling heat of California in July, I am currently enjoying the stifling heat of south-west England in July. Anyone who has the bright idea of introducing air conditioning to the UK (or ranch salad dressing) could make a fortune!
Because of my current location, I am away from my reference documents at the moment but I will check when I get home if no one else responds to answer this question in the interim.
Ian
Some of us have air/air heatpumps (aka reversible aircon down under) and are feeling quite smug. I think it's going to get rapidly more popular than the orrible air/water stuff 8)
Quote from: cmason on July 31, 2026, 04:32:37 PMFirst, SPAM Japan has just passed this Coronation Crewe via Poole machine through its heavy repair shop for replacement of a broken cylinder block:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/161/7694-310726152903-161137667.jpeg)
Its numbered 6242 (City of Glasgow) in lined-black, however its carrying 6245 City of London name plates. So I understand its not as originally passed out from Romany Works, Poole....
6242 "City of Glasgow" was the only LMS Black release in the Poole era. (Ref 1811)
The "City of London" name first appeared on a Chinese made (old tooling) BR Green model as part of the Royal Scot Trainset (Ref 370-100)
So the two were never produced concurrently (and not even in the same country) so a Factory error is extremely unlikely. Far more likely to be an after-market name change without renumbering...
I have just read (twice) through all of this thread today, and I am still a tad unclear as to when an N-Gauge model qualifies as "Ancient". I would venture that it was any model produced before Dapol turned out its first N-Gauge models and Graham Farish was bought by Bachmann...
I first dabbled in N-Gauge in 1971 - my first locomotives were the Farish 94XX 0-6-0PT, a Minitrix BR green Class 27 BO-BO, and the Peco Jubilee 4-6-0 (5713 "Renown") in lined black... Most definitely a Rule One collection! My N-Gauge collection expanded over the following few years and ran on a 9ft x 2ft 6in layout. However I was never really satisfied with the running qualities of British outline N locos - and was always disappointed with the quality of the models coming out of Poole (both in appearance and running), compared to what was available from the likes of Fleischmann, for example. After five or six years, I went over to 4mm EM scale...
Then, on a long weekend break in Cornwall, when sightseeing in Truro, I spotted Dapol's exquisite 14XX 0-4-2T auto-tank and and also their 45XX 2-6-2T small prairies (both versions) and promptly bought all three models - and I have never looked bacK! So that's why I would regard any pre-Dapol / acquisition of Farish by Bachmann model as being "Ancient". I've nothing against any "ancient" model - I am ancient (80 years old) and my layout (Trewenn) is very firmly analogue!!!
(I still have those two small prairie tanks - they run beautifully (and slowly!), though their haulage capacity is limited to three coaches or about ten goods wagons.)
Anyone else followed a similar path?
Quote from: PLD link=msg=887215
6242 "City of Glasgow" was the only LMS Black release in the Poole era. (Ref 1811)/quote]
Farish also did no. 6255 City of Hereford in LMS black livery during the Poole era.
@Cols My first N gauge set was a Bachmann diesel freight set bought in Fiji in 1974, to which I added a Grafar Pannier tank and Spam Can which both fell apart quite rapidly whereas the cheap old Bachmann kept on going. The Minitrix models were far better than contemporary Grafar and Lima. My Rivarossi Jubilee was also excellent - the "Rolls Royce" of British N steam locos.
I converted to European N in the early 80s and have never looked back. I'm still running 70s Minitrix, Fleischmann, and Arnold alongside current models. I suppose I generally consider 60s and 70s models as Ancient :)
@Cols I have a similar story although I'm just a young whippersnapper of 72.
Started N gauge in the 70s with a Farish 94xx pannier, a 2 car class 101 alng with a Minitrix Britannia, 9F and 2MT tank. Apart from the DMU I still have them all and they run very well. Like you I also purchased the Dapol 14xx and a straight sided 45xx which run well but take off like scalded cats. I now have some 130 pieces of motive power with more on pre order
Like you, I am entrenched in the analogue camp and won't budge
@Newportnobby: My original Dapol locos (the Auto-tank, and the two Small Prairies) would also disappear over the horizon like scalded cats! However, they have calmed down, but it has taken nearly 25 years and a good Gaugemaster controller to achieve this state. I gave the Auto-tank to my son who is building a Western Region branchline terminus, but I still run the two Small Prairies on our Area Group layout and they perform well. Admittedly there's some wheel-slip when starting with any load greater than a B-Set or nine or ten goods wagons - but I have no need for them to be pulling any greater loads - my two Sonic Large Prairies will do that! I can also get the Dapol Prairies to run at not very much more than a scale walking-pace, but I rather think that it's result of over twenty years of "running-in"! One thing - these two Dapol locos are hardly ever oiled, and when they are, the oil is applied very sparingly via a 000 brush.
I did once own an ex-Poole/via China/Bachmann Prairie tank, but the only improvement that I could see was the new finer profile wheels, and it ran well - though, to me, it was still the ancient Poole horror with that abortion of a safety valve casing atop the boiler, with the wrong driving wheel spacing and wrong diameter wheels, and lacking in many details: I suppose that the 21st Century generation of N-Gauge locos has rather spoilt my view of what's gone before!
Quote from: Cols on August 05, 2026, 11:33:57 PM... ex-Poole/via China/Bachmann Prairie tank, but the only improvement that I could see was the new finer profile wheels
Whilst production of the Poole tooling in China did tighten up tolerances and finishes I always felt the finer flanges just made all the wheels look too small, especially front bogies :(
I'd already abandoned British N by then, though I did buy a Dapol 14xx and autocoach as it was cute :) and my example is quite controllable. I wasn't impressed by their 45xx but did like the 73. I've not been impressed with other Dapol steamers that have come my way - nice finish but indifferent running. To be honest it wasn't until I got hold of a Bachmann Tornado that I started to come round to the idea that British N was finally starting to catch up with European brands. Not enough to lure me away from Fleischmann and Minitrix etc. though.
The Bachmann chassis for the diesels were the big initial improvement I think, although still with terrible gears and while the BO-BO chassis was great they messed up the pickups on the others quite badly.
Seemed to take the Dapol 14xx and 73 to kick them up into actually fixing the look a bit.
My Minitrix 47 is still a better runner than anything I've had out of Bachmann or Dapol and it's running on dirty track is far better because of the weight and design.