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.



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

Quote from: Bob G on March 17, 2026, 10:52:50 PMSo if @Newportnobby Mick wasn't worried about the number, or looking underneath the chassis for (non-existent) pipes, then I guess he could just buy an unfitted third (second in maroon livery).

For a 3-car set currently a choice of 2 Comps with the same number or include a 3rd numbered as a non-fitted example. Neither quite right if you don't want to go to the trouble of renumbering...

Quote from: Bob G on March 17, 2026, 10:52:50 PM

Quote from: PLD on March 17, 2026, 09:58:41 PMThe ones labelled as "Push-Pull Composites" are numbered as fitted vehicles (the others are non-fitted so couldn't be used in Push-Pull mode) The only visible difference was an extra air Cylinder underneath and a couple of extra hoses on the ends...

So if @Newportnobby Mick wasn't worried about the number, or looking underneath the chassis for (non-existent) pipes, then I guess he could just buy an unfitted third (second in maroon livery).

It's a funny thing, that. When they're on the tracks you can't see underneath

Didn't work for me either. Luckily my buddy still had his mobile locksmith job, so he swung by and programmed the cheap jungle site fobs and gave me a good deal.

Quote from: PLD on March 17, 2026, 09:58:41 PMThe ones labelled as "Push-Pull Composites" are numbered as fitted vehicles (the others are non-fitted so couldn't be used in Push-Pull mode) The only visible difference was an extra air Cylinder underneath and a couple of extra hoses on the ends...

So if @Newportnobby Mick wasn't worried about the number, or looking underneath the chassis for (non-existent) pipes, then I guess he could just buy an unfitted third (second in maroon livery).

Given Dapol are not retooling the roof for the refurbished Gresley buffet, I doubt they are making the chassis any different for the push-pull variants (but let's see, nothing's been said so far).

Bob G

Quote from: Bob G on March 17, 2026, 05:08:06 PMI'm confused as to whether a 3-car push pull set would have had two composite coaches, Mick.
On the southern they had two car pull-push sets which were supplemented at peak periods by an all second compartment coach. I would have expected that configuration on the Midland too. The spare would have been piped underneath like the composite, to allow the driver in the driving brake second to still have control of his loco. The non-corridor second would be next to the loco.

I don't specifically know why Dapol labelled one of the composite coaches as push-pull but I suspect it is just the number applied. You could probably just get a second class coach 2P-010-007 or 008 to make a three car rake.

Both questions answered earlier in the thread...
DBT-C-C formation certainly happened (the "Welsh Dragon" - the only named Push-Pull service - was this formation). DBT-C-T was most common for a 3-coach set, however Dapol haven't included a fitted Third in this first round...

The ones labelled as "Push-Pull Composites" are numbered as fitted vehicles (the others are non-fitted so couldn't be used in Push-Pull mode) The only visible difference was an extra air Cylinder underneath and a couple of extra hoses on the ends...

Quote from: TeeCee on March 17, 2026, 07:39:35 PMHave you searched Google? There are various posts with instructions how to programme a new key fob.

Yes and they do not work, unless you have a programing unit which costs £1000 plus it can't be done.

Geoff

Have you searched Google? There are various posts with instructions how to programme a new key fob.

Good to see a pic of 41222 on the 'Newportnobby'

Theses are scans from the Railway Magazine from August 2020.


















I'm confused as to whether a 3-car push pull set would have had two composite coaches, Mick.
On the southern they had two car pull-push sets which were supplemented at peak periods by an all second compartment coach. I would have expected that configuration on the Midland too. The spare would have been piped underneath like the composite, to allow the driver in the driving brake second to still have control of his loco. The non-corridor second would be next to the loco.

I don't specifically know why Dapol labelled one of the composite coaches as push-pull but I suspect it is just the number applied. You could probably just get a second class coach 2P-010-007 or 008 to make a three car rake.

Best
Bob