Hi All,

I'm hoping someone who owns a buffer-fitted Dapol GC / Virgin / Network Rail HST power car will be able to provide me with the only three pieces of information that, despite extensive web and even image searches using various search terms, don't seem to be on the internet!

I'm trying to establish whether the buffer-fitted version of the Dapol Class 43 is:

a) designed to take a NEM coupling on the front end (so it can be hauled around)
b) a motorised or dummy power car
c) able to swap chassis with a standard power car if you want to motorise / de-motorise it.

Many thanks!

JB

Quick answers -
I have a NR set,
a, No but a possibility could be to acquire a spare bogie with couping mount or just the moulding? not sure, others may know better
b, buffereed power car is the powered one
c, I would be surprised if the chassis were not interchangeable especially as it is the motorised chassis in the buffered one and the FGW power cars are non buffered - this suggests they are interchangeable!

Hope this helsps a little

Best wishes
Simon

The Dapol dummy PC is exactly the same underneath, it's just a power chassis without the motor and driveshafts


Paul

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the quick reply! Certainly answered my questions!

Looking at the few side-on photos of these models that I can find, it does look like it might be possible to attach some sort of arm to the front bogie with a coupler pocket on the end of it, ideally setting it up so that it can be removed when not in use.

Chassis interchangeability makes sense then if the buffered P/C is the powered one; I can't imagine Dapol would design and manufacture two separate types of powered chassis for what is essentially the same model. A non-powered chassis might have been a different matter.

Anyway thanks again for such a quick reply, think I'll take the plunge for a second Virgin HST. Just need Dapol to re-issue the Virgin HST Mk3s now (due for 2014 I think)... In the meantime it'll give me a spare set of power cars for variety.

Cheers,

JB

Edit: Thanks Paul as well. Wsn't sure for the buffered version as I thought it might have a slightly modified chassis.

I have another question. Now that I've just purchased a buffer-fitted Virgin HST, how would I go about ensuring SWMBO can never, under any circumstances, be allowed to realise that I've got two Virgin HSTs?

Is there a CV I can set? Should I keep a powerful flashlight in my railway room so I can dazzle her if necessary?

(Just kidding, she loves that I'm "into trains" and understands there's nothing she can do about it  )

JB

Hehe same here, trains preferrable to pubbing!!

I have display cases up the stairs and put in a new acquisition on the quiet recently, she spotted it and asked about it. I tried the old ' had it ages' she told me that it wasnt there before and dont lie, oh dear caught out again!!

best wishes
Simon