Wright writes.....

[Tony Wright]

Hornby's latest wagon release in its Railroad range, an OAA...........

 

 

 

Does anyone know anything about these? 

 

The axles are pivoted, and seem to work (obviously designed for minimum Setrack), though has there ever been a more gross coupling?

 

Comments appreciated, please.

 

 

[Compound2632]

4 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Comments appreciated, please.

 

Rather more than long in the tooth. First produced in 1987: 

http://www.hornbyguide.com/item_details.asp?itemid=723

  

4 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Railroad range

 

Has play value.

Edited Tuesday at 17:27 by Compound2632

[Northmoor]

51 minutes ago, Compound2632 said:

Rather more than long in the tooth. First produced in 1987: 

http://www.hornbyguide.com/item_details.asp?itemid=723

Has play value.

I actually thought it was older than that, when they were originally (wrongly) given the TOPS code OBA.  I think the body is quite accurate but the chassis needs work for a scale model (fixing the rotating axles is a good start) and as Sir says, are intended for 1st radius curves.  Always a weak point in these  - and in almost all open wagons of the time - is that the side doors have no corresponding detail on the inside, so really need a load.

Under @Tony Wright lighting, the Railfreight colours look very good.  Hard to believe this livery is, to young enthusiasts now, as old as pre-Nationalisation liveries were to me when this model was introduced.

[Willie Whizz]

5 hours ago, Compound2632 said:

 

Jersie Lily, surely?

Wikipedia says: “Born in 1853 and known as Lillie from childhood …”, and the pub named after her in Nottingham certainly agrees. I suspect railway authors unfamiliar with the lady and her various talents and physical attributes got it wrong. 
 

Though apparently the engines’ nickname was only indirectly connected; the story goes that the landlady of a pub near

Gorton Works at the time  was of a particularly voluptuous (or at least, over-generous shape), and after a few pints the customers would make joking (and probably teasing) reference to her being the nearest thing they had locally to the actress. 

[Tony Wright]

16 minutes ago, Willie Whizz said:

Wikipedia says: “Born in 1853 and known as Lillie from childhood …”, and the pub named after her in Nottingham certainly agrees. I suspect railway authors unfamiliar with the lady and her various talents and physical attributes got it wrong. 
 

Though apparently the engines’ nickname was only indirectly connected; the story goes that the landlady of a pub near

Gorton Works at the time  was of a particularly voluptuous (or at least, over-generous shape), and after a few pints the customers would make joking (and probably teasing) reference to her being the nearest thing they had locally to the actress. 

Don't say anything derogatory of the Jersey Lillie to Judge Roy Bean!

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

I've just found out from the Obituaries section of the death of Trevor Nunn (one of the finest modellers of this, or any, generation).

 

I'll see if I can find the rest of the pictures I took of his magnificent East Lynn in S Scale, but here's a 'helicopter' shot, taken at St. Albans over a decade ago.....

 

 

 

Though blurred, he's probably in the image.

 

My condolences to his family and friends. I found him a wonderful man to talk to. 

 

[NZRedBaron]

5 hours ago, 30368 said:

 

Interesting point - the criteria you have set is mine too. I am currently building B7 61711 which lasted until mid 1950 and sported "British Railways" on its tender. I have already built the last remaining B9 4-6-0 (61475, lasted until June 1949) which was re-numbered but still had "LNER" on the tender so perhaps does not quite meet the requirement? Anyway, this is how it looks:

 

This was built from a Judith Edge set of etches, which required a scratch built boiler and firebox but templates are provided. The etches are first class and free of charge is the invaluable web help and support form Michael Edge.

 

Quite a nice looking locomotive.

 

Kind regards,

 

30368

Probably would make sense to provisionally say that as long as it had a BR number applied, or had BR 'transitional' livery (is that the proper term for when they spelled out "BRITISH RAILWAYS" on the tender?) it can count....

[Compound2632]

2 hours ago, Willie Whizz said:

Wikipedia says: “Born in 1853 and known as Lillie from childhood …”, and the pub named after her in Nottingham certainly agrees. I suspect railway authors unfamiliar with the lady and her various talents and physical attributes got it wrong. 
 

Though apparently the engines’ nickname was only indirectly connected; the story goes that the landlady of a pub near

Gorton Works at the time  was of a particularly voluptuous (or at least, over-generous shape), and after a few pints the customers would make joking (and probably teasing) reference to her being the nearest thing they had locally to the actress. 

 

Understood. Lillie Langtry was known as 'the Jersey Lily', punning on Amaryllis belladonna.

[St Enodoc]

6 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

has there ever been a more gross coupling?

Plenty, mostly from Lima.

[thegreenhowards]

19 hours ago, NZRedBaron said:

On the subject mentioned before, I decided to satisfy a whim and see what other 'big' LNER passenger engines could theoretically be made, if the demand was there- with the self-added stipulations of being tender engines which (at least to the best of my knowledge) there were no RTR or kits available, and that they had to have lasted long enough to have made it into BR ownership; whether that means lettered tenders or the 'Cycling Lion'.

 

That would thus result in the remaining Thompson Pacifics; Robinson's B4's to B7's 4-6-0's and his 'Jersey Lillies' (the C4 class 4-4-2's); the ex-NER B16's, possibly the ex-NER C6's and C7's; the D20's, D30-34's, the D40's and D41's.

Surely the B2s should be on this list? As for C4s, what a gorgeous loco. Here’s my O gauge example ( bought off eBay but made to work by me).

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

Try as I might, I can't find any East Lynn pictures (they must be on my old computer, which is covered in dust - somewhere!). 

 

Nevertheless, I've found some interesting other shots of possible interest...........

 

Ian Rathbone often posts pictures of what he's painted. As is well known, he's painted many locos I've built. Now, I'm not claiming my builds are anywhere near the same class as a couple of recent ones he's posted, but the painting is beautiful.

 

 

On this Crownline B12/3 I built for Gilbert Barnatt, for instance. 

 

 

It makes an interesting comparison with Hornby's equivalent. 

 

 

Which looks better after Geoff Haynes weathered it.

 

 

Gilbert's is still going strong on his Peterborough North after over 20 years.

 

 

And my Hornby one is after just two! 

 

Another loco painted by Ian for me........

 

 

Was this SEF W. Plain, but very subtle.

 

I suppose the measure of a model painter is when they can produce.............

 

 

Something as fantastic as this (I don't know who built this). Was there ever a more elaborate loco livery? Captured to perfection by Ian Rathbone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

Another top model painter is Alan Brackenborough.

 

 

 

Who painted this pair of O Gauge locos; the work of Bob Merry. 

 

It's been my privilege to photograph some of the finest models ever made.

 

 

[Tony Wright]

RTR/kit-built comparisons?

 

 

Built by me from a DJH kit; painted by Geoff Haynes.

 

 

Hornby RTR; weathered by a friend.

 

You pays your money.................

 

 

 

 

[DougN]

I've just had a look at all these beautiful locos that have been built and painted by talented people. What a wonderful way of spending some down time! My work has been rather nuts so last few weeks, so I sat down to do some "easy" modelling installing new name plates on a couple of locos and renaming and renumbering another. (OK it was a loco I had just bought a new Hornby Empire of India to become Union of South Africa)  This has got me  thinking, dangerous I know, when did modelers go from makers to box openers? OK I love a long hard slog on a loco kit or something for the layout. However do we need the how to articles of "easy afternoon/evening" modelling to encourage people to do. I must admit I have not seen a "easy" or quick article in a long time. 

 

Tony you have done the "cheap" modelling articles what about the starters articles on how to rename and number with contacts for say "Fox" to get people to have the confidence to "have a go". 

 

My quick modelling had all been done in about 2 hours but that was made up of installing new plates on Commonwealth of Australia and Empire of India. Then it was onto the renaming to Union of South Africa which included removing the latest Hornby printing of the numbers and coat of arms. As another aside I noted the Name plates on the A4s if short were rear edge to the boiler band and if long the front top corner almost touching the parabolic lining and ending where necessary for the Coronation locomotives. I still don't have "collect A4's in LNER" out of my system I am up to 17! 

[MJI]

18 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Hornby's latest wagon release in its Railroad range, an OAA...........

 

 

 

Does anyone know anything about these? 

 

The axles are pivoted, and seem to work (obviously designed for minimum Setrack), though has there ever been a more gross coupling?

 

Comments appreciated, please.

 

 

The old Hornby OAA. Not a bad model but a bit crude.

 

I think it was originally marked OBA, which is wrong.

 

Cambrian considered using the chassis for their  OBA OCA SPA,  but as a buyer i said, supply a chassis.

Edited Wednesday at 11:44 by MJI

[dibateg]

Paint jobs - This is 4992 Crosby Hall, a 7mm scale Finney kit built by me and painted by Alan Brackenbrough. Absolute class painting.

 

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 12:57 by dibateg
Added comment

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

3 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

 

 

 

Now I am busy mentally transposing this delight into the photograph of a Wainwright D in the 1930s, very painterly with 'steam'* floating about it, as reproduced in The Big Four in Colour.

 

* I cannot bring myself to make this correctly 'water vapour'; too unpoetic.

 

Whatever, applause to all involved in making this model, and all the others displayed today.

 

19 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

has there ever been a more gross coupling?

13 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

Plenty, mostly from Lima.

The plastic H-D coupler surely jostling for the top spot in grossness among the couplers offerred by the most popular OO brands, Yours Faithfully, Major Beckward-Lurch

[grahame]

Here's a pic of a little progress on the through station board and platforms, and showing a train in view - well, just the driving car of a Farish class 319 EMU - which is probably a first such motive power pic that I've posted on this thread of my N/2mm layout. Dominion House (left rear) is leaning forward a little as it's not fixed in position against the backscene, other than that I'm quite pleased with how the verticals are looking considering nothing is fixed and everything is just plonked in place. Uprights can be particularly difficult with lots of buildings and structures that ought all be vertical ;

 

 

[Tony Wright]

3 hours ago, DougN said:

I've just had a look at all these beautiful locos that have been built and painted by talented people. What a wonderful way of spending some down time! My work has been rather nuts so last few weeks, so I sat down to do some "easy" modelling installing new name plates on a couple of locos and renaming and renumbering another. (OK it was a loco I had just bought a new Hornby Empire of India to become Union of South Africa)  This has got me  thinking, dangerous I know, when did modelers go from makers to box openers? OK I love a long hard slog on a loco kit or something for the layout. However do we need the how to articles of "easy afternoon/evening" modelling to encourage people to do. I must admit I have not seen a "easy" or quick article in a long time. 

 

Tony you have done the "cheap" modelling articles what about the starters articles on how to rename and number with contacts for say "Fox" to get people to have the confidence to "have a go". 

 

My quick modelling had all been done in about 2 hours but that was made up of installing new plates on Commonwealth of Australia and Empire of India. Then it was onto the renaming to Union of South Africa which included removing the latest Hornby printing of the numbers and coat of arms. As another aside I noted the Name plates on the A4s if short were rear edge to the boiler band and if long the front top corner almost touching the parabolic lining and ending where necessary for the Coronation locomotives. I still don't have "collect A4's in LNER" out of my system I am up to 17! 

Good afternoon Doug,

 

Beware generalising about the position of A4 nameplates...........

 

Some examples............

 

Long nameplate set well back.

 

 

Medium length nameplate set well forward. 

 

 

Long nameplate set well back.

 

 

Long nameplate set well forward.

 

I'll be responding to your other comments.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

Speaking of expert model painters........

 

 

It's believed that Larry Goddard painted this scratch-built B3. 

[Tony Wright]

And, some more comparisons........

 

 

From this.............

 

 

To this (modified Hornby P2 and Crownline A2/2 respectively).

 

Hard to believe, isn't it? That this rebuilding of the full-sized locos happened, or was allowed to happen!

 

 

Kit (top) or RTR? 

 

Good though the Hornby K1 is............

 

 

 

I think it can benefit from a 'personal touch'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Wednesday at 15:41 by Tony Wright
to add something

[Tony Wright]

4 hours ago, DougN said:

I've just had a look at all these beautiful locos that have been built and painted by talented people. What a wonderful way of spending some down time! My work has been rather nuts so last few weeks, so I sat down to do some "easy" modelling installing new name plates on a couple of locos and renaming and renumbering another. (OK it was a loco I had just bought a new Hornby Empire of India to become Union of South Africa)  This has got me  thinking, dangerous I know, when did modelers go from makers to box openers? OK I love a long hard slog on a loco kit or something for the layout. However do we need the how to articles of "easy afternoon/evening" modelling to encourage people to do. I must admit I have not seen a "easy" or quick article in a long time. 

 

Tony you have done the "cheap" modelling articles what about the starters articles on how to rename and number with contacts for say "Fox" to get people to have the confidence to "have a go". 

 

My quick modelling had all been done in about 2 hours but that was made up of installing new plates on Commonwealth of Australia and Empire of India. Then it was onto the renaming to Union of South Africa which included removing the latest Hornby printing of the numbers and coat of arms. As another aside I noted the Name plates on the A4s if short were rear edge to the boiler band and if long the front top corner almost touching the parabolic lining and ending where necessary for the Coronation locomotives. I still don't have "collect A4's in LNER" out of my system I am up to 17! 

Good afternoon again Doug,

 

'Tony you have done the "cheap" modelling articles what about the starters articles on how to rename and number with contacts for say "Fox" to get people to have the confidence to "have a go". '

 

I've done loads of such articles.............

 

 

 

Renumbering/renaming/detailing this Bachmann A2 (beautifully-weathered by Tom Foster).

 

 

 

 

 

And this Bachmann Patriot........

 

More to come when I can find them.

 

Regards,

 

Tony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

More simple alterations, this time to Hornby's Thompson Pacifics..........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

The purpose in conducting improvements/alterations/re-numberings/re-namings/detailing/weathering/etc to RTR locos is to, not only personalise them, but to encourage others to have a go. 

 

It surely can't be too difficult to...........

 

 

Detail/renumber/weather a Hornby 8F.

 

 

Or do the same to a Hornby 4F (even going as far as replacing the chimney).

 

 

Or the same to a Railroad Hornby 9F (in this case fitting etched brass smoke deflectors).

 

My perception is that fewer and fewer 'modellers' are prepared to undertake such relatively simple jobs. They're 'timid', have little confidence, scared of ruining an expensive purchase and either don't bother or pass on the work to someone else. 

 

More-complex things to come............ 

 

 

 

 

[Tony Wright]

Taking things a bit further.........

 

 

I was asked by Ben Jones to change this Hornby Railroad Hunt.............

 

 

Into a Shire (using a Bachmann tender). 

 

It was a birthday present for his dad.

 

And, more-involved.............

 

 

A Bachmann K3 conversion, riding on South Eastern Finecast frames, with a South Eastern Finecast cab and London Road tender.

 

Beyond a determined beginner?

 

 

Or building a Comet chassis for a detailed/renumbered/renamed/weathered Bachmann B1?

 

The simplest job to create 'realism' on model locos is to.............

 

 

 

Add lamps (in this case from Springside).  

 

Surely this is not beyond anyone's capabilities?