Silver Sidelines

It would be January 2021 when Bachmann introduced their 94xx models.  I bought the basic version.  It had a lovely copper cap to its chimney and it ran perfectly without any trace of a wobble.  Three years later and I have just purchased a sound fitted version. Bachmann 9479 – 32-27SF I have titled this Post ‘The Long Haul’ in recognition of the time that I have spent in recent weeks changing CVs to enable the engine to run on analogue.  It would help if I knew what I was doing!  The 94xx has a coreless motor which is super efficient.  As a result the engine needs a whole different range of CV values to the ones I would usually apply.  I would say it is still a work in progress.  However I would say work is sufficiently advanced that I would give the engine a run around the layout. Hornby Bow Ended Colletts   What carriages might be suitable?  I had rake of Hornby Bow Ended Colletts parked up in a siding.  These arrived on the layout in June 2021, so not long after the Bachmann 94xx. 

For years my wife has been pointing out that my layout lacks people. Enter my son-in-law Martin. He likes his technology and he has invested in a 3D printer. After making some War Game figures for his son he would turn his attention to some little figures for the railway. Not only did he print the figures but he also painted them – that is skilful. Some of Martin’s 3D Printed and Painted Figures  Problem is that printer files for suitable little people are in short supply, or are expensive. Given that finishing and painting the newly printed figures also takes a lot of time and patience I would instead explore the range of readily available finished little people. Suitable UK figures are available from Bachmann, Hornby and Modelu. Bachmann USA, Preiser and NOCH also market figures but these are generally to HO scale which at 3.5mm to the foot is rather small for OO gauge at 4mm to the foot. For layout use where the viewing distances are greater I chose some ready painted little