Silver Sidelines

The starting point for this Post is B1 61018 named Gnu.   In1960 I used to collect engine numbers.   One of the better places with an easy cycle ride was Stockton Station.   “Oh there’s a B1! Oh no – its Gnu - again!”   My records show that in 1959 Gnu was allocated to Haverton Hill.   This was located just across the Transporter Bridge from Middlesbrough.   I am guessing the shed would have serviced the large ICI Billingham chemical factory.   From its frequent appearance through Stockton I am imagining that Gnu was used on fitted freights down to York and would likely have featured vacuum fitted vans loaded with bagged fertiliser (Nitram). Bachmann 61018 Gnu (i) Rails of Sheffield in conjunction with Bachmann produced a limited run model of Gnu.   When the opportunity presented itself I would buy one.   In common with other vintage Bachmann B1s the nylon wheel centres of my chosen model had swollen rendering the model immobile...

Continuing my BR(NE) saga I have resurrected a couple of elderly Bachmann B1s that have been quietly slumbering in their boxes. Bachmann B1s – Widlebeeste and Hartebeeste There is an issue with these particular early models and mine were not immune! For whatever reason the black plastic wheel centres expand with time and catch on the coupling rods preventing the wheels from freely turning. The affliction does not affect the centre driving wheel and rather puzzlingly it is the rear pair of driving wheels that is most at risk. Fellow modellers report that Bachmann BR standard 4MT models of a similar vintage are also affected. Bulging rear wheel centre Another view of the problem. Bulging Plastic The wheel centre appears to be a type of nylon and can be poked out from behind the wheel using a cocktail stick or very small screw driver. I think it is a push fit into the wheel casting but I cannot be sure. Bachmann B1 rear wheel set ...