Silver Sidelines

My last Post  https://longsheds.blogspot.com/2018/12/no-149-deltic-dalliance_31.html   reviewed past ready-to-run Deltic models. The message was that the prototype was large, lengthy (and noisy) and that a scale model was not compatible with train set curves. In an attempt to solve the issue Bachmann appeared to have adopted a ‘Belt and Braces’ approach. The Bachmann model has a narrower profile for the leading bogie wheels while at the same time thinning the bodywork with ‘cutouts’ in the vicinity of the front and rear bogie wheels. Then in addition, Bachmann controversially raised the running height of the model by almost 2mm (6inches). The perceived wisdom on the ‘web’ is that it is relatively easy to lower the Bachmann model to give the correct ride height. I would take up the challenge. Bachmann D9004 Queen's Own Highlander, lowered and coupled to a Bachmann Mk1 As with a lot of things in life there is generally more than one route to the desired goal. ...

The English Electric Deltic has long been popular with railway enthusiasts. It was a hugely powerful locomotive with a particularly evocative exhaust note, characteristic of its 18 cylinder two – stroke diesel engines. Production units began to appear in 1961 and ran initially in two tone green livery without names or yellow warning panels. D9002 – without name and warning panels 1961 It was about this time that I was ceasing to collect engine numbers. Notes inside the rear cover of my Ian Allan ABC book shows that I ‘spotted’ D9003 and D9004. From memory, I saw these locomotives speeding past the outside of Darlington Station on the ‘non-stop’. Train Spotting in 1961 The availability of some good quality old Bachmann models has prompted me to add to and reorganise my fleet of Deltics. There is a view below of my models of D9003 and D9004 with names and small yellow warning panels as running perhaps as early as 1962. Early model Bachmann...

Continuing the north east theme I have invested in a Bachmann Deltic of the two tone green variety. I had to cancel an order on eBay when a quick check revealed that the  Deltic Preservation Society  still had ‘The Green Howards’ in stock (and many more Bachmann models) at very competitive prices, frequently below the cost of second hand items on that well known auction site. Bachmann D9008 The Green Howards – Limited Edition for the Deltic Preservation Society After recent successes with running Bachmann sound locomotives on DC Analogue I thought that a sound fitted Deltic would complement my existing Class 40 and Class 45 models. I would add digital sound to my model,‘The Green Howards’.   Speaker cavity in Deltic ‘The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment’ – Note factory hard soldered connections for cab lighting Bachmann have produced a factory fitted digital sound Deltic and the metal chassis has a shallow cavity machined in the top for a speaker. Recent B...

First a view of my completed version of the Tees Tyne Pullman: I would say that the Deltic hauled train with a mix of Bachmann saloons and Hornby brake coaches compares favourably with this early 1960’s view of the down Yorkshire Pullman passing Hadley Wood - with all grey roofs: As I suspected my attempts to cut and re-glue the Hornby R8220 couplings using instant glue were less than satisfactory.   The couplings are probably nylon and need a more specialist adhesive.   However the ‘instant’ glue was sufficiently strong to hold the two pieces in place whilst I drilled a 0.5mm hole through the joint.   I then ‘borrowed’ one of my wife’s brass dress making pins and crimped this down to fix the two parts of the coupling firmly into place.   The brass pins are easily bent.   The more usual steel dress making pins are much more rigid and not at all suitable. What about a Deltic to haul the train?   It would have to be Bachmann , perhap...