Silver Sidelines

A conversation with a friend about changing names and numbers on old Bachmann or Mainline Jubilees prompted me to dig out some etched plates I bought perhaps two years ago, and get on and fit them! Mainline Orion with 247 Developments etched plates and newer Bachmann split chassis One of my all time favourite models was the Mainline Jubilee ‘Orion’.   I think ‘Royal Scot’ was my first Mainline model but Orion followed soon after in June 1981.   Pallitoy must have made thousands of models of Orion and they mostly ran well with their characteristic whirring noise.   When Pallitoy thought the market was saturated with Orions they brought out Leander.   By this time the quality control must have slipped because wheels began to shift on axles and I thought models did not run as smoothly. Mainline Orion from 1981 with black painted wheel rims I sold my original ‘Orion’ in autumn 2007 to coincide with the arrival of the Bachmann ‘improved’ Jubilees.   You ca...

One of my all time favourite models is Mainline locomotive Mars.   I kept my original purchase from 1983 and a couple of years ago I upgraded the model with a Bachmann mechanism.   I think it is still an attractive engine with its Fowler Tender.   The Mainline model of Mars was relatively expensive, I am guessing to cover the cost of the ‘new’ improved Fowler Tender which I think was all new tooling – that despite Mainline getting access to the older Airfix 4F / 2P designs. 45698 Mars – Mainline model with Bachmann mechanism I have been taking an interest in the reported sightings of Jubilees on the Port Road as discussed on Dan’s RMweb thread about his model of Stranraer Harbour. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/140736-building-the-station-stranraer-%E2%80%98themed%E2%80%99-loft-layout-1959-64/ During the 1960s Mars was frequently recorded at Carlisle – with a Stanier Tender! ...

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 ...