[Rail-Rider]

Here's one for you experienced and knowledgeable OO enthusiasts
I'm being tempted, seriously tempted, I really am!

I have in mind a North Eastern Region pacific from the British Rail period after 1950 or so, with a little rake of 2-4 coaches, I'd be very happy with either blood'n custards OR Pullmans. I don't need track and I don't need any power supplies.

I am leaning towards the Hornby Northumbrian train pack from one of the featured retailers here in MRF.
But what might be alternative approaches?
A separate loco with a coach pack?
Should I consider slightly older machinery, often available at reduced prices?
I like ALL the North Eastern pacifics.
Is there anything much to choose between Hornby's A4s and their other Pacifics?
What other makes or even combinations of makes might give me my heart's desire?
What would you direct me towards?

 

[Colombo]

Rail Rider,

If you choose a Hornby A4, make sure that you choose from the recently introduced range with the motor in the locomotive rather than in the tender. These run very well and have much better detail than the previous versions that were tender driven. I have their "Golden Plover", which is excellent, although the electric warning flashes date it post 1960.

The new Hornby A3s are pretty good as well, and "Windsor Lad" is based on a Classic A3 as running pre 1957, but many will prefer "The White Knight" which is an A3 in post 1959 condition, rebuilt with smoke deflectors and a double chimney.

Bachmann make a superb A1 and there are several different versions, but the early one had a problem with the motor which lead to a recall. There will be no more free new motors so make sure that if you buy a second-hand one, it is running well and not a lame duck.

As for carriages, youi have a choice of Backmann Mk1s in blood and custard, or maroon, Hornby Gresleys in "blood and custard" livery and Hornby Pullman coaches. If you are running a short train, the pullmans look best as they used to divide Pullman trains with, for example, Leeds and Bradford portions. The Gresleys tend to derail more than the others for some reason.

Bachmann have just announced their new steel bodied Pullmans.

The train sets are good value on the face of it, but sometimes they include old outdated locos or coaches so watch out!

Colombo

Colombo

 

[Rail-Rider]

That's a VERY comprehensive reply, Colombo, particularly the cautionary advice, only a little of which I would have been already aware of. So the extras are all the more appreciated - just what a new boy needs to know

I'm raking around the net now and will probably confuse myself for a while in the excitement. I'll try not to commit to anything until after the weekend, by which time I hope my mind will be clearer as the excitement fades a little and common sense tight fistedness takes over!

BTW, I've seen your namesake many times visiting Darlington Station.

 

[Makemineadouble]

stay away from the older Hornby stuff with tender drives. The new stuff with loco drive has far more torque, and controllability. Bachmann stuff isn't too bad, but try to have the shop run it for you, watch for wobbles, and horrible sounds - the same applies to Hornby. The good news is both manufacturers have a good reputation for replacements, and repairs so enjoy. If you prepared to tinker a little bit you can really get some exception running with both.

 

[Doug]

I bought the Northumbrian, and together with my Charles H Newton A4 pulling a rake of Gresley 61ft teak coaches, they make a wonderful site on my layout. The Northumbrian set and the coach pack come with the most recent Hornby coaches that are heavy and very well made.

 

[Rail-Rider]

It was your Northumbrian review that got me into this mood - it's all YOUR fault!
But I'm enjoying it

 

[Rail-Rider]

This isn't fault finding or criticism but a genuine question.

The Model Rail Forum banner at the top shows an A4, Silver Link(?), with teak coaches. I'm not sure of the manufacturer but, in any case, could I ask if the close coupling distance has been slightly 'enhanced' for artistic purposes or is the very small gap representative of what can now be expected? I suspect a bit of artistic licence and no problem if that is so, but I really would like to know.

 

[Doug]

QUOTE (Rail-Rider @ 28 Oct 2005, 13:10)This isn't fault finding or criticism but a genuine question.

The Model Rail Forum banner at the top shows an A4, Silver Link(?), with teak coaches. I'm not sure of the manufacturer but, in any case, could I ask if the close coupling distance has been slightly 'enhanced' for artistic purposes or is the very small gap representative of what can now be expected? I suspect a bit of artistic licence and no problem if that is so, but I really would like to know.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is just one of the banners. You can select others by changing the skin on the bottom left of the page.

Yes, they have been close coupled (with Photoshop). The coupling distances of the tension-lock system is quite large and looks a bit strange when viewed from the side.

 

[Rail-Rider]

I had only recently discovered the forum 'skins' - a nice touch!
Also the default being LNER is not only personally convenient but something of a giveaway as to the likes of the owner. Dim and distant history shows a Redcar connection, so it all make sense!

I much appreciate the straght and largely expected answer. That ensures my hopes are not falsely raised too high, which could only have led to disappointment. I'm still putting any firm decisions off until AFTER the weekend - well that's the intention at the moment - it remains to be seen if I can actually maintain my sensible ideals!