An introduction to a makeover I’m giving to a Bachmann BR Standard Class 5. The model dates from the early noughties, and still holds its own today. The overall accuracy is excellent, the shape and core dimensions are all there and correct, so why the makeover?
Well this release, and one other had a variety of detail errors. By this I mean that the wrong components were assembled making an inaccurate representation of any variant of the class. A bit like Eric Morecambes ‘all the notes are there, it’s just they’re not in the right order!’
What I intend to do is to cover the modification and re weathering of the model with stages here, and on the Albion Yard youtube channel. A bit of a journey in identifying areas to improve, perhaps trying a new technique, the coupling rods for a start, and removing/reducing the factory weathering. They’ll keep me occupied in the man cave for a while. That’s enough wibble from me though..
Bachmann Class 25/2Bachmann Class 25/2Bachmann Class 25/1Bachmann Class 25/1Bachmann/NRM Prototype HSTBachmann Class 69Bachmann Class 69Bachmann Class 37Bachmann Class 37Bachmann Class 37Bachmann Class 37
This won’t come as a surprise to some readers, as I’ve worked in N gauge previously. A good few years back I built Collier Street which featured in Railway Modeller
Collier Street N Gauge
This was built from a plan by my good friend and frequent partner in crime, Paul Lunn. The plan was from the N gauge Set track plan book to show what could be done to give a realistic look using off the shelf components, in addition to set track.
Collier Street N Gauge
Over the past few years I’ve been aware of the improvements in N gauge Uk outline equipment, the downside for me has always been the track. Having friends whom work in 2mm Finescale has also been an influence. Seeing how adapting RTR products or scratch building models that look and run really well and reliably has helped that slow burn of interest.
Finetrax Test
A few years back just after they were introduced I bought myself an N gauge Finetrax point kit, which sat on the shelf of doom for a long time. When I put it together it was refreshing as to how relatively easy it was.
This was one of the first designs of point kit, individually fixing rail chairs onto a point base, taking me back to the days of hand building EM track with C&L track. The test piece though, that lit a slow burner.
We can see in the earlier picture that there’s not a big difference between a Peco OO large radius point footprint and this N B7, and the opportunity to use a shelf layout volume I’m familiar with, and applying it to 2mm N gauge is beginning to scratch that itch.
That scratch however is feeling really good, going back as far as the early noughties, and then cling what was going to be a OO layout off the bucket list!
It was nice to see Oxford Rail back in the room with an update of their 15T Cowans Sheldon crane. It’s is again under development with the addition of a match truck of a design yet to be shown. The 5 plank here is just for show. The crane I think will do really well for them, its niche, but small enough for most modellers to adopt one as a nice to have. The J26 is also back on track and the EP’s certainly capture the overall look of the class.
Ellis Clark O gauge LMS Black FiveEllis Clark/Darstaed O Gauge K Type PullmanEllis Clark OO Gauge LNER Quad Art coachesEllis Clark OO Gauge LNER Quad Art coachesEllis Clark OO Gauge LNER Quad Art coaches
As with the Dapol 14T tank wagon these GWR B-Set coaches are of interest for my Forest of Dean project. Whilst not specific to the lines in question to passenger services finishing before my core interest period, they tick the right boxes for appropriate coaching stock if I choose to go down a passenger service route.
The Dapol stand was quite difficult to get non reflective images from, this 14T tank wagon in an appropriate Forest of Dean colour scheme grabs my interest immediately. The big Forest of Dean project is still kicking around in the ideas vault so this tank and the GWR Autocoach below are of key interest.
Dapol diagram N Autocoach OO gaugeDapol Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0T Saddle tankDapol O gauge TTA tankDapol O gauge Iron Ore wagonDapol OO Black Label GWR Inspection SaloonDapol O Gauge 0-6-0 Austerity Tank
Heljan OO scale class 48Heljan oo GWR Parcels RailcarHeljan/Realism Redefined PCA O gauge Tank wagonHeljan O Gauge 153
There are some models that have that X factor, I don’t have any significant interest in O gauge, I have no connection at all to the 153 DMU class, I’ve never even ridden in one that I recall, yet somehow this model is very, very, appealing.
Heljan O Gauge 153Heljan O Gauge 153Heljan OO Class 104Heljan OO Class 104
The OO class 104 DMU is really hitting the mark in my eyes. The internal seating components and compartments will be painted or printed which will really make these pop.
In recent years Heljan has received more requests for an ‘O’ gauge Class 24 than anything else. So they’ve gone ‘all out’ to bring you not just a Class 24/0, but also the later Class 24/1s AND Scottish Region ‘24/1s’ with twin headlights. The ‘skinhead’ Class 24/0s will arrive first, in six authentic BR era liveries, with five Class 24/1s to follow in 2025. Look out for the first engineering prototypes on display at the Warley NEC show on November 25/26 2023 and Model Rail Scotland in Glasgow on February 23-25 2024. These outstanding new models feature all-new body toolings with authentic variations between the different sub-types, bespoke bogie and underframe parts, detailed cab interiors and much more! Variations include bodies with original skirts or skirts removed, Scottish Region tablet catcher equipment, different roof panel and fuel/water tank arrangements, original or revised sandboxes and twin car style headlights fitted to Class 24/1s based at Inverness in the 1970’s
Heljan O Gauge Class 24
Other features include authentic drilled out wheels and bogie equalising beams, etched grilles, separately fitted handrails and pipe runs, separate headcode discs, etched metal step covers and boiler grille cover plates.
These new generation also feature a plug and play DCC decoder interface (ESU Loksound XL decoder required), powered roof fan, six separately switchable light functions and our renowned heavy duty twin motor/flywheel chassis.
The first engineering prototype sample has just arrived for review and will be on display at the Warley NEC show on November 25/26. First releases planned for early-2025. Look out for further updates soon.
Heljan O Gauge Class 24
Production of all versions will be strictly limited – contact your regular HELJAN stockist today to secure yours. Visit Heljan to find out more! Premium Features – Delivered As Standard
High Quality Design & Construction
Heavy Duty Twin Motor/Flywheel Drive
Powered Roof Fan
Plug-and-Play DCC Interface
Disc and Headcode Panel Variants
Plug-and-Play DCC Interface
Etched Grilles
Separately Switchable Lighting Features
Exquisite detail
Class 24/0 Models 2450: BR Green Unnumbered 2451: BR Green Unnumbered (Small Yellow Panels) 2452: BR Two-Tone Green Unnumbered (Small Yellow Panels)
Heljan O Gauge Class 24
2453: BR Blue Unnumbered (Full Yellow Ends) 2454: BR Green 24090 (Full Yellow Ends) WEATHERED
2455: BR Railway Technical Centre 97201 Experiment
Class 24/1 Models 2470: BR Green Unnumbered 2471: BR Green Unnumbered NER (Small Yellow Panels)
2472: BR Green Unnumbered ScR (Small Yellow Panels)
2473: BR Blue Unnumbered LMR (Full Yellow Ends)
2474: BR Blue Unnumbered ScR (Full Yellow Ends) TWIN HEADLIGHTS
Albion Yard 
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