Our News

We have spent some more time on research! Ever since their purchase in 2010, the two D30 wagons have been something of a mystery. They are shorter than the DV30 (which were modified from standard ‘Gbs’ wagons); but now we have found some interesting information. Three ‘Grh’ wagons from 1927 (numbers 31391-3) were rebuilt 1941 as ‘D4 Modell 41’ (and numbered 3511-3). In 1948 they became ‘D30’, and were withdrawn and scrapped in the period 1969-73. (In 1929, 4 ‘Gs’ wagons were changed to mail packing wagons type ‘D2’, which gave them periodic maintenance at the same interval as applied to passenger carriages. For this purpose, the older style ‘Gs’ wagons with an 8-meter body and brake compartment were chosen.) The ‘D4’ wagon type was a successor to the ‘D2’ but with greater capacity. In 1944, a further 2 wagons were rebuilt, but of the type ‘G’ standard freight wagons (slightly lower height and much longer wheel-base), and became ‘D30 Modell 44’.

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Manufacturer News

Heljan is understood to be producing two sets of three carriages in “Snälltåget” livery; one set with three ‘Bc-t’ carriages (60801), and one set with three ‘BC2’ carriages (60803). Both sets should retail for 2,395 SEK. Curiously, the first promotional photos comprise three images, one with the former DSB design carriages as models, one with drawings of the same, and one with a real Swedish ‘AB3K’! The ‘Bc-t’ are indeed former DSB class ‘B’ seating carriages, converted to couchette carriages. However, the ‘BC2’ are SJ carriages from the 1940s, rebuilt in the 1970s, and not shewn in any of Heljan’s images. Similar carriages to the former DSB ones, operated by Snälltåget, are the ‘Bmpz’ (ex-NS) and ‘Bvcmz’ (ex-DB); so we are curious to know exactly what Heljan will produce. They’re all too modern for the FLMJ, but if the label, ‘BC2’ is correct, then a couple (or set of three) will find their way here for repainting into the original SJ brown livery! However, to throw a spanner into the works, Heljan had an exhibit at the Model Rail Scotland event at the end of February, where they were asked about these carriages, and their representative said that they have already been and gone and sold out; which is strange considering that the shops have only just started advertising them as ‘announced models’. (We also enquired about their IC3 train being reissued, which they said happened a couple of years ago and is also sold out, but it is listed as a new item (unpowered) on their website at the time of writing this report!) Curious!
Still with Heljan, we have seen suppliers advertising their ‘F5’ (‘FV1’ in modern terminology) as a reissue in an assortment of versions. Presently, only drawings exist, no preproduction model photos; but there seems no point in asking Heljan directly about them.

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NMJ is producing some SJ refrigerator wagons, type ‘Hs‘ (pre-UIC) or ‘Icmo‘ (UIC). Unfortunately, they are in their ‘Superline’ range and will therefore cost €299 each!

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the FLMJ, 3: Siljansbanan and the areas around it

The Siljansbanan gave the Railway a circuit around the home. It was a branch line and said to be non-electrified. However, it was used by all types of trains for running-in and testing purposes, and the non-electric rule was broken many, many times! (Because this line completed a circuit around the home, which had been named ‘Siljan’, Siljansbanan seemed an obvious name for it!) To give it some character (and purpose), a small station was provided, appropriately named Siljansnäs. Then, came the point for a track to an industrial area, which would be somewhere for people to practice shunting skills, and somewhere to be even more creative with the layout and scenery. It took a long time to develop, but as with many things, the final plan that was in use at the time of closure, was seen as ideal, and it is hoped to replicate it in the future. It provided for three industries and had a loop for running-round the loco. Later, a second point was added at the station, for a line leading to a harbour area, which was named Jonshamn (meaning “John’s Harbour”, named after a late friend who had lived on the same Park). It wasn’t in place for long enough to determine if it was ’right’, but it will be added, space permitting, to any new diorama; but if possible, as an extension from the industrial area (“Industriområdet” in Swedish). It’s two long tracks had a crossover and there were two small goods sheds. A better proposal would include an oil terminal and maybe a cement factory! But we’ll see how things develop!
Operationally, if a goods train was not diesel-hauled, or it was bound for Gärde/Fjällnäs with a few drop off wagons, then a Z65 or Z70 shunter would bring the wagons from Lövhöjden to Gärde and then to Industriområdet or Jonshamn as required. There was also one shunter with conventional couplings for the benefit of so-fitted visiting wagons! Ideally, a V5 would also be available for this purpose, but the Märklin ones (converted to two-rail) were not up to the job in several respects, and gradually our V5 models were sold off. Jonshamn, having longer sidings, would also sometimes see a T43 or even a T44 diesel loco with longer train; and the T21 was no stranger here, either!
Not overlooking Siljansnäs station; this had the generic Jeco model for the building, and a very similar structure has been found at Göringen in Dalarna: note that Siljansnäs is in Dalarna! In its final years it had only a single track through the station and the two points to the two goods lines. It had previously seen a passing loop, and at different stages had an island platform, or side platforms. If we are able to recreate this area, but with Jonshamn as an extension from Industriområdet, then there might be an access loop in the station area at Siljansnäs, but such plans are premature at this stage!

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Next month, we’ll look at Gärde and the proposed Fjällnäs.