Category Archives: AJ News

News from Adnalms Järnvägar

News for second quarter, 2025

Our News

T21 64 has finally been declared fit for service! The most recent work has seen this Heljan model fitted with completely new (home-made) steps and handrails, the newer buffers re-seated, and a better mount made for the hooter so that it is less prone to being knocked off. Its next major overhaul is due 2028 and hopefully it will make it to then without needing major work beforehand!

With the help of a loan, Jeco’s newest models, the UBF7Z and UDFo15 trailers to go with the Y6/Y7 railbuses, arrived, and these have been retrofitted with working couplings that don’t require the train to be turned over to be coupled or uncoupled! The ‘UBF’ has two partially open windows, which suggests that it shouldn’t be used in winter traffic (really, Jeco?), and one of them is at the toilet compartment! Another slight irritation with these models is that they have working interior lighting, which is too bright and therefore, more akin to being just toys!

FV1 55816 has had its handrails repainted satin black (from chrome/silver) to make it look a little more authentic. In all other respects, this Heljan model is good to run.

Rickbacken station building (adapted from the Heljan model, ‘Åmål,’) has been built with a basic interior for eventual lighting to look realistic. Normally, printed ‘curtains’ have a black area where they are ‘open’ which means that when the interior lights are on, one can see the pattern on the curtains and not inside, which is completely wrong. So, with this experiment, the interior should be seen—subtly—and the curtains less transparent. Work has paused until we have healthy funds (for the lighting).

T21 64 with new home-made steps and handrails – not quite as elegant, but they don’t fall off!

Model News

The Swedish ‘Of’ locomotive is to be produced by NMJ in their affordable ‘Topline’ range. There will be two copies of this double-loco, 78+79 and 84+85. Technically, these are the same as the Norwegian ‘El.3’ locomotives, which NMJ is also producing. The ‘Of’, a development of the less reliable ‘Oe’, was the forerunner to the ‘Dm’ loco, and was used mostly on the iron ore railway in the far north.

The orange Rc2 proposed by Jeco is given on their website to be number 1094, but they have produced a printed catalogue in which they also advertise number 1097. The catalogue suggests that 1094 will be in original Epoch-III livery and 1097 will be in Epoch-IV livery, but Jeco were unable to confirm either way, confused especially as 1097 is not even on their website.

There will be three new Y2 units from Dekas, following the success of their first release. But they are adding a third livery – the original one for when the trains worked along the Blekinge line. This second batch will have numbers 1375 as Y2 in the original livery, 1377 as Y2K (like their first in the R/G/B livery) for services to Linköping and Stockholm, and then 1381 as Y2R in the current livery.

There are to be more ‘Ge’ and ‘Gs’ Wagons from Dekas, some of them in branded liveries (including a yellow “ASG” version), three UIC and three pre-UIC. There will also be pre-UIC ‘Hs’ wagons (from the late 1960s) – a type that became ‘I’ (insulated) under UIC specification.

The Norwegian El.15 locomotive is to be produced by NMJ in their affordable ‘Topline’ range. The El.15 worked alongside Dm/Dm3 locomotives on the iron ore railway in the far north, often in pairs. The model will be available in four versions suitable for that line, plus two more recent liveries. NMJ had produced this earlier in their pricey ‘Superline’ range, so this is a welcome model.

NMJ pre-production photo of their ‘Topline’ model of the Of-loco.

Manufacturer News

We are alarmed with the latest news from HNoll.
The proprietor is now attacking the smaller retailers with their limited budgets for not stocking the full range of his models; they will be banned from pre-ordering selected future models! He is doing this to punish them for not having the resources to carry the full range, and has told customers to consider changing where they buy their models from, which is toxic and harmful to the hobby all round!
The awaited Blue-X/IC-11 models will only be sold in a set of five carriages which will cripple or prohibit people on low budgets and people with smaller layouts (and of course, reduce the quantity of models that get sold, which no doubt, he will complain about and blame everybody except himself).
Furthermore, he has failed to correct a detail ‘mistake’ with the awaited ‘B11’ and has told modellers that they must accept the imperfections (which makes his models no better than the Roco ones).
AB7, AB9, BFS9, RB7, AFM7 and A7/B7 in the 1st generation are now cancelled.
He seems oblivious to the fact that Sweden has an economic recession right now and people and traders have very limited budgets. This seems to be the start of the sad fall of what was originally a promising enterprise.

There is some sad news from SV&LV. In a newsletter, the proprietor has hinted quite strongly at winding up the business due to poor health and other unfortunate considerations. This will also affect the former Perlmodell brand. As with Entec and Modellproduktion last year, we do not know of anyone who is in a position to take over the range.

Other News

This update coincides with the “Wheels in May” (Hjul I maj) event being organised by the Nässjö railway museum on 10th May, who are also celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. The ‘Wheels in May’ event includes two return workings to Eksjö behind a steam loco, and other events are being planned. Furthermore, 10th May is separately, the day of the Nässjö Street Festival, so an interesting day especially to visit the town!

News for first Quarter, 2025

Our News

Heljan’s T21 (this time our loco number 64) continues to irritate! During January further strengthening of the steps has taken place, but now the model looks unsightly. We are considering taking advantage of the delay in getting the new layout started to use the time to build four completely new sets of steps!

Manufacturer News

Jeco announced several new models (not just one) on February 1st, and here is a summary.

The TGOJ Bt-loco will be available in three orange versions, and two green. (This was originally available from them as an expensive metal model!)
The Ra-loco is to be reissued in two original orange (with blue lining) versions, and three later (with broad white lining) versions.
The completely retooled T43 is to be available in several versions; red/white/blue (two to be offered), orange with original ‘skirt’ (two to be offered), orange modified without ‘skirt’, Banverket livery, and IBAB livery.
And completely new are two versions of the TGOJ X21 2-car units (in green or orange), and the X22, but which version of the X22 is unclear at this stage (SJ blue is an educated guess).

Good news for Saab fans, PCX87 has announced the 900 as a 1981 four-door sedan in the usual selection of four colour versions, plus as a Swedish police car. In the meantime, their model of the 9000 CC from 1985 has now reached the shops. (At the same time, the Alfa Romeo 164 is available; both cars were built upon the same ‘platform’ (along with the Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema), but the Saab had a very different ‘look’ due to the extra safety measures that Saab incorporated.)

Saab 900 4-door proposed from PCX87 [PCX picture].

Given the reasonably recent production (in 2021) by PCX87 of the Saab 900 in 1986 condition, Minichamps has changed the date specification of their proposed models (cabriolet and 3-door coupé) from 1987 to 1995, which would make them the first GM-era Saab models in H0 scale. Whilst a price in Euros is suggested, no release date is given.

Still with Minichamps, the Volvo 240 sedan and estate models are still awaited, 1986 versions, which would be close to the PCX87 ones. We wondered if they might change the year model with these cars also, but curiously of the eight proposed (each version in four colours), the red estate is marked as anticipated in March 2025.

Other News

2025 is the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the D-loco. It is doubtful that we will be able to mark this achievement here (no layout to do this on), but we’ll see how things turn out. Maybe there will be events on the 1:1 scale railways?

Our next update will probably be sometime during May.

News from December 2024

Our News

Both T21 locomotives have received some servicing, mainly to improve the steps and handrails. Supporting blocks have been mounted behind the worst of the step units to make them less flexible, so that the handrails don’t pop out during normal use! T21 87 was completed during December, but the work on T21 64 should be completed during January.

Z69 659 has also seen some cosmetic work done; a step has been provided under each cab door and this has enabled us to provide a better-placed ‘socket’ for the handrails nearest the doors so they don’t look as if they’re blocking the doors from opening. A minor detail, but good for keeping the skills up to date whilst there is not much other work that can be done at this point…

T21 87 (right) with the handrails that needed refitting; T21 64 (left) needs a lot more work.

Whilst we have been preparing the location for the new railway, we have also been battling obstacles, one of which is Sweden’s high unemployment rate (currently 7.4%), which is affecting us here; and no start on the new railway can commence until a personal income has been sourced! A Gantt chart has been produced to help with planning the railway’s projection, but 2025 is a very ‘light’ year for this reason. If there is good employment news soon, then the schedule can be brought forward (notwithstanding the need for a new car, new computer, new this, new that, and so on)!

Manufacturer News

Jeco/MJ-Hobby is to release a new model on February 1st, but its identity remains a secret. There will be a “News Saturday” in the shop on the day, where people are invited to book their attendance. Whilst the drama and excitement of revealing the secret might be fun; if the new model is not something that people want, it would be a wasted trip with an air of disappointment. The RTJ-Friends are considering the odds on the following possibilities; the retooled T43 diesel (as previously hinted, so not exactly a ‘surprise’); the S1 steam loco which was proposed a few years ago; the X50 Regina trains which were proposed a few years ago; the Z67 diesel shunter which was proposed a few years ago; the Mg electric loco as a much needed possibility; the T4 or latterly T41 diesel loco as a much needed possibility; and the type B steam loco as a much needed possibility! The trailers for the Y6 railbuses have been proposed for a while so they can hardly be considered a secret; and Jeco has announced another orange Rc2 (as 1094) and a black Rc3 (as 1067).

Other News

2024 was the 75th anniversary of the first Saab car going to production. We had hoped to have a car rally somewhere on a layout (as we have done in the past) to commemorate this, but we have no layout, only a few of our models available to hand, and the new model of the 9000 is not available yet. So our photo shews a 92B, 99, and three versions of the 900.

Five Saab models in a photo to commemorate 75 years since their first car!

This is our last monthly update. We will provide brief updates during months 2, 5, 8 & 11; so the next one won’t be too far behind, and probably won’t have very much news! Happy new year to all our friends, near and far.

News from November 2024

Our News

We’ve acquired another model steam locomotive, quite possibly one that very few know about. It seems to conform to the Swedish U-class from the turn of the last century, with only a few subtle differences. But interestingly, it is a Tenshodo model, probably converted from its American specification, and these prototypes were supplied to several European railways. We will try to modify the cosmetic appearance to make it even closer to the ‘U’ during the next year. Being probably about 75 years old, its post delivery performance was poor, but with a little TLC (including cleaning and oiling round), it is running almost as new, now.

It is now understood that Dekas models are not intended for analogue railways. They are only supplied with ‘decoding’ chips (with or without sound), which are rumoured incorrectly to be OK on analogue systems. Such nonsense was trialled on the FLMJ and they do not work reliably on analogue at all. For our Y2K model, we have now obtained a replacement chip from a third-party to fit into the socket to allow the model to function properly. (Digitrains [www.digitrains.co.uk] sells their BP21, a 21 pin Blanking Plug, for £2 (at time of press), which we are very satisfied with.) It would cost Dekas very little to make this investment for their models (an analogue chip to fit the socket) and would boost customer loyalty. Nevertheless, we understand that they are still investigating the problem as it stands.

A modified Tenshodo locomotive, almost conforming to the SJ type U.

Manufacturer News

The Jeco orange Rc-locos have been delayed due to a livery error at the factory, but early 2025 is the new estimate for the correct model. They are adding another orange (Rc) loco to the line-up and a black one.

Roco has issued a new set of ‘Mas’ wagons, but as type ‘Ud’ with UIC numbers; article 6600069. As we understand it, this is a pack of four differently numbered wagons, and the set price is around 1600 kr.

One87 has produced the quintessential Swedish buffer-block, available via Tradera in a pack of four; a long overdue addition to the Swedish H0-scale scene! These yellow blocks are seen all over Sweden, and it is understood that they are also used to a lesser extent in neighbouring Norway. Another Swedish manufacturer has made different buffer stops of a more generic nature, and wanted to see how well they sold before deciding whether or not to make this yellow version. This is a crazy policy because if people don’t want the wrong item, they won’t buy the wrong item! One87 has also produced for sale via Tradera, the quintessential Swedish telephone kiosk type M61, a sand box in assorted colours, and a waste bin for the pre-wheely-bin epoch! See them at https://www.tradera.com/profile/items/4123195/one87

The One87 Swedish buffer stop, of the type seen all over Sweden!

We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of the proprietor at Modellproduktion, Bengt Lindberg. He had been producing models of trains that the r-t-r manufacturers had neglected, such as the T45 and Tc diesel locomotives, of which we have models, but also more that we had hoped to acquire when funds permitted. (We do not know if anyone else has taken on the production.) Hardly had the dust settled from this sad news, we heard also that Sven-Olof Olofsson at Entec has passed away. Sven-Olof had been producing many components for Swedish overhead electrification in H0 scale, including finely detailed but working pantographs; in addition to various other very useful artefacts including signalling. We offer our sincere condolences to both families.

Other News

We will have one more monthly update after this. The purpose of this website has been to promote our railway(s) and an interest in Swedish railway modelling. It is not intended as a blog, which is what it has seemed to have become! Instead, we will provide updates in February, May, August and November, focussing mainly on the development of the new railway, but also to bring other interesting and relevant news.

At the same time, to make this website more fit for its intended purpose, we are going to take down a few articles and replace them with more direct information about modelling the Swedish railways, easier to read and easier to find the relevant information. We had started this process during 2024, but our vision wasn’t clear. It is now.

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 12: Taking Stock

This year, we have described the proposed new railway (or railways (plural)) being built here at our new location in Sweden. As before, none of this will be open to the general public; but guest events will be organised, and anyone interested in joining the guest-list will be welcome to get in touch.

The Railway will continue in 12v analogue. Both arguments (analogue and digital) have their merits, but for us and for what we enjoy with this hobby, analogue is the clear winner. The Railway continues to represent something in miniature, and should be regarded as a Railway, not as a train-set. (There is a Brio train set available, to entertain our younger visitors!) The Signalling is designed to be easily understood, even with the aspects and indications that seem unusual to non-Swedish operators. And yes, there is a timetable being developed, which will have the curious feature of no moving trains at times that coincide with fika and lunch breaks!
Scenery is one of our biggest challenges. Before the KRBJ, there was an indoor layout (not Swedish) which was a scenic diorama that happened to have a railway running through it. The diorama was convincing and very photogenic; but that was a long time ago. The main town scene at Rickbacken is to be inspired by the drawing of a town inside the back cover of a children’s book series; a layout that is perfectly suitable for a very Swedish diorama—Axel and Omar would approve (to appreciate this subtlety; you’d need to be familiar with the books)! The manor house at Skarpa Gård will probably need to be scratch-built (and the last project of that nature was also a long time ago) to be convincing. And making everything fit in at Töjnan could be worthy of a book of its own! Along the Stuverydsbäckens Järnväg, no scenic plans have been made yet; and none are intended along Trädgårdslinjen.
And then, the ultimate enjoyment of sharing what we have created. An article that could be published in the British journal, “Continental Modeller” is possible; and more likely is a similar article in the Swedish journal, “Modelljärnvägsmagasinet”. Our website and a certain video-hosting channel will be kept up to date, also. But, with the Köpingsvik diorama, a physical presence out-and-about will also be possible.

All this requires time, effort and money. As we found in the last year with the FLMJ especially (though, we already knew, of course), the availability of time and money are exact opposites when one’s income provides the money, but the time needs to be spent earning that income! The effort now needs to include maintenance of the basement in which the Railway is located (the house owners have been getting it ready for us to use). But, as before, this will not be the work of one person. It needs a team effort, and that is why we have the Friends.

The phoenix has risen. “Adnalms Järnvägar” is ‘back in play’. Välkommen tillbaka!

News from October 2024

Our News

We fitted the replacement ‘chip’ provided by MJ-Hobby to our T23, and after some tweaking here and there we got the locomotive to work as it should, with good slow-speed control. Unfortunately, having removed the main circuit board during our earlier investigation, the wafer-thin ribbon cable to the lights at the B-end snapped (quite undramatically) and thus, we have no lights at that end now. Hopefully, Jeco can supply a replacement (it is a plugin part). Curiously, the chip is marked LP5, which one of our Friends identified as Loco-Pilot 5, a DCC accessory; but aside from the need to run-in, the loco does seem to be OK on analogue with this chip.

The Dekas Y2K in analogue form, has the same problem as the T23! One has arrived here and we are in dialogue with our supplier about getting this problem fixed; hopefully it just needs a replacement ‘chip.’ As we understand it, the model has been supplied with a DCC chip that can also work on analogue. We know from experience that this is hopelessly unreliable, and a proper blanking chip should be installed. These dual-function chips do not work on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) power supply systems, which remain popular on analogue layouts – not ours as yet; but we would like the choice, given the advantages that PWM has to offer!

In order to finance the purchase of the Y2K, we decided to part company with another train which seldom got used on the FLMJ and is even less likely to ‘fit in’ at the RTJ; the two X10 units (complete with the replacement chassis that was purchased quite recently). The purchaser is a Friend of the RTJ so maybe we will still see it in photo format in years to come.

The chip from the T23 (left) and its replacement!

Manufacturer News

Over the last few months, Jeco has been delivering their newer Rc2 versions, mostly with the ex-ÖBB lighting arrangement. One can only speculate how soon the Rc1 and Rc4 (both in orange) will also arrive.

Just as we were finalising this update, the PCX87 model of the modern Volvo V90 arrived into the shops. Quite recently, the Minichamps 850 arrived also, both sedan and estate.

Other News

Something to think about… After the X1 units were introduced, the X10 followed, and one of the improvements was a better cab, stronger to protect the driver in the event of a minor collision or level crossing strike. In September an even newer X40 unit hit a tractor’s trailer on a crossing, and as the published image shews, the driver didn’t get much protection (the driver had left his seat in the last moment and was behind the bulkhead at the point of impact). The cab is made from fibreglass as it is an easy material to work with to make the trains look trendy (something that the X40 doesn’t quite achieve anyway). But it seems that the industry needs to reconsider its priorities.

X40 after a level-crossing incident! [Media picture]

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 11: Making it all work

The FLMJ had a simple analogue electrical system, and this is planned for the RTJ and all of the ‘attachments’ to it. Each track section had a two-way, centre-off (DTCO) switch. Switched one way, the track was connected to the local controller; switched the other way, the track was connected to a remote controller (from another station, for example), and there was a rotary switch to select between different remote controllers.

This principle worked well, but it is possible that it can now be made even easier. There were vague thoughts about how the FLMJ’s switching could be made easier, and as we prepare the RTJ, these thoughts can be put into practice. Each section within any location (through tracks and sidings at a station, for example) could have an on-on switch, and the DTCO switch. The first of these would determine if the track is switched to the local controller directly, or to the DTCO switch. The DTCO would then select station throat at one end or at the other end (or off). (If the station throat serves two lines, as a junction for example, then the position of the points would determine which ‘line’ is connected.)

Going to a much more intense level, we have often played with the idea of latching sections with relays (solid-state to keep the cost down). The thought is that a controller is selected by push-button on the track diagram, and a relay latches that section on. Using the polarity in the track, the next section then connects to the same controller, and as the train passes certain predetermined locations, the sections ‘to the rear’ disconnect and become available to the next train. (To some extent, the correct use of signals can assist with track selecting.)

We are also developing a train detection system for analogue, which in its simplest form uses electronic treadles at key locations, but in its more advanced form can use axle counters. (Being analogue, we can use the track polarity to determine the direction of travel!) This can be used in conjunction with signalling and interlocking; but it’s still under development so no more ought to be said at this stage!

In all cases, we are able to keep the control system easy to create and to use. (This is what DCC was supposed to achieve, but in practice we have observed people struggling to make it work and layouts coming to a complete standstill; not exactly conducive to an enjoyable hobby!) The purpose of simple cabling and switching with Analogue is that it is easy to install, easy to trace, easy to fix. It just needs a very basic understanding in natural logic. And each step forward in creating something like this, or modifying it, or repairing it, gives a great sense of satisfaction and achievement that is not available with DCC.

Next Month: Taking Stock.

News from September 2024

Our News

At the model railway exhibition at Nässjö during September, we got the chance to speak to someone from MJ-Hobby/Jeco about the problems we’re having with the T23 diesel locomotive. The problem is a known one and is limited to the first batch; so they’ve sent a replacement ‘blanking’ chip free of charge.

We have bought a model house; nothing especially to shout about except that it has characteristics from several of the houses in our local neighbourhood. So, it is a “typical Småländska house” from the 1940s, which we will find a location for!

A model of a house with Småländsk characteristics!

Manufacturer News

The Dekas Y2 has arrived into the shops at last. We expect a number of Heljan ones to appear on the second-hand market!

A ‘Y2’ diesel set, exactly like the Danish ‘IC3’ class.

Dekas has announced a couple of interesting new proposals. One is the ‘His’ wagon, which is a cross between the ‘Gs’ and the ‘Hbis’ – or more simply put, like the ‘Hbis’ with sliding sidewall sections instead of doors, but at the shorter length of the ‘Gs’ wagon. Initially there will be three available. The other item is an open-top version of the ‘Udg’ of which there will be only two, plus three as pre-UIC type ‘Kö’.

HNoll has said that they will prepare the SJ B2/B10 carriages for production, seemingly recognising that the market is too weak to consider the production (at this time) of their other proposals. This is wise given that 1980s carriages have a customer base and people want to complete the HNoll rakes that they have started; whereas the Ma-loco and X10/X11/X12/X14 units (and other series carriages) would be a new uncertain market for them. Naturally, we welcome this news, eagerly awaiting the B2 (and first series A7/B7) carriages. It is hoped that the B2/B10 carriages will be available during 2025.

B10 5547 seen at Stockholm Centralstation. The B10 was rebuilt from the B2, which didn’t have the circular window, among other things.

Other News

There seems to be no other relevant news at the moment.

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 10: Köpingsvik revisited
Most modellers in Sweden, tend to build, as we are, layouts that are permanently fixed into place. Model Railway Exhibitions in Sweden are few and far between; the public events that are organised are mostly for buy-and-sell (where there might be the one layout on display also), or for the so-called modular systems, where the members build sections for a display layout, sections which have to meet certain criteria, especially at the ends, so that any two can be joined together and they will line up! Thus, very large layouts are created. But, they’re entirely DCC, and so have a limited following (and also require an enormous amount of planning and setting up, somewhat dependent on who is actually going to turn up with a module)! So, what about the odd one or two stand-alone layouts that make it to the buy-and-sell events?

There is a bit of a personal attachment to the Köpingsvik theme. This is where it all started, for us. And, although we know now that the diorama is a very unlikely one, it was an interesting model and continues to invoke fond memories, even though both track layouts (remember there was Mk.1 and Mk.2) were quite a challenge. Maybe a Mk.3 can carry the memory and the theme; but by taking advantage of all that we have learned over the last 30 years, can it be much more authentic in how we present it?
How would we present it? The golden rule offered to us when we were building the first, was sugar beet traffic! Loads of ‘O’ wagons with sugar beets would be the most authentic trains that we could run, and so this is easy to do. There would also be a few other goods trains carrying general goods, so the ‘G-’ wagons would be good here, but not things such as container wagons! Passenger trains would have diesel railbuses (Y6, Y1, or Y2 according to epoch) for the local routes, and probably electric units or loco-hauled trains for the main line to the mainland. And the idea of sleeper carriages detached from passing trains on the mainline at Alvesta is quite appropriate in the summer timetable.

Any new Köpingsvik would be independent of the RTJ, and time could only be afforded to it, if there is a situation causing a pause in the development of the RTJ. (This could be due to glue-drying time, or awaiting delivery of materials, or whatever.) Operationally, better-suited models are now available, and the mere thought of it is causing quite a stir among our Friends.

Next Month: Making it all work.

News from August 2024

(Sorry, no pictures, this month!)

Our News

A small team of Friends surveyed the allocated space for the new railway; measuring up, determining the materials to be used, and the approximate costings, room by room. The simplistic nature of the former FLMJ baseboards is perfectly suitable, and with only subtle refinements, will be copied here. In addition to the materials and construction of the baseboards, the holes to carry the railway through the walls were considered and the tools needed to enable them. Additionally, the electrical supply and some plumbing alterations were considered, as well as the provision of a new security door.

Manufacturer News

The new Dekas ‘Gs’ and ‘Hbis’ wagons have been arriving into shops during the month. Whilst the ‘Hbis’ wagons are a re-run of their earlier models (enabling longer authentic trains without having to renumber them), the ‘Gs’ wagons have been made in conjunction with NMJ, who has previously made versions of these, so there should be no issues with compatibility.

Other News

SJAB has announced that they will withdraw the Stockholm to Uppsala “pendel” train from the timetable change in December, blaming unfair competition from SL and Mälartåg who receive local government subsidies. SJAB is a private limited company owned by the Swedish government and tasked with operating profitable public railway transport. Therefore, they have not received subsidies, and like any government organisation there is no investment. SJAB tickets are much pricier than their competitors, and that is if one can get their app to work, which many travellers cannot. (Apps are the only way to buy SJ tickets, now!) Sadly, their competitors do not operate services stopping at Märsta (the SL train terminates there), so local people will lose out. The competitors do not offer first class seating, either. It is also a little sad to reflect that during the FLMJ Director General’s first holiday to Sweden in 1990, this train service was used several times and it has been a staple of regional train services, providing (mostly) travel in traditional loco-hauled carriages, including one with one compartment – how nostalgic!

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 9: Tuppkråksjärnvägen!

So far, we have considered, not only the RTJ, a replacement for the FLMJ; but also no fewer than four narrow-gauge lines (each to a different gauge,) and a tramway. Satisfied that we had exhausted all reasonable options, it was taken with some mirth when another possibility was suggested. Thus, came the Tuppkråksjärnvägen, a miniature ‘pleasure’ railway, not small enough to represent the interest that some of our Friends have in 7¼” gauge railways (184mm in metric); but the name pays respect to the Great Cockcrow Railway, where the FLMJ’s Director General had been a member for 39 years, and some of our Friends still are. The track gauge would be as used for so-called ‘T’ scale (3mm, don’t confuse with ‘TT’); but this proposal is so unlikely, that there really is nothing more that can be said about it for now, or for a long time! It would represent 10¼” gauge (260mm); the next regular size up from the GCR’s!

Next Month: Köpingsvik revisited!

News from July 2024

Our News

Summers in Sweden are short, so we have spent more time outside than in; thus no model-making has taken place!

Manufacturer News

As above, summer shutdown, so no real news. One manufacturer-related thing is that this year is the 40th anniversary of the launch of Roco’s Rc5, a model that set new standards, at least for Swedish railway modelling. It had a centrally mounted motor with prop-shaft drive to both bogies and driven on all wheels. The traction tyres were asymmetrically placed so that the loco gave matching performance in either direction. (Sadly, the newer DCC-compatible versions of this model are not so highly specified!) Jeco has followed Roco with their specification, but other manufacturers have lagged behind.

Rc5 1344 at Lövhöjden. The prototype is now Rc6 1344, but the FLMJ’s model remains like this as a modern ‘heritage’ loco! [Photo: A. Allum.]

Other News

The August edition of the British magazine Continental Modeller carries an advertisement for the Scandinavian Railways Society, which has been restarted (the advert) following a pause partially created by the recent pandemic. When first established, roundly 30 years ago, the Society was pivotal as a hub for sharing information about the railways of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, and members enjoy a regular glossy magazine and the opportunity to meet and take part in events around the country (the UK). Sadly, there is a viable argument that most information about the subject matter can be easily found online, and member numbers are dwindling, not just in this society, but in many others, also. This could, however, be temporary, due to the fact that people are finding that the information published online is mostly unchecked for accuracy, and this is leading many people astray in their pursuit of a reliable and authentic interest in these railway systems. This could lead to a reboot of membership numbers. Any society of this type will have an assortment of members including those who have, and are willing to share, valuable and reliable information relating to the subject matter; and membership of such societies is thoroughly encouraged. It is a typical situation of not being missed until it’s gone, so one hopes that the recently restarted advertisement will be successful for the Society.

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 8: Trams?

We did have a couple of trams, which occasionally ventured out onto the FLMJ! One was in a livery suitable for Göteborg, and the other for Malmö; but neither were true representations of their assumed prototypes! With no tramway prospects for the FLMJ, they were sold on. Could we build a system, now? Rickbacken has been ruled out because it would not blend very well with the nature of the town scene, which we’ll look at in a later update. Skarpa Gård is said to be out in the country, so that is unlikely, also. That leaves Töjnan, a size-compromised area (due to the necessary lift-out section), with a lot going on. But, whilst there are no serious plans to include a tramway, the representation of the outskirts of one, with a line leading into the main industrial area at Töjnan, would have its commercial justification. So, maybe a circuit from fiddle-yard to the industrial area and back again?

And if we’re considering trams, what about trolley-buses? No! Although trolley-buses do exist currently, and have existed in Sweden in the past, there seems to be a gap in their existence through Epoch-IV!

Next Month: Tuppkråksjärnvägen!

News from June 2024

Our News

Through June, our primary task was to modify the two Pocher carriages so that they can be brought into service. The work required both to be retrofitted with NEM couplings. But the DF5 needed some extra work including repainting the roof to a satin finish, putting a correct interior inside, and turning down the wheels; and it needed a new box. Both models had already been heavily modified before we bought them, so doing this work wasn’t invalidating any heritage value that they may have had.

Pocher’s C3b and DF5, suitably modified for use today. These models are roundly 65 years old!

Our versions of the models are from the mid-1960s, but the body-moulds go back to 1958 and 1959. The C3b dates from 1904, and in 1911, 20 C3c carriages supplemented the 99 C3b. The C3c had a toilet at one end. Curiously, Pocher’s model is number 1449 and correctly has the C3b interior, but the markings are clearly C3c (which we will change when we can get suitable decals). The DF5 dates from 1929 and 30 were built. Differences within the fleet were slight, but Pocher’s model, number 2884, comes with passenger seating which is totally wrong, hence the extra work required!

C3b interior with a few subtle modifications.

Also during June, we assembled our model kit of a Skånska farmhouse. This was an old kit from Heljan, so it didn’t go together very well and the instructions were quite hopeless; but job done and it actually looks quite nice. It is a little under-scale, but for an old Skåne farm, that is probably not much of an issue!

A Danish (or Skånska) farmhouse, which will find a home on the RTJ.

Manufacturer News

In an update from HNoll, sales of the B4, BF4 and BF7 have been slower than desired (obviously due to the economy and modellers not having as much money to spare as previously) and need a real boost. There have been issues with the labels on the BF7 carriages being wrong and new ones were to be manufactured. Unfortunately, this has dragged on and will not be continued. Quite simply, the carriages are correctly marked but the labels (on the boxes) were wrong. Labels have also been wrong on some earlier carriages.

Other News

At the end of May, a large part of the board at the heritage railway at Nora resigned after a protracted conflict with the foundation that owns the tracks. At an extraordinary meeting on Saturday 29 June, the association’s future was discussed and a new board was elected. Their three main aims now are to work for a better cooperative climate with the Foundation, to improve their economy, and to restart museum traffic as soon as possible.
The association Nora Bergslags Veteranjärnväg (NBVJ) and the foundation Nora Järnvägsmuseum och Veteranjärnväg (NJOV) jointly manage the Nora-Järle and Nora-Pershyttan railway lines. The Nora-Ervalla railway was the first standard gauge line in Sweden for public traffic, inaugurated in 1856. NBVJ is a non-profit association that owns most of the vehicles and runs the traffic itself. NJOV is a foundation that owns the track. The foundation was started by Region Örebro County and Nora Municipality, among others.

E2 1182 with an unusual grey boiler, at Nora.

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 7: Zätaspåret

When we selected H0e for the Fenixås Jernväg, this was because our preferred industrial gauge, 600mm would have been much more difficult to model, especially the different gauge crossings. Nevertheless, space permitting, Kållstorp (along the H0n3 Stuverydsbäckens Järnväg) could have a narrow gauge line using H0n2 (7mm gauge) to represent Sweden’s 600mm gauge (not exactly, but close enough). 600mm was certainly the most popular gauge for industrial railways, and it ought to be represented if possible. But for Epoch-IV, its industrial use should probably, quite authentically, give way to tourist traffic! Train models for this gauge all seem to be American-influenced, so some modifications to make them acceptable, would be necessary. This narrow-gauge line is probably the least likely to be built (of the ones discussed so far), but it will ‘remain on paper’ until development of the RTJ has reached a stage where a firm decision can be made. The name has a local reference, and should not be confused with ‘Z’-gauge, which is actually 6½mm.

Next Month: Trams?

News from May 2024

Our News

T23 120 was taken onto the workbench during May. We removed the ‘chip’ and the circuit-board that it was connected to; and then connected the cables from the wheels directly to the cables to the motor. This done, the loco gave a very smooth performance; and that is before low-speed running-in or the fitting of a suppressor! Now that we KNOW the problem lies with the chip (or circuit-board) we can ask Jeco to fix the problem. We were unable to tell if it was the chip or the circuit-board that was at fault because there was no means of hot-wiring the circuit-board with the chip removed!

Jeco T23 120 with the circuit-board (and chip) removed so that it can run properly (just needs a suppressor to be fitted).

Manufacturer News

We have no news from the Manufacturers, this month.

Other News

Nässjö Railway Museum held an open day at the beginning of the month, where amongst other attractions, the steam railbus from the former Halmstad Nässjö Railway was giving rides along Nässjö station, and there was an opportunity to get photos of a T21 diesel loco ready for when we make new handrails for the Heljan models!

Nearer the end of the month, the same museum celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Nässjö Oskarshamn Railway, a line which passes through the village where we are now located, so a day out was organised with them. Because today, there are no turning facilities at Oskarshamn, the steam loco (SJ class A5 number 1545, formerly Kalmar Railway number 17) at the front was assisted by a diesel loco (SJ T41 200) at the back, and the diesel headed the train on the return, at least as far as Berga. The train was delayed at Berga, so with sufficient loops at the station, the steam loco was moved to the front, albeit running tender-first. There had been a fear that the steam loco would not have been allowed to run, due to the hot dry weather (and line-side fire risk), but thankfully there was quite a lot of rain on the day before…!

Behind the Scenes

Mini-Series about the new railway; 6: Sörlidsbanan

A third narrow-gauge element is possible, at Rickbacken, to be seen as a remnant of a much larger system, but now only permitting a shuttle service between the station and the town’s main school. But why? Well, this would be H0m (12mm gauge) to represent Sweden’s 1067mm gauge (not exactly, but close enough), to add to the variety. This section would include, using commercially available components, a dual-gauge section (H0+H0m), because that is so Swedish, and is therefore, the reason that we want to do this! Given that this will be a graded line (station level to town level), Sörlidsbanan seems a good name (and it has a local connection). We mentioned earlier that 891mm was seemingly Sweden’s most popular narrow gauge, and it is one of the two where railways were absorbed by the State. Some of the 1067mm gauge railways were also absorbed by the state. At the very minimum, we would need one railbus, a YBo5t which would have been regauged from the 891mm YBo5p!

A dual-gauge point where the 891mm gauge splits from the 1435mm gauge; this to be fitted at Jenny, near Västervik. Similar track components existed for the 1067mm gauge!

(As a rule-of-thumb, the final SJ suffix ‘p’ indicated trains gauged for 891mm, and ‘t’ for trains gauged for 1067mm. Other narrow gauges did not have a suffix, but were also not owned by SJ. Pre-1970±, the small ‘o’ indicated rolling stock fitted with bogies instead of 2 (or 3) axles.)

Next Month: Zätaspåret.