Rolling Stock Updates
We have no stock updates this month, but there is a fair possibility of some news here, next month!
Manufacturer News
A number of new items have appeared on MJ-Hobby’s website as items commissioned by them (MJ-Hobby in the manufacturers’ lists). These are train heating posts (old type and current), train heating transformers, TBFH cabinets, ATC balises, and modern point motors. They are also available on Tradera under a different seller’s name (at the same prices).
Train heating posts are used to supply stationary railway vehicles with electricity for heating and battery charging. They are often found alongside preparation tracks at each end, but can also be on station tracks. Both carriages and locomotives are connected to train heating.
The transformers are used to convert the 16kV AC of the overhead contact line to 1000V into train heat posts. One train heat transformer can supply several train heat stations. They are often found in relative proximity to the train heating stations that they feed.
A TBFH cabinet is used to control signal boards, request train paths and more. These are set up at platforms at both large and small stations and are available in several designs. MJ-Hobby’s version is inspired by the cabinets available at Stockholm Centralstation. Depending on the length of the platform, there may be several cabinets in each direction distributed along the platform. TBFH cabinets are often mounted either on the platform roof pillars or on overhead line poles, but can also be free-standing on their own pole.
ATC balises are found at each signal and speed board. The balis transmits signal image / speed message to the train’s ATC equipment, which has the purpose of monitoring and preventing the train from running too fast or passing a signal at a stop, applying emergency braking if necessary.
Point motor gear drives are found at electrically driven points and contain a gearbox, electronics and mechanics to be able to determine if the point’s tongues have assumed the correct position and an external electric motor. This is the most common modern version and can be found everywhere in the country. The iconic design with the yellow lid makes it an easily recognisable detail.
NMJ has released a Snälltåget Restaurant car R7 in two version, one in red, one in blue. These are too modern for us, but should be popular among current epoch modellers.
Other News
One of our PCX87 Volvo 740 models is now a Volvo 760! To achieve this, we had to paint some black parts in chrome; front grille, door trims, bodyside trims, window frames; and the mirrors in body-colour. Having chosen the metallic beige estate model for this conversion, we matched the body colour by mixing one part brass metallic with one part ‘crème-gul’ – the yellow used on the SJ railbuses.
Volvo 740 (left) and 760 (right). Spot the subtle differences! 
When we build the new FLMJ (or whatever new name it might get), we can be certtain that we have the right (and authentic) brand names on our shops!
To break the monotony whilst waiting for a suitable opportunity to build a new railway, a small building kit was purchased and assembled. It was good to keep the skills relevant, especially the little alterations that we usually adopt to make the models better for internal lighting (a layer of matt black paint inside)! The shop name is one we created ourselves, very Swedish and quite local! But the whole construction was completed too quickly, and we’re bored again!
Thus, on 28th August, a trip was made to Malmköping, to the tram museum there for their end of season open weekend, when it seems that everything that could run, did run. The adjacent bus museum also provided a few buses for rides, all included in the 100:- day ticket. Even though the weather was not conducive to an outdoor event (the curse of the FLMJ, perhaps?), the event seemed to be well patronised and was most enjoyable. It was also the day of the first run with a newly restored tram from the former south Lidingö line (SSLidJ), clad in timber planking and fitted with a whistle in addition to the traditional bell! A cab-ride in their electric loco HRRJ 2 was particularly enjoyable, and the last part of the journey southbound towards Malmköping can be seen in a videoclip, here: https://youtu.be/hN20Rp0UQ30.
Newly restored tram number 5 from the SSLidJ (South Lidingö line), at Malmköping. 
2-axle Tram 186 from Göteborg is seen at Hosjö. 
A tram and trailer from Malmö are seen at Malmköping; both are 2-axle vehicles. 
A delightful little loco preserved at Malmköping; has couplings for trams and railway stock. 
An old right-hand-drive postbus from the bus museum adjacent to Malmköping’s tram museum. 
Two delightful old Swedish cars seen parked near the Malmköping tram museum. (Both are available as H0 scale models!)
