En del arbete utfördes på T21 87 under januari. “Bågen” i A-ändens buffertbalk gjordes större så att kopplingarna nu kan användas, och ersättningsbuffertar har monterats. Beskrivningen av det sistnämnda jobbet ges i den engelskspråkiga uppdateringen. En del arbete utfördes också på T45 328. Under januari monterade vi boggisidorna och bolster på modellen, vilket förbättrade dess utseende. Sedan monterade vi plogarna framför boggierna och sedan stegen och ledstängerna. Vi skulle också vilja få in mer vikt under kroppen eftersom loket verkar för lätt Som förväntat tog vi emot våra HNoll-vagnar av typen A7R och B7R. Dessa modeller är mycket överlägsna i kvalitet jämfört med Roco A7/B7, och de kommer i skyddslådor, vilket Roco-modellerna inte gör! De är ungefär bara 200kr dyrare än Roco, vilket tyder på att Roco är överprissatta!
Tillverkarens Nyheter
Trix ska producera en likström version av nya Märklin Rc5. Det kommer att vara i 1990-talets orange färg (med logotypen “flygande falukorv”); och märkt som Rc5 1364, säljs som artikelnummer 25281. Tidiga bilder tyder dock på att chassit är för mörkt och att taket har helt fel färg! HNolls nästa vagnar kommer troligen att vara B4 och olika derivat (BF4 & BF7), och dessa förväntas anlända i slutet av året, eller i början av 2024. Vi är intresserade av att skaffa två till de vanliga InterCity-tågen; och kanske en tredjedel för ett av sovtågen! (Vagnarna fick först identiteten B4 av SJ, men denna ändrades senare till den mer korrekta BF4 där F står för lastutrymme.) Märklin annonserar ut ett paket med tre vagnar typ Tbis571, artikel 47303. Dessa SJ-vagnar är tvåaxlade skjuttaks-/skjutväggsbilar och är i rödbrun grundfärg med grå skjutdörrar och skjuttakar. Utförandet har konvexa skjutdörrar och är utan bromsmansplattformar. Modellerna ser ut som de gjorde runt 1985. På modellerna glider faktiskt taken upp, men inte dörrarna. Vi känner inte till en Trix likström version, men DC-hjulset per bil är artikel E700580.
Andra intressanta nyheter
Om du letar efter en ursäkt för att fira något i år, överväg följande. 2023 är det 100-årsjubileum av elektrifieringen av Malmbanan; 70-årsjubileum av introduktionen av loktyperna Dm och Ma, och YCo6 rälsbus; och 30-årsjubileum av bildandet av Scandinavian railways Society (i Storbritannien), vars 100:e upplaga av deras tidskrift utkommer under året.
Work progressed on the recently acquired T21 87 diesel during January. One small challenge was the ‘arch’ in the A-end buffer beam which prevented couplings from being used. This has now been widened (one of the compromises one has to sometimes make with working models), but it is still an arch; just wider. The bigger challenge was the buffers. Heljan provides unpainted brass buffers with the model, which protrude too much and are not sprung. Not being sprung is not a problem, as long as the user does not intend to use the factory fitted chain-link coupling! But protruding too much prevents the use of close couplings. The buffers were hollow and had been mounted (with glue) over studs, so we followed a simple procedure, yet precise, to replace them.
Thankfully Heljan used weak glue and with pliers we were able to pull the buffers off.
Using a fine drill, we drilled through the studs’ centrelines and through the buffer beams.
Going through the buffer beams meant that we had reference points, so we could next remove the studs.
We then widened the drilled holes to fit the new Bachmann buffers; loose fitted them and then took them out, so that we could refit the buffer beams to the loco without the buffers; thus revealing the need to drill a little way into the chassis also.
Being on the edge of a sub-frame (not the actual chassis itself), we instead used a file to make clearances for the backs of the buffers.
Then the buffers were lightly glued into place, and the beams back onto the loco. Job Done!
The Bachmann product, incidentally, is article number 36-032, a pack of eight round sprung buffers, intended for the British 00-gauge market, but perfectly fitting – mentioned just in case any of our readers are looking for ways of rebuilding their Heljan T21 locos!
Missing its body, here is T21 87 shewing the enlarged arch in the buffer beam, and the new Bachmann buffers!
We also worked on our T45 328. During January, we fitted the bogie sides and bolsters to the model, greatly improving its appearance. We were able to discard some plexiglass pieces because they had been supplied with the model for use with the then-recommended drive-chassis from a provider in Helsingborg; but we used the more modern chassis from SV&LV, where the bogies were suitably designed for these pieces to be redundant. We had two of each type of bolster, and as with the Rc-locos, it is quite random which way round they are fitted. The one good picture that we have of the real T45 328 shews both bolsters ‘pointing’ inwards on the one side visible in the photo, so that is how we have mounted ours. Then we noticed that these are actually mentioned in the instructions and two were wrong, so they were exchanged (the bolsters should point outwards on the other side)! The next challenge with this model was fitting the etched brass components, ploughs onto the bogies, steps, and then the handrails. In all cases, we had to improvise because there was no clearly marked fitting place for any! The ploughs needed to be quite forward from the bogies, so these are mounted onto the couplings (with spacers). The handrails seemed totally wrong when all available photos were studied, so with 0,5mm brass rod we manufactured our own! Although far from perfect, we are pleased with the results, and in the process, we mounted the extra low level steps. Job Done! However, we would also like to fit more weight under the body because the loco seems too light…! More about the T45 below!
Bogie detail on the T45, shewing the side mouldings (plastic) and the sprung bolsters (metal). The bolsters have subsequently been repainted to correctly match the bogie-sides!T45 328 on the work-table, now with correct-colour bolsters; plus ploughs, steps and handrails – ready to enter service!
As expected our HNoll delivery arrived early January, comprising two A7R and two B7R carriages. These models are far superior in quality to the Roco versions, although the differences are subtle at a quick glance. The fact that the Roco models are only ±£20 cheaper, and come in unprotective brittle plastic tubs (instead of protective boxes), suggests that they are somewhat overpriced!
One of the HNoll B7R carriages, seen after delivery.One of the HNoll A7R carriages, seen after delivery.
Finally, recent correspondence suggested that the Uad/Uadp iron ore wagons had their first two digits changed at some point from 20 to 41. We tried this change with the three that have incorrect ‘control digits’ (given that none of them shew the first four digits on the wagons), and thus the ‘control digit’ was accepted as correct. Job Done!
Manufacturer News
Trix is to release a 2-rail version of the new Märklin Rc5. In the orange livery, but 1990 condition (with the “flying falukorv (sausage)” logo), it will be Rc5 1364 and sold as article number 25281. However, early photos suggest that the chassis is too dark and the roof is completely the wrong colour!
HNoll’s next carriages will probably be the B4 and various derivatives (BF4 & BF7), and these are expected at the end of the year, or early 2024. We are interested in acquiring two, for the regular InterCity trains; and maybe a third for one of the sleeper trains! (The carriages were first given the identity B4 by SJ, but this was later changed to the more correct BF4 where F stands for cargo space.)
Märklin is advertising a pack of three wagons type Tbis571, article 47303. These SJ wagons are two-axle sliding roof / sliding wall vans, and are in a reddish-brown basic paint scheme with grey sliding doors and sliding rooves. The version has convex sliding doors and are without brakeman’s platforms. The models look as they did around 1985. On the models the rooves do actually slide open, but not the doors. We are unaware of a Trix 2-rail version, but DC wheelsets per car is article E700580.
Other News
More about the loco type T45. ASEA (Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget), which for a long time was Sweden’s largest manufacturer of electric locomotives, also tried its hand at building diesel locomotives in the early 1970s. The idea was to challenge Nohab in Trollhättan, which until then had dominated the Swedish diesel locomotive market. A bogie locomotive was constructed where, among other things, the bogies and parts of the electrical equipment were the same as in the Rc locomotives, thus offering a standardisation of spare sparts. Otherwise, the locomotive was a collaboration: the diesel engine was of the SEMT-Pielstick system and was manufactured by Hedemora Verkstäder, while Norwegian Thune was responsible for the mechanical parts and the locomotive bodies. In terms of appearance, the locomotives were quite similar to the T43 and T44 locomotives, and they became the T45. Up to three locomotives could be multiple-worked. In 1969, SJ signed a contract with ASEA to rent the five locomotives that were manufactured. They were delivered in 1971-1972 in an orange/white livery similar to the Rc locos, but with ASEA branding, and no SJ logo. The locomotives were placed in Borlänge and pulled both freight trains and passenger trains on the then still unelectrified line to Mora. In 1976, SJ returned the T45 locomotives to ASEA. Operational reliability had not been so good, mainly due to problems with the diesel engines and SJ did not really want another diesel locomotive type. ASEA tried to sell them abroad but there was no interest. Only one locomotive (324) was sold to the mining company A/S Sydvaranger in Kirkenes in Norway. The remaining locomotives became shunting locomotives in various Swedish industries, including at the ironworks in Avesta and Hofors. The investment was therefore not a success and ASEA did not build any more diesel locomotives. Today, there are no T45s left in traffic and all locomotives except one have been scrapped. T45 327 is preserved at the Gefle-Dala Railway Museum Association in Falun [www.mfgdj.nu].
About 328: Manufactured by ASEA, Västerås, Sweden in 1972. Manufacturing number 1702. Leased 1972-76 by SJ from ASEA. Based at Borlänge 1972-75. 328 was sold in 1978 as a shunting locomotive to SKF Steel in Hofors, where it was given the ownership number 8631. In Hofors, the locomotive was useful on the industrial track from the mill to the station, which runs at a very steep incline (approx. 15‰). The locomotive was supplied (by SKF) with handrails around the platforms, automatic couplings, lighting and TV cameras over the ends. In 1992, SJ took over the shunting at the mill and the locomotive ended up with SJ in Gävle. When SJ took over the locomotive, it received a small refurbishment and was test driven for some speculators. However, the locomotive had some remaining faults, and was worn, and in addition, an odd locomotive construction does not warrant any sale. The locomotive was then disposed of to the Railway Museum in Gävle, but in autumn 1994 it was sold to SP Tågservice in Östersund. In Östersund, the locomotive was revised and in May 1995 it was put back into operation, now leased to Banverket for macadam (ballast) train service. During that summer, the locomotive suffered a serious failure of the diesel engine due to overloading; the diesel engine was removed from the locomotive and sent back to Hedemora. However, it was judged to be so costly to repair the locomotive that it was instead scrapped. The bogies were sent to SSAB in Domnarvet, which used them under its locomotive, 327. (327 had been sold in 1995 to SSAB in Donmarvet, where it was overhauled for approximately SEK 1 million and received, among other things, the bogies from 328.) (Information from mostly jarnvag.net and svenska-lok.se)
If you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate something this year, consider the following. 2023 is the 100th anniversary of the electrification of the Malmbanan; 70th anniversary of the introduction of loco types Dm and Ma, and the YCo6 railbus; and 30th anniversary of the formation of the Scandinavian Railways Society, whose 100th edition of their journal will be published during the year.
Behind the Scenes
Mini-Series around the FLMJ; B: The Journal, FLMJ-Nytt
KRBJ-Nytt, which eventually became FLMJ-Nytt, was a general news journal. It enabled us in our pre-IT days to keep everybody up to date with the Railway’s development and other activities, and also carried special features such as book and video reviews, and anything else that we thought our readers might appreciate (and this even included one year with a cartoon strip)! The frequency changed over its course, finally settling on five editions annually (produced week numbers 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, so there was virtually no risk of losing copies in the Christmas post)! As the Publisher program was automatically updated, so did our curiosity and development, and the last few editions were very neatly presented. In addition to UK proliferation, copies were sent to readers around the world, including USA, UAE, Australia and the Nordic countries. Today, members of the Scandinavian Railways Society benefit from their journal, “Skandiapilen”, which is now edited by Adrian, and has a much more dynamic presence than anything produced before, both for the SRS and for us. It represents an idea of what FLMJ-Nytt could have looked like if it continued in print, today!
FLMJ-Nytt front cover of an edition from its last year in print.Skandiapilen for the SRS, from the same editor as FLMJ-Nytt!
Naturally, our readers had an interest in the KRBJ/FLMJ, so everything was related to that interest. With the closure of the FLMJ in 2018, it seemed pointless continuing whilst there was no actual railway to report from, and most (if not all) of our readers are online. Therefore, the decision has been taken to not restart it once a new railway does get going; but we’re not completely forgetting our publishing heritage, as we’ll discuss later in the year!
Next month: the ‘internal’ newsletter for the committed ‘members and friends’ of the Railway!
Med inköp av lämpligt material fortsatte arbetet med T45-loket. Ett plastblock sattes in i varje ände under karossen, i chassinivå, och efter att ha limmats, borrats och gängat kan vi nu fästa karossen i chassit i ändarna. Detta korrigerar de visuella effekterna av det lätt böjda chassit. Loket är nu nästan klart för inkörning. Boggisidorna och bolstren (kosmetiska föremål på modell) verkar ha lagts på ett säkert ställe, så de kommer att monteras senare; men för närvarande finns det inget ytterligare arbete att göra med denna modell. Detta betyder dock inte att det är komplett. När vi köpte modellen för många år sedan köpte vi inte saker som ledstänger, torkare och liknande; så vi hoppas kunna införskaffa dessa under de kommande månaderna (gärna som tilläggssats, men skrapbyggda om de inte finns), troligen från ‘Hjulmarknaden’.
Tillverkarens Nyheter:
HNoll har drabbats av ytterligare problem, några med mycket bredare knock-on-effekter. 3D CAD-designern på Dekas, som ritar HNolls modeller, har sagt upp sig, och kommer inte att ersättas. De modeller som har ritats kommer att tillverkas, men det som finns på ritbordet kommer behöva kompletteras av någon annan. Detta innebär att leveransen av vagnar kommer att försenas ytterligare på obestämd tid. Dessutom går priserna upp; material, arbetskraft, frakt och ökade levnadskostnader i Sverige. Priserna på HNolls modeller kommer att justeras. De passagerarvagnar som är på väg (för närvarande hålls i kinesisk tull) kommer att kunna hålla sitt rekommenderade pris på 995:-. Men, B4/BF4/BF7 vagnarna kommer att justeras till 1195:-, och det finns ingen känd leveranstid!
Förra månaden tillkännagav vi tillgängligheten av PCX87 Volvo 343, men vår levererades inte förrän i september, så vi hade ingen bild. På vår engelska nyheter, här vi en bild med två av modellerna: för att annonsera om 343:an som en billigare modell än 240:an som fanns tillgänglig samtidigt, tillverkade Volvo dem i primärfärger.
Andra intressanta nyheter:
Modellutställningen på Kårsta, som nämnts på vår hemsida, fanns inte! Deras annons gav ingen specifik adress för evenemanget, så vi gick till den enda adressen som anges på deras hemsida, Kårsta stationsväg 16, 186 60 Kårsta; som verkar vara en bostadsfastighet, inte platsen för ett evenemang med minst 16 handlare! Vi var inte de enda som åkte dit. En annan person ringde några telefonsamtal (inga till arrangören eftersom inget nummer anges) och fick reda på ett rykte om en händelse nära Vallentuna, inte så långt borta; men utan adress övergav vi (och de andra personerna) uppdraget och gick hem! (När vi insåg att detta var en parodi hade tåget som tog oss till Kårsta avgått, och det var en timme till nästa, så den allmänna stämningen var inte bra!)
Till en finare sak; vi har upptäckt vad som verkar vara en ny webbplats i Sverige, som vi har länkat till från denna webbplats. Den visar den svenska järnvägskartan och platsen för nästan alla tåg i trafik, färgkodade efter hur bra de presterar i förhållande till tidtabellen. Detta är användbart för passagerare som kanske undrar var deras försenade tåg är, och intressant för entusiaster av alla möjliga hobbyrelaterade skäl. (Vi kan nu se när ett godståg är på väg att köra förbi vårt fönster och står därför redo med en kamera!) Den ovanliga URL:en är 1409.se.
With the purchase of suitable materials, work continued on the T45 locomotive. A plastic block was inserted at each end under the body, at chassis level, and suitably glued, drilled and tapped, we are now able to secure the body to the chassis at the ends. This eliminates the visual effects of the slightly bowed chassis. The locomotive is now almost ready for running in. The bogie sides and bolsters (cosmetic items on a model) seem to have been put in a safe place, so they will be fitted later; but for now there is no further work to be done to this model. This does not mean it is complete, however. Not purchased all those years ago when we bought the model were things like handrails, wipers and suchlike; so we hope to acquire these in the coming months (preferably as an add-on kit, but scratch-built if not available), probably from ‘Hjulmarknaden’.
Either side of the coupling on the T45, can be seen the new screws to hold the body to the chassis.T45 328 ready for testing. Bogie sides and bolsters still need to be fitted; other missing parts (handrails) need to be purchased!
Manufacturer News:
HNoll has been hit by further problems, some with much wider knock-on effects. The 3D CAD designer at Dekas, who draws HNoll’s models, has resigned, and will not be replaced. The models that have been drawn will be manufactured, but what is on the drawing board will need to be completed, probably by another party. This means that the delivery of carriages will be further delayed indefinitely. Furthermore, prices are going up; materials, labour, freight and increased living costs in Sweden. The prices of HNoll’s models will be adjusted. The passenger carriages that are on their way (currently held in Chinese customs) will be able to keep their recommended price of 995:-. But, the B4/BF4/BF7 carriages will be adjusted to 1195:-, and there is no known delivery time!
Last month, we announced the availability of the PCX87 Volvo 343, but ours didn’t get delivered until September, so we had no picture. Here is one of two of the models: to advertise the 343 as a cheaper model than the 240 which was available at the same time, Volvo produced them in primary colours.
Two models of the Volvo 343 (from 1976).
Other News:
The model exhibition at Kårsta, as mentioned on our website, didn’t exist! (We won’t be promoting Staffshobbyhörna again!) Their advert didn’t give a specific address for the event, so we went to the only address given on their website, Kårsta stationsväg 16, 186 60 Kårsta; which seems to be a residential property, not the venue of an event with at least 16 traders! We were not the only ones to go there. One other punter made a few phone calls (none to the organiser because no number was given) and found out about a rumour of an event near Vallentuna, not so far away; but with no address, we (and the other punters) abandoned the mission and went home! (By the time we realised that this was a spoof, the train that brought us to Kårsta had departed, and it was an hour to the next one, so the general mood was not good!)
On to a nicer item; we have discovered what seems to be a new website in Sweden, which we have linked to from this website. It shews the Swedish railway map and the location of nearly all trains in traffic, colour coded according to how well they are performing in relation to the timetable. This is useful for passengers who might be wondering where their delayed train is, and interesting for enthusiasts for all sorts of hobby related reasons. (We can now see when a goods train is about to run past our window and therefore be ready with a camera!) The unusual URL is 1409.se.
A screenshot from 1409.se; by clicking on the train number, one can get basic information about the train.
Behind the Scenes:
Mini-Series about the FLMJ, 10: Track and Infrastructure
From inception, the FLMJ used Peco Code-100 track. Code-100 refers to an imperial measurement of rail height, 100 thousandths of an inch (one-tenth is easier to read)! This is a little overscale, and Peco has subsequently created Code-75 track, which is actually a bit too small for European standard. Roco, among others, created Code-83 (which Peco also does, now), and with which the KRBJ experimented in 1992. (The KRBJ’s experiment failed because the points had inbuilt contacts that were not weather-proof!) We also had a particular liking for Code-100 because its bulkiness resisted the problems of the uneven nature of the garden-located railway, it resisted moving with the deteriorating baseboards and resisted vandalism from the local cats!
From new, Lövhöjden had a lot of “Y” points at the up end, giving a very snake-like run for trains through the pointwork!The up end at Lövhöjden was eventually relaid with conventional points.
But, the way forward is different. We have no desire to build the railway outdoors again (and here in Sweden, H0 scale would not be compatible with the weather). So, we are confident about moving down to Code-83. This gives us the opportunity to investigate other brands alongside Peco, and sadly, it seems that the best producer of Code-83 was Shinohara, who closed down in 2018. We also investigated Tillig for their dual-gauge elements, but they only feature H0e (9mm) and H0m (12mm), not H0n3 (10,5mm), which would be best for representing the very Swedish gauge of 891mm. So, that brings us to Roco. Their finer-scale turnouts (points) are at 10° instead of Peco’s 12°, but curiously, not their diamond crossings which are at 15°. This was the biggest cause of hesitation with Roco, but there is an interesting consideration that the final form of the FLMJ in the UK had no diamond crossings; so we could still move forward with this brand. There is also an absence of three-way points in Roco’s range, but this does not create any major problems for us. As with Peco, everything is produced with timber profile sleepers (actually made of plastic, of course), but the long flexible panels are also available with concrete. (Tillig, whose range is very limited, also offer imitation steel sleepers!) We have four short panels for display purposes, and a point will be purchased before too long to experiment with. Peco has had to be ‘dropped’, due to the higher costs caused by Brexit from the EU (but more due to the subsequent departure from the EEA as well); and supply problems due to their difficulties in finding a way to produce materials during the Covid pandemic, which other manufacturers seemed able to do.
The FLMJ, for a few years, was fitted with a not-quite-complete catenary system. We had purchased the somewhat cumbersome Jeco variety instead of finescale Entec, due to considerations of cost (so much needed) and the ability to stand up to the cats! The system was not completed due to issues with stability and rust; but, even without the contact wire, images of the railway at this time are impressive and inspiring. Some of the catenary bridges across the station layouts had been made to our specification, in terms of track spacing; it is doubtful that we’ll be able to use them again, but this is also something that cannot be predicted. Towards the end of the double-track main line era, we received some ready-made Entec masts. These were much stronger than we had thought they might be, and so there is a fair possibility that any new layout will have a mixture of the two marques.
Rc5 1351 (visiting) approaching Lövhöjden. Catenary posts fitted, but no contact wires.X10 unit at Månstorp. Catenary bridge had extra spacing for the platform.A close-up view of a catenary bridge; a useful picture for when recreating this in miniature!
Next month, we’ll pay tribute to the team who made the FLMJ what it was!
Arbetet med konstruktionen av T45-modellen har återupptagits. Motorn och boggierna har anlänt och dessa har monterats och testats. Elektriskt finns det tillfälliga anslutningar ifall det skulle bli behov av att ta bort komponenter!
Det lilla diorama som vi tänker bygga snart kommer förmodligen att heta “Odensala Prästgård”, men det får vänta eftersom pengar har lagts på en välbehövlig bil i skala 1:1!
Tillverkarens Nyheter
I en färsk uppdatering från HNoll skriver de att en leverans förväntas med båt från Kina om 2-3 månader, men inte inklusive A11/B11-vagnarna (vi är inte säkra på vad som ingår). Men det kommer några fler restaurang-, ligg- och sovvagnar, några med nya nummer.
Andra intressanta nyheter
En rundtur på några platser av intresse för järnvägen har sammanfattats i våra engelska nyheter, men en större recension planeras för denna webbplats senare i år. Bilderna är från alla platser som vi besökt; Nynäshamns Järnvägsmuseum, LennaKatten, Modeljärnvägenshus, Föreningen Sörmlands VeteranJärnväg, Grängesbergbanornas Järnvägsmuseum, Hallsbergs Modelljärnvägsförening (och så Hallsbergs stationsmiljö för att ta många bilder på passerande tåg), Nora Bergslags Veteran-Jernväg, och “Miniature Kingdom” vid Kungsör.
Work has started on the second significant phase of the construction of the T45 diesel locomotive. This is the fitting of the motor, wheels, and complete drive-gear. The start of this work was reasonably straight forward. With the temporary ‘accommodation bogies’ removed, the new ones (from SV&LV – Skultorps Vagn & LokVerkstad) fitted perfectly into place; but it was a very fiddly job to fit the securing nut on each bogie, due to being difficult to access, and having very fine threads! The motor is a tight squeeze into the recess specially made for it, but there is no means of securing it. It might not need securing; testing at a later date will confirm one way or the other. Between the motor and each bogie there is a prop shaft (cardan shaft), and everything turns freely. Electrically, we decided that it would be wise to be able to remove components if the need arises, but lacking any plug couplers, the pairs of cables from the motor and each bogie were soldered to a contact strip that we glued onto the chassis (instead of soldering it all together directly). Then we reassembled the model and found that the chassis still bows slightly, so we will make up new securing points at each end, which we will use with two more M2 screws. Unfortunately, some of the more cosmetic components for the loco have been left behind in the storage facility, so these will be procured at a later date. With the absence of the full workshop facility, it should not be considered bad that the work described above took 4¾ hours. A week or so later (17th July), the loco was tested on a track with controller, with pleasing results. Clearly, it will need running in, but just to see it move a short distance under proper power was a great boost to the morale.
The T45 (without body) is seen with the motor and bogies fitted, along with cabling.
Odensala Prästgård is the name of our temporary diorama. There is the mainline between Märsta and Knivsta quite close to the temporary lodgings, and there used to be a station at Odensala, many years ago. So, the idea is to expand on the idea of a siding being retained, leading to a small area with just a few tracks for maintenance and other things; also giving us good photography opportunities! With the purchase of a new car (in 1:1 scale) draining funds, construction has been delayed slightly, but the T45 (see above) is keeping us busy!
Manufacturer News
In a recent update from HNoll, they write that a delivery is expected by boat from China in 2-3 months, but not including the A11/B11 carriages (we’re not sure what is included). But there will be a few more restaurant, couchette and sleeper carriages, some with new numbers.
Other News
As hinted last month, the summer tour of railway establishments actually started in June. Participants numbered from 1 to 8 depending on venue.
A typical Q12 tank-wagon at Nynäshamns Järnvägsmuseum.
We started at Nynäshamns Järnvägsmuseum, adjacent to Nynäs Gård station. This is a small museum and a bit too cramped, so photo opportunities were poor. But it has the usual hands-on policy, so we were able to look in every nook and cranny wherever our fancy took us. Naturally, this included the cab of E class 1189.
A few days later, we went to the Uppsala Lenna Järnväg (known also as the LennaKatten). Of the three trains in service, only one was steam-hauled, so that was our choice. A diesel hauled train was available, as was a diesel railbus train. After such a long time since last riding behind a steam loco, advantage was taken of the end platform on the leading carriage, and a delightful experience it was.
891mm gauge steam loco 5 “Thor” at Faringe on the LennaKatten.
One of the smaller dioramas at Söderby/Alunda. (Reflections due to layout screens!)
On the following day, we went to the permanent Model Railway Exhibition at Söderby/Alunda. This is a collection of model railways and train sets, mostly H0, but not entirely, and aimed more at the family audience than the true railway modeller. Interesting, but unlikely to revisit.
After a day’s rest, we went to Oxelösund, the “O” in TGOJ, to visit the FSVJ (Föreningen Sörmlands VeteranJärnväg) there. As with the museum at Nynäshamn, this is a static museum, and we were able to look over, among other things, a Ma-loco of the TGOJ variety, two of the four 1950s TGOJ carriages (the other two were present, but closed), and their former conference carriage (which started out as one of SJ’s first two restaurant carriages in 1929), where a Fika was enjoyed! Returning from Oxelösund, an unplanned detour was made to Läggesta for a ride on the ÖSlJ, with a steam loco, to Mariefred and back!
TGOJ S3 1001, built 1929 for SJ; a restaurant carriage, but used by TGOJ as a conference carriage.
600mm gauge ÖSlJ loco 5 “Hamra” at Läggesta. SJ main line on bridge in the background.
The TGOJ roundhouse at Grängesberg; barely visible is the Volvo inspection car (rightmost shed).
After another day’s rest we went on a tour that included three nights in B+B (at Örebro). The first of these four days was at Grängesberg, the “G” in TGOJ. Here, we saw some of the items modelled at the FLMJ; carriages type BCo7, Co8f, F5; and the Volvo rail-car. Whilst a few nicely restored items are kept under cover in the roundhouse, too many artefacts are rotting away outside in the elements, and we can understand why some items (the 1950s carriages, for example) have been removed from here.
The second day was at Hallsberg, “Hallsbergs Modelljärnvägsförening”; a significant model railway layout, open to the public, adjoining the Bergöövåningen exhibition. The main feature of the layout is the diorama of Hallsberg’s station, both the railway and the environment around it; and all of the local buildings have been faithfully recreated in miniature. Afterwards, back to the 1:1 scale Hallsberg station for a few hours taking photographs, mostly goods trains, headed by Rc-locomotives, including a former ÖBB version of the Rc2!
Hallsberg station in H0-scala, at Hallsberg!
Former ÖBB class 1043, identical to the SJ Rc2 (and built by ASEA), now in service in Sweden as class Rc2-ÖBB. Note different headlamp layout.
E2 1182 with an unusual grey boiler, at Nora.
The third day was at Nora and the overgrown line to Järle (where there was an exceptionally long turnover, despite there being nothing there). There is another line towards Pershyttan (which was not operating, it seemed). And that was about it. A good look around the yard was inspiring (to see some particular items) but also depressing (to see items in the process of being scrapped)! Travel was in a wooden planked carriage type Co4a-Å, coupled with two Norwegian carriages, both type B22 despite their many differences. Due to a special event taking place in Nora, the local fishing club decided it appropriate to charge for parking where it should have been free; but at 20kr, it wasn’t worth the fuss or argument!
The final day was at Miniature Kingdom at Kungsör. This is a Swedish equivalent of the Wunderland at Hamburg, but obviously smaller. But it is quite impressive. Like the FLMJ, it does not represent any particular area in exact detail; rather it shews a lot of Swedish landmarks, featuring elements from Stockholm, Norrland, Västerås, Örebro, and of course, Kungsör. The layout is still under development, but this does not detract from the enjoyment of the exhibit, it provides a good behind-the-scenes exhibit without actually going behind the scenes.
A short goods train on the layout at Miniature Kingdom, Kungsör.
A more thorough description of the staycation is being prepared for this website.
Behind the Scenes
Mini-Series about the FLMJ, 8: Epoch-IV
From inception, the FLMJ reflected the current Epoch. But gradually, the availability of models disappeared. A few modern goods wagons were being produced and locomotives were quite up to date. But with only 1980s carriages in use, and the models being very limited in range (and certainly no unit trains being available); the FLMJ was becoming less and less authentic. So, we stopped the clock and actually put it back to Epoch IV, which for us, represents the period through the 1970s and 1980s; but with a little late 60s and early 90s added. And this is in addition to “heritage” trains! Currently, this is a very comfortable decision to have made. We have a good selection of 1960s and 1980s carriages available now or proposed (though 1940s/1970s styles are lacking), and the Y1 and Y6 generation of railbuses are about right. We would be very happy for affordable models of the X9 to become available (at ‘average modeller’ prices), but otherwise all is well catered for. In this epoch, the carriages are brown (mostly), and locos are either brown or orange. Our most modern trains (just peeking into the 1990s) are the X2000 and Y2 (the latter still awaited, having parted with a terrible Heljan version); both in original liveries. It is also the period when the railway system and the trains were operated by railway companies, unlike most of the current operators who have interests elsewhere, and there was a greater sense of pride and identity. Indeed, the 150th anniversary of Stockholm’s Centralstation last year, was ignored completely because the organisations involved with the building today have no real interest in railways!
The modern black Rc-loco and train clash with the heritage railbus. This loco was probably the shortest-owned model on the FLMJ!
Y7 railbus passes over a level crossing just outside Lövhöjden.
In these images (above), a heritage Y7 railbus contrasts with a modern black Rc-loco; and whilst the green car in the other image is probably the same epoch, the front can be seen of a much more modern car!
Living in the current times, it can be difficult to not take an interest in some modern artefacts. Thankfully, this does not extend to the trains, but a few of the model buildings could perhaps be a bit too modern, as indeed are some of the cars and other road vehicles. To offer justification for this, it was decided that the FLMJ is a ‘heritage railway set in the current day’, so some of the modern items could creep in. And the local ‘kommun’ is said to be offering incentives to residents and businesses to respect the “heritage epoch”!
Next month, we’ll consider the scenery, or at least the scenic aspect of the railway.
Vårt lok T45 har tagits ur lager, redo för vidare arbete. I skrivande stund har en förfrågan gjorts för att skaffa de nödvändiga delarna för att göra den till en fungerande modell, men denna förfrågan inkluderar en begäran om NEM standardhjul istället för RP25; förhoppningsvis får vi en uppdatering om det nästa månad . (Det fanns en antydan om att skaffa ett drivkit (chassi) privat, men allt verkar ha blivit tyst på det.)
Den ‘saknade’ NMJ ‘Kbps’-vagnen anlände i maj och det var glädjande att notera att numret har korrigerats (typ 335 istället för 370), och därmed är kontrollsiffran (‘4’) korrekt!
Tillverkarens Nyheter:
I de senaste nyheterna från HNoll verkar leveransen av nästa vagnar ha lagts tillbaka till efter sommaren! Förseningen har haft en förutsägbar effekt på finansieringen med betydligt högre kostnader för räntor som leder till högre produktionskostnader på framtida modeller än förväntat. Verksamheten bygger på lån. Man hade hoppats att HNoll nu skulle vara i en situation där framtida modeller till stor del kunde utvecklas med eget kapital. De är långt därifrån på grund av förseningarna.
Märklin/Trix har tillsammans gett ut respektive versioner av det danska Litra E-loket (3-räls från Märklin, 2-räls från Trix), för att hjälpa till att fira ett stort danskt järnvägsjubileum! Medan alla de svenska “F”-ångloken blev klass “E” i Danmark (efter att ha sålts till DSB), byggdes många fler på licens, och modellen representerar ett av de senare loken. Det betyder att det finns detaljskillnader som utesluter tillverkningen av ett passande svenskt F-lok. Återförsäljare hoppas på att en lämpligt omarbetad version kommer att bli tillgänglig senare (med samma chassi skulle båda tillverkarna vinna på extraförsäljning av svenska och danska versioner av det svenskbyggda loket), men som alltid är ingenting säkert! Ändå har det skett en ökning av antalet versioner av sämre kvalitet av dessa modeller från Heljan som dykt upp på andrahandsmarknaden, nyligen!
Andra intressanta nyheter:
Spårvägsmuseet öppnade igen på sin nya plats den 21 maj och med fritt inträde den helgen var det mycket hektiskt. Vi var glada över att se att trots att det är en mindre plats har ingen av charmen gått förlorad, och utställningsföremålens layout är inspirerande. Det är fortfarande fokuserat på transporten av huvudstaden. Det är lätt att ta sig till Spårvägsmuseet med blå buss nummer 6 (går mellan Karolinska sjukhuset och Ropsten), och röd buss nummer 75 (går mellan Centralstationen och Ropsten), båda går till Drevergatan. Själva museet finns på Gasverkstorget 1, 115 42 Stockholm. Även båt nummer 80 anlöper bryggan vid Ropsten, varifrån det är 10 minuters promenad till museet. Vi har återställt länken till deras webbplats på vår sida med relaterade länkar.
Our T45 loco has been brought out of storage, ready for further work. At the time of writing, an enquiry has been made to obtain the necessary parts to make it into a working model, but this enquiry includes a request for NEM standard wheels instead of RP25, Hopefully, we’ll have an update on that next month. (There was a hint of obtaining a drive kit (chassis) privately, but all seems to have gone quiet on that.)
The ‘missing’ NMJ ‘Kbps’ wagon arrived in May, and it was pleasing to note that the number has been corrected (type 335 instead of 370), and thus the control digit (‘4’) is correct!
T45 328 on so called ‘Accommodation bogies’, awaiting the next development in its construction.
Kbps 21 74 335 4 099-4 is a correct number and will need no adjustments.
Manufacturer News
In the latest news from HNoll, delivery of the next carriages seems to have been put back to after the summer! The delay has had a predictable effect on the funding with significantly higher costs for interest rates leading to higher production costs on future models than expected. The business is based on loans. It had been hoped that by now, HNoll would now be in a situation where future models could largely be developed with equity. They are far from there, because of the delays.
Märklin/Trix have jointly issued respective versions of the Danish Litra E locomotive (3-rail from Märklin, 2-rail from Trix), to help celebrate a big Danish railway anniversary! Whilst all of the Swedish ‘F’ steam locos became class ‘E’ in Denmark (after being sold to the DSB), many more were built under licence, and the model represents one of the latter locos. This means that there are subtle but significant detail differences, precluding the production of a suitable Swedish ‘F’ loco. Retailers are hopeful that a suitably retooled version will become available later (using the same chassis, both manufacturers would gain with extra sales of Swedish and Danish versions of the Swedish-built loco), but as always, nothing is certain! Nevertheless, there has been an increase in the number of the poorer quality versions of these models from Heljan appearing on the second-hand market, recently!
The Trix DSB E loco – maybe a Swedish F could follow…?
Other News
Spårvägsmuseet reopened at its new location on May 21st, and with free entry on that weekend, it was understandably busy. We were delighted to see that despite being a smaller site, none of the charm has been lost, and the layout of the exhibits is inspiring. It remains focused on the transport of the capital city, (unlike the LTM in London which focuses more on the economic and social history of that city, competing with the London Museum). Spårvägsmuseet is easily reached by blue bus number 6 (running between Karolinska Hospital and Ropsten), and red bus number 75 (running between Centralstation and Ropsten), both calling at Drevergatan. The museum itself is at Gasverkstorget 1, 115 42 Stockholm. Even boat number 80 calls at the pier at Ropsten, from where there is a 10-minutes walk to the museum. We have reinstated the link to their website on our Related Links page.
Inside the new Spårvägsmuseet. Naturally, very transport themed, unlike its London counterpart!
In the image above, the mini-train is being driven by the ‘pedestrian’ at the very back, using a radio controller. This ensures more seats for passengers, and the driver has a good all-round vision of the passengers (safety), the train, and its environment, especially important given that it is not fenced off. The museum is on four levels all accessible by lift.
Behind the Scenes
Mini-Series about the FLMJ, 6: How it worked The FLMJ was always a 12v dc analogue railway. DCC (Digital Command Control) has been looked at and played with on other people’s layouts, but on balance we have reached the decision that it is not right for the FLMJ. The conventional analogue system on two rails provided a simple means of controlling the trains. By remembering that the Positive rail (+ve) is always the one on the right (despite Peco’s misguided advice to the contrary), the scope of the system is as good as the modeller is creative. With the FLMJ, all track sections were divided electrically (rather like signalling block sections on a larger-scale railway), and a toggle switch (with a centre-off position) was provided for each section. Moving the switch down connected that track to the local controller; moving it up connected it to a remote controller. If we had a location where coupling up (of double-locos) was required, then a simple on-off subsection would be provided; this was the case at Ålunden and intended for Fjällnäs. Eventually, we were able to control the entire railway from the Lövhöjden control panel, with the Ålunden track sections selected to the remote controller. (By that time, Månstorp had lost its local controls!) It had an added bonus of being able to be operated by one person alone, or by a group of people. As an original intention, this will be used on any new layout.
Between the controlled locations, there were specially controlled sections that could be controlled from either end; whichever end took control first, blocked out the controller from the other end. However, the other end could interrupt the continuity of the connection and take over! This was useful when running a train without wanting to stop it; the controllers would be synchronised (speed and direction) and then switched over to enable the smooth running of the train. Coloured indicators confirmed the status of these sections.
Different locations had different switch layouts, so that we could see which were the most user-friendly! At Ålunden, they were mounted in a row, and labelled to match the labels on the track diagram. At Lövhöjden, they were mounted onto the track diagram. One of the shunting areas had the switches in groups according to usage; and the locoshed area had two way centre-off sub-sections so that one line or the other could be connected, but not both! The new layout will have the switches arranged according to whatever feels right for the track plan; initially. But we wish to start with a new system that is interlocked with the signalling, so that by switching on a section with momentary contact, the controller follows the train according to the signalling and point settings. It will be an experiment, and until it is in a semi-advanced stage, we cannot sensibly say more about it, here, now.
Controls at Ålunden, a row of switches with labels. Those under the Roco boxes are for points and signals!
Controls at Lövhöjden; switches on the diagram. The red and green indicators are for the shared block sections.
Next month, having mentioned the signalling, we’ll take a look at that.
T45 328, whilst not seeing any progress, is newsworthy in that a suitable chassis c/w motor has been identified for it; produced by SV&LV (Skultorps Vagn & LokVerkstad). This is likely to cost in the region of £175. However, we have been in dialogue with a modeller in Sweden who hinted at having a chassis by ‘AH Mässingchassis’ available. [Photos from SV&LV website.]
Drawing shewing how the motor, drive and wheels fit the T45.
Geared bogies for the T45.
N 1304 is coming along slowly. The tanks and cab were attached to the chassis with contact adhesive (one of the recommended methods), but not an extension piece to the rear buffer-beam, because it was not clear how it should be fitted. This can be ironed out later. The exhaust steam pipe was fitted (having identified what it actually is—the drawing is unclear) and the front running plate was attached to the boiler. The smokebox door was loose-fitted (a ‘tight’ loose fit) in case we need access to it for the installation of the working lights, later. Phase One (five phases in all) was completed 8th January.
Phase Two began the following day! The phases are generally set out in accordance with the five assembly drawings, but with suitable adjustments where necessary. We started by fitting the chimney, steam dome, sand dome and some other boiler-top fittings; then moved onto things such as buffer-beam (including the rear one, which could now be correctly fitted), the buffers, steam pump, brake pump, jack, and a few other fittings (including etched brass) before preparing the superstructure for painting.
The main superstructure of N 1304.
N 1304 with more parts added, beginning to look business-like!
Phase Three followed soon after. Painting has been postponed until the handrails have been fitted, and the handrails were postponed until we had obtained better tooling for them. So, this phase is actually the fourth brought forward: the chassis! The two main frames are easily different as one has the motor mount, but with a ‘revised’ motor supplied, we needed to remove the mount. The spacers for the frames also provided a headache which was solved when we discovered that they both had faulty threads at one end, and we were grateful that we had brought our 2mm tap from the UK. Thus, the frames went together quite easily once the faults were corrected, and tried up to the body—a tight but perfect fit—even with the motor attached. We completed Phase Three in one day with the fitting of the wheels, axles, bushes, motor and gears; and one cast piece (part of the brake plumbing), but with the exception of the balance weights for the wheels and the ‘decorative’ trims for the axle ends, because they ought to wait until the rest of the loco has been put together! Where the model has been modified since drawings were created, we realised that there were tabs for electrical contacts on one side only. So, using off-cuts from the etched brass sheet, we made some tabs to mount on the other side in corresponding places, glued at first, but strengthened with solder soon after. We then found the ‘difference’ between wheels part numbers 64 and 67—64 are conducting, 67 are insulating! Thankfully the only remedial work was to turn around the gear on the third axle! We were now ready to think about Phase Four.
The chassis for N 1304.
The first paint went on in the middle of the month. We needed to remove the wheels so that we could paint the frames, and this seemed the logical time to do it. Whilst this was being done, the matt black first coat was applied to the loco body also. (The top coat will be satin black.) Then, ‘oily steel’ was applied to the coupling rods, connecting rods, and a few smaller details.
Phase Four primarily concerned the ‘motion’; the valve gear and all the linkages. Thankfully, some of it was already assembled, but we still needed to work with brass nuts about 1mm a/f and various other equally tiny parts! We were not satisfied with the design of the feeble attachment for the motion bracket to the chassis, but in the cramped space, all we could do was pack a little extra glue! As we came to put it together, we found that it might have been a bit easier if these parts had been assembled after we fitted the motion on both sides, but it has gone in OK. One small job that took almost a day to do was to fit the brake shoes. These are very tiny pieces that go onto 0.5mm rods between the wheels, and even with tweezers (or ‘especially’ with tweezers), which were so essential, this was not an easy job. We feared that we had lost one brake shoe, but it was found on the floor (sadly, there are no spare parts with the kit). We returned to the motion, and struggled to fit it. One of the fixing brackets on the motion bracket broke away, and one of the crossheads had a blob of solder preventing it from engaging with the slide bars! We also needed to put a blob of glue on the nuts holding the connecting rods to the crossheads, and the expansion links to the radius rods and motion bracket. Curiously, there is nothing to stop the return crank from coming off its stud, so we used a blob of glue as a temporary measure, but a scrap of offcut will be used when the job has been finished. The lights were fitted at this stage; working ones intended for the Jeco/Liliput E-loco, but we needed to order resistors because the E-loco has them mounted onto the PCB, which the N-loco does not have!
N 1304 seen partially assembled at the end of January 2021.
We have discovered a little fax-paus… our loco number1304 would not have had the separate domes (one for steam, one for sand); this applied only to the ‘earlier’ samples. Later locos had a very large combined dome. We have decided to overlook this detail and not change the fittings nor the number. As a caveat, our resource does not confirm from which number the change was made, and our one photo of 1304 is at such an angle that it is difficult to tell! Furthermore, we have a photo of one with the two domes fitted the ‘other’ way around.
Fv1 (ex-F5-L) 25786 has a new buffer (to replace one that had been broken off before purchased), and this is ready to enter service. The Kadee couplings have been taken out of the NEM pockets, but we have no supplies of Roco couplings here in Sweden, so they will be fitted at a later date. Also for later, is the manufacture of a box for it; currently it remains in the box that it was shipped in, with bubble-wrap for protection.
Uh 20 74 070 0 651-0, a BP tank wagon arrived at the end of the month. This is a Dekas model made in Denmark, and quite limited in availability. It will be interesting to compare this with our Piko model of the Uh wagon in BP livery (thankfully with a different running number)! The number shewn here is the number carried on the new model, though the box suggests 21…-4.
Fv1 (F5-L) 25786 seen after one of the buffers had been repaired/replaced.
Uh tankvagn 20 74 070 0 651-0, a model by Dekas, and very nicely detailed.
Two interesting model cars have arrived, a Volvo 444PV as a deluxe version with extra trims and detailed interior; and a much older Volvo PV56 with ‘wartime’ Gengas trailer. Both are by SMJ.
Volvo 444 (left) and Volvo PV56 (right); the latter with a wood-burner generator, a common sight during the wartime fuel shortage.
Manufacturer News
HNoll is inspecting samples of the Brown R4 and Black S12 carriages. If these are OK, they will be sent from China shortly afterwards and for delivery to the stores in the next few weeks. It is a very small part of the order that is ready. It may take a while before these carriages can be produced again as there is a lot of queuing in the factory. Work on B4, BF4 and BF7 has begun, which they hope to be able to deliver in the autumn, but there is no update about the A7/A8/B7/B8/S1 models. However, another setback has occurred with the air freight costs (which the supplier has blamed on Corona) which have gone up from 29kr per unit to 62kr, so now they are being sent by sea at a cost of 13kr, but delivery will be a bit later.
Rc3 1027 is getting more ready to be used in double-heading and for testing new track before being connected to controllers.
Modifications were made to the superstructure so that coupling mechanisms could be retrofitted. The loco is of no use without couplings, so it was a necessary job! Fitting Symoba 111+107 was straight forward, and the only extra work was to make the cut-out in the ploughs so that the couplings could poke through.
We found some 13.5mm Ø wheels in stock and have fitted these into the bogies. We also found some weights which have been fitted inside the loco, to the chassis. Thus, it is now ready to run (notwithstanding repainting into an earlier livery at a later date).
Rc3 1027 with Symoba couplings and standing on metal wheels of the correct diameter; now ready to roll!
T21 64 returned to service (for proper running-in) at the beginning of the month.
A small control panel on the chassis was repainted later (it was too bright!), and a better way of fitting the handrails has been devised. The new handrail work will be for a later date.
T21 64 shewing the green control boxes – just a little detail that makes a difference.
T45 328 also made progress.
The ploughs were painted matt red, but the first coat was cleaned off so that they could be cleaned with fibre brushes and reapplied; and this has certainly made an improvement.
Other painting included the bogie sides and bolsters, but of course these cannot be fitted until we have obtained a drive package for the model.
With the arrival of a ‘tap’ for M2, we were able to properly tap the holes for the screws to hold the body to the chassis.
We suffered a slight hiccup when we intended to apply the number decals to the buffer beams. We had failed to notice that the red does not go all the way up to the running board! So, this part of the red has been painted over, and then the number applied. This loco has now gone back into storage until a motor and drive-train can be sourced for it. In all other respects, it is ready for service.
T45 328 with its buffer-beam numbers. The body is now properly secured to the chassis – but awaits a motor and drive-gears.
F 1207 had some significant progress during November. The biggest breakthrough came on the first weekend of the month, which some would argue is a little ironic: remember that this is an important Swedish locomotive, made by a Danish manufacturer… that weekend was the 500th anniversary of the Stockholm Bloodbath; we’ll leave it to you to look up the historical relevance!
With some technical advice, we were able to separate the motor from the fly-wheel, and the same from the old T21 motor assembly. Under test, we found that by inserting the ‘F’ core into the ‘T21’ casing, there was no magnetic resistance. Reassembled with this substitution, the motor turned freely under power—one way only; completely ‘dead’ the other way! Remembering that this is a Heljan model, we rewired and re-soldered connections and it started to work properly, but clearly needing running-in.
Refitted to the loco, all was not well. In fact, the newly assembled hybrid motor seemed to work the wrong way (easily corrected by swapping the wires over), and then not at all. Then smoke arose from where smoke should not arise and the controller cut out! So, a new motor needs to be fitted. There is also a temptation to remove the PCB completely and fit our own suppressor (capacitor) and resistors, but that will be only if all else fails. A new motor is on order, but it seems to be taking a long time in coming (from Sheffield).
Following several hours research into the model’s internal wiring, the new smoke-box door headlamp was fitted and brought into use. It is correctly a so-called ‘warm-white’ and thus contrasts with Heljan’s ‘ice-white’ lamps. The latter will be dyed accordingly.
Boiler cab fittings have been painted with brass, copper and steel coloured paints.
F 1207 back together, but without a motor.
F 1207 headlights; the new Jeco/Liliput lamp is at the top, the lower Heljan ones need recolouring!
K24 1775 returned to the Railway during November. There was only one K24, and its number was 1776, so we shall see about getting ours corrected. Curiously, when Liliput first produced the model, they got the number correct; but they later issued it as 1775 and 1772, both incorrect, yet only 1772 came with etched numberplates!
The model has NEM coupling pockets, but removal of the couplings requires the chassis to be taken apart, so close couplings were retrofitted later in the month!
Whilst we had the loco apart for checking over, we painted the cab fittings brass, copper and steel where appropriate, and a red regulator!
The NMJ wagon, G 1000 of the NOJ (Nässjö Oskarshamn Järnväg) has been purchased to support this loco, as has an old Piko Gs 761, also of the NOJ. The latter did not have NEM pockets, but these have now been retrofitted (Symoba, again), and all three vehicles (loco and two wagons) have close couplings inserted! (More about the Piko wagon below…)
Before SJ took over the K24, it was owned by the NOJ as their loco number 29. For more information, see our Available Models section.
K24 1775 awaiting testing and running in. All does seem to be well.
Yd 343 came in for a little more work.
The ‘A’ end markers were fitted to this model. A small job, but makes the world of visual difference!
‘A’ end markers on the Yd.
FM4 55420 has been painted. The decision was taken to reject the Orange “Mätvagn” livery for this model, and instead to paint it the same way as the R5, old SJ brown, but with black at window height. It is, after all, another ‘freelance’ carriage.
Because this model has had several livery considerations, it really needed sanding down first, then grey primer. The model was sanded again between two coats of primer, and when the first coat of SJ Brown went on, it went on very well! Obviously, its overall appearance is still a little compromised—best viewed from a distance!
The gloss black at window height is now matt black. But we have decided against repainting the roof, light grey is authentic for the brown livery.
An ASEA bogie was repainted (from light grey) to match this vehicle. This bogie is a temporary measure until the designated MD bogie has been relinquished by the T45 loco, which is borrowing it until a motor-bogie has been fitted.
Extra weight was required, and we have therefore found an excellent recycling exercise for Märklin AC wheel-sets; held in with ‘gorilla-glue’ four wheel-sets provide enough weight!
The number transfers have been applied, and we have used 55420, which is labelled for type F24K presently. We will, at a later date, change the ‘24K’ to ‘M4’!
FM4 55420 with its decals, but still a lot more work to do.
R5 2602 has continued, following the collection of some old parts in store, spare parts from former UGJ models!
A bolster was fitted to each end of the chassis to serve as a buffer-beam, and for good measure, reinforced with ‘L’ section extrusion. The buffer centres are a scale distance of 6’ apart (easier to measure in scale than actual), so marking the bolster was easy from a width point of view; getting height right was a bigger challenge!
Symoba 111+103 couplings have been fitted to this model (requiring much of the new buffer beam to be cut away), and it was nice to find a use for the #103 standard pockets!
End gangways were made up (the X2000 pattern was quite unsuitable), and end lights (non-working) were fitted using British ‘Replica Railways’ products designed as headlamps for 00-scale diesels! Painted black with red lamp sections, they look quite the part!
Final assembly was conducted near the end of the month, and we now have an extra catering carriage, quite freelance, but useful until more suitable models are produced.
R5 2602 ready for traffic; a freelance model to be used until we have more authentic catering carriages!
The Tekla (aka Strömavtagarvagn) was recovered from storage, and some effort has been made to get that kit completed. A plan of action was for a whole week, with one job each day. Although the jobs were all quite small, this is a delicate kit, and should not be rushed! Of equal urgency was a box for it to go into because it is rather lightweight and prone to damage!
This device is used at loco-sheds that house electric engines but were built before electrification, thus no cables go into the sheds. With the loco’s pantographs lowered, the Tekla provides power to the loco; one end slides onto the lowered pantograph, the other end makes contact with the wire outside. LEG’s film “1435 Elloksveteraner del 2” shews one in use.
Naturally, we started with the easier jobs; painting the wheels and fitting them using thin ‘piano wire’ for the axles. Super-glued into place (wheels onto axles), we now have a device that can be moved along the track—all wheels turn!
The ‘stretchers’ on the top required more intensive work, however. We didn’t have all of the required drill bits available (0.4mm, 0.6mm 0.8mm) and neither of our pin vices could hold the 0.4mm that we did have! But using an old dentists’ drill (kindly donated years ago), we were able to create 0.7mm holes and fill with glue or solder where necessary! Despite the precarious nature of this, it seems to have worked!
Unfortunately, the 0.8mm holes go into 0.9mm plastic, so that didn’t work out. We fitted reinforcers to the top of the frame, into which we have bored 0.9mm holes, and the insulators fit into that easily.
The shape-formation of the stretchers, which needed parts soldering on, was another unfortunate problem! This didn’t work out at all well. The cantilevers for the stretcher that reaches to the contact wire are now made from ‘L’ section brass (instead of 0.5mm round) and soldered into place; but the insulators for the other stretcher have been gorilla-glued instead of soldered.
The model finally went together at the end of the month, a few compromises here and there but not completely ruining the visual appeal. Unfortunately, we have found that it is only a visual model (we had hoped to use it for interesting shunting purposes as designed), but as the photo shews, the stretcher to the pantograph is nowhere near long enough! (Even if we took off our coupling so that the buffer beam could press against the loco buffers, it would still not reach!)
The box should be built in the early part of December.
The ‘Tekla’ with Rc3 1027 – certainly not reaching the pantographs!
