Model Railway - What's your latest acquisition?

Hi Rana...

The Playcraft branded Jouef models were for the British market, your loco has the continental type couplings.

The coaches were very likely to have had both types of coupling, for the different markets, the pure Jouef ones possibly not having the For Playcraft inscription....

Hi Stu,

just opened the laptop, so sorry for not replying earlier.  The height from railhead to top of pantograph is 70mm  (as far as I can determine using a vernier gauge and 76 years of eyesight!)   it was most enjoyable watching the start-up sequence again, seeing the pantograph being raised.

hope this is of use to you

Rod

Rod! That is more than helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with that measurement. I have now come down my loft so tomorrow I will check my rail head to catenary height. I really hope that my catenary is suitable for this loco as they look absolutely awesome! Which very did you get?? Once again thanks.

3440 GWR City of Truro has arrived - really nice locomotive - crew already fitted, which I normally do anyway, so I'll accept that.

It's 'good used' - all details seem perfect, no spares, no paperwork. Lacquer might be original, not sure - nice locomotive. Strangely, this one doesn't have the spare bogie, and the front coupling attached is flush into the bogie, so easily removed - must have been several 'variants' over time perhaps.

Al.

Beautiful model and photos. It is amazing that there was a possibility this loco reached 100 mph so long ago. A pity not actually proven.  I think this is definitely on my wish list. Lucky you, Al.

Thanks JP.

Those 2 recent purchases were the 2 'Unicorns' I was after this last 15 months - Midland Compound and City of Truro.

Now to remember I have bills to pay and a family to feed!!

I don't think it's outside the realms of possibility - look at the ridiculous speeds (relatively) during the Great Races to the North, some 15-20 years earlier!!

Al.

I forgot one view - front - opening the smokebox door.

Quite successful - 'hinging' seems OK but it won't be something I'll make a habit of!!

Al.

Spot anything missing?

Apparently this is how 'my seller' received it, selling it on. The rest of the loco is superb, but ...

It appears that the 'option' bogie has been fitted, with no sign of the original, there's no hook / 3-link, and ... the buffer beam's been repainted!

The last bit unfortunately means there's no 'No.' on the LHS as you look at it, and no loco number (3440) on the RHS - all present on the original. I can replace the numerals, will have to eventually hunt down 'No.', but one unfortunate consequence of this repaint is the yellow edging has gone.

I'm still keeping it - I've done a 9V battery test at work and it runs OK, and it's 99% perfect - that's good enough. ...

Al.

Apologies, Stu, will post a picture of the class 90 tomorrow

Rod

Apologies, Stu, will post a picture of the class 90 tomorrow

Rod

Thanks Rod! 

Stu.

Update on the City of Truro - it is a superb locomotive, perhaps not quite as anticipated, but excellent nevertheless, and good communication was maintained with the seller, with an 'understanding' agreed - I will be keeping the locomotive - no reason why not.

There were a few extra minor repairs and modifications required - a hook and 3-link are in place at the front.

Initially I removed the front hook, keeping the 'loop' of the tension lock, but it didn't work - it's bonded into the bogie frame, so had to be surgically removed!!

I'll see if I can place the 3440 from GWR bufferbeam transfers currently en route correctly - that'll add something.

I'd still like the fine yellow line - I'll work on that one. Mind boggles why it was repainted ... 

It's a 'Keeper' and looks great.

Al.