Where to start?

It would be nice if a 2P could only pull up to perhaps 5 coaches, and an 8P no problem with 12, but it often 'sounds nice' to read 'easily hauls prototypical loads' which means that 2P could have a metal body and running boards and weigh as much as that 8P, and haul at least 10, whereas that 8P underperforms .... you get the idea.

Simply adding weight where able - I do - isn't always the answer either - there may be no room for extra weight, or the motor is 'tired' ... etc.

There are several Hornby steam locomotives with diecast bodies, and I'm not just talking about the recent H-D bombshells.

One such is the detailed version of the Schools Class, which was notoriously powerful for a 4-4-0, and it actually comes with a metal body, and 2 of the drivers have traction tyres (not everyone's favourite).

I'm 'running in' a hardly ever used super detail A4 just now, and she's running very nicely - and quietly, but will only take 4th radius curves as I've detailed her up - drainpipes are what are limiting articulation ...

Locomotives - check out several different videos of the same model - you'll get an impression of what to expect.

Track - as large a radius as possible. 2nd radius minimum for super detail - pinch of salt time!! The larger the better - less wear on the chassis, bearings, etc.

Al.

Holy moly that’s a lot of info, thanks Al!

I’m trying to closely match locos with wagons and coaches, but I think I’m over thinking it, and I’ll find what works as I go.

I had an old Lego train set and I remember trying all kinds of stuff with that, adding weigh, inclines and declines, multiple wagons. That little Lego loco was a real trooper.

Could you explain the “running in” thing a little? It didn’t even occur to me that they had a break in period. With nitro RC cars you let it idle for a full tank then do short bursts at half throttle.

As for track, I planned to run the Britannia on radius 3 only. I’m yet to add any radius 4.

One more thing, I was trying to piece together a goods train, but I’ve noticed a lack of Hornby flat wagons. Do they not make many of these these days?

Is that what a loco this size would normally pull? 6 coaches?

Or is this more down to what you want your loco to do, and the size of your layout, rather than a set in stone number?

The size of your layout will be an important factor as 6 full size coaches will add up to around 1.5m, not including the loco. So quite a long train. I've just started building a 10 foot, (3m) long layout and will probably limit my passenger trains to 4 coaches.

Brew Man - My layout will be a similar size to yours in length and I think I’m also going to stick to just four coaches. If I’m able to extend my layout in my loft at some point, I may up it to six.

Mine is also in the loft. I could have just squeezed 12 feet in but would have had great difficulty accessing some parts of the perimeter. It's a bit tight as it is due to the slopes in the roof.

Another delivery, another train. That’s three now and I don’t even have a layout! The Britannia class loco is absolutely stunning and I’m glad I chose it as my main loco. I got the sound decoder because I want to try one at least once and see if I like it or not.

I can only work on my loft for a few hours a week, so it’s not progressing as fast as I would like, and I can’t fully commit to a layout until I know just how much room I have up there.

Still, buying everything so it’s ready to go as soon as the loft is finished will be a bit like Christmas. All I’m really waiting for now is the elite controller and the terrier train pack.

Are certain brands of lubricating oils better than others, or are they all the same? The Gaugemaster and Expo brands seem to be popular.

RDS - I apologise if you need to rotate my picture again. (Moderator Note: Done - No problem!)

Are you using a tablet or phone to upload pictures. If so they have to be sent with the device the right way up.

For my iPad this means having the Home button under my right thumb or at the bottom for a portrait picture. If I send them with the iPad the other way up, they look OK on my screen but load wrong on the forum.

I also resize them to 800 pixels on the longest side as this allows them to load on the forum quicker.

Peco 'Electrolube' is another lubricant to consider as it is also formulated not to be an insulant.

Hi DRC, catching up with your last reply.

I suppose in some respects there may be some similarity between the nitro engine 'pinch' bedding in, and bedding in / running in locomotives.

Manufacturing is always a compromise - too much slack, and over time this could wear such that a cog is near-missed and may jam, so some gears may be a little tight to avoid this, which require a little 'bedding in'.

I remember fitting an LST2 gearbox (with reverse) to my Losi Raminator (didn't come with reverse) - you may be familiar if you know nitro - and I spun it up over an hour, using my drill, to loosen up the gearbox, with the tight mesh of the gears.

Many locomotives - to return directly to the subject! - may never need bedding in at all, and run smoothly from the start.

Hornby Britannias have always been a favourite of mine. Loved them 'when I were a lad' 50 years ago, but only bought one when 18 years old, when the Silver Seal tender powered Oliver Cromwell came out ...

I've coincidentally lifted out my R2562 Britannia today to give a good run around - fantastic-looking model and pretty powerful as well.

Al.

I've made a vid for beginners - this might you...How To Model A Railway Track - YouTube

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