Class 50 and Class 25 on engineering works at Charlton station

This weekend I ran a few trains on Charlton.  It is probably the last time I am going to set up the layout before selling it.  I fixed up a rake of engineering spoil wagons and also some hopper wagons.  The engineers spoil wagons are all kit built and it gave me a lot of satisfaction seeing the rake running together.  They have been completed over the years, with varying levels of competency; however, it feels very great to see a train composed of my own kit built stock.  It is now time to sell Charlton and make room for the next layout.  I have a baseboard ready to start (subject to some work with a saw to open out one end) - and I am excited to build a much more ambitious layout.  Anyhow enjoy for now - more updates soon!

Engineering Sunday at Charlton.

Initially a Class 25 brings in hopper wagons with fresh ballast.

Before leaving and collecting a rake of spoil wagons for spent ballast.

The spoil train is too long for the loop at Charlton, so a class 50 picks up the train to head down the line for track relaying.

Class 50 just about ready to roll

A long saga from the depths of my modelling boxes has just about been finished.  I now have a DCC sound Class 50 for the layout.  I do like the Class 50s and originally wanted a couple for layout....so I purchased the Hornby model around c. 2011 in BR blue.  This model languished for ages, whilst I got around to finding some time to play with it and finally in 2016 I took it out the box.  The model just would not run from new.  It turns out, this model had a faulty PCB board (it was well known fault) that Hornby had replaced for free at the time; problem was by the time I got around to looking at it, Hornby refused to replace the PCB board, as they said they had no replacement boards available.

Resolution - overall I am pretty happy with the finish on this locomotive.

I had by then acquired another second hand Class 50, so I used this chassis, coupled with the BR blue body and set about detailing the body.  As per normal multiple washes and coats were applied to the body to provide a little bit of tonal variation, whilst the chassis and bogies were treated separately.  Putting the locomotive back together was a total nightmare.  The Hornby glazing, once out is very difficult to get back into place and it looks pretty poor.  The headcode box also needs replacing properly.  However, I have had such a difficult job to get this back together (the glazing, plus the doors) that I am reluctant to take it apart again.

The class 50 seen here shunting some wagons at Charlton.

I like this shot a lot - it looks like a typical, grey overcast North Devon day!

However, the verdict?  I am delighted with the how the model turned out, minus the niggles mentioned above.  The Howes DCC sound chip is pretty fantastic too, so it looks like a class 50 and sounds like one also.  I am going to try to replace the headcode box from the outside and then let sleeping dogs lie! However, I am somewhat put off buying a Hornby diesel locomotive again.  The bogie side frame arrangement is difficult to work with (in my opnion).  Added to this the PCB board was faulty and the ability to take out the cabs/glazing and doors was very awkward.  Would I bother to do another?  Well I do want another class 50 and have one ready to paintstrip....I had better let the memory of this fade away before I start.....

Anyhow a couple of videos of it pottering around Charlton station.