Rolling Stock
The collection is predominantly modern image, especially from the BR blue era which is the period during which I first started being interested in railways. However, I tend to run what I like and have recently added some of the superb new steam engines from Hornby and Bachmann - the engine shed at Bearham is set up for steam locos and will be a Heritage centre to give an excuse to run what I like!
Click here for a complete stock listing as a PDF.
Over time I have replaced most of my Lima locos and most are now Bachmann, Hornby and Heljan. I have a large collection of coaches and wagons from Hornby, Lima, Bachmann and Dapol, more than can be accomodated on the layout at any one time - there is storage under the layout for extra stock. I always try and make each individual train fairly realistic in itself although there will no doubt be several trains from different eras on the layout at any one time. I have replaced all plastic wheels with metal ones to give better running and to reduce the need for track cleaning. I have changed all the couplings to Kadees again to give more reliable running but also to enhance shunting in the sidings where some magnetic uncoupling ramps are fitted. Fitting Kadees is sometimes not as easy as it should be - NEM pockets can be at the wrong height and some of the newer Hornby diesels have too much play in their coupling mounts to let the Kadees work as well as they should do.
Some of the stock is weathered, although I have not weathered some of the new locos as it seems a shame to hide the excellent finish. In time I will probably weather all the stock. I do this using dry brushing and a dirty paint mix, with some application of track dirt colour on the underframe or with weathering powders. I also try to add extra details such as electrification warning transfers to the older coaches and wagons.
