With a bit of work and a sharp eye on costs, many older models can be brought into line with more recent productions. TIM SHACKLETON shows how you can transform second-hand bargains into smooth-running, good-looking models you can be proud of.
There are many reasons why locomotives don’t run as well as we’d like and it isn’t all about the kind of motor they have. The principal factor is that track and/or wheels are so dirty that current pick-up is impeded. The second is that current collection itself is inadequate, either because the locomotive has too few pick-ups or because they aren’t working properly. The third is that insufficient attention is paid to lubricating the mechanism – paradoxically this usually means using too much of the wrong kind of oil. The fourth is that the model hasn’t been run in properly.
Above: Brush Type 2 D5862 at speed near Aldwarke Junction, Rotherham on August 12 1965. This panned shot perfectly encapsulates the kind of smooth, prototypical running I expect from my locomotives. Author’s collection/BR Official.
Regardless of whether the locomotive is digitally or analogue controlled, whether it’s a state-of-the-art model …