Leuna Tanker

From the beginning, Leuna was an oil company that operated its own tank cars. This model replicates a Leuna tanker operating on the Deutschen Reichsbahn.

Model: Complete with an opening fill hatch and working drain valve.

Length: 300mm LGB: 41406

Brookwood Extension - And the rains came!

With all this rain hitting the North West of England during the past twenty four hours, it was obviously a good idea to build this bridge!

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway opened in May 1898 and closed just after 37 years in 1935. This 19 mile line and its purposely chosen gauge of 1ft 11 1/2in (600mm) was constructed to follow the natural contours of the North Devon countryside. The one-mile section in use today was reopened in 2004 and operates from Woody Bay station to Killington Lane.

Mixed rolling stock on a siding at Woody Bay station.

The 11:30 from Woody Bay station prepares to depart.

There she goes, Axe 2451, on her way to Killington Lane.

All's quiet looking towards the engine shed at Woody Bay station.

Woody Bay station.

...and back again up the inclined approach to Woody Bay station.

Nearly home, Axe returns.

DR Box Car

This long box car with brakeman's platform was used for many years on the DR.

Model: The doors on both sides of the wagon slide open and have a latch for securing them closed.
Length: 300mm LGB: 4030

Stainz DCC Fitting Guide - Part 4 of 4

19. After removing the bottom half of the plastic boiler housing (two lugs), remove the three wires connecting the cab to the boiler. Remove the two screws holding the weight to the top half of the boiler.

20. Now the circuit board is revealed!

21. Above the circuit board in this photo is the decoder (55021) to be fitted. As the LGB circuit board provides a 'direct socket interface', the four wires are not required and therefore can be snipped off.

22. With the wires removed, offer the decoder to the board (it only fits one way) and firmly press down into the boards sockets.

23. Fitted decoder and main circuit board.

24. For the circuit board to recognise the decoder, all dip switches should be set to the 'OFF' position.

25. Before reassembly, check that all is in working order by connecting the main wire to the chassis and placing the basic locomotive on a piece of connected track. Ensure the light works and that the locomotive moves.

If the basic locomotive doesn't work, check that the decoder is seated correctly and that the dip switches are set correctly, in addition to the track receiving power.

To rebuild the locomotive, just reverse these steps by following the instructions used to dismantle.

Enjoy!

Part 3
Part 2
Part 1

Anniversary Box Car - 2009

Issued on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Marklin, this boxcar displays all of the Marklin brands. The imprinted theme of the DB V200 symbolises the scales G, I, HO, N and Z.

Model: The doors on both sides of the wagon slide open.
Length: 300mm LGB: 42355

Stainz DCC Fitting Guide - Part 3 of 4

13. However once the screws are removed, you will find it tricky to separate the two sections due to the drivers arm sticking out of the window and his head hitting the speaker housing in the cab roof. Care and patience are required here, together with some skilful 'jiggery'!

14. With the two sections separated remove the metal weights and make a note of their position and orientation. This will help you when you reassemble the locomotive after the decoder has been fitted.

15. Remove the boiler from the cab by firstly disconnecting the small chimney from the cab. Pull the top of the chimney towards the front, then twist it sidewards, which will remove the small plug from the cab.

16. Secondly, gently rotate the boiler left and right, repeating this action until the boiler can be pulled away from the cabs housing. Initially this is a tight fit, so patience again as you persuade it free.

17. The cab now separated from the boiler.

18. Leaving the two parts still connected via three sets of wires, unscrew the water pump and remove.

Part 4
Part 2
Part 1

Moving boxes

Slowly the afternoons goods train passes by the new Brookwood extension.

Leaving Buddleia Pond station, DR 994605 approaches.

With a full set of DR box cars, loco 994605 passes by some 'baby tears' vegetation.

Not a day for passengers at a busy Homestyal Halt station!

The final bend before reaching Homestyal Halt station.

Stainz DCC Fitting Guide - Part 2 of 4

7. Turning the body over you next need to remove the chimney stack. Using a small pair of pliers, turn the nut anti-clockwise to undo, taking care not to damage the two wires.

8. Follow the two wires across the base plate from the chimney stack to the connectors at the other end. Unplug these from the board with your fingers or if you prefer, a pair of small pliers gripped to the connectors.

9. Remove the tape from over the wires and gently remove the chimney, wires and light housing.

10. Remove the four pipes from the plastic plate and then remove the plate. (Hint: push the pipes from below.)

11. Next on the left hand side of the boiler, the water filler tube connects the boiler to the base plate. This must be removed or at very least, removed from one section. Although only pushed in, they are a tight fit.

12. With the remaining four screws removed, the base plate can be separated from the cab and boiler section.

Part 3
Part 1

Brookwood Extension - Update

With the footings and supports in place, it was time for a quick alignment check. Everything was good, with both axis being perfectly level.

Although there is still plenty to do with regards to the modelling of the bridge, it was very pleasing to know that all was in order.

Diagonal struts, walk boards, painting and illumination have all still to be added.