Bachmann 9F detailed review online...

"kim" wrote

Interesting choice of decoder and fitting location. I used the Lenz Silver (same width as the Gold) and simply stuck it using the supplied double-side tape on top of its own NEM652 plug once this had been fitted into the appropriate socket on the chassis.

There was no problem then in sliding the chassis complete with decoder into the loco body, thus allowing subsequent easy separation of the body and chassis for maintenance.

John.

When I first saw a photo of this model it instantly struck me that very subtly something was not quite right. Each time subsequently that I have seen a picture of the model, the impression has persisted, as it does in the illustration for this review, where the model can be compared with a picture of the prototype.

What seems wrong to my eye is that the loco's "face" - the front of the boiler - is a fraction too big, and changes the character of the machine when seen from the front. Is it just my imagination?

Andy

I believe that the distance across the cylinders is slightly less than prototype because of the needs of OO gauge track and wheels. This maybe what is giving you that impression.

Anyone with a loco and a caliper care to test these beliefs and tell us the measurements? Keith

What, you mean like the tender being towed 10ft behind the loco? :o)

(kim)

"kim" wrote

Mind the gap! Mind the gap!

Fairly easily solved in my estimation, although I've not got around to closer-coupling mine yet. I should imagine that Bachmann have provided for the typical 2nd or 3rd radius curve train set operators in setting the gap as it stands.

John.

Bachamnn provides two holes in the tender drawbar, one for close coupling and one for tight curves. Apparently the outer axles have enough play for it to negotiate 2nd radius curves. (From review in July Model Rail)

According to Model Rail, the width over cylinders is somewhat under-scale. (So is the wheel gauge, of course, by *approximately* 10%!)

The loco axles, I mean!

"MartinS" wrote

There are still two holes, but even the closest coupling option results in a massive gap, allowing the loco to negotiate second radius curves - even with the front steps fitted.

I don't see the point in the second hole - you'd need a long jump champion to bridge the gap.

John.

And not even the cab doors of the Hornby Black 5 to disguise the gap. It's a step backwards in my opinion, a super-detailed "toy" rather than a proper model. Luckily for me I don't have any memory of seeing 9F's in real life. Just hope Bachmann doesn't continue the trend with the forthcoming LMS reissues.

(kim)

I usually only lurk in this newsgroup, having moved up to

16mm Scale on 32mm gauge in the garden some years ago .

I am however old enough at 72 to have been around when the 9Fs were first introduced*. (*Not to mention the Duchesses and numerous other locomotive classes!) :-)

I've put my hands on two of my own 9F pictures from the 1960s,

92161 and 92194 These may or may not assist any of you who wish to weather your models of these magnificent machines or possibly reduce the gap between loco and tender if your own track curvature will allow this.

I've also included my 21st Century picture of 92214, as restored and in use today on the East Lancashire Railway at Bury.

I hope these are of interest to viewers of uk.rec.models.rail.

Here are their URLs:

(92194)

then:

(92161)

and finally:

(92214)

------------------------------------------------ To view each picture individually at full size:

Click on the URL to open it to a viewable size.

If they appear rather smaller, hover your cursor over the white space at the RH side then move it back into the picture itself. A coloured rectangle with 4 diagonal arrows will appear in the bottom right corner of the image. Click on this and the picture should fill out to the full size I saved it at.

"Eddie Bellass" wrote

What a fabulous picture, and although 'low level' has closed as a through route, you'd instantly recognise this location today. Apart from the loss of the 9F virtually nothing has changed, although I'm not sure whether the signal box survives.

John.

Maybe I should wait for the weathered version...

When they had Evening Star on the Worth Valley a few years ago, they had some problems with rail spreading on their tight curves. The Midland didn't build for 2-10-0s!

----------------------------------

Thank you John!

The signal box has gone, becoming redundant when the passenger service was withdrawn and the bay platforms lifted. It was called 'Slutchers Lane', presumably because it *may* have controlled a level crossing there before Slutchers Lane was diverted over the bridge from which I took the picture. It's remaining work was taken over by Arpley Junction box, which still exists.

"Eddie Bellass" wrote

The other interesting change is the minor road to the immediate right of & running parallel with the railway & running in front of that imposing building (police station?) is now a very busy thoroughfare.

I never noticed the low-level station and didn't realised there was one there until you posted a picture (somewhere) thereof some time ago!

John.

-------------------------------------------

John...

Not quite a minor road, either then or now.

The road from which the man with dog is watching the 9F is the inclined part of Slutcher's Lane itself, leading up to and behind me as I stood on the bridge to take that picture.

The road beyond, upon which a car is seen, is actually the A5061 which was a quite busy main road even then, where it passes the police station and the entrance to Warrington Bank Quay station.

I fear we may be drifting off topic for the Bachmann 9F and a model e-group, even though the majority of modellers will be interested in prototype locos and rolling stock and the areas in which they worked.

I would be loth to be the cause of any critical posts, so I will be happy to discuss this or any other rail-orientated matters off-list.

Regards,

DigitisED (Eddie Bellass)

Eddie & Margaret Bellass, Merseyside, United Kingdom.

Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free and checked by a leading anti-virus system - updated continuously.

"Eddie Bellass" wrote

Thanks Eddie, I think you've cleared any queries in my mind, and I'm happy to retire this now, although there have been many instances when this group has gone way further off-topic that this exercise in the geography of Warrrr-ington! ;-)

John.