With the track finished and wiring done the first train has had a run round the layout. Surprisingly for a first running session, nothing fell off! In the absence of suitable stock 08610 and a short rake of modern wagons did the honours!
I think my fascination with chopping up hornby class 110 DMUs is turning into a bit of an obsession! A quick browse on EBay saw another victim picked up cheaply (although this is the first time I’ve ever had a complete one). Question is what to do with it. Looking at some early ’60s pictures there’s a couple of options and I present the case for each below.
Class 100
For.
Seemed to be quite common in the area.
I’ve done one before so I know what to do
It appeals to my function over form tendencies.
Against.
I’ve done one before!
Class 103
For.
Quite an attractive looking unit
I haven’t done one before
Against.
Less common than the class 100s
Perhaps I need to ask my audience what they would prefer to see?
Would the best answer not be to do both!!!!!
Just for the sake of variety of course
How about a 109? MTK/NNK made some cast ends, but you end up moving all the doors and windows, but very unusual
Steve
I’d say go for the 103.
They worked in the area, in the 60s, and in the late 70s were based at Chester, and could easily have appeared at New Street replacing a failed unit at Shrewsbury or some such.
Worsley works can do you some etched sides and ends, if that appeals.
Simon
For reasons of pure aesthetics, I’d like to see the 103! It’s a pretty little thing!
Jim,
With reference to your query of what to turn the 110 unit into, I recall evidence of Park Royal sets going to Tyseley for bogie changes, and of course Tyseley has a wheel lathe.
To be slightly negative, the last of Chester’s 103 vehicles went in the bin in 1983, so a little before your desired time period.
Ditto with Class 100s – the vehicle you have modelled in your hybrid set outlasted all of the others that were in service and by your time period it was the only one. Saying that, what about the Class 100 driving trailer on the weedkiller train…?!?
Hi Eddie
This one will be for my late 50s layout not new street. Having said that don’t forget this 103 –
Cheers
Jim
Presume your late 1950s project is also West Midlands area?
Look forward to seeing your Class 103 when completed.
Without access to my railway library, I wonder when that departmental 103 was withdrawn…?
All the best,
Eddie