hush hush will soon be here

[Steve M]

We need to see some pictures

Tomorrow.

[Walkingthedog]

As you’ve said to me several times Steve, if there is no picture it doesn’t exist.

Or it could have been somebody else.

[Steve M]

As you’ve said to me several times Steve, if there is no picture it doesn’t exist.

Or it could have been somebody else.

It was definitely me, and I will present my evidence on the morrow m’lud.

[Walkingthedog]

That means my remaining brain cell was functioning today.

Look forward to seeing the loco.

[bulleidboy]

I was very tempted by this loco - but for once head ruled over heart (and wallet ).

[Steve M]

I was very tempted by this loco - but for once head ruled over heart (and wallet ).

Collecting the entire W1 class is less expensive than say, Merchant Navies.
Just saying.

I have a rebuilt version on pre-order as well.

[bulleidboy]

I was very tempted by this loco - but for once head ruled over heart (and wallet ).

Collecting the entire W1 class is less expensive than say, Merchant Navies.
Just saying.

Yes, but in my case it is over twenty one years

[Steve M]

As promised, photos of the W1.
I did a small amount of running on the layout while getting the pictures and I have to say this is a very smooth running model. Having seen the comments and photos of the many damaged models on RMWeb, I have to say I’m not surprised as the plastic body is very thin, probably a by-product of having to mould the integral deflectors.
When building a layout, it has always been recommended that you test your platform spacing by using your widest loco - usually a King class. But we have a new contender for the job of gauge tester. I have one slight squeak in the station that will need a bit of filing of the platform edge to resolve.
The other thing is that this is a very long loco - it will show up any unevenness in the track - I have two, both board joints that will need a bit of attention.

20211211_112916 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

20211211_113228 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

20211211_113518 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

I also ran some tests on a possible TTS decoder for the W1. Initially I thought either a Princess Royal or a King would work as they are four cylinders but the whistles are not right. Possibly an A4 to get the whistle but as a three cylinder it’s not going to cut it. However, a Britannia is a possibility - the whistle is not a million miles away and as a two cylinder it has a similar beat to a four cylinder. I might just get away with that one.
I have also ordered a couple of different speakers from YouChoos to see which gives the best overall effect.

[Walkingthedog]

Thanks for the pictures Steve, well worth the "long" wait. The loco looks superb.

[mjb1961]

Nice to see its the named version, same as the one I'm waiting for a lot of people seem to favour the un named one .