Model Railway Forum

Steve M wrote: ↑Wed Feb 05, 2025 4:43 pm I didn't drain either the Black 5 or FS from a couple of weeks ago. FS steamed well as soon as it connected. Can't say the same for the Black 5.
I'm hoping to get some feedback from our test group or it will be going back to Margate for investigation.

Went back to the shed the next day. Switched on and the Black 5 steamed perfectly. Spoke to Hornby who did confirm that they had seen a couple of Black 5s returned with the same issue where the wick between reservoir and steam generator wasn't 'pulling' the water fully. I liken that to fuel starvation on an old SU carburettor caused by a dodgy needle valve.
Still, it's s working well now and no need for a return.

Pleased to hear that problem appears to have sorted itself out Steve - I had followed the conversation you were having. Mine certainly appeared to steam better after being left for a few days.

bulleidboy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 3:20 pm Pleased to hear that problem appears to have sorted itself out Steve - I had followed the conversation you were having. Mine certainly appeared to steam better after being left for a few days.

It was a bit odd though. It's been sitting for a couple of weeks but I think I had left a little water in the reservoir but wouldn't steam until it was left for another day with a full reservoir. I guess it was enough to let it dry out which surprised me with the weather the way it has been. It will be interesting to see how it performs when the shed warms up in the summer.

Time for a moan.
I'm building a camera wagon for a driver's eye view. Had some issues with the first mini camera ordered as the Chinese manufacturer failed to disclose the requirement to sign up to a monthly subscription to make it work! Still arguing the toss with PayPal for that refund.
Sourced another camera which arrived yesterday - no app or subscription needed. Tested and it works quite well for the very reasonable price.
I don't have a spare wagon to fit it to do I found a Hornby Railroad wagon on Amazon that is low and long enough for the camera.
Ordered yesterday for next day delivery but tonight I got the now standard 'apology' for late delivery along with the ' if it doesn't turn up in the next four days you can apply for a refund'.
That increasingly seems to be the norm with the Bezos machine these days - failure to deliver becomes standard.
Incidentally, the camera I'm using took less time to travel from China.

Amazon eventually delivered the wagon (still don't know if it's the original or the reorder).
Overnight, I had 3D printed a couple of mounting blocks, a simple oblong with an offset groove to accept a magnetic to stick the camera to. Camera mounts either end with either a short or long overhang.
I will experiment with the camera itself when I have a bit more time tomorrow.

That looks a very tidy set-up. Can't wait to see the movie. What make is the camera?

bulleidboy wrote: ↑Sun Feb 16, 2025 9:36 am That looks a very tidy set-up. Can't wait to see the movie. What make is the camera?

I found it on AliExpress for a smidge over £10. There are literally dozens of this type of mini camera on there, all with different names. This one is brand 'Jozuze'. As you can see it has a built in screen and a tiltable lens as well as the ubiquitous poorly translated instructions.
I would have preferred one that 'talked' to my phone but found that to be a minefield of compatibility.
I need Cecil B DeMille to do a storyboard before I start filming - think I'm too late for this year's Oscars.

https://youtu.be/vl5tr01u1OU?si=u26_B3JHqdTLVz4y

A first snippet from the camera car. It's still too cold in the shed to spend much time out there. Additionally the cold has, as usual, stuffed up some of the track joints and it's all in need of a good clean ready for the spring.

That is very impressive Steve. The colour was good.

Nice one Steve. Shows your layout off nicely. R-