Brighton Belle update

There was always the other colour option as here... http://extra.southernelectric.org.uk/modelling/picture-gallery/modelling-gallery-4mm-wrenn.html

 

I think there was some discussion early on about using the hornguides and axleboxes from 30830 but I doubt whether there's a set of frames around with anything resembling the correct coupled wheelbase for an Atlantic. It was always going to have to be new frames imho.

 

A small socket behind the lamp bracket above each buffer, which connects to portable bi-colour LED headlamps to current specifications. These can be dropped on to each bracket when running on the mainline, for head and tail lamps, but can quickly and easily be removed to maintain the unit's original appearance. Also keeping the original style MU connectors (non-working) on the front ends, with the 400-series, 27 way connector mounted below the buffer beam and an extension cable, if necessary, kept in each guards van.

It's a no brainer, accept a little innovation. The solution seems a sensible one to me, so perhaps a few people who have trouble understanding that other people might hold different opinions should get over it, etc...

 

the led light has to be perminently fitted at speeds above 75, thats why tornado has fixed leds in marker lights .
that is why the decision was taken to fit marker lights on the belle power cars, so they can operate up to the 90 mph limit placed on slam door stock

 

A bit hideous, that one...

 

Is there any need for a 27 way jumper socket? Because there isn't much stock left on the network which uses them, unmodernised 73's, 442's and any 33/1 diesels which have mainline tickets. (There are no 400 series emu's left in traffic.) To be honest a "dellner" coupling adaptor which could be fitted to the draw hook would be more use. What will be needed as an insurance policy is air brake extension hoses for haulage off the third rail or in case of failure.

Cheers, Neil

 

Have to agree with Romsey, i'm assuming the unit will use the stock buckeye, so the only thing it needs is the air res and brake hoses on the buffer beam, it does not need 27 way jumpers only maybe ETH / lighting conectors. buckeyes can be dropped and a screw coupling used for when its off the juice or needing to be rescued , and if the air hoses are under buffer mouted, then they are in the correct place for most modern traction .

 

Southern still has an original 73 as a Thunderbird.

 

Stock of this era had under buffer air hoses. Waist mounted air hoses only appeared with the EPB units in the 50s.

 

The 5 BEL has headstock mounted two pipe brake hoses and also on the headstock ETS jumpers, these for supply from a diesel loco when coupled to the unit by using the drophead buckeyes, which are standard SR EMU kit. TA 27 way jumper receptacle is mounted on the cab front for coupling (with a loose jumper) to a 33 or 73 loco, or SR EMU.

The headlights are a mandatory requirement for acceptance for mainline operating and the best compromise has been achieved, there were other options of layout that were very stark, the result has blended into the cab front and re-created much of the original iconic front end. There were many hours of angst spend by designers, engineers and trust members keen to get the front of the train looking right.

This project is demanding in all aspects, technical, engineering acceptance for mainline operation and of course financial lifeline, please give this project full support.

 

Don't forget that the Belle cars used by Belmond have also been modified, using the bogies, headstocks, corridor connections and a few other bits from LNER carriages.

Sawdust.

 

Nearly 12 months silence on this site. Facebook quite since April 2017. Website since January 2018. Are there any updates out there?

 

Blimey someone else who still builds kits? I thought I was the only one left!!!

 

I build kits too. Although I fear that our numbers are dwindling

 

Ah people have been saying that for decades, I still scratchbuild!

 

I happened to meet and speak to someone who is involved a couple of weeks ago. Stuff is happening behind the scenes.

He pointed out that the biggest problem the whole BB project faces is that there is simply no precedent for what it is doing. Mounting 1930s EMU bodies on 1960s EMU chassis to run on the 2010s railway has never been done before. So there is no set of existing 'rules' to follow. The project is having to write those 'rules' as it goes along, meaning an awful lot of red tape and paperwork prior to each bit of physical progress.

 

Well if you will choose an obscure subject to model what do you expect.
Seriously tho. nice models. I also scratch build but only lorries these days. In the past have scratchbuilt in 4mm and 3mm. My favourite model is of a 3mm Thompson L1 which I built for an exhibition layout based on Derby Road station in Ipswich. Unfortunately a house move in 2000 prevented the completion of the layout and a modelling change in direction to lorries.

 

The inside of one of the four B Belle cars that are currently being prepared for operation. As seen a few days ago.

 

Many thanks for this photo, Mike, that interior looks gorgeous!
They do say a picture paints a 1000 words, and I just wish the group could have been a little more forthcoming with their updates.
Silence creates speculation.