Our very own Fred took some valuable time out last night, just before midnight, to call me up for a chat about a variety of subjects, chief among which was his recently-acquired Bachmann TTTE ‘Emily’.
For those who are not yet familiar with this model, it appears to be hovering around the 1:22 scale, or near enough that makes no odds. This means, of course, that apart from the incorrect track gauge [it should be 63.4mm] it’s more or less scaled, if that is the right word, to suit Gauge 3 standards.
Now this particular scale, with its growing popularity here in yUK, has an ever-increasing number of followers, mainly building their own coal or gas-fired locos and suitable rolling stock. In the last few months, the Kingsgrove company have begun to deliver their stunning G3 ‘Britannia’, a LOT of loco for only £5000. The Garden Railway Specialist Company of Princes Risborough has an enormous range of wagons and locomotives - all British, of course - to offer in this scale.
Where am I going with all this?
Well, it is obvious to me, at least, that G3 accessories, such as buffers, brake and draft gear and other bits and pieces might be usefully employed ‘dressing up’ the very basic Emily model, and making it into a more useful addition to any railway of that style - the passengers cars, too, can be dressed up, asa here are a couple of makers here in UK who produce interior parts such as seats.
A greatly-valued friend of mine, who recently handed over his duties as secretary of the UK G3 Society, will be letting me know what is available in the near future, and although it is appreciated that the model itself is rather an acquired taste, it has to be said that it represents the pinncale of high-speed railroad locomotive design at the time of its inception, hauling passenger trains from London to Edinburgh at speeds of up to 100mph in ‘Great North Races’.
For those interested, watch this space.
For the rest of you, please ignorise.
tac
