In theory, OO gauge can be used outdoors, modern nickel silver track, although will require a lot of cleaning, will...
Valid to UK only - excludes oversized items
In theory, OO gauge can be used outdoors, modern nickel silver track, although will require a lot of cleaning, will...
Whether or not it is realistic to consider fitting a decoder yourself depends on numerous factors. And not one of...
The era system was introduced by manufacturers to help modellers identify in which period of history their model's...
In scale modelling, "flock" refers to finely ground fibres or particles used to simulate textures such as grass,...
Running a locomotive at slow or very slow speeds can indeed be beneficial for keeping it in good running condition....
Bogies are a chassis (or framework) that carry a wheelset on a railway locomotive or rollingstock. The Commonwealth bogie was introduced in the 1950s and used on BR Mk1s and Irish CIE Park Royal coaches. The Commonwealth bogie was manufactured under licence here in the UK by the English Steel Corporation, but the original design belonged to an American company called the Commonwealth Steel Company.
The main advantage of the new Commonwealth bogie over earlier designs was the introduction of sealed roller bearings that did away with the need to keep oil box levels topped up. Another advantage was the replacement of leaf-springs with new coiled ones that gave a superior ride quality and a speed rating of 100mph.
Despite their success, commonwealth bogies were made from cast steel and weren't very light, weighing in at around 6.5 long tons they were replaced less than 10 years after production began with the much lighter B4 bogies made from fabricated steel.
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