Technical

These have not been available as spare parts for quite some time and several failures, which consigns the loco to the repair shed, have prompted the committee to source a new supply.

Trawling the internet for direct replacement ‘off the shelf’ units proved futile and it became clear that they are bespoke to Hornby live steam locos. Undeterred we found a company who could manufacture units to order so we sent them a specification that matched the existing units, initially for six off for testing.

Such a small order quantity was very expensive. However, when they arrived and were inspected it was clear that they are very high quality and manufactured to industrial standards. They are manufactured in Germany.

The six units were fitted to club locos. They are a direct replacement unit without the need for modifications. The tails are a much more robust design than the originals but they do fit comfortably inside the tender cavity. They were tested for many hours, also checking that the heating time and electrical characteristics matched the originals. There were no failures or other anomalies, quite simply they fitted and they worked.

Now the club has received another consignment, soon to be sold in the shop to club members. They will be prepared with a screw connection tag on one tail, the other tinned ready to solder to the boiler thermal cut out device as the originals and will also include some heat shrink sleeve to insulate the soldered connection.

A good story and a good result for the club I think so if you need, or want one for your spares collection, then get in touch with Nick the shop manager.

Happy steaming!