Keep ‘em coming Bill. The more manufacturers and designs the better. You are amassing quite a reference library for those of us out there who share your interest in delving inside locomotives. A great asset to the hobby.
These are great old engines. I have a 3-rail Silver King of this vintage. I gave it the 00Bill service and T-cut treatment last month and it runs a treat. Hard to believe it's well over 60! I wonder how many of the current crop of superdetailed DCC fitted Hornby A4's arriving from China today will still be pulling trains in 2085?
Me too. I got mine before we emigrated to Canada in '57. I've still got it (and other pieces of rail and such) wrapped in cotton in a drawer. Love the look.
Absolutely. If it were mine I'd have done a lot more to it but I don't cross the damage danger line with other people's locos unless I am 100% sure I can correct it if it goes belly up. Especially an oldie like this.
Enjoyed the vid. I have a couple of old Hornby Dublo locos that still run perfectly but want replace a lost and much missed A4. Haven’t decided between a more modern Hornby as the models seem more detailed the Dublo however this vid has shown that these are really solid locos so thinking Dublo again!
You sir, are most excellent, loads of support and respect. Rodge David kidderminster uk 🇬🇧❤ my dad was from Glasgow, passed in 1980, bless you and your loved ones ❤
A very interesting conversion of an early post-war A4 "gloss finish" Silver King locomotive - these are not common to obtain secondhand. The driving wheels look like the later nickel silver type that came in mainly for the 2-Rail system in 1959 and the pony truck and bogie wheels being split (one side plastic and the other metal) is also quite unusual. It's possible that the locomotive had to be returned to the Meccano factory at some point and had a replacement chassis fitted, but it looks like a 3-Rail one.... Was the armature wound around fibre card or plastic - if the latter, this also came a lot later on, usually fitted to the chassis where the driving wheels were nickel silver. Anyway, it's now running really well and looks really good despite being more than 60 years old! As I've said before, you treat all models with some respect and carefulness, a fantastic serving job indeed.
I just received a Hornby Dublo 2 rail N2, and it also has a similar wobble and, just like the A4, also runs extremely well for her age. I wouldn't worry about it, honestly, as it already runs so well aside from that slight wobble.
Hi Bill I use heat shrink sleeve on my pick ups with only a few mm of wire visible to make contact with the wheels , it can be purchased in various diameters - it’s a great insulator and if it’s a good fit will not need any heat to fix in place
Nice video. I would suggest the valve gear on the LH side needs adjustment. With the coupling rods at 6 o'clock, the link on the centre driver should be more or less pointing vertically to 12 o'clock. Enjoying seeing these old locos brought to life.
Great job! I do like the old locos - they just seem to have “something” about them. Thinking that this model will date from the mid to late ‘50’s? They have a nice “heft” to them as well. Unlike todays fragile and delicate models. Best wishes from Merseyside!
I watched your video and have 2 points of advice: 1) In case of possible fouling of the pickups against the chassis or the like, I put a little isolation sleeve over it. 2) You did not notice that the left hand valve gear connecting rod is in the wrong position. Compare right hand (correct) and left hand movement (faulty) and you will see what I mean. Compare eventually with another model which features Walschaert's valve gear.
I had Duchess of Montrose when I was a kid and loved it. Over the years, until recently watched the huge layout of Hornby Dublo 3 rail at Ally Pally. Sadly I grew up but now am retired and a born again trainspotter and a wannabe modeller but limited space! Cheers Ian
Curious that the drivers and two front bogie wheels have been changed to the dublo 2 rail versions so obviously dublo 2 rail was around and yet they converted the 3 rail pickup rather than just using a dublo 2 rail one. That's sounding sooo much better after your effort: like triang, there's a definite dublo sound
Excentric crank looks to be set wrong, flopping all over the place! Are these Dublo ones all like it or do they just need adjusting? I know Modern Hornby n Bachman get it wrong sometimes.
Hob-E-Lube gear oil. Although I've been using their white grease on some gears recently as it seems to stick to the gears better. Seems a bit messy and unsightly though.
I don't so these things as well as you, but if I had been doing this one, I'd have been inclined to super-glue a piece of plastic with a groove or something similar to the side of the chassis to hold that pick-up down. Otherwise I'd be afraid that, especially the way you shortened the pick-up, it would be inclined to pop up over the top of the wheel again.
The pickup is made from a brass rod not a wire so is fairly stiff. Too much contact with the wheel was causing it to rise up when going backwards. Reducing the end of the rod and making sure it only contacted the wheel worked fine. I really wouldn't want to start introducing plastic and superglue bodges on someone else's loco unless it were the only option. If it were mine though I'd probably have taken the pickup out altogether and made something a little more refined. Or at least tried to. Maybe...
@@oobill I was just thinking that maybe the wire was designed to run on top of the wheel tread and press back into the flange root as this would keep it clear off any chassis components and be hidden by the body , as I say, just a thought.
@@amhurford - "WD40 Contact Cleaner", as Bill is using, is available for half the price and double the quantity of what you found: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143688215239
I would love to have a Hornby Dublo A4 but it's Very Difficult to find a in mint condition it's like trying to find a Needle in a Haystack and if I do find one on Ebay they around £200-£400 and that's way out of my price range typically I would like one for around £30-£80 But that's going to be difficult to get one in mint condition for around £30-£80
I think 'No Chance' is the appropriate response. Mint examples will be rare and sought after, hence the price. Your better bet is to get an old beat-up one and repaint it, but I think to get a cheap 'good' one you will have to be patient (often the key on ebay) and wait until one comes up in a job lot, or 'best offer' or a buy-it-now (from a seller who doesn't know its worth).
Hi Bill I have been trying to get a loco to run when I split the motor from the chassis it runs but together under pressure nothing can you give me some advice or send me your wapp details so I can send photos
Sounds like either something is physically stopping the wheels or a short circuit. Does the chassis move freely without the motor?. Does the motor run if you leave it wired to the chassis but without the gear engaged?
Keep ‘em coming Bill. The more manufacturers and designs the better. You are amassing quite a reference library for those of us out there who share your interest in delving inside locomotives. A great asset to the hobby.
I had the three rail model, still got it and it works great. Christmas 1956/57.
These are great old engines. I have a 3-rail Silver King of this vintage. I gave it the 00Bill service and T-cut treatment last month and it runs a treat. Hard to believe it's well over 60! I wonder how many of the current crop of superdetailed DCC fitted Hornby A4's arriving from China today will still be pulling trains in 2085?
Had one of these for Christmas in 1954.... certainly wish I'd kept it! Too old for 'toy' trains when we moved. Great video.
I had that lovely loco in the 1950's on my Hornby Dublo layout. Three rail of course.
Me too. I got mine before we emigrated to Canada in '57. I've still got it (and other pieces of rail and such) wrapped in cotton in a drawer. Love the look.
@@mxh5647 wish I still had mine.
Brilliant to see those old models returned to their former glory. Well done Bill, fascinating viewing
Fascinating - never seen inside a dublo before ! Sounds Gorgeous, Looks a Picture 👍🏻
Great film, nice to see you repair these lovely models.
Great job as always Bill. These old things require great respect. Forget the wobble. it works settle for that.
Absolutely. If it were mine I'd have done a lot more to it but I don't cross the damage danger line with other people's locos unless I am 100% sure I can correct it if it goes belly up. Especially an oldie like this.
Enjoyed the vid. I have a couple of old Hornby Dublo locos that still run perfectly but want replace a lost and much missed A4. Haven’t decided between a more modern Hornby as the models seem more detailed the Dublo however this vid has shown that these are really solid locos so thinking Dublo again!
You sir, are most excellent, loads of support and respect. Rodge David kidderminster uk 🇬🇧❤ my dad was from Glasgow, passed in 1980, bless you and your loved ones ❤
A very interesting conversion of an early post-war A4 "gloss finish" Silver King locomotive - these are not common to obtain secondhand. The driving wheels look like the later nickel silver type that came in mainly for the 2-Rail system in 1959 and the pony truck and bogie wheels being split (one side plastic and the other metal) is also quite unusual. It's possible that the locomotive had to be returned to the Meccano factory at some point and had a replacement chassis fitted, but it looks like a 3-Rail one.... Was the armature wound around fibre card or plastic - if the latter, this also came a lot later on, usually fitted to the chassis where the driving wheels were nickel silver. Anyway, it's now running really well and looks really good despite being more than 60 years old! As I've said before, you treat all models with some respect and carefulness, a fantastic serving job indeed.
hi Bill,great to see this loco fixed, simple loco, unlike todays locos with too much tech
Fantastic Bill great job on her,she will pull a special then it's back to the museum.Many thanks
20:39 Looks and sounds fantastic - just like the real thing.
Hi Bill, Nice one again, Will Have to call you Mr fix it , lot better than what it was, All the Best Brian
I just received a Hornby Dublo 2 rail N2, and it also has a similar wobble and, just like the A4, also runs extremely well for her age. I wouldn't worry about it, honestly, as it already runs so well aside from that slight wobble.
Hi Bill
I use heat shrink sleeve on my pick ups with only a few mm of wire visible to make contact with the wheels , it can be purchased in various diameters - it’s a great insulator and if it’s a good fit will not need any heat to fix in place
Another job well done :) Thanks for sharing :)
Nice video. I would suggest the valve gear on the LH side needs adjustment. With the coupling rods at 6 o'clock, the link on the centre driver should be more or less pointing vertically to 12 o'clock. Enjoying seeing these old locos brought to life.
Agreed. But unless there was any resulting issue I was leaving it alone. Didn't much like the idea of pulling pins on this oldie.
Great job!
I do like the old locos - they just seem to have “something” about them. Thinking that this model will date from the mid to late ‘50’s?
They have a nice “heft” to them as well. Unlike todays fragile and delicate models.
Best wishes from Merseyside!
I watched your video and have 2 points of advice: 1) In case of possible fouling of the pickups against the chassis or the like, I put a little isolation sleeve over it. 2) You did not notice that the left hand valve gear connecting rod is in the wrong position. Compare right hand (correct) and left hand movement (faulty) and you will see what I mean. Compare eventually with another model which features Walschaert's valve gear.
He did notice but didn't want to pull the pins out.
Looks a good engine. The motor is very like the one in my Duchess of Montrose (3 rail).
I had Duchess of Montrose when I was a kid and loved it. Over the years, until recently watched the huge layout of Hornby Dublo 3 rail at Ally Pally. Sadly I grew up but now am retired and a born again trainspotter and a wannabe modeller but limited space! Cheers Ian
Nice job bill keep them coming
WAY TO GO OOBILL KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING
Wow! That's an old one! Good job man! :-)
Another good job
Curious that the drivers and two front bogie wheels have been changed to the dublo 2 rail versions so obviously dublo 2 rail was around and yet they converted the 3 rail pickup rather than just using a dublo 2 rail one. That's sounding sooo much better after your effort: like triang, there's a definite dublo sound
Another great service film , What difference would it make if the magnate was put on the other way ?
It would run backwards when it should go forwards and vice versa.
Hey Bill, It might just be me. But I can't see any videos on your page now.
Excentric crank looks to be set wrong, flopping all over the place! Are these Dublo ones all like it or do they just need adjusting?
I know Modern Hornby n Bachman get it wrong sometimes.
Gorgeous engine
What oils do you use?
There should be a tiny ball bearing at the bottom of the armature shaft, as well as at the top; if that's missing, it'll never be quite right.
I admire the confidence you have setting about all different types of models . I’m learning lots . What gear wax do you use ?
Hob-E-Lube gear oil. Although I've been using their white grease on some gears recently as it seems to stick to the gears better. Seems a bit messy and unsightly though.
My old 3 rail silver king is the fastest of my 3 rail A4,s and pulls 6 tin plate coaches with ease .😊
I don't so these things as well as you, but if I had been doing this one, I'd have been inclined to super-glue a piece of plastic with a groove or something similar to the side of the chassis to hold that pick-up down. Otherwise I'd be afraid that, especially the way you shortened the pick-up, it would be inclined to pop up over the top of the wheel again.
The pickup is made from a brass rod not a wire so is fairly stiff. Too much contact with the wheel was causing it to rise up when going backwards. Reducing the end of the rod and making sure it only contacted the wheel worked fine. I really wouldn't want to start introducing plastic and superglue bodges on someone else's loco unless it were the only option. If it were mine though I'd probably have taken the pickup out altogether and made something a little more refined. Or at least tried to. Maybe...
@@oobill I was just thinking that maybe the wire was designed to run on top of the wheel tread and press back into the flange root as this would keep it clear off any chassis components and be hidden by the body , as I say, just a thought.
Bill what do use as contact cleaner, is it standard WD40?
No, it's WD40 brand, but specifically Contact Cleaner, not the oil.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401910345908?epid=12027077703&hash=item5d93b930b4:g:6wkAAOSwa-NdlsDE . Contact cleaner isn't cheap.
@@amhurford - "WD40 Contact Cleaner", as Bill is using, is available for half the price and double the quantity of what you found: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143688215239
I would love to have a Hornby Dublo A4 but it's Very Difficult to find a in mint condition it's like trying to find a Needle in a Haystack and if I do find one on Ebay they around £200-£400 and that's way out of my price range typically I would like one for around £30-£80 But that's going to be difficult to get one in mint condition for around £30-£80
I think 'No Chance' is the appropriate response. Mint examples will be rare and sought after, hence the price. Your better bet is to get an old beat-up one and repaint it, but I think to get a cheap 'good' one you will have to be patient (often the key on ebay) and wait until one comes up in a job lot, or 'best offer' or a buy-it-now (from a seller who doesn't know its worth).
@@PeterJewell2 thanks for advice I will have to be patient for a Hornby Dublo 2 rail A4 Cheers.Lewis 👍
@itsalfie4983 - absolutely no need to be rude. 'Mint' implies one that is working.
Hi Bill I have been trying to get a loco to run when I split the motor from the chassis it runs but together under pressure nothing can you give me some advice or send me your wapp details so I can send photos
Sounds like either something is physically stopping the wheels or a short circuit. Does the chassis move freely without the motor?. Does the motor run if you leave it wired to the chassis but without the gear engaged?
Really sounds a lot smother another one kept alive