Thanks Phil, it's the advantage of modelling German railways. All stock is fitted with close coupling mechanisms and enhanced by the use of Fleischmann profi couplings.

Phil, it changed my opinion of what can be achieved with Z scale with ambition. Last year there was a beautiful layout in Z of Hinetarzten which is in the Black Forest and, at other shows, I’ve seen an excellent layout of the Bridge at Bullay on the Moselle. The next big German show is Dortmund. Well worth a visit.

Thanks!

It's the Fleischmann model from a few years back. I wish they would do the BR50 with normal and cab tender with sound as I have one of each without. I am considering getting them fitted for sound. Not something I'd attempt myself.

Thanks Phil. These are fitted with Hunt couplings in NEM sockets

Thanks Phil. I’m a bit of a stickler for close coupling and have eliminated virtually all stock that does not have close coupling mechanisms fitted to it. I might get around to finishing the layout someday but it’s great as a Paradestrecke 😀

I use mainly Fleischmann profi couplings which couple closer than the standard rapido provided. I’ve also used Hunt with mixed results and DM Toys coupling bars.

Hi Tom, I have several now acquired over the last seven years. My best bargain was a Minitrix BR44 with sound, an early model, which cost me £78 !!!

indeed a bargain! - i have to just keep looking until i find something at a price that is reasonable (for me)

@@THOMAS-NGAUGERAILWAY That was a one off from Contikits who is a good source for excellent quality second hand stuff. However sound equipped steam Locos are few and far between. I’ve only ever bought one (the 44) from them. I have a number of non sound digitally chipped Locos which are now duplicates of sound versions I’ve bought. I’ve not got around to advertising them yet.

Hi Tom, yes, it was a feature I wanted to incorporate. I have to finish the scenery which is still a little scrappy and doesn't look realistic enough so some rebuilding is needed. Plus I need to improve the ballasting somewhat. The trouble is I just like running trains !!

i know what you mean about running trains - i have so many jobs to do (street markings, lights in buildings, figures i need to paint, more wagons to weather etc) but sometime i just end up just having a running session (and there is nothing wrong with that!)