Accurascale 21 Ton Mineral Wagon and Couplings Review at Chadwick Model Railway | 217.

After 6 months of running on the layout it's clearly time for a review of the Accurascale 21 Ton Mineral Wagon at Chadwick Model Railway | 217.
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[@lasseystad3266]

Just adore your unboxing variations. Rip it open, through the things not interesting away on the floor and get to the facts right away. I so wish other chans out there would just come to the point as fast and describing as you. Love it. Thank you Charlie, great video. Regards from Sweden.

[@richardkammerer2814]

Marklin and Chadwick are two fine channels. It was such an education watching those 12 new cars get fitted up.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy my alternative unboxings! Regards Charlie

[@paredding]

TBH - growing up in the 60s we had little money so I only got models 2x a year - birthday and Xmas. Opening the box and keeping it pristine to me was as valuable nearly as the item itself...So watching all this packaging get chucked on the floor was quite painful. Different generation I guess.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I only do it for amusement as some channels take unboxing too seriously.

[@lasseystad3266]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thats why i find it so great watching you and your chanel. And I thin thats why you keep growing your collection of awards :) You are serious, but at the same time, with that sparkle in your eyes, just love it :)

[@Lineonthedials]

I find it staggering that such a delicate looking model can take a load of 21 tonnes. Such fine craftsmanship

[@lukewolsey]

Don't be so silly. Obviously the 21 tons is at 1/76th scale so these models can only hold about a quarter of a ton. 😊

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I need to reinforce my baseboards! Regards, Charlie

[@GaryNumeroUno]

It's in the engineering... craftsmanship does help though! 😂

[@tomlawton7087]

@@lukewolsey The weight is cube law, so 21 tons IRL would be 21/76/76/76 tons, which is 1.7 oz, ie 50 grams as required!

[@YsanneOshea]

The white stripe. Had no idea that it gave indication that the end of the wagon opened. Thank you Charlie!! Excellent Video as usual. I've learned so much from your efforts and appreciate your hard graft on our behalf. 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks YO, that’s very kind. Regards, Charlie.

[@matthewneleigh567]

Thanks for this great review. Admittedly, sometimes I wish manufacturers would dispense with features like sprung buffers in favor of making the models a little cheaper, or adding more detail elsewhere, etc. The only purpose a sprung buffer is likely to serve in OO is to be poked at by a 1:1 scale finger to prove that it is in fact sprung, and that's about it.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re pushing on an open door on this one, Matthew. Regards, Charlie.

[@T3DSK1]

Hi Charlie another great video as always, I worked on the railway in South Wales for a number of years and never realised what the white stripe was for we used these wagons a lot but but they were not marshalled all the same way, they were also used as a "vac head" where a rake of say ten wagons were all vacuum coupled to give you better braking force the rest of the consist would be the "greys" to make up the train load and you could travel a little faster. As an aside class 37's were known as "68's" by South Wales loco crews as the type 3 became available they were numbered in the 68XX range .... be good stay safe

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Many thanks for an interesting comment. I never knew about the 68 naming. Would you know if 9F steam locos were pulling this stock? Regards Charlie.

[@timhubbard8895]

There you go! Thanks to Charlie We learn something new everyday!

[@edhiggins4346]

Great review Charlie, and yes the extra info makes it so much more than just a review. The history of these wagons and the industries that used them is fascinating, don't get me started on presflos and cement making!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you’ve found it interesting Ed. I shall leave the cement wagons to you, it’s clearly not my area of expertise. Regards, Charlie.

[@paredding]

I went down a massive rabbit hole on wagons about 5 years ago and, having built Airfix wagons when young, bought a lot of the Parkside Dundas (now Peco) wagon kits (as well as Slater etc) as they have a nice history and line drawing on the packaging. It enables quite a knowledge of wagon use to be built up. They also come with metal wheels / bearings now so the running is excellent and at around 1/3rd - 1/4 the cost of RTR, allow for nice rakes to be built up and/or in 3's for shunting like Charlie does with his. You can then put prototypical couplings between wagons eg Kadee or similar at each end for shunting. It all comes down to dexterity and budget I guess but can be very rewarding, especially if loads are added eg from Ten Commandments which not only look good but add weight, saving the need/cost of the 5g weights for empty wagons. Cheers

[@carltontweedle5724]

Charlie this was magic this is the wagon, you then test couplings you need this brake van. Plus some how you got a few nuts in to it. This proves learning can be fun.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Carlton, I’m so pleased that you find the channel entertaining. Regards, Charlie.

[@stephenrushmer833]

Thanks for a great video, the wagons look great. I’ve got to say that you’re spot on with the unboxing part, some people spend ages waffling on about the packaging when all the viewers want is to see the actual model.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Stephen, I’m so pleased that you find my unboxing entertaining. Regards, Charlie.

[@Mustang00007]

Sam's trains would have been jealous of your unboxing lol. Yep, they all come with stuff and boxes good on Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Mustang. Regards, Charlie.

[@paredding]

Sams Trains unboxing does my head in...mostly because he is kneeling on the carpet like we did when we were kids...

[@oceanfroggie]

Enjoyed that as ever. Entertaining, informative, informal yet professionally produced.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, OF, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@paulwilliams5903]

Hi Charlie. Just a small item that I picked up on towards the end of your video. You stated that because the wagons were vacuum fitted, they needed a brake van. Now, what date this happened, I can't remember but, when I was a guard for BR, fully fitted trains, (with continuous brake on all wagons), could run without a brake van, the guard being conveyed in the rear cab of the loco. The only time a brake van was required is when the last 2 vehicles were not fitted with the, in this case, vacuum brake. This could arise from the vacuum cylinder on the last one or two vehicles being faulty and thus isolated, or where the last two vehicles were 'BLOW THROUGH'/ This means that they had the pipes fitted to continue the vacuum to other vehicles but did not have vacuum cylinders themselves. This happened a lot with empty bolster wagons. Being light in weight, they were positioned at the rear, but having white coloured pipes to distinguish them from fitted vehicles, had to have a brake van, which would exhibit the three light at the rear as the last two were now considered as unfitted. as it they became uncoupled, they would not stop! Having a brake van on the rear meant that we didn't actually couple the pipes on these last two vehicles, as they were usually the first to be removed at the depot, in our case Bescot. Hope this helps. Being a guard in those days was a bit more involved than at first one thinks. Regards, Paul in Cornwall.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul, for an excellent comment. I believe that the guards van, was no longer required from the very late 1960s, in a fully fitted train. Regards, Charlie.

[@GRUMP5B]

Charlie, you deserve a big thank you from all the “new” modellers. Leaving aside the actual model manufacturers you presented a video that was so informative on so many levels. For those of us who are modellers first and train people second we have limited knowledge on what wagon goes where and with what. Today you educated us on - couplings, far better than any written explanation, the weight of the model when running empty (why don’t. The manufacturers go for the scale weight?) you taught us about the guards vans and lighting, and before I forget radius of setrack. It would be interesting to have a similar video on your stock or even a comparison between the ancient and the new like an old 37 compared to a new 37 etc. The only drawback, and it is my own making is the scale is wrong for me. Reviews like this one are invaluable and should be the norm when reviewing a model. Are there any N Scalers who can do this kind of review for us? There are modellers out there who know far more about modelling and the prototypical correctness but those of us without this knowledge need to learn so thank you Charlie for an excellent video - more please.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, grump. It’s comments like yours and make the whole thing worthwhile. Regards, Charlie.

[@timsully8958]

Fantastic stuff Charlie, a really thorough review that answers many of the questions that jump into one’s head, usually when one should be busy doing something else (like when the missus is telling you something important and then she’ll remind you of the following week and you’ll have no recollection of it whatsoever! 🤣😂😅). I particularly like the coupling tests as these are all things which my slightly-on-the-spectrum-obsessive mind will contemplate as a potential issue. I am not obsessive about detail as such, i just hate when things don’t work properly 🤬 I tend to agree about Hunt couplings, as they seem strong enough to do the job they are designed to do. I do have a very simplified system I made for fixed coaching rakes made paper clips painted black on a spring that fit into a nem-shaped sprue which (fingers crossed) seemed to work rather well (and is very low cost). I was on a strict budget at the time and certainly worked fine when tested, but if they prove too fiddly or unreliable I’ll probably just stick to something like a sprung bar fixed to the underframe. I do like a challenge! 😅🤯 For wagons though, the Hunts and Kadee combo does look good, so I may have to adopt something similar eventually. I have a load of old type 21t wagons I got for about a tenner years ago, precisely with the view of renovating them and creating a rake of pristine and not-so-pristine wagons behind a 9F, so hopefully I’ll get around to it one day! 🤔🙄 Great stuff, thanks as ever Charlie 😎🍀🍻

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tim, for such an interesting comment. I too had thought about a 9F pulling these wagons which I’m sure they did. However, I couldn’t find any photographic evidence. Regards, Charlie.

[@timsully8958]

@@ChadwickModelRailway: haha, I guess it means I’ll have to apply ‘Rule 1’ or just hand it over to my diesel fleet 😉

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Thanks for an exhaustive video on the 21T mineral wagon..I can see why you have included Paul Bartlett's website that's a real treasure trove of reference pictures.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Bill, and yes, Paul‘s photos certainly bring it to life. Regards, Charlie.

[@stephendavies6949]

Wagons from my childhood in South Wales, although the mine at which my dad worked seemed to make do with the 12 & 16 ton versions. There were even a smattering of wooden plank wagons around the yard right up until about 1980. They had "X" marked on the side doors. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Stephen, for your contribution on the variety of wagons around. Regards Charlie.

[@glencwilson]

What a fascinating video. Enjoy watching Chadwick evolve from baseboards to a scenic world and the rolling stock being detailed enough that it makes a visual difference and not for a rivet level accuracy.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Glen, it’s great to have you on board. Regards, Charlie.

[@gwrtromsoe]

Hello Charlie! Thank you for the good introduction to various couplings, even if the wagons are too new for my layout this was useful. Thomas,

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Thomas, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@dougalmcdougal8682]

Another nicely done video .. and thankfully no 15 minute sermon on packaging configuration 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m always here to please Doug. Regards, Charlie.

[@BrakeCoach]

Love the 6 different coupling demonstration. Might as well be a model coupling collector too!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks BC, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@MalcolmMarks-c6k]

In Victoria the yellow stripe indicates the wagon is grainproofed,the doors have a special seal on them. Malcolm

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Malcolm, I had heard that down under, they had a different meaning entirely. Regards, Charlie.

[@barryturner2916]

A good and fair review Charlie of your 21 ton wagons (they look fantastic), many thanks for sharing the different types of couplings available. Regards Barry.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You’re most welcome Barry, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@toots.007]

Hi Charlie, Another great and informative video. I have recently purchased some Dapol wagons to use on a small shelf shunting layout. I like the wagons because they are cheep, run well, have nice simple detail and importantly NEM pockets. I have fitted them all with Kadee couplings which look to be at the correct height etc. They are badged OO but they look a little small compared to other trucks I have (pos HO scale). Keep up the good work. Bryn

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Bryn, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards, Charlie.

[@alanhughes4178]

A nice surprise of a Friday evening to see an update only a week after the last one, really enjoyed it Charlie looking forward to seeing you weather those wagons!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Alan, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.

[@Rowdy_GB]

Great review. Interesting to watch. As to the Australian directional markings on wagons, in Queensland, it is due to the 'Kwikdrop' doors, an automatic mechanism that opens the unloading doors under the wagon. If the wagon faces the wrong way, the mech on the wagon is on the wrong side for the mech at the unloading facility to engage it.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Rowdy, I knew there was some example of this down under. Regards, Charlie.

[@timfellows8334]

A Friday afternoon bonus! I always enjoy a Friday afternoon when they land 😊

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so Tim. Regards, Charlie.

[@simonbradshaw3708]

What a lovely surprise Charlie to have a bonus episode just a week after your last one on your shunting yard. I am looking forward to a future video on Kaydee couplings for Bachmann MK1 coaches.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sure Simon, do your Bachmann Mk 1s have NEM pockets? Regards Charlie

[@simonbradshaw3708]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, yes they do have NEM pockets.

[@tonypenfold926]

Awesome review Charlie! The extra information over and above isn’t it pretty is so much more useful, many thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tony, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@ianstransporthistorystuff8175]

Those new coal wagons look great, and I remember we had a ex LNER one at Brighton that was used as a coal store for the breakdown steam crane, and then we got it at my local heritage railway museum that I was also involved with ,It's that one I sent you a photo of Charlie. I also remember any overtime I used to do at Hove station ( which consisted of checking doors were closed on the trains and sending them off and drinking lots of tea 😂) but used to watch the regular House hold coal train from Didcot with south wales coal being shunted in the yard and was regularly hauled by a class 73 or class 37 locos , and even between duties got some cab rides up and down the yard ,happy days 😊

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Ian, for an excellent comment. Yes, those were happier days. Regards, Charlie.

[@rogerbarrett6127]

Thanks Charlie, always appreciate your advice / experience on railway modelling.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Roger, and many thanks for your kind donation. Regards, Charlie.

[@roystudds1944]

Great video Charlie. Very interesting to compare couplings as well. Love reading the comments. Thanks for sharing. Roy.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Roy, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@wayneaskey]

Thanks for the video, I found the review on couplings to be extremly useful. Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found the video useful Wayne. Take care, regards Charlie.

[@T3DSK1]

Hi Charlie been having a snoop about this is what came to light. 9F 29214 built October 1959 allocated to Cardiff Canton then allocated to Banbury to haul heavy trains of ironstone from Oxford quarries to South Wales steelworks. In November 1961 transferred to Newport Ebbw Junction to work coal and mineral trains in South Wales. Now here is the interesting bit 21 ton fitted coal / mineral wagons came on the scene in 1961 so 29214 worked in this area till 1964 and there is a very good chance a 9F did haul them and there were a number at Ebbw Junction. hope this helps . Regards Ted

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Ted, great research. I’m convinced that you are right. Regards, Charlie.

[@lancekinloch739]

Comprehensive coupling guide .. especially helpful to newer people to the hobby .. I have switched to mostly hunt couplings .. I do like Kadees but it’s tricky getting consistent height nem pockets .. ever for the same vehicle and from same brand .. ie Bachmann .. different production batches over time .. excellent video Charlie 👍🏼 23:35

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I couldn’t agree more Lance. The Bachman catalogue is stricken with NEM errors. Regards, Charlie.

[@davidlidbury1244]

Hi Charlie thank you once again for a brilliant video, well a surprise swift video. Having been an admirer of railways all my life but, only modeling in the last two years, I find this sort of video so interesting, informative and very helpful. Especially helpful is where to look when weathering engines and rolling stock. I look forward to Fridays on Chadwick Model Railway in anticipation learning something new tinged with some great humour.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks David, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@paredding]

An excellent episode Charlie returning to the engineering of a product. But blimey, the price and that you bought 4x packs! Half yer luck! :-) Then to consider weathering them, there is no way I could that. I have built several of the Parkside kits, fitted the metal wheels and added the 5g weights (x2) under the chassis. They run well and the detail is really nice. I dry brush weather the underframes to imply track dust and fill with model gravel on raised platform inserts. Your overview on the couplings was also informative' I took a similar path on the Kadee's after much research and find them alot easier to fit than the photo-etc Spratt & Winkle PE ones I tried to build up. I also forgot I have those compartment cases so need to 'decant all my couplings into those so make sorting them easier - thanks for that. In conclusion, on the subject of braking systems etc, Jennie Kirk recently did an excellent video on all the braking types, and markings, and guards van types. Worth a look if you haven't seen it yet. Cheers

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. I can only totally agree that couplings are clearly a nightmare. I shall take a look at Jenny‘s video later. Regards, Charlie.

[@user-nx3uc6rh2r]

Thanks for the coupling detail. Yes Hunt’s are really good. You could mix the couplings to get a slightly larger buffer gap for 2nd radius if needed. Steve

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Indeed Steve , that’s what I do on my HST set. Regards, Charlie.

[@alsmith5604]

Yet again... another great video Charlie. Thanks for another very entertaining and informative presentation! :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Al, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@chrisbaines6931]

I have 4 packs of these and I love them. On the couplings front, out of curiosity I tried the 3 link coupling supplied with the wagons (tension locks removed of course). On my curves which are 500mm or greater the couplings and buffers work a treat and it looks mint. I had a minor issue with a couple wagons buffer locking but this was resolved by opening the butterfly on the end of the buffer shank. The wagons are set up in fixed rakes with tension locks at each end.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Chris, that’s very interesting. I’ll have to open up the pack and check them out. Regards, Charlie.

[@steveksi]

Nice, they do seem reasonable cost too. I have always liked trains of the same wagons.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Steve, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@JackLabeck]

Another great video, I found this very enjoyable highly informative and love the idea of doing the research in model railroading, and living in the US I want to thank you for the explanation of curve designations in the UK, I use Peco track and turnouts (points) and am sometimes confused 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Jack, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@johnoneill5661]

Nice review with a good insight into the different types of couplings.👍 I know it's nice to have super detailing on the underneath of rolling stock but unless you are modelling derailments I don't see the point.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I couldn’t agree more John. Take care, regards, Charlie.

[@GaryDelaney-r9n]

Great review Charlie, loved the comparison on the couplers

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@Arthur-l9w1k]

Charlie, thanks for the effort in doing all the comparison work for other people. Just a note about the tipler line (diagonal stripe) and you comment about overseas applications. In both the US and OZ many (most) heavy haule orecarriers DO NOT uncouple the individual waggons before dumping the load. They use a rotary dumper which turns at least one, and sometimes more, waggons on their side to let the ore drop out. To do this one of the couplings between the tipping waggon and the adjacent non tipping waggon has to rotate on its axis. The rotating end of the waggon is marked by a contrasting colour panel. The tippler operator is responsible for ensuring at least ONE coloured panel at each end of the tipple table! Best wishes Arthur Haberlin

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Arthur, for an excellent piece of information. Regards, Charlie.

[@paulsharman]

Well, that was well worth watching! Ime with you on Hunt Couplings, I use them for about everything which I| don't want to auto uncouple.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul, I’m with you all the way. Regards Charlie.

[@andrewh6034]

Very interesting Charlie. They have some great detail to them, weathering should be fun.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Andrew, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.

[@gavinmccall7179]

Great video - always good to see options back to back, and we can look forward to weathering some time in the future!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Gavin, I’m glad that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie

[@TRTX-em8kl]

Thanks for a great video, Charlie. You can run mixed or partially fitted goods trains as well and from reference photos in the early '70s the vacuum braked wagons were stacked to the front. Quite complicated as the driver had to work out the braking distance. Air braked trains often did have a brake van with a yellow stripe to activate the brakes because many diesels were vacuum brake only as built and had to be retro-fitted with air brakes.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Many thanks for the detail. Much appreciated. Regards, Charlie.

[@clivehale397]

Hi Charlie what a lovely film I never thought that a model company would go to such detail on a simple wagon it's a hit with me nice one......😅

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, Clive, the detail is incredible. Regards, Charlie.

[@SamBarr-cx5er]

I am a Kadee fan and won't use anything else. Nothing beats them when shunting is required. In my opinion they also look the best.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I thoroughly understand your point of you, Sam. Regards, Charlie.

[@chrisbarr1359]

Always a bright spot in my day when Charlie posts a video! Very nice mineral wagons! A bit pricey for me.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

At £25 each wagon Chris, I don’t think it’s that bad. One Bachmann van retails at £39! Regards, Charlie.

[@michaelimpey1407]

Charlie, great swift, but longer than 10 minutes. Very interesting review, and detailing on your (As in British) 21 ton mineral wagon. I found it super interesting. I am now going to have to find out about this randon stripe on some "Australian" Wagons. I did a quick check on the NSWGR (New South Wales Government Railways) wagoins, and no stripes obvious, but I will keep digging. It may have been a British Engineer that came out, and said, hey you need stripes - stranger things have happened. Than k you for sharing, cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Michael, and good luck with your investigation. Regards Charlie

[@michaelh6064]

Great video Charlie, thanks. Would love to see weathering and loads in another video, maybe the renumbering as well.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Gosh, no pressure then Michael. Regards, Charlie.

[@Krag_Jorgensen]

Really good video Charlie! Would love to maybe see a continuation of this, with the weathering/mineral loads that you decide to go with. Again, most excellent work, keep it up!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks KJ, and a useful suggestion as well. Regards, Charlie.

[@PKCrouse]

Charlie, I love your version of “unboxing”. There’s plastic, there’s a box, there’s more plastic …. right, now on to the good part. 😅 Paul

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Paul, I’m so pleased you enjoy my light-hearted unboxing. Regards, Charlie.

[@jonathanstanley73]

Hi Charlie, As informative as ever. I was very interested to see some of the magnetic couplings - while I have standardised on Kadees for my freight stock and ends of my coaching rakes, I still have several coaches in service that are pre NEM pocket. I find these very difficult to fit with Kadees. The magnetic couplings seem to have some flexibility - do you know (or have you covered in a previous video) if any are suitable for pre NEM pocket coaches. I would love to get rid of the remaining horrible D shaped bullbars. Thanks again

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, Jonathan, Hunt Couplings do make magnetic couplings to replace the D link ones. Regards, Charlie.

[@leewall8230]

Great video Charlie, really liked the format. Very informative. The unboxing did make me chuckle 😂.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Lee, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.

[@jeffjones6107]

A very good in-depth review, Charlie 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

ThanksJeff, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@nigelericogden3200]

Nice review Charlie … your Greek is coming on well !! All the best !!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Nigel, rest assured, it’s all Greek to me as well. Regards, Charlie.

[@tomlawton7087]

Charlie, most entertaining, and a valid investigation of the most common wagon type. Two details; do you find that the function of the dynamic coupling depends on the rigidity of the coupling (so hunt is better than kadee is better than tension lock)? And secondly, do you follow the NEM specification for wagon weighting, hence 50g for a short 2-axle wagon such as these, but more for longer or bogied wagons? And when assessing your loco's capabilities on the gradient of the helix, do you assess beyond the nominal design of four thruples (for the freight yard), such that you can pull longer trains around the loop? It may be that the (car) wheel weights often used for wagon weighting can be hammered flat to fit within the open/empty wagons without leaving a lip on the floor of the wagon. (I suppose re-texturing the new floor would be required for many of the wagons?) Regards

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Tom, with the various couplings used in my video, none have shown any problems with derailing issues. It’s purely case of price versus aesthetics. As for the waiting down of wagons, 50 g is the gold standard, but the gradient of my helix, and tractive effort available is of paramount importance. Regards, Charlie.

[@MarkWhitehead-px2cx]

Another good video, thanks charlie, interesting and look forward to the next one 👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@matjažjamnik]

Marvelous explanation of using different NEM couplings. Maybe You have an idea how to manage them on older non NEM pocket wagon, such as continental Fleischmann, Lima , Rivarossi etc. Thanks for all your previous explanations. Best regards from Slowenia. Matjaž

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Couplings are such a nightmare. Regards, Charlie.

[@alechudson6492]

Kinematic couplings only work correctly to widen the gap between the wagons or coaches on curves if they are joined by a solid bar coupling. That’s why Hornby supply them with their coaches. Kadees or tension lock will not work correctly. The magnetic ones should be ok as long as the magnets are strong enough to maintain a solid joint. I first saw these kinematic couplings I think in the 70s or 80s on Roco rolling stock. When fitted with the special Roco or Hornby couplings the kinematic works brilliantly and you can pull or push the rolling stock without trouble, ideal for your helix’s. Great review by the way.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alec, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie

[@kenr86]

Great review, they certainly look good. A question - you explained what the white diagonal stripe is for (indicating the end that the wagon can be unloaded from). In practice, (on the prototype), would they not run those wagons with the 'opening end' all facing the same way - or am I just being needlessly OCD?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, Ken you are! Very rarely did they use the end tipping method. Hence they all got mixed up. Regards, Charlie.

[@andydavidson9440]

Swift Charlie? It may have bene longer than you aimed for, but the "beyond the box" review including couplings, train patterns and Paul Bartlett's references makes all the difference. Please can you do part two on weathering, ideally from the photos including re-numbering (if you have not done this before)? i have some of the MDVs and i think they will have Hunt couplings when i am ready to put it all together.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoy the video Andy. And thanks for the future suggestion. Regards, Charlie.

[@lindsayatlmrtransport8118]

Well done Charlie, another very honest appraisal of some decent wagons. Keep on doing what you are doing. Cheers Lindsay

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Lindsay, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@davidchantler9241]

hi charlie i like your presentations what is the best way of making loads for wagons like coal , would you use card made in to a box shape then turn it up side down then put load on top with glue ,any thoughts on this thanks .

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sounds like a good plan David. Some folks use foam, regards Charlie.

[@davidjackson9317]

I love this channel! It's my 2nd favorite model railroad channel on KZbin. Please keep up the good work! Let me go look at that Patreon now.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s most kind of you to say so David. Regards, Charlie.

[@malcolmwebber610]

Liked the video a lot! Inpirational as I've been battlring with coupling troubles and decisions for ages. Looks like Hunt's are now on my Wish list! Surprised though, that there was buffer-lock with the kinematic feature. Isn't this meant to open up rolling stock on the curves to prevent buffers locking up?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it interesting Malcolm. Good luck with your choice, regards Charlie.

[@hotdogpilot6319]

Enjoyed the review, a great guide for the couplings, I would've liked a cursory rolling test across several wagons to test rolling friction or lack of. Thanks Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A Fairpoint hotdog, and one that I clearly missed. Regards, Charlie

[@mikehebdentrains]

A loaded open wagon would often have a canvas 'tilt' / cover / sheet over it to protect the load; this would be tied on with ropes. When not loaded, where were the tilts put? If left folded in the empty wagon (and probably tied down) , could that be a disguise for extra weight? I don't think bulk loads like coal / ballast / sand were usually covered though.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, you’re right Mike, the answer is to fit the loads. Regards, Charlie.

[@janetlewis7145]

Love your engineering approach to these mineral wagons. You took a great wagon and make it greater. Still amazed at the braking systems in the UK. In USA everything is air braked. Bill from California

[@steviefilm]

Everything is air braked now. Vacuum brakes ruled in the steam days and took around two decades after to be eradicated. Early diesels were built with vacuum brakes and many were later retrofitted with air brakes , some being dual braked or converted. Some diesel classes meeting an early end due to having vacuum brakes. As Charlie mentioned, many wagons had no brakes at all requiring a weighted brake van, like your cabooses, at the rear of the train that the guard could apply the brakes incase the train became separated. They would arrange trains with the braked stock immediately behind the loco making sure there was enough brake force between the loco and lead wagons to be able to stop the train!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Ours too Jane, but only from the 1980s. Regards Charlie.

[@janetlewis7145]

@@steviefilm Thanks for your insight. I'm still on the learning curve when it comes to railways in the UK. I'm curious in the days of UK steam how many wagons could a loco pull with the vacuum system? Bill, an old bloke from California

[@axa2wa]

That was excellent! As a relative newbie, I never knew about bauxite vs grey, the significance of the stripe, the type of guards van, or lighting thereof. Thank you Charlie. I wish there was a "Ladybird book of Modeling Railways" that encapsulated all this! Now, if somebody could explain the significance of full/partial/lack of yellow ends, it would help in my selection of locos...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. As for the painting ends of Locos, it was time related. They started plain, then half yellow and then full yellow. Regards, Charlie.

[@lels3618]

Have you ever tried the Fleischmann couplings? They are very detailed, although more of a modern look, close and inexpensive compared to the ones shown here

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

No, I haven’t, I shall have to try to find some. Regards, Charlie.

[@stephenrichardson4845]

Hi Charlie, excellent review. Can you do a video (swift?) about how your store your rolling stock on and off the layout? Things to consider would be temperature. humidity, sunlight etc.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s an interesting subject, Stephen. However, it really depends on your environment, I’m not an expert on a shed or garage environment or an attic either. Regards, Charlie.

[@T3DSK1]

Hello Charlie I have been trying to answer a question you posed about 9F's hauling 21 ton mineral waggons in South Wales I'm not quite sure on that as my time on B.R. was after steam Traction had ended I do know they hauled iron ore off Newport Docks and Barry Docks to Ebbw Vale steelworks. They might have worked coal downline but the local shed at Aberbeeg would have worked most of the coal traffic I think. 9F's were stabled at Ebbw Junction shed for the purpose of working iron ore traffic, just as an aside Ebbw Junction shed was the last home of D1200 the Falcon before she was scrapped a sad end to a great loco😢 which I see you own. Regards Ted

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for the information, Ted. Yes, the hunt for the 9F on 21 toners goes on. So sad about Falcon , a dreadful clause in the contract. Regards, Charlie.

[@gramchristian]

The immense detailing on this car, brakes shoe holders what have you - make me think Dekas of Denmark. They are providing us generously with top detailed freight cars and now also passenger cars. Second to none. All fitted with sprung buffers. Which leds me to experiment with having the buffers actually TOUCH. I must admit I will not go below nr 4 curves and make transitions in/out of curves. And no S curves as well. I am as you fond of Kadee's but for unit consists I will try some of those from this video. Btw. Have you had any issues regarding NEM and helix going downward? I think the weight of the train might push the kinematic to flex to the wrong side ?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi GC, no I have no issues as yet no the down line. However, I will try and fit magnetic couplings within rakes. Regards Charlie.

[@daviemaclean61]

A good review of both the wagons and the myriad of available couplers. While it's nice to look at I can't really understand going into so much detail on the underside, unless you're planning a train crash! Cheers

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting pointDavie, mind you I have enough of those as well

[@frankkie3849]

Now just a question, if you know a few rail clubs and if they get together and push for factory direct pricing as a union. You all may have better options for buying items at better prices.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You might be right, but it’s not something that I would try to mediate. Regards, Charlie.

[@peterkitts8815]

I think the coal was stacked in 3 heaps in the wagons in the picture. Worth checking before you commit to adding the loads

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Peter, I think that you’re right. Regards Charlie

[@onnomulder9775]

A very nice review Charlie!!! Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers Onno.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, Onno, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.

[@jsma9999]

Thank you review, Question the MEM pocket Gauge came from where, as would get one for me as thinking come Tention lock to Kaydee

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Search for Symboa NEM pocket gauge.

[@jsma9999]

@@ChadwickModelRailway thanks for info Hope that some great modeling

[@alastairwilson457]

Great video Charlie, especially different couplings

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alistair, so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie

[@stevechilders2425]

Always fun Charlie. Thanks for all you do!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Steve, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@arthurthorpe5445]

Great video Charlie I certainly learnt a few things and will be taking your recommendations into account.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Arthur, that’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie.

[@wayneaskey]

Thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Wayne, that’s most kind. Regards Charlie.

[@nigelfarrar5264]

Hi Charlie love the layout coming along great i have a problem wire up a 3 aspect signal, to a block signal ASP1-NS, on my lights there are 4 wires but only 2 colours RED/BLUE, Was wondering if you could help,PS can only get 2 lights at a time. Kind Regards NIGEL.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry Nigel, I’m a bit stumped on that one. Perhaps giving Block signalling a ring will sort it. Regards, Charlie.

[@nigelfarrar5264]

@@ChadwickModelRailwaythank you Charlie once again loveing the lay out

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Charlie, very good review. Interesting that they come in sets of three, just right for your shunting configuration. Seems terrible to say that they need weathering!! Look forward to seeing you tackle that one in the future. Have a great weekend!! EDIT: You're over 70k now, subscribers not age!!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks David, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards, Charlie.

[@tonyslight826]

Hi Charlie. That was interesting Charlie i have done all my wagons with magnetic couplings also, not that brand though and happy with them. Thank you again Charlie for your time and effort.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Tony, I’m so pleased that you found the video interesting. Regards, Charlie

[@DanielPearson-e5x]

Thanks for another infomative video Charlie. One question though, is a guards van really neccessary for the vacuum braked wagons? I've seen a number of videos of them at work in South Wales on coal duties towards the end of their life (early 90s by the way not mid 80s) with no brake van.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

You make an excellent point. On further investigation the guards van on such trains were no longer compulsory at the end of the 1960s. However, they were often fitted to vacuum braked trains. Regards, Charlie.

[@middlehilljunction1251]

I have had Hunts couplings for sometime now and a few of them have started to break and I have had to glue the magnets back in as well.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, but that could be through constantly breaking the train up I imagine. Regards, Charlie.

[@m10cachilles43]

Would these have run with 16t wagons as well in a mixed rake? Might add some visual interest to the train and it looks like you have some already?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Apparently they did, but I can find a no photos to confirm that. Regards, Charlie.

[@NothusDeusVagus]

You should've played this video around Christmas... I can see it now... opening scene of a much anticipated Charlie's unboxing vid. After a brief but measured, concise introduction he then starts tearing and ripping the boxes and wrapping apart with teeth and claws, throwing the Japanese level packaging, now mere confetti, about the room, like a feral five year old on crack seeking out his next hit... in the meantime viewers around the world expecting a calming, sedate and relaxing unboxing either keel over in shock at the brutal display of ferocity or start frothing at the mouth as they fill the chat/forums with indignation, vitriol and outrage... As it happens the video when paired with the comments generated, goes Viral and Charlie is the first mature age gentleman to achieve 100,000,000 views in a single week! Closing scene sees Charlie wink and smile at the camera as if to say "I might be onto something here."...- The work in that rolling stock was marvellous... seriously, It was an interesting and engaging presentation... Thanks Charlie...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, NDV, very interesting comment. Much appreciated, regards Charlie.

[@johnwalker9750]

I recently bought a Rapido Trains OAA wagon, and it also has a lot of underframe detail. It is a very good runner, and I wonder if all that extra detal helps lower the centre of gravity and thereby help stability and adhesion. The OAA wagon is a cast metal underframe, which is probably the main reason for its good running!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think that you’re probably right,John. Regards, Charlie.

[@Midsussexrailway]

I run bachmann DMU 9mm on most of my stock but have kadees on ends and locos where i know I'm likely to uncouple. Love it!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m pleased you have found a workable solution. Regards, Charlie.

[@richardphillips7171]

Thanks for another great video Charlie. Just a quick question. I purchased some Accurascale hoppers. Look fantastic, but derailed all of the time. Bought some of the same slightly shorter from Hornby and they run beautifully. I have Peco 100 track and I was advised that the Accurascale hoppers run better on Peco 75. How are you finding this problem. Am I correct in thinking that you have peco 75 track and so may not experience this issue? Thanks again Charlie. Richard

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Richard, all my track, bar the odd siding. Is Peco code 100. Can I ask what type of hoppers you have from Accurascale? Also, try adding a little weight. Regards Charlie.

[@richardphillips7171]

Hi Charlie, I have to apologise to you. The hoppers that I mentioned are made by Cavalex and are the HAA 01 wagons, not Accurascale as previously mentioned. Apologies. A really good looking model, it has to be said, but kept derailing on my layout. I tried adding some lead weights but it made no difference. Wondered if changing the wheels for some Hornby ones but the complexity of the under carriage didn't make that a straight forward job. Great video as always Charlie. I would have been lost without them. Kindest regards, Richard@@ChadwickModelRailway

[@thejamesprice]

A great video to watch over Saturday lunchtime! I have a lovely set of 6 black BR 21T ZDV Engineer Wagons that I received for Christmas. I am trying to find a 'scrap metal' or other prototypical wagon load for them. Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction to a video/product for this please?

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, James, and good luck with your hunt for a decent load. Regards, Charlie.

[@RestlessDiesels-mn7xp]

Love the review of the different couplings, I really must move away from tension lock at some point. Interesting you're using nuts for weights in a wagon - I use 1p and 2p coins as they've a really low profile and cost (literally...) pennies. A 2p coin weighs around 7g, so I generally use 3p worth (a 1p is half the weight of a 2p). I also use excess foreign coins that I know I'm never going to spend again.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An excellent tip using coins. Regards Charlie.

[@9021ASH]

Charlie - it looked like there were three peaks on the coal load rather than two? I'm going to have to do some reaserch to see if I can find other pictures of these loaded 21T mineral wagons. Another great video to watch at the end of my working week - many thanks!!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I think that you right Ash. Regards Charlie

[@robot7759]

Hi Charlie, R1 (and former R0 from Fleischman) are perfectly suited for the denser industrial shunting layouts (0-4-0 only) not just "trainsets". Pet peave of mine 😊 Regards, Rob.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

A Fairpoint Rob. Regards, Charlie.

[@philh9421]

I liked the hunt couplings initially but have had more than a few that have turned out quite brittle. I’m fitting kadee where I can, I just wish they would sell larger packs of their NEM couplings.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, Phil, the KD couplings are astonishingly expensive for what they are. Regards, Charlie

[@philh9421]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I’ve started picking up second hand wagons from shows where the KDs have been left on 😬