Hornby Dublo 3 rail layout part 1

Part 1
Join me as I build my long-awaited Hornby Dublo layout. With the latest Hornby Dublo retro range prohibitively expensive I have decided to go proper old school and explore the 3 rail. Nice and cheap to by, really robust and heavy but is it any good as I experience a few problems.
The footage is filmed from a handheld camera and follows my evenings on the railway while it is two cold in the workshop.

[@johnbill9201]

Great video thanks for sharing, I've got some 3 railways stuff, there fun

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I love the way they thunder round! thanks for watching and you kind words.

[@Robutube1]

It's really great for those of us 'of a certain age' to see the old three rail Dublo range brought back to life. Great job Dusty - you're warming cockles up and down the nation!

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching and taking the time to message.

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Superb Huge thx❤❤

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thank you, an early video with my phone so I hope I am improving, layout is still on the dining room table and as the night draw in time to get back to it! Thanks for watching.

[@downthegaragelayout.7465]

Looks great 👍👍

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertcrewdson8611]

I just got a few locos and an EDG 17 Goods set. I had a few problems but got it running today. Yesterday I spent cleaning the rails. Years ago I remember a special abrasive rubber. I used metal polish to clean the top of the track, then some of the fishplates were loose, as the set had been pushed together and pulled apart for almost 70 years, so gently squeezed the fishplates with a pair of pliers. Still no juice. I found the problem was that the connectors attached to the third rail have a tendency to want to go under the insulating board. Once I checked they were all in the correct position, then I was in business. I love the fact that these locos are metal and not plastic. From what I have read, Hornby do not currently have a good reputation, thin plastic that breaks easily, and new locos breaking down within a few hours. Will check out your other videos.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I have fallen in love with the older locos and I love the way they thunder along on the 3 rail, really please to hear you are making progress and getting them running, I think more and more people are looking at the vintage locos with the cost of new. And as you say over 70 year old and going strong. Many thanks for watching and tanking the time to share, and all the best.

[@robertcrewdson8611]

Thank you. I think they are something to treasure. I have also just got a copy of Michael Foster's Book on the Hornby Dublo trains.

[@davidcann4329]

As a fellow Hornby Dublo owner and runner, what a great start to your layout, the green LNER N2 engine is now more than 70 years old and looks in excellent condition. To lubricate the wheelsets of the locomotives and rolling stock, use a small sewing needle and push the sharp end into an old bottle cork, use the eye and dip into light machine oil (I currently use some that's suitable for Singer sewing machines), before carefully dabbing it into the dummy axle boxes and ends. It just reduces wear on driving wheels....

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thank you for the advice, I will do that. Thanks for watching.

[@kimballthurlow577]

Thanks for this Part 1 video. In time I will watch the other 4 or 5. The old Hornby Dublo is almost indestructible. Very well worth the few pounds you pay these days. They do respond well to repainting if needed. The old H and M controllers are also indestructible. Well done.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Enjoy! and thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment, I am really enjoying the 3 rail, just wish I had more time at the moment.

[@bertiewooster3326]

Get some spray electrical cleaner on those locos plus clean the wheels etc 3 Rail is great !

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thanks for the tip! and loved every moment with the 3 rail.

[@hamoostaffat]

Testing points and diamonds seem to be the bulk of my play time 😂

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I also seem to be cleaning the rails a lot, but still fantastic!

[@raynorton5920]

enjoyed watching that as i had a load of this stuff when i was a kid (lot of years ago!), just wish i had space to return to the hobby as you can get a lot of the gear quite cheap on ebay as you said, anyway wish you well with future updates and subbed, cheers

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thanks for you kind words, and watching.

[@patrickporter6536]

Wish I had kept mine..

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

I have really got in to the three rail, the layout is still on the dining table so I need to get back into completing. Anyway thanks for watching.

[@jimthorne304]

Reference the N2's on points, there are a number of issues; the leading collectors don't align very well with the centre rail, so if the trailing collector is in a dead section then the loco stops! Watch out for Dirty collectors Worn collectors also Third rails that are too low. Replacement collectors can be obtained via the Hornby Railway Collectors Association who have suppliers for a number of items.

[@dustyshelfcollectables]

Thank you for the advice, just has a look at the collectors Association, thank you. Again thank you for watching and sharing you knowledge.