In Praise Of Desirable Mainline Wagons OO scale Model Railways (40 years old +)

[@flippop101]

When these models came on the market, I had all but abandoned the hobby. Years later however, I have rediscovered it again, only I now model in a different scale. I have commented before on how much I enjoy your channel. I usually reserve time on a Sunday to watch each week, each time I come away not only having enjoyed myself, but also having learned something. This time I couldn’t wait until Sunday, and this evening your channel reminds me how lucky we are that we have our hobby. It sometimes helps. Thank you for all your good work. Best regards, Philip.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Philip, wow I am so grateful for this lovely comment, it really gives me a much needed boost. This Sunday I have a premiere video at 10:00, kind regards Mike

[@flippop101]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited Hello Mike, I am delighted to read your reply (albeit belated) and I take your response as a great compliment. Thank you very much. Kind regards, Philip.

[@malcolmlowe2323]

Excellent video. Love these wagons and the couplings I consider to be the finest ever produced. Although fitted with plastic/nylon wheels, they are excellent runners. I have managed to collect every wagon mainline produced , both from china and their Leicester factory.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Oh my goodness! Every one? How many is that

[@malcolmlowe2323]

Hi, I have around 145​@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited

[@malcolmlowe2323]

​@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited I have around 145

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

@@malcolmlowe2323 wow incredible. Are there any particular rare ones

[@malcolmlowe2323]

The rare ones seem to be the later models that were produced at the Leicester factory and begin with 937 (also some of the 37-400 series). These had the Type 2 chassis where the brake rigging was in line with the wheels and not in frontof the wheel. (also had metal Axles, Draw hook and better designed buffers. Some of the 7 planks are getting hard to get hold of, 937126, 937129, for example. Be weary as some of these are being sold on e-bay as the later type but are the original models with the Type 1 chassis.

[@martinhall60]

What a lovely video, your Mainline wagons are great, you have a great collection. I remember seeing lots of open wagons that had been painted over when our railways became BR. The goods yard I worked in had so many different types of wagons I felt like I was in railway heaven. I remember I started collecting wagon plates as there was piles of them in the yard. The Yard inspector told me to help myself to the wagon plates if I wanted. So I started to collect them. My mum wasn't very happy with my collection of wagon plates so I kept them in the garden shed. I also collected shunt poles and brake sticks. I could have had the three link wagon coupling if I could have got it home, Lol. I think my mum would have thrown me out if I had. 🙂 I did get a large collection of wagon destination labels as it was my job to put them on the wagons. The one big regret was that I wish I had taken lots more photographs of the yard and the wagons and locomotives in the yard. I've got got some but not a lot unfortunately 😕. But I am glad I was there. My favourite photo i have is me in the cab of a class 08 shunter with my head out of the window. Happy days indeed. Thank you for a great channel and best wishes to you all. 👍🚂

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Oh wow that's my best comment! I'd love to see what photos you have, which yard was it. Painted over, was this the result of wartime pooling or something else?

[@martinhall60]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited Hello again 🙂 the railway goods yard I worked in was in Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire, which is where I live. Hull, like many cities in England had a vast railway system with lines going to many factories. But sadly most of them have now gone. The railway yard i worked in was always called by the staff as KINGSTON STREET GOODS YARD because the road next to the yard is called Kingston Street. The yard was also known as FULL LOADS. I don't know why it was called that but some people called it that. Apparently the goods yard was originally the very first passenger station in Hull until the present passenger station called HULL PARAGON STATION or as it is now known as, and that is HULL INTERCHANGE. ( Trains and buses.) The site of the yard is now a boat repair area and has flats built on it, as far as I know. If you could see a railway map of all the railway lines that where in Hull that would give you a better idea, but I don't have one, but i wish I had. I shall have to look for the few photo's I have. Like i said, my biggest regret is not taking more photographs when I had the chance to. 😕 I always was going to do it but never did. I will look for the ones that I have and I can always get them copied. Well am ready for a cup of tea now. Keep safe. 👍🚂

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

@@martinhall60 fantastic info, thank you very much indeed.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Great video like it very much .Hope more to come .Take care

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks Dave, yes many more planned

[@Western-be2zs]

Mainline products were excellent then and still look great today,I’ve got quite a collection of them and they still compare well to what you can buy today,all the best 👍

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching

[@alanwagstaff16]

Nothing wrong with mainline I have a few wagons and carriages just as good as some of today's models.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Alan, true amazing given their age

[@eddiestuart3898]

I have a good number of old Mainline wagons - they are indeed excellent....

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks Eddie, amazing for the age of them

[@charlie1872]

I have a few of these and they have great detail and quality. I always look for them if I manage to get to one. Thanks for the insight into these models. Cheers

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks 👍 lovely aren't they

[@brayhunter259]

I love mainline my favourite wagons

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Agree lovely

[@brayhunter259]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited I look upto you for wagon history I’m from New Zealand scored a few off hattons boxed other day trying to get all the mainline wagons boxed for my railway

[@suninn22]

I have a several model wagons bought in the 1980s, I bought a Rail blue restaurant buffet coach last year. Mint boxed and never used. It looks good behind my class 73

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi, lovely, which wagons do you have

[@suninn22]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited bogie bolster a 937353 bogie well wagon 37182 mineral coal with load 37424,

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

@@suninn22 some good ones there

[@paulc9588]

I first bought these as a youngster in the early 1980s, beginning I think with the Coalite coke wagon from Carter's Toys and Models in Bradford. Having a 'thing' about wagons I was delighted with them and blown away with the quality relative to Hornby. In fact Mainline (and Airfix) got most of the pocket money previously spent on Hornby thanks to these. I am, of course, still buying these little gems 40 years on!

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks Paul, they are wonderful for sure

[@russellbenton2987]

Yes these are great wagons even now . I remember first starting to appear in 1977 . The fine printing was something different to what was available from Hornby at the time (bright red Texaco tank wagons , Prime Beef and Fine Fish!) and from memory they were slightly cheaper . My first were the United Molasses and Royal Daylight tanks , but I built them up over the years . Hoppers, tanks,Coke cars . And of course these days they are a fraction of the cost of Bachmann . Take care . Trains always keep me going

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thank you Russell, I still have those early wagons from Hornby to :) Thanks for your most kind comments.

[@terryblackman6217]

Thanks Mike. Very enjoyable video. Cheers

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

I thought I'd replied to this before from two years ago but it's just popped up as missed.

[@alanswallow9033]

Another enjoyable video! Back in the 80s I had 58 Mainline wagons,even the full plastic wheeled model ran good on all of my 100 code track work, but later metal axles were better looking and running but they had plugged couplings which I found when I sold a most of my railway stock the in the 2010s coupling retention clips broke when I hooked a rake up to photograph, Peter’s Spares seams to be the place for replacements.Cheers from NZ.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks for sharing, all the way from NZ! take care Alan.

[@patrickoneill5695]

lovely

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thank you

[@scottmcneil1150]

Hi I have just discovered your tube page. Wonderful videos. I’m afraid I’ve recently caught the ‘Mainline’ wagon bug and this is progressing into milk and oil tankers too. There’s no hope for me. Your videos are a wonderful construction of superb modelling, fascinating factual history and unique imagination. A most welcome mix. Thank you.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Welcome aboard! Glad to meet another Mainline fan. Thank you so much for the kind comments and I hope you enjoy my other videos to :)

[@IronHorseRailways]

Another good video from MRU! You have quite a talent for narrative. I lost my father almost 5 years ago now he was only 58 and it was him who sparked my interest in trains. He worked for BR until they got sold off. So I do empathise with you! Regarding the older wagons that are about, I find that swapping the wheels over for modern thinner flanged metal wheels gives much nicer running over point work!

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Many thanks indeed, take care

[@lorrainecohen1649]

Very nice

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks

[@dorsetsteamer8221]

Lovely wagons, i have many of these including the Carpenter of Tiverton ones as i am in the West country, Dorset to be precise. Thanks for another great video!

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

That is most kind of you thanks

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

Beautiful rake of wagons, I love the sheer variety of the Mainline ones, different heights, colors, liveries, and so on that all look really good. I have two of the Bachmann coal wagons, and they are quite nice and roll beautifully, but I think I may consider these, should I want to make a longer unfitted goods train - the Welsh ones I find particularly appealing!

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks for watching, there seem to be a good few out there still, good luck

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

They are very impressive looking wagond with great artwork detail. I often think about changing out my hornby couplers with Mainline, they are the perfect size. Thanks Mike.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Good morning and thanks for watching, ah I have often wondered about doing that, my dad loved them and fitted them often.

[@trainsontuesday]

Another superb video from you Mike. I have very few Mainline wagons but I do like them for all the reasons you've stated. Regards, David.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Many thanks David, you will have to have a shopping spree :)

[@trainsontuesday]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited I have been shopping this year Mike and as a matter of fact I have a new loco ready to come out of quarantine and be opened today. ( We handle all mail etc. as if it is covered in Covid 19 and it sits in a safe place for several days before being opened.) Take care, David.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Very wise

[@LordInter]

I have a load of gwr locos and the newer Bachmann and Hornby replacements that are identical models lol

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Interesting!

[@mick9885]

Great Video Mike, Nice stock and good running 👍

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Night_Ferry]

I'm a fan of mainline wagons and indeed their whole range. I still have a mainline Dean goods and 4mt. Compair them to the hornby of the time. Actually mainline wagons are the reason for my interest in the southern and particularly the South Eastern division. The humble 12t goods van with the distinctive elliptical roof. Something about that one really appealed to me. I used to run them on my grandads layout. I still have these vans to this day although now fitted with kadee's. That roof profile led me to dance hall's, birdcage's and my interest in Kent's railways. All from one wagon, well a pair of them. To think if I had be taken by the mogo I could be a gwr modeller! My only really modern wagon is a bachmann M. E. Evans plank wagon to celebrate the man behind mainline. The only negative is the wheels can sometimes crack over time.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Amazing how the model railway bug moves us through life, great story there

[@marksinthehouse1968]

When I got my first mainline set in 1981 from Woolworths I was impressed by the quality of the stock compared to my hornby and Lima it was on par with GMR I had the LNER good set

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

WOW, how nice you have all that memory links, good old Woolies :)

[@marksinthehouse1968]

I know I was 13 then ,then girls come along get married then back to the trains for the children even if one is a girl hehehehe ,be safe ,Mark 👍🏻😊

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Always the way of it Mark lol

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

I hope you are in better times now? Wonderful wagon types and liveries. Thos Ward had a shib breaking facility at Inverjeithing in Scotland I think/ I need to check. :-)

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks for the info and kind words. Glad you enjoyed

[@lymstation5385]

Brilliant video mate I linked you video in the discription of my h class review , keep up the good work Mike !

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks, will do!

[@gs425]

Nice video as always Mike. You will see on some of my haulage test videos I have several mainline wagons too. Have never needed to change to metal wheels as some people do...the originals run well and look good. All the best Gary

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

I will check it out! Thanks very much Gary, yes I only change the wheels if there is an issue

[@ciaranburke3243]

Nice little wagons mike, print and general detail look good, also the o6o at the start of the shot is nice 👍

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Cheers Ciaran, do you mean the 03 or Dean Goods? Regards Mike

[@ciaranburke3243]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited sorry mike it was the little 03 I meant 😊

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

No problem :)

[@jamesscobie1395]

I too have loads of mainline wagon and I think my favourite is the ‘Patent Nut and Bolt company’. Most of mine have had the wheels and couplings replaced to make them more compatible with the newer wagons in my collection

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi many thanks, yes that is a nice wagon. I am considering replacing the wheels, what did you do with the old mainline couplings?

[@jamesscobie1395]

Some were broken so we’re binned but I may have some in my spares box

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

@@jamesscobie1395 That's the ones with the little spring in?

[@jamesscobie6374]

I’ll check tomorrow and let you know

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

@@jamesscobie6374 Thanks, if they are I'd be interested

[@TimberSurf]

The vast majority of my wagon stock is Mainline, I luv 'em

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Agree, great models

[@railfan1762]

Also just posted my first few modeling videos got inspired from ur ww1 running session

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Well done and thanks, I'll take a look

[@lymstation5385]

I've subscribed to you good to seen another Chanel keep it mate

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks very much indeed

[@tomlee9534]

I’ve been collecting Mainline Bass open wagons for some time now. I think I’ve got 30, which should do me.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Tom, 30! a big train

[@vikingsmb]

i got mainline wagons, replaced all plastic axles with hornby 12.6 and peters spares axles available from lendons

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Yep that's a nice upgrade

[@guyclark2975]

Mainline Mk1 Coaches still hold up pretty well. I have a rake of BR Maroon. Replace the wheels and good to go

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Absolutely agree, done the same

[@railfan1762]

These are my usual stock are mainline wagons :) but this video looks one of quality with great design your a great person and I hope you get better your a great influence on young modellers everywhere your information is wise I enjoy your videos mainline wagons are the best I think that there very beautiful and how cheap u can get them sometimes astonishes me :) the dean goods is lovely I really think this Christmas is a tough choice for model railroading I'm already set on a p class but is there any tender engines you can say are great such as a princess Royal? I'm more into British modeling and I have a few engines but in your opinion what is the best engine of the year 🙂

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi, you will be very pleased with the P class! Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'll give some thought to your question.

[@railfan1762]

Just ordered it from hattons UK now have to wait 3 days for it to get over the pond

[@iandouglas451]

nice video, sorry to hear that things aren't good. interesting that you have a high opinion of mainline wagons which is in contrast with the general view of mainline trains - locomotives, which seems to be fairly negative. what track are you using please?

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks Ian, part of life I guess. Tack is Hornby set track, Mainline locos can be ok but do suffer from gear break up. I have several locos by them. Maybe an idea for a video, All Mainline?

[@iandouglas451]

@@ModelRailwaysUnlimited i've got a mainline class 43 which is rather cranky but i do like it, some of the end bogey wheels don't seem to have sufficient weight but somehow it goes ok. can you still get the gears please do you know?

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Sadly I don't think you can :(