Mainline J72 0 6 0T steam loco and history of Mainline from Ramsay's British Model Trains Cat.

This might be my favourite 0 6 0 at the moment. It has the dreaded plastic axles, which you can now buy replacement sets from Peter's Spares if you need to. This model was manufactured between 1976-79, and put a rocket right up other manufacturers due to the quality of the detail. I forgot to mention that Bachmann ended up with some of the tooling from Mainline and made a poor copy of the original in BR. I have one, but the axles cause it to bunny hop down the track. This was typical of Bachmann models back then. Never buy a Bachmann split chassis unless you like to upset your day. Just don't buy them.

[@Stanb662000]

that brings back memories, We had the J72 in BR black, a pair of Standard 4's in black and green, and a Peak in green. I also had an Airfix 31 (which I bought with the winnings off a Melb cup sweep in year 8) and Royal Scot. I sold them all in the early 90's... :(. When new, the split chassis was an innovation that was streets ahead of the opposition and really helped with good running, but ya - the plastic mid axle eventually started to crack which limited the operational life of the models - my J72 eventually gave up the ghost, although i did try to convert it to P4. The main thing Palitoy Mainline and Airfix GMR brought to the table was a huge increase in detail and overall standard. At a time when Hornby was still using open frame XO4 motors, integrally moulded detail and pressed metal valvegear the new ranges with their separately cast parts, wire handrail (!), innovative drives (although GMR did like traction tyres) and finely finished decoration, the stage was set for a revolution in UK model railways

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Hi Stan, I have the J72 in BR black as well, it needs a new wheelset etc. I also have it in the Bachmann version, but the axles have cracked. Runs more like a kangaroo now. I agree that the split chassis were good in their day, it's a shame the axles just weren't up to it. These things weren't cheap to begin with, the only positive being it made Hornby lift their game. My Bachmann J6 Class 4 8 4 steam loco is holding on by the skin of its teeth. I'm scared to run it now. I'm hearing mixed results about the 3D printed replacement axles, so I will wait until that science has been perfected. The Mainline models especially would not look out of place in today's market. You must have had a pretty fair size collection yourself and a great childhood to boot. The Peaks are not easy to come by, I have seen a couple of Standard 4s over the years but never bid. Steven.

[@trainsontuesday]

A very interesting catalogue Steven, I have not seen that before. If I could find one here it would be cheap but in the UK it would cost a pretty penny. I wasn't around in the pre British Railways era so I tend to look for BR liveried locos but I have to agree that your J72 is a stunner. Cheers, David.

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Hi David, I remember buying it, but I never actually sat down and read through it until recently. It is a very good resource for the history of each manufacturer and explains their demise and who ended up with their toolings. The J72 is my new fave, given that it has sat in its box for years unappreciated. Steven.

[@carlgauntletttrains3026]

Hi Steven, that's a cracking looking J72. I like the livery it really makes it. I worked on one for a mate, the only thing I don,t like is the split chasis. You have to keep an eye on the wheel axle,s the same as the early Bachmann,s. Never the less a nice looking model. All the best butty. Carl.

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Thanks Carl, I've checked the axles and some how they are still in good condition. But there are spares available now made of resin. This one is running very well, it looks almost mint. I didn't know Mainline were so well detailed. Steven.

[@paulvozman842]

Hi Steven, thats a great Catalogue from Ramsys, learning the history of the model trains is very interesting. Your Mainline J72 is a beauty, considering its over 40 years old it not only looks good its an amazing performer very smmoth and quiet. Nice set of wagons,I dont think I have seen a brake van like this before. Its good spare parts like the axles are available, how many Locos can be saved from the scrappy now. Cheers, Paul.🚂👍👍🙏

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Hi Paul, it's a very handy catalogue if your collection is pre 2001. All the manufacturers are in there. The J72 is a great looker and runner. it's axles haven't cracked yet, they are made of black plastic. I hope not to have to purchase anything from Peter's spares, the tax almost doubles the price of all products. Steven.

[@paulvozman842]

I am going to try and find these catalogues. The axles are being Lazer printed I believe, there must be someone in Aus who can make them. I had 6 white metal Bedford KM Cabs in 1:76 scale made for me in Aus 14 years ago, they were not available anywhere else in the world. It was worth the postage to get what I wanted for my model truck collection. Cheers, Paul.

[@stevenpeaketrainsandstuff3682]

Hi Paul, I would pay the postage but the VAT rate is red hot. Have a look on his Web site, I may be reading it wrong. It says the price of each item, excclsive of tax. Then the tax amount is displayed under the price, almost doubling the price. Then postage is added on top of that. I must be reading it wrong. Steven.