Tri-ang and Hornby Dublo EMU comparison.

In this video I am comparing and contrasting the Tri-ang and Hornby Dublo EMUs along with highlighting the detail improvements I have added to the models.
Thank you for watching.

[@martinhall60]

A very interesting and informative video. Well done Sir. 👍

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your comment and observations. Delighted you found it to be to your liking. Cheers, Graeme

[@curlew1000]

Thank you. I worked at Euston for many years so the 501 units are very familar. The forth rail working may be something to do with the sharing of tracks with Bakerloo line and working onto the Southern Region. I did travel on a railtour from Waterloo in a 4 Cor set. We covered most of the DC system without a problem. A visit by a 4 Cor to Euston was a bit special.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your interest and comments. Delighted you found it interesting. Cheers!

[@petersmith4455]

hi there,great memories of the Triang emu, as a child got a 2 car set for christmas in 1962.what a present just great,lived in sussex so grew up with Bils.hals subs and even electric loco 20003 who could ask for more

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for your comments and observations. Delighted you enjoyed the show. Memories are precious commodity.

[@andrewhead6267]

B1 Euston - Watford, B2 Broad Street - Watford, B4 Broad Street - Richmond, B9 Watford to Croxley Green, CY empty stock to Croxley Shed. The units were fourth rail as the lines were built by the LNWR and the electric railways of London, which became the Bakerloo line.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for the clarification re 4rail/3rail. I'd guessed it was something to do with a historical precedent. Sorry I missed your comment...YT 'notifications' again!

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

I just love Your train running sessions. Regards ALAN :O)

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi Alan, Many thanks indeed for your interest and observation. Delighted you enjoyed. You have some fine videos yourself...always great to see other layouts and approaches! Cheers, Graeme

[@mauricemannion1311]

Very interesting video..! You've done some very nice work on the EMUs, really nice to see these in action too..! Still running after 60+ years, that's amazing in itself. I wonder if the latest Bachmann EMUs will still be running in 60 years from now..!

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your comments and interest! Delighted you enjoyed the session with the "mods". I will be interesting to see if the Bachmann and Hornby units will be running in 60 years time...somehow I doubt it with those vehicle/coach coupling and power connections.

[@David-ci1vn]

Back in the 50s to mid 70s I lived in London SW would often travel to Hampton Court but especially on the Shepperton Loop, green 4-SUBs were still around in number and 4 EPBs of course (they looked awful in BR blue imho), every now and again we got a variation of a BIL or a LAV, all of these were what I thought of as "proper trains" (they caeertainly had human sized seats) , then we got the 2 and 4 PEP which appeared to have come from Disney Land. These models look really great, one can almost smell the brake dust and the cigarette smoke!

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Thank you for your comments and sharing of memories. Delighted you enjoyed the session.

[@coalbridgejunction7674]

Hi Graeme a very informative video you are a fountain of knowledge and love here what you have to say on your video's kind regards Martin

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hello Martin, Thank you so much for your kindess, and thoughtful comments and observations. I will continue to upload videos of my model railway so long as I have the wonderful support I receive from yourself and the subscribers to my channel.

[@coalbridgejunction7674]

Your very welcome and also my next video of sream on Coalbridge will be out soon kind regards Martin

[@crewelocoman5b161]

@@coalbridgejunction7674 👍

[@ewhurstgreen]

Most interesting video leaving me a tadge envious - thank you! 👍 The Southern unit really does look good with the SEF flushglazing, replacement buffers and added paintwork!🙂 These units operated with tail-lamps having no battery backup or red blinds. Yellow warning panels started to appear in late 1962. ⚡ Before the war the SR unit were known as 3 Car Motor Units or even as '3s'. It was only after their augmentation to four-car did they start becoming known as 4 SUB units (many operating documents still referred to them as 3 Car Motor Units. First-class was abolished on suburban units as a wartime measure. 😉 Intermediate coupling of these units was a single centre-mounted buffer with rubbing plate on the motor coach. 🤔 BTW my BloodandCustard website covers all the SR electric units. 😎 Sorry I cannot add much detail about the Watford units - off my region - but didn't stop me wanting one of these when they were new. These units did not use the centre (negative) rail to Watford - this being present for the LUL services. However, it had to remain in place for years afterwards as it provided the DC traction return! 😂

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your comments and insights. TBH I'm a steam man through and through so the 'ins and outs' of EMUs passes me by. My perspective on these are mainly as models which I find fascinating as both are attemps by the main manufacturers to create credible representations of these trains as they were at that time. Both are generic although the the HD set, which came later than Tri-angs, is a pretty good recreation of the Euston-Watford EMU, albeit with Southern Region numbering! The Tri-ang EMU is more generic. As far as I can ascertain, it is not a representative of any prototypical Southern EMU. The centre coaches are based on BR Mk.1 suburban coaches albeit too short whilst the driving trailers have incorporated what looks like a 1930s Maunsell design of cab. Make of it what you will, I think it works quite well which is why I thought I'd have a go at adding some judicious details and updates. BTW, Tri-ang were very good at creating 'generic' representations of rolling stock which can still pass muster today, the SR Utilty Van and Cattle Wagon, both of which date from 1956/7 as does the EMU.

[@ewhurstgreen]

@@crewelocoman5b161 Both were exciting models of their time! It has been claimed the SR 3 Car Motor Unit was based on the 1925 South Eastern Division builds but I think it is just too generic to be that specific. Lest you are interested there is a photograph of a 3 Car Motor Unit augmented 4 SUB on the Ewhurst Green site. Decades ago I used the Mk1 Suburban coaches to build BR EPB stock - bodies were too short, compartment spacing inaccurate but the looked good at the time!

[@crewelocoman5b161]

@@ewhurstgreen ...as I've indicated the 'ins and outs' of SR EMUs pass me by...

[@adibsdall]

Very nice I have my original HD 2 Rail EMU with the box marked down from £4, 11/6 to £2, 11/6 . I also have the Tri-ang unit that I picked up a bit battered, so it was resprayed and close coupled, a second "Failed" motor bogie was acquired and fitted in the dummy end but without an armature. I have the Wrenn Brighton Belle, which is almost as good and have recently obtained a 3 Rail version of the HD EMU. Certainly, all look nice sat next to each other. Just one point on the HD 501 on the right-hand end of your set you appear to have the trailing bogie pickup side frame inverted.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Thank you for your comments and keen observations. Both the Tri-ang and Hornby Dublo units are interesting models, each in their own way offering a generic approach rather than exact prototypical representations and both can benefit from some judicious detailing. I am aware that one of the pick up shoes is inverted on one of the bogies...but I'll leave it as it is for the time being. I have come across comments that these items had a tendency to drop off.

[@tonywise198]

The only anomaly that stands out is the route indicator on the Triang as "V" together with a yellow panel. By the time the warning panel came out, the routes were all numerals. Also need a black triangle on the panel indicating "guards compartment at this end". Having said that, I was always attracted to both models at the time.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Thank you for your contribution. As you have probably gathered, I'm not attempting to create an authentic recreation of three rail electric suburban traction and I don't pretend for one moment to be knowledgeable about this area of railway operation. I have taken two well known "generic" representations of electric suburban units from back in the day and highlighted, what I consider to be the most important areas for "improvement" that are do-able for most us in the hobby. For me, the biggest "anomolies" will always be the lack of flush glazing on the Tri-ang set and the lack of detail on the driver unit ends on both units, which with a bit of care and thought can be remedied. The "V" sign and the black triangle are minor details.

[@martinreed9565]

I have re wheel my Hornby SR ground rail unit. new motor bogie .( now 20 years old) but i had trouble with it running after all ease failed i WD40 on motor and it goes like mad! my Dad Made me (30 years ago) a 4 EPB class 415 BR designed one but using short Tri-ang 57 foot suburban coaches but it look good and gos well.

[@johnstephens649]

Enjoy the vid and have a Triang EMU still running from the 1960s but needs a bit of a tidy up! Always wanted a Hornby EMU. Grew up in South Kenton and Hatch End on the LMR line from Watford to Euston so who knows how many ‘000s of miles I have travelled in those! If I recall, the “B” headcode denotes the route. B1 = Watford to. Euston, B2 = Watford to Broad Street via Primrose Hill etc.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Brilliant! Delighted it brought back memoriesfor you. Both Tri-ang and H.D gave us 'typical' rather than 'proto-typical' representations of the EMU. both have charm and can with a little effort be made to look more in keeping with current models. Colour pictures of the 501 in BR M/U green are extremely rare. There's an excellent photo of one entering Euston during the rebuilding circa 1963 'B1' small yellow warning panel, red buffer beam with oval buffers in 'From Bridges to Big 'Uns, P.J. Coster Irwell Press. Thank you for your comment!

[@davidkirkham9117]

Fond memories of Crewe south shed, my grandfather was top driver with LMS, drove Rudolph Hess down from Scotland, when I was young he used to take me to the engine sheds, while he chewed the fat with his amigos, I got to ride the footplates of 8F's, Jubilees, black fives. One firmly fixed memory is the Duke of Gloucester reversing languidly, light engine, through the middle roads of Crewe station. Happy days?

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi David, Thank you so much sharing your memories. I saw and became familiar with steam in the last eight years of its operation and did know a number of 'top link' drivers. Regarding the 'Duke' here is a link to one of my videos (overview of BR Standards Pt 2) which includes a discussion in the comments about the 'Duke'. Happy days...? For me, most definitley a resounding Yes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2LNo3xro52ri6M Thank you again, and all the very best. Graeme

[@davidkirkham9117]

@@crewelocoman5b161 - As a 9 year old we moved from Crewe to Lowestoft, and subsequently I went to sea, but fond memories of Crewe, the railway and cattle market would keep us kids amused for hours on end.

[@russellbenton2987]

Both nice units and good to see them restored and running 70 years on . I love running older stock , my first loco was a Brush Type 2 (class 31) in 1965 , followed by a Jinty and then an AL1 because I’d asked Santa for one of the new electric trains that were running on the Glasgow suburban routes (the blue trains class 303) . Well the AL1 was Blue and had three windows at the front. That’s a close as it got . But I love running these for the pure nostalgia and excitement of running them from the 60s . I think of the two units shown I prefer the Triang one . Reminiscent of the old L&SWR units I think . Giving her the yellow warning panels and picking out the cab details certainly adds to it , along with the flushed glazing (South Eastern ?) . I don’t think she’s too out of keeping with modern Hornby stuff and probably more reliable . Anyway it’s fun running them , listening to the howl of these knurled wheels . Love it

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for your thoughts and reminiscences. The Tri-ang A1A was a decent model...remember that catalogue selling point, The Freightmaster..."Heavy duty diesel with seven trucks"! Yes, it is S.E. Finecast for the glazing. I'm currently collecting some Tri-ang maroon suburban coaches with a view to "updating" them. I did purchase ages ago some Bachmann Mk. 1 suburban maroon coaches but I've hardly ever used them. In a word they are c**p. Colour way too dark, huge gap between bogie and underframe and awful recessed windows. I'm going to be doing some more mix and match with the old and new soon...I'm on the same page as you with this...it's all good stuff!

[@shedmouthjunction]

Brilliant video!. Thank you for sharing this. Im just in the middle of restoring one of these, and I'd love to do the same as you with the windows. May i ask where you got them from please? Huge thanks. 😀

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for your comments and observations. I take it you are referring to the Tri-ang units. SE Finecast are the manufacturers of the flush glaze windows. They make them for just about everything in 00 gauge that either doesn't have windows at all or those old Tri-ang coaches and Lima vehicles. Link: www.sefinecast.co.uk/Flushglaze%20Windows/Flushglaze%20Windows%20Page%201.htm or Ebay: www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=se+finecast+flush+glaze+&_sacat=0 They worked (fitted) well on the Tri-ang green suburban units without too much bother, but when I tried them on the equivalent maroon suburbans I couldn't get them to fit at all...I just don't know. Anyway, I hope this helps and it goes well for you! Cheers, Graeme

[@shedmouthjunction]

@Crewelocoman 5B brilliant stuff Graeme! Thank you for the information. Yep, sorry i should have been more clear which one i was talking about 😂😂 i got all excited and rushed the message😂. It is indeed the Tri-ang i was referring to, just placed an order for the windows. Thank you so much again for your time, very much appreciated! Subbed to your channel 👍 😀

[@crewelocoman5b161]

@@shedmouthjunction You're welcome!

[@philipsmith5936]

Beautiful trains. Really enjoyed this. May I ask where you obtained the stunning backing scenery paper from?

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for your generous and thoughtful comment! The large straight backdrop I obtained from a model shop in Bristol (Modelmania) almost ten years ago. Regretably, it's now closed. The corner ones are from GaugeMaster in Arundel aka the EngineShed. Hattons offer a decent range and you can try Ebay to see what comes up. Hope this helps!🙂 Many thanks, Graeme

[@pauldyer3312]

Hi Alan I like you video of this EMU's. Just to give some information on the 501 units going between London Euston to Watford. The 501 units on the the third rail was only 650 volts compared to the southern units with 750 volts. The reason for this was because they shared the same current as the Bakerloo and District trains (ie Queens Park to Harrow and Richmond to Broad Street on the North London lines)

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for your interest and knowledge of the relative voltage systems vis-a-vis Southern and North London networks. Cheers, Graeme

[@sanspareil3018]

Certainly enhanced both units. They look great.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Many thanks for you comment and observations. Sorry I missed your response! 👍

[@ldb281]

Very nice seeing them run together. Youve got 2 motor coaches running on the Dublo set?

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Hi, Thank you for your comment. Yes, I just need to find another centre coach to run as a correct formation.

[@mytinplaterailway]

You certainly have improved the Triang. The Dublo has always been a bit of a beauty - and sort after and pricey. In real life these don't do much for me, but in model form they are very attractive.

[@crewelocoman5b161]

Many thanks for your observations. I'm in agreement. They don't do anything for me either, but the two different and 'generic' (neither are accurate representations) takes on the EMU are interesting and with a bit of detailing they don't look too out of place with the more accurate stock on a layout. In both cases the key is to get that individual look of the front cab.

[@matthewpeter]

The bogie frame on the dublo ones upside down

[@crewelocoman5b161]

I know! I addressed this point to an earlier comment in the thread but I can assure you that it has now been rectified...okay?

[@matthewpeter]

@@crewelocoman5b161 alright alright I didn't see that comment (and I looked)