On 27th May 2020 we advised that Hornby R053 LNER B17 Manchester United and Hornby R1019 LNER A1 Flying Scotsman – currently in the workshops of Horns & Whistles Workshops awaiting upgrade to DCC (with sound if possible). Latest news the B17 had been converted but alas no sound as no space for speaker. Horns & Whistles Workshops have provided two videos showing the test run of the B17 and A1 which completed its upgrade to DCC/TTS Sound.
B17 2862 Manchester United:
A1 4472 Flying Scotsman
Locomotives should be in shed Tuesday 2nd June 2020
Further Locomotives will be sent for DCC conversion (with sound where possible) until all stock has been upgraded and available for traffic duties. Those that are not up-gradable/convertible will be gracefully retired to the “Ennitoun Railway Museum).
The surprising introduction of a BR Class 110 DMU caused a mild panic and consternation in the ranks. One colleague made the comment “This will go down in history”. He knows I am a died in the wool steamie fan.
Today’s arrival of two additional Steam Locomotives should reassure followers and colleagues that my feet are firmly planted in the “Steam Era” 1923-1966. It wi9ll come as no surprise that once again a “Coronation/Duchess/Princess” has joined the ever growing stable of these loco motives.
Hornby R3111 BR 4-6-2 Princess Coronation Class 46241 “City of Edinburgh” in BR Blue has entered the stockbook/register of Ennitoun Locomotives. Unfortunately the loco is not DCC Fitted, but it is ready and has already been earmarked to be chipped, with sound of course. This is the second example of this locomotive.
The first being Hornby R3681 LMS Princess Coronation Class “City of Edinburgh” No. 6241 in LMS Black, also awaiting chipped.
It may have come to the notice of those knowledgeable, but, then perhaps not noticed that the recent list of the current DCC stock ,only one was not West Coast – LMS pedigree. The lone East Coast LNER is NB J36 673 Maude. Worry not folks, no discrimination here. There are A4s, A1s and A2s and the most famous engine in the world (reputably) in A1 and A3 form. Regrettably the A3 “Flying Scotsman” requires a very expensive service to get back into running condition. The most recent arrival will address this balance somewhat. I* source my pre-owned models from several sources , Hattons, TMC, Rails of Sheffield and Olivia’s Trains (6 locos had full conversion (Smoke,sound,Lights, Firebox ad crew). The majority of locomotives purchased since middle of March – when I started to prepare for DCC have come from Tri-angman . In all my dealing with Tri-angman I have found him to be very reliable and his stock is high standard. Usually I purchase from his stall at various meetings, this year it has been done by post. The latest locomotive arrived last night and for a change it was not a Coronation/Duchess/Princess though there is a link with Coronation. Hornby R3280 4-6-2 LNER Class A4 “Golden Shuttle” No. 4496 fitted with ESU sound chip.
This was the test run of model. I know it is fitted with an ESU sound chip – but not which one. I know what the loco hesitated on some of the points and will rectify that problem. I am somewhat puzzled by the sound, it does not sound like an A4 sound file, at least to my memory of travelling behind No 9, not the whistle. I have no complaints about the model it cam as advertised, however I’ll get it serviced and have the sound file changed.
I m currently waiting for The City of Sheffield to arrive hopefully tomorrow.
Further Loco motives will be sent for DCC conversion (with sound where possible) until all stock has been upgraded and available for traffic duties. Those that are not up-gradable/convertible will be gracefully retired to the “Ennitoun Railway Museum).
For some time there has been speculation that the Thinnish (as then) now Slightly Stoutish Controller (after 8 weeks Lock-down) had been contemplating introducing some new form of modern train, not ultra modern, but a train not an engine. Whilst updating the Ennitoun stock album (https://flic.kr/s/aHsmNrqRK3) it was discovered that a BR Class 110 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was on the books. It had been declared as NON-DCC and was destined to be consigned to the Ennitoun Railway Museum. At first the controller was happy with that decision, however, as time wore on and the DCC enable locomotives were enjoying a new lease of life it became more apparent that exploratory measures had to be undertaken to check the viability of having the DMU upgraded to run on DCC.
The conversion project was forwarded to Mark Gawthrop at Horns & Whistles Model Railway Workshop. The consensus reached it was viable and at a reasonable expenditure. The go-ahead was given and the DMU power car was dispatched to Marks workshop. A video showing the results of the conversion was shown to the Stoutish Controller. The converted unit was re-united with the remaining two cars of the set and given a test run on Ennitoun System. This test run ended the speculation regarding a nearly modern DMU being incorporated into the running vehicles of the SW & WH “Ennitoun MR”. The slight stutter at the points was due to fact that the DMU was running at a very slow speed and causing a short on the points. The setting as “2”. On the return run and subsequent tests it was ran at normal speed of 3 – 4 with no stutter or hesitation.
Hornby R053 LNER B17 Manchester United and Hornby R1019 LNER A1 Flying Scotsman – currently in their workshops. Latest news is that B17 has been converted but alas no sound as no space for speaker. A1 is currently undergoing upgrade with (hopefully) TTS Sound.
Further Loco motives will be sent for DCC conversion (with sound where possible) until all stock has been upgraded and avaiable for traffic duties. Those that are not up-gradable/convertible will be gracefully retired to the “Ennitoun Railway Museum).
My earliest memory of toy trains is way back to Christmas 1955 when the family lived in the Townhead Glasgow. Not just my mum and dad but the extend family of my Dad’s brother’s and sisters lived in Parson Street. I was surrounded by cousins as well as a little sister – but they di not figure much in the tale of origins. I got a clockwork train set that Christmas sadly it did not survive the day. My dad and his brothers spend the time playing with it and my Uncle Peter wound it up too tight and bust the clockwork. I never got a chance to play with it. Dad, as dad’s do said we’ll get it fixed – it never was. The following year I pointedly asked not to have a train set just cowboy outfit (all the rage in ’56).
That does not mean I was not interested in trains – we lived near St Rollox works and steam depot and a walk along the canal we could see the smoke raising from the engines and hear the rumble of coal falling down the coaling tower with a crash into the bunkers/tenders of the engines. He would take me to see the trains at Buchanan Street, Queen Street, St Enoch’s and Glasgow Central. Christmas time was my favourite as I got to see the train set/layout in Central Station. It was not until we moved to Harmony Row, Govan ’57 when I got my next train set. In fact it was due to my reaction at Christmas ,56 I ended up with a trains set in ’57. Now My mum and dad were just working folk, but they did without at Christmas to ensure my sister and I had a good Christmas with one very special toy each, plus sweets etc. That Christmas my special gift was a complete airport. I mean the lot, runway, tower, planes fuelling trucks. I still recall the amazement when i saw it all. But it got boring after a while. Apparently (so I was often reminded) I gathered the boxes and set them up as an engine and played at “Casey Jones” (Alan Hale was on TV as “Casey Jones”). Christmas ’57 I got my first ever electric train set a Triang TT gauge goods train on a circle of rails pinned to a board. I recall that wee loco (a 0-6-0 ex LMS Jinty) with great fondness and therein lies the start of a journey which would end in Ennitoun.
Today I have the larger OO Gauge version of the embryonic model locomotive the set out in 1957 taking me on a journey of life. Click on Image for Ennitoun Locomotive Library
With the upgrading to DCC (Digital Command Control) and the conversion of 15 locomotives to DCC
Hornby J36 673 Maude (Sound)
Hornby Princess Royal 6201 Princess Elizabeth (DCC)
Hornby Coronation 6242 City of Glasgow (Sound)
Hornby Royal Scot 46165 The Ranger (DCC)
Hornby Princess Royal 46203 Princess Margaret Rose (The Works)
Hornby Coronation 46235 City of Birmingham (Sound)
Hornby Coronation 46329 City of Chester (The Works)
Hornby Coronation 46242 City of Glasgow (The Works)
Hornby BR Standard Class 8 71000 Duke of Gloucester (DCC)
Hornby Stanier Mogul 42968 (DCC)
Bachmann 43154 Ivatt Class 4 (DCC)
Bachmann Jubilee 45565 Victoria (DCC)
Bachmann Jubilee 45562 Alberta (DCC)
Bachmann Jubilee 45611 Hong Kong (DCC)
Bachmann 46763 Jinty 3F (Sound)
The operation of the trains required further thought and careful consideration. Planning consultation was put in place by the Thinnish Controller – and three plans were presented for consideration:
Current Layout Plan
Proposal Number 1
This proposal put in a 2 line loop (known as a “tail chaser layout” as the loco tries to catch up with its train. This had the impact of removing 4 lines from the station and introduced the problem of returning a train to the station.
Proposal Number 2
This proposal suggested that the two bottom lines be merged into one line to make the loop. This was considered very carefully as a station could be sited at bottom loop and permit an addition operation to replace outgoing engine with incoming. This was fast the favourite – but a flaw was pointed out <sigh>. Freight traffic was still a diorama instead of an integral working on the system. Nothing for it but to go back to the drawing board.
Proposal Number 3
The third proposal came from an unpaid consultant
Richard Standing – An alternative would be rather than taking the loop off the passenger sidings in the fiddle yard, take it off the goods yard instead. That way it could be assumed to go to a coal mine or other mineral extraction plant in one direction, and a harbour (or power station or gas works) in the other, or a forest in one direction and a saw mill in the other, with loaded wagons going one way, and empties coming back.
This was given great deal of thought and the proposal generated the 3rd revision of the planned amendment to the layout.
This plan met the immediate approval of the Thinnish Controller and was approved by the senior person in charge (Felix or was it Mr Loki?). Alas owing to current restrictions and the lack of materials work cannot commence immediately. Only a third of the platform at the station would be lost> The additional fright loop would introduce more movement and traffic allowing for a variety of trains, freight. Word has gone out that there is talk of modernisation plans and the introduction of Diesel Multiple Units (DMU). Staff are now concerned that ith this change more dieselisation will be taking place. AL have been informed that no intention to remove steam from this layout.
The upgrading of locomotives continues – with approval given to upgrade 16 out of the 21 non-DCC locos being converted to DCC. the 23 DCC ready locos are awaiting their sound chips to arrive.
On 3rd May the DCC stock stood at 11 DCC fitted models on the layout, four have sound fitted:
Hornby J36 673 Maude (Sound)
Hornby Royal Scot 46165 The Ranger (DCC)
Hornby Princess Royal 6201 Princess Elizabeth (DCC)
Hornby BR Standard Class 8 71000 Duke of Gloucester (DCC)
Hornby Stanier Mogul 42968 (DCC)
Hornby Jubilee 45565 Victoria (DCC)
Hornby Coronation 6242 City of Glasgow (Sound)
Hornby Jubilee 45562 Alberta (DCC)
Hornby Coronation 46235 City of Birmingham (Sound)
Bachmann 43154 Ivatt Class 4 (DCC)
Bachmann 46763 Jinty 3F (Sound)
Yesterday 4th May “The Forth” was with me and a largish parcels containing three locomotives finally arrived.
two were locos that I had sent to be upgraded and they were
Hornby R2226 46203 Princess Margaret Rose (Princess Royal Class)
,
R2312 46230 City of Chester (Duchess Coronation Class)
The third was a new purchase, Hornby R3195 46247 City of Liverpool Renumbered and renamed as 46242 City of Glasgow. (now I’ll have to buy the “City of Liverpool and add to my collection (of course it will have the works done to it)
Duchess Coronation a renamed/renumbered R3159 46247 City of Liverpool to 46242 City of Glasgow which replaced my old Hornby-Dublo model.
Each of these models were upgraded with following features:
Digital Sound – ESU 58410. Loksound V5
Oil Lamps x2
Firebox flicker
Seuthe Smoke Unit and
Crew
by Olivia,s Trains , Sheffield. Neil (proprietor) has been very helpful to this newbie entering DCC world with strange language of its own. My first contact was the purchase of a DCC fitted LMS 6242 City of Glasgow (Hornby R2311) with sound to go with my recently purchased Hornby R3509TTS 46235 City of Birmingham. While sound was the driving factor Neil asked if I had considered adding smoke. I recalled that Hornby had released some models with smoke units (no sound though) and they did add a little more to the ambience of operating steam outlined locomotives. My rational was its “The City of Glasgow” – your favourite engine – give it the works” so I did and Olivia’s Trains did. To my utter delight. Thanks Neil, Erika and team I can fully recommend your five star service.
The City of Glasgow – with Sound, Smoke and screeching brakes.
With that simple test it was time to set up the DCC controller and test a DCC fitted loco. Looking at the diagram image to the left it is a simple procedure to link the two wire (the only wires you need) to the controller. Ah there is always an Ah at this stagein the proceedings. When it came to fit the plug from part 6 to the socket part 5 it was found that diameter of the plug was larger that the circumference of the socket. Swear word time, rant at manufactures that cannot do a basic parts check etc etc. Regardless of language & rant the point was at this stage the project ground to a halt. The PW Team leader advised the Fat Controller that they were screwed and the job was at a stop until the correct PSU with the correct diameter plug was obtained. The loss of revenue was the Fat Controller’s fault for ordering incompatible gear.
With luck and Royal Mail being its’ usual service the replacement part will be here on Monday 20th April 2020 and the final test be completed.
Oh the joys of lock-down, model railway and mail order (with priorities being enforced) have added two weeks to a three day project.
Update 20th April 2020
Well the new PSU arrived and was fitted. Tests was carried out and initially things were looking good, until I felt the hand set getting very warm. At this point I called it a day and once again contacted the supplier. So much for the much recommended 524-042 Power Cab UK NCE Entry level DCC Starter Set. I had carried out research and looked at reviews before going for the NCE, perhaps I was unlucky, but when an electrical item does not works straight from the box I tend to get a wee bit annoyed. I get even more annoyed when the replacement item works but shows up a further fault. In now way do I blame the supplier who did everything they could and with good customer care. They offered to replace the whole unit but I’m superstitious in the fact that if an item has two strikes I’m not going for the third. I ended up paying the difference and got DCC06 Gaugemaster Prodigy Express WiFi Digital Control System which arrived on 24th April and I am pleased to state worked 1st time straight from box and still working.
Between 20th April and the 2nd May 202, testing of the system has been extensive (any excuse to run trains. With thanks to Bryan Corossan (Clydeside Model Railway Club) I had very little problem with the track. Thanks to Bryan’s advice I experienced no problems with the track when I eventually got a DCC locomotive running. At this moment in time there are 11 DCC fitted models on the layout, four have sound fitted:
Hornby J36 673 Maude (Sound)
Hornby Royal Scot 46165 The Ranger (DCC)
Hornby Princess Royal 6201 Princess Elizabeth (DCC)
Hornby BR Standard Class 8 71000 Duke of Gloucester (DCC)
Hornby Stanier Mogul 42968 (DCC)
Hornby Jubilee 45565 Victoria (DCC)
Hornby Coronation 6242 City of Glasgow (Sound)
Hornby Jubilee 45562 Alberta (DCC)
Hornby Coronation 46235 City of Birmingham (Sound)
Bachmann 43154 Ivatt Class 4 (DCC)
Bachmann 46763 Jinty 3F (Sound)
All locos passed on track and ran fine – I do love the fact that with the sound the locos come alive. I am currently awaiting three locomotives which will have the following features, Sound, Flickering fire box, smoke, working oil lamps and crew. Two other models will undergo a similar upgraded this coming week.
Ennitoun has been hit by savage cutbacks and withdrawal of all Locomotives and coaching stock. These cuts are more severe than those of Dr Beeching’s savage cuts in the 1960 of British Railways. At least his cuts left some lines and motive power. A decision had been made to upgrade to Digital Command Control (DCC ). To allow the smooth transfer from DC (Direct Control) to DCC (Digital Command Control) the wiring of the layout tracks had to be altered. In DC mode 1 Locomotive.Train can be controlled at one time by one controller. This means that in a dual track system two or more controllers are needed and care mast be taken to prevent short circuits. DCC has one controller/cab and all parts of the layout and all lines are live. Control of each loco is by means of DCC chip fitted to each locomotive, this chip is a programmable device and will only allow power to the motor when it gets the correct coded signal from the CAB/Controller. Once a system has been converted to DCC operation DC powered locos can no longer be run on the layout.
Once the decision was made to upgrade to DCC suitable motive power was sourced (i.e. those fitted with decoders or DCC ready). Some of the older locos were assessed to see if they could have decoders fitted and be upgraded. Stock survey on 9th April 2020 revealed that out of 70 locomotives:
DCC Fitted 9 – able to be run on new system
DCC Ready 19 – awaiting fitting of DCC Chip
Non-DCC – 33 with possibility of 14 being converted to DCC by fitting chip
Possible DCC stock = 42 out of 61 as at 9th April 2020.
The older Triang/Airfix/Palititoy/Bachmann models will be withdrawn and placed in display cabinets. Perhaps at some future date they may be converted. Reaming 33 non DCC stock will be upgraded by the fitting of a chip within the next few months (once the present restrictions on movement are rescinded).
With 9 locos ready to run under DCC and the decision to go ahead all rrolling stock was removed to allow the necessary rewiring to be undertaken. The DCC controller/CAB selected was NCE Power CAB starter set. To ensure that power went to all parts of the layout the self-isolating points/turnouts had to be made non-isolating. This was achieved by the use of Hornby DCC point clips . Once all 42 turnouts were fitted with the clips it was time to test the track using one DC locomotive. Placing it on a site that would normally be isolated from the controller a test power application was made – For the first time in my life I was pleased to see that the isolation of the shed was breached the engine was tested all over the track to ensure even if all points were set against it power was still getting to the loco.
With that simple test it was time to set up the DCC controller and test a DCC fitted loco. Looking at the diagram image to the left it is a simple procedure to link the two wire (the only wires you need) to the controller. Ah there is always an Ah at this stage
in the proceedings. When it came to fit the plug from part 6 to the socket part 5 it was found that diameter of the plug was larger that the circumference of the socket. Swearie word time, rant at manufactures that cannot do a basic parts check etc etc. Regardless of language, rant the point was at this stage the project ground to a halt. The PW Team leader advised the Fat Controller that they were screwed and the job was at a stop until the correct PSU with the correct diameter plug was obtained. The loss of revenue was the Fat Controller’s fault for ordering incompatible gear.
With luck and Royal Mail being its’ usual service the replacement part will be here on Monday 20th April 2020 and the final test be completed.
Oh the joys of lock-down, model railway and mail order (with priorities being enforced) have added two weeks to a three day project.
It is still an all change situation at Ennitoun. When Susan and I started the layout in 2016 it we used the surviving coaches, engines etc from my layout in 1971. The majority of the stock was Tri-ang Hornby with some earlier Tri-ang locos (original black Princess Elizabeth and Princess Victoria), along with LNER & BR version of A1 Flying Scotsman and a type 37 Diesel locomotive . A M7, Dockyard Shunter, and an old “Hornby Double 0 City of London converted to two rail), Tri-ang Hornby B12 and Britannia. It became apparent that the older Tri-ang and some of the Hornby-Tri-ang stock would not run on the newer finer scale rails – the points in particular caused them problems due to the wheels on these loco being a lot broader than modern. Mind you that was no surprise as the earlier locos were really toys and not fine scale models so the wheels were broader to let little hands get the engines on the rails easily. Considering that in 2016 many of these locos were 45 years and in the case of the City of London 50 years old. I was amazed that all ran straight from the storage boxes to track. In addition to the original stock I had 3 locos purchased in 2002 3 Black Fives which changed Honby from a tour train to a precise model railway. The detail was superb and the wheels were to scale. 3 version were released by Hornby LSM, Early BR Crest and Late BR Crest. The latter was weathered to reflect the closing age of steam power on the railway.
The oldest loco was the converted Hornby Double 0 three rail loco. This was heavy die cast metal body a frames it had no problem on the finer track. I’m a Glesga keelie and an engine named City of London was not my favourite name. The model did represent a class of express steam locomotives I admired. I call them Coronations after the original streamlined loco 6220 Coronation. Now days the go by Coronation, Duchess Coronation and Princess Coronation – to me they will always be Coronations. I had one particular favourite in that class BR Number 46242 “City of Glasgow”. A good friend of Susan and myself , Paul James, undertook a repaint and renaming task and the “City of London” in BR Red became “City of Glasgow” BR Green later totem:
Ennitoun locomotive stock now numbers 65, 20 of them will be retired or sold on if they cannot meet new modifications as Ennitoun is going DCC (Digital Command Control) Adding this add so much more to the atmosphere of running a model rail layout. As well as being able to control more that one train/loco at a time with one hand controller sound can be added to the locomotives when fitted with DCC decoder chip+sound. To enable this change over the layout underwent a big P-way task. The engineers were out in force replacing 37 Hornby points/turnouts and two diamond crossing to Peco points/crossings. This solved one problem of older engines stalling at the points / crossings. After that task was completed all locos were tested on all routes – two of the older (Tri-ang) locos still failed… they have now been selected for the Ennitoun Railway Museum and will shortly be encased in their own highly desirable display case.
Of the 65 locos – 14 will not be used on DCC layout (they will undergo a conversion programme – currently held in abeyance due to current movement restrictions. 7 are undergoing Conversion and held in workshop again due to current movement restrictions. 8 are fully fitted with decoders some with sound they can be run on old system at present but without the sound <sigh>. 17 are DCC ready – i.e. they have the connections in place and they just need chips fitted. This will be done as soon as the restrictions are lifted.
However, before any DCC can be run the layout has to undergo another track replacement programme. Under current operation if more that one loco shares a line it has to be isolated from the controller and that means isolation track has to be fitted. In total there are 36 isolating tracks (approx 6″), this mean that all the 6 inch/12 inch track between the isolated track can be replaced with 36 inch continuous track, all points have to be made continuous power – thankfully that is a minor job using point clips which elevate the self isolating points problem (too expensive to replace all 60 points)
Timescale – task has started supplies of clips, DCC fitted locos available, DCC controller needs to be ordered so it is planned to have all completed by End of this month (April) failing that middle of May 2020.
Regarding the Hornby Double 0 City of Glasgow it is earmarked for a special display cabinet – however a special order has been placed for a new modern version. One that has sound, DCC, smoke, crew, flickering fire box and operating oil lamps and in BR Green to take pride of place on revised Ennitoun layout. Meantime there is still a City of Glasgow loco – only it is in LMS Wartime Black numbered 6242:
Just for my friends in Auld Reekie to keep them happy I have 6241 City of Edinburgh as well:
On the 29th December 2019 I added to the blog under the Title “All Change 12 Months on”. Originally “All Change” was the blog regarding the resurrection of my childhood model railway. Part 7 was published on 29th December 2019 1 year and a day after Part 6 which showed the changes from initial design up to the revised design started at end of 2018. Alas, the January blog was the last due to Susan’s cancer becoming more aggressive and my (then) partner was in and out of hospital for the rest of the year. Other blogs tell of our marriage on the 26th June 2019 and my wife’s sad passing on the 15th September 2019. During all this time the layout languished for the want of attention.
One of our last outings was to the Perth Model Rail Show on Sunday 30th June 2019 where with the finance director’s agreement I purchased a new Hornby model
NBR J36 Maude 673
engine – Ex NBR J36 “Maude” an engine that has memories for both of us. Susan saw it at Haymarket Shed and I along with a school friend saw it at St Margaret’s shed when in BR ownership. During our many chats Susan urged me to continue with the project and to stay with the Clydeside Model Rail Club we had joined. and not to mope. Well I did mope, and still do at times it was so bad I was on the verge of abandoning it all until Sid took me to the Falkirk Model Rail Show in November 2019. Well I walked around that show like a zombie – no interest in anything. Sid suggested we head for a cuppa and we did. During our tea break the conversation went to how I first got interested in model rail. A long story – too long to tell here, but a surprising statement came from me. It came about as I mentioned that I never did get a modern model of the engine that started me off on model railways, no, not the “City of Glasgow”. The first train set I bought with my own money was an express passenger set of three coaches hauled by a toy train ex LMS Princess class loco “Princess Elizabeth” I have it still up in the attic – a non runner on today’s modern scale layouts. It was black bakelite, cast iron wheels and sounded like a tank but it fired my interest in building my own railway. He suggested we go and look again at the traders stalls and see it there was on at the show. To cut a long story short a dealer/trader I trusted was at the zshow and when Sid asked if he had such a model – I could scarcely believe his reply of “Yes, I have one from the Peter Waterman Collection by Hornby” .
Sid promptly bought it and said that’s yer Christmas….. What a friend he turned out to be. He only went and got me out of my depressed state and once again thanks to his generosity 46201 Ex LMS Princess Elizabeth fired up my interest in continuing with an old hobby.
Other model locomotives have been added since and the layout is evolving.
rolling stock was removed to allow the necessary rewiring to be undertaken. The DCC controller/CAB selected was NCE Power CAB starter set. To ensure that power went to all parts of the layout the self-isolating points/turnouts had to be made non-isolating. This was achieved by the use of 
