Bachmann Railtrack Auto-Ballaster

[CallySleeperKid]

Firstly, has anyone got any? I have managed to see one first hand and they look very impressive.

I am very interested in making up a realistic rake of these, but I have no idea what the usual make-up is. I do have full scan length HSTs and a Pendolino so a full rake wouldn't look out of place, but for basic money reasons it will be a scaled down version to start with but how would the rake be made up, with generator units and non generator units.

Hattons do a rake of 4 generator or non generator units for £82, and individual units at £22 each, I am thinking 4 non generator units with a generator unit at each end, or a make up of generator + 2 non generator + generator, twice?

Also I am guessing that an EWS 66 would be the loco to haul this, so I would be on the lookout for one of those to.

 

[90019]

I believe the standard formation is 1 generator for every 4 non generator ones.
When I've seen them, they've been hauled by a DBS 66.

 

[GNERman]

I've also seen TnT EWS/DBS 66's on them, rakes usually of around 15-20 wagons methinks...

 

[NXEA!]

I believe the standard formation is 1 generator for every 4 non generator ones.
When I've seen them, they've been hauled by a DBS 66.

I've seen photos of EWS/DBS 37/56/60 hauling them too.

 

[CallySleeperKid]

Thanks guys. I think a short rake will start me off, 6 or 8 units, but will see, all my layout will be moving in the next few weeks to a permanent home, lots going on.
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I have managed to find a DRS DCC fitted 66 for only 69 quid, would they have every pulled the auto-ballasters?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I imagine DRS, GBRf and EWS/DBS locos would haul them as they are hired in by Network Rail.

The wagons operate in fixed formations of five (trains being 5, 10, 15, or 20 wagons long), Generator outer, non-generator inner x3, non-generator outer.

 

[fgwrich]

I imagine DRS, GBRf and EWS/DBS locos would haul them as they are hired in by Network Rail.

The wagons operate in fixed formations of five (trains being 5, 10, 15, or 20 wagons long), Generator outer, non-generator inner x3, non-generator outer.

DRS 37s have been hired in by DBS to work in areas where 66s are not permitted -ie the Cambrian Coast routes & several areas of scotland...

Few good videos on You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f8J8Yzk9vY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nqybCBByAc&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-8sH9n3Gkg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbGUhmAi0qg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpVpr-B3LF8&feature=related

And of course, you can get away with DRS & DBS 37s Top 'n' Tailing your rake of Auto Ballasters too!

 

[CallySleeperKid]

I am a big 37 fan, have 5 in my collection at the minute but not an EWS or DRS one, and with quite a few people selling the ViTrains ones for as little at £49 they may well be worth looking into, Although I do like the look of a 66 hauling the auto-ballasters, but a 37 is also very tempting.
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Just placed an order with Hattons for a DCC fitted 66 (DRS) and 2 auto-ballaster generator wagons and also an E-Bay order for 4 non generator auto-ballasters.

Looking forward to those turning up.

Also managed to get hold of a non-runner Lima Railfreight class 20 to strip down and use as the second loco in my pair of class 20's, they just don't look right on their own.

Successful days shopping done.
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So I have got my class 66 and 6 Bachmann auto-ballasters on the way, now I am looking at maning a realistic loading area for the trucks, including siding and shunting loco. I have a couple of Hornby class 03's, (BR Blue and Virgin) that I could DCC to use as the shunter, or purchase an 08, but its the guilding and trackside detailing I am looking into now. Basically I and shortly getting a permanent home for my railway so will finally get started on the detailing side.

I am looking at the following but does anyone have any other ideas, or even photos to help me along the way with this project?

http://www.bachmann.co.uk/image_box.php?image=images1/scraft/44-071.jpg&cat_no=44-071&info=0&width=445&height=600

http://www.bachmann.co.uk/image_box.php?image=images1/scraft/44-072.jpg&cat_no=44-072&info=0&width=582&height=600

http://www.bachmann.co.uk/image_box.php?image=images1/scraft/44-016.jpg&cat_no=44-016&info=0&width=600&height=461

There is also a Hornby diesel fuelling point but im really unsure yet as some of these will feature in my diesel maintenance depot.

Any comment and thoughts are welcome.