This is yet another bargain priced (especially when compared with RRP!) model from the Liverpool retailer. I model the Southern, so had to get one, just waited until the price came down. (Does that make me a "cheapskate???"). Anyway, although it's not in the same league as Heljan or Bachmann models, it's not bad (for the price), but no internal lighting fitted, so I decided to put that right. 2 clips each end and 2 in the centre release to pop the body off, then substitute an 8 pin decoder for the DC plug. I cut a 245mmx30mm white paper and stick this down the inner roof, helps reflect the LED lighting and stops light penetration up through the roof itself. I use SMD LED's on a roll for jobs like this, so much easier than individual ones, so soldering on the connecting wires, I added a second set to link the single LED above the cab. Paper in place, ready for LED strip. Attached files
...and here with LED's in place. I covered the wires linking to the cab LED with black tape, as this area is where the motor bogie is, so no lighting needed there. Attached files
I paint the carriage interiors and add passengers, all in the name of reality. You can just see the painted interior in the last shot. This one shows the interior fitted in place. At the rear of the motor unit, I fitted a very small 2 pin plug (Youchoos stock these, but doubtless other are available) to carry the lighting through to the rear unit Attached files
......and on the outside, the socket is glued to the unit end, wires painted black later for camouflage! Attached files
With the motor unit completed, it's reassembled and my attention turned to the rear car, which is tackled in exactly the same way, except to solder on the tiny 2 pin plug to feed the lighting. When completed and reassembled, coupled together, the connecting wires/plug are quite unobtrusive, as in the picture. Attached files
.....and finally, on the layout and lit up. No match for Bachmann units, but at the price, it'll do for me! Keith. Attached files
Hi Keith, Another very neat job done there again. And a great how to as well. Thanks for posting kind Sir. Toto
Hi Ed. Yes, you're quite right about lights in the Bachmanns. I have one of their 4CEP's, and the lighting is quite dim by comparison, and I've noticed recently that part of the lighting in one carriage has quietly 'died', so it's highly likely that I'll be investigating shortly, and will probably substitute some of my lighting strips throughout the entire unit. Have to say though, that the Bachmann products are much superior in general to Hornby stuff, so no real surprise that Hornby seem to be going "Down the pan" so to speak. The 4CEP doesn't seem to like gradients though, as mine (even with the addition of extra weight in the motor car) skids quite badly on climbing, and the gradient is only 85mm rise over a 4 metre length. No such problems with Heljan stuff though, all wheel drive, powerful flywheel motor and plenty of weight see to that! Keith.