Hogwarts Express
- Thread starter dunnyrail
- Start date
voodoopenguin
Retired
GAP
G Scale Model Trains, 1:1 Sugar Cane Trains
Well, TAC, according to some, invented in America:
Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words
The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!www.dictionary.com
So based on that one could very well believe that it was not invented in the UK...
Greg
I would counter that seeing as the yard was used as a unit of measure prior to the settlement of the Americas by the English, it conceivable that they would have had a measuring device a yard long.
So they may have a claim to the invention of the yardstick.
Greg Elmassian
Guest
I would counter counter with "show me a reference", we can give reasonable arguments on both sides 
... but I was surprised to see someone claim that yardstick originated in the USA.
Can you find a reference that it originated in the UK?
Note the Oxford dictionary references North America
www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com
Greg
... but I was surprised to see someone claim that yardstick originated in the USA.Can you find a reference that it originated in the UK?
Note the Oxford dictionary references North America
yardstick noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
Definition of yardstick noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Greg
Interesting to see that, I am still wondering what I will be getting. Hopefully Hornby have worked out what G scale is (though if they have that would be a miracle cos a lot if us struggle to properly define G Scale) and it comes out with 45mm track gauge. As Greg said the sound is a lot better than most non DCC sounds.
I'm keeping an arm's length from this discussionI would counter counter with "show me a reference", we can give reasonable arguments on both sides
Can you find a reference that it originated in the UK?
Note the Oxford dictionary references North America
yardstick noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com
Definition of yardstick noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Greg
And I never ever use my foot as a rule.
Greg Elmassian
Guest
Oxford is in the UK, right? Watching 8th season of Inspector Lewis...
Greg
Greg
GAP
G Scale Model Trains, 1:1 Sugar Cane Trains
Lewis is a good show if you want to see the origins of Lewis look for "Inspector Morse" he was Morse's Sergeant.
It is another fine piece of British drama I recommend.
At the moment, but after Corvid and Brexit is over, who knows?
So this big parcel arrived today, much faster than I was expecting.
yes it is the Hogwarts set
so sadly as expected the gauge is 50mm as shown below
but it is rather nice, just means disassembly (on no no disassembly Stephanie) then some bodging to get to 45mm gauge.
The batteries go in here 6 C type of which I have none for testing!
The controller takes 3 x AAA. Driving wheels are 54mm which as I will be using this to make a 10mm to the foot GWR 2-6-0 out of it that has 5’8” drivers, the oversized flanges will take care of that nicely I reckon. Here it is shown with my gauge 1 Terrier, I must say it towers over somewhat more than I expected it would. I know Terriers are small but not sure about this, be interesting to know what elastic ruler Lionel used when they made these?
however the coaches as has already been said look to be a different scale and so under length for a BR Mk1 that they purport to be. However as the pic shows with the Terrier there may be some scope to make something rather different for the Terrier to haul.
All in all lots of scope for some work here to make it into something that it certainly was not intended to be. It does however surprise me and this has already been discussed, but what were Hornby thinking of advertising the as G scale with that 50mm Track Gauge. I suspect there will be a few disappointed buyers out there.
yes it is the Hogwarts set
so sadly as expected the gauge is 50mm as shown below
but it is rather nice, just means disassembly (on no no disassembly Stephanie) then some bodging to get to 45mm gauge.
The batteries go in here 6 C type of which I have none for testing!
The controller takes 3 x AAA. Driving wheels are 54mm which as I will be using this to make a 10mm to the foot GWR 2-6-0 out of it that has 5’8” drivers, the oversized flanges will take care of that nicely I reckon. Here it is shown with my gauge 1 Terrier, I must say it towers over somewhat more than I expected it would. I know Terriers are small but not sure about this, be interesting to know what elastic ruler Lionel used when they made these?
however the coaches as has already been said look to be a different scale and so under length for a BR Mk1 that they purport to be. However as the pic shows with the Terrier there may be some scope to make something rather different for the Terrier to haul.
All in all lots of scope for some work here to make it into something that it certainly was not intended to be. It does however surprise me and this has already been discussed, but what were Hornby thinking of advertising the as G scale with that 50mm Track Gauge. I suspect there will be a few disappointed buyers out there.
PhilP
G Scale, 7/8th's, Electronics
There could be a fair bit of remaindered-stock on the market? - If Hornby advertise this as 'G' I think they will get some returns? - Won't do there reputation any good either?
voodoopenguin
Retired
I emailed Hornby a few months ago when they first announced it. Their response seemed to be indifference to begin with and then 'We will look into it". I have just been to their website and it is now called Remote Controlled Harry Potter Hogwarts Express with no reference to G scale. Rails of Sheffield still have it as Gauge 1 which it isn't.There could be a fair bit of remaindered-stock on the market? - If Hornby advertise this as 'G' I think they will get some returns? - Won't do there reputation any good either?
Paul
That was my view, I have mailed them with a complaint to see what their reaction would be. But I will persevere with it and get it in the work bench for the conversion to 45gauge when the current project is completed. Unless of course something more important crops up!There could be a fair bit of remaindered-stock on the market? - If Hornby advertise this as 'G' I think they will get some returns? - Won't do there reputation any good either?
So I am starting to think about my next Lockdown Project and after the 0 Gauge Hymec I am working on has been done this will be the beast that gets sorted. I had it out of the box yesterday and did a few pullings apart and recce of sizes etc. One of the best bits of news is that the dratted nameplate is removable by a screw leaving just a couple of small holes to be filled. So that is on the plus side as is the Height that pretty well scales out perfect for Gauge 1 or well 10mm to the foot, I have used all these dimensions as below, some are good some not so but it will I think be a pretty good approximation, but approximation is all it will be.
Below is the outline of what I wish to achieve with what I have to work with below:-
You can guess the liberties that will have to be taken, but some remedial works are apparent.
I can certainly do some cutting and remodelling work to the cab. The Tender is also too high so that will need cutting down some. More worrying is the difference of hight with the Cab bottom moulding and that on the Tender. Obviously work to sort out the Track Gauge to 45mm rather than the 50mm it currently is. A full Respray. New Battery system, perhaps Deltang with MLS. Get rid of that stumped up pony for a 2 wheel jobby will create a massive change. Cylinders to be pushed inboard somewhat, a GWR Hall Class Loco once made it all the way to Huddersfield ploughing its way through sundry Stations with it’s big wide cylinders. This Hall (not a Castle despite the name) has them even wider I suspect to allow for the additional gauge so that will need sorting as well, at least they are a screw fit. On the too difficult list currently are the Chimney Location and Cab Length.
Here are some pictures of my explorations yesterday. Note the screws in differing bins.
I have a feeling that this should be a fun project, certainly one not to be taken too seriously except for the final finish and how the mods are done.
Below is the outline of what I wish to achieve with what I have to work with below:-
You can guess the liberties that will have to be taken, but some remedial works are apparent.
I can certainly do some cutting and remodelling work to the cab. The Tender is also too high so that will need cutting down some. More worrying is the difference of hight with the Cab bottom moulding and that on the Tender. Obviously work to sort out the Track Gauge to 45mm rather than the 50mm it currently is. A full Respray. New Battery system, perhaps Deltang with MLS. Get rid of that stumped up pony for a 2 wheel jobby will create a massive change. Cylinders to be pushed inboard somewhat, a GWR Hall Class Loco once made it all the way to Huddersfield ploughing its way through sundry Stations with it’s big wide cylinders. This Hall (not a Castle despite the name) has them even wider I suspect to allow for the additional gauge so that will need sorting as well, at least they are a screw fit. On the too difficult list currently are the Chimney Location and Cab Length.
Here are some pictures of my explorations yesterday. Note the screws in differing bins.
I have a feeling that this should be a fun project, certainly one not to be taken too seriously except for the final finish and how the mods are done.
Oh forgot the measurements:-
| Actual Ft | At 10mm - ft | Model | |
| Front Pony to first axle of drivers | 8.75 | 87.5 | 95 |
| Wheelbase between Axles 1st | 7 | 70 | 62 |
| 2nd | 7.75 | 77.5 | 62 |
| Height to Cab Top | 12.83 | 128.3 | 130 |
| Coupled Wheelbase | 14.75 | 147.5 | 125 |
| Tender Wheelbase | 15 | 150 | 120 |
| Tender gaps between wheels | 7.5 | 75 | 60 |
| Width over body | 8.64 | 86.4 | 84 |
| Width over cylinders | 8.91 | 89.1 | 100 |
| Wheels over flanges | 5.64 | 56.4 | 64 |
| Wheel | 5 ft 8 inches | 56 | |
| Hall Wheels | 6 | 60 | 56 |
| Castle Wheels | 6.64 | 66.4 | 56 |
Flying15
Registered
Looking at the chassis and tender wheel base I’d think about disposing of the GWR bodies and build perhaps a GER/LNER B12
Driving wheel centres closer together as per model
Simple parallel boiler etc
On the other hand of I’ve got shelves full of projects on my todo list
Very interested to see how the gauge narrowing goes!
Hope the model re construction goes well
Flying15
Registered
The coaches remind me so much of the pair I had with my Triang/Rovex Princess in the mid 50’s
Yes that they do, completely worthless as they are nowhere near 1 scale, some have said more like 7mm. Even then they would not readily make a BR Mk1 as they would need a serious amount of cut and shut plus the two to make 1 coach I reckon. As for the B12 far too much work, I want a GWR 2-6-0 like 9351 that I have seen so much of on the West Somerset. I know it is not a real loco just a conversion of a may have been but it really is a superb machine and just right on the WSR.