pghewett
Registered
I have just taken delivery from Grootspoor (Glendale Junction also now supply) of the TL45 RhB bogie balcony tricompo ABC609, and thought it might be of interest to share initial impressions. The headlines are:
[*]The finish and robustness of the model are very good. Better than Kiss or Brawa, for example.[*]It runs somewhat noisily but smoothly enough.[*]It will take R1 reverse curves without any problems, but needs to have the coupling extensions (enclosed) fitted to enable it to couple to other stock on R1 curves. [For some reason, TL45 seem to assume that you will apply the extension only at the eye end - despite supplying you with an extra spring and hook - and only enclose one extra screw for the mounting. However, the existing hook end can be extended in the same way using a standard LGB screw anyway].[*]The couplings are mounted fractionally lower than on LGB stock and this means that the coupling extensions must be mounted absolutely flat on the bogie frame otherwise the hook counterweight will catch in point blades. The very minor (and easily soluble) niggle about coupling heights/extensions apart, this is a really excellent and much needed vehicle and I will ordering at least one more (the 1st/2nd class version) to form a rake with a couple of the LGB or Brawa 3rd class 4 wheelers and the Brawa 4wh luggage van. Behind a 4/5 or 3/4 or a Croc, that would be a highly typical RhB set from the '20s.
GH
Vorstand des Viafier Engiadina
PS I would be delighted to add a picture but I fear that reducing the picture size and then attaching it are beyond my skills just now.
[*]The finish and robustness of the model are very good. Better than Kiss or Brawa, for example.[*]It runs somewhat noisily but smoothly enough.[*]It will take R1 reverse curves without any problems, but needs to have the coupling extensions (enclosed) fitted to enable it to couple to other stock on R1 curves. [For some reason, TL45 seem to assume that you will apply the extension only at the eye end - despite supplying you with an extra spring and hook - and only enclose one extra screw for the mounting. However, the existing hook end can be extended in the same way using a standard LGB screw anyway].[*]The couplings are mounted fractionally lower than on LGB stock and this means that the coupling extensions must be mounted absolutely flat on the bogie frame otherwise the hook counterweight will catch in point blades. The very minor (and easily soluble) niggle about coupling heights/extensions apart, this is a really excellent and much needed vehicle and I will ordering at least one more (the 1st/2nd class version) to form a rake with a couple of the LGB or Brawa 3rd class 4 wheelers and the Brawa 4wh luggage van. Behind a 4/5 or 3/4 or a Croc, that would be a highly typical RhB set from the '20s.
GH
Vorstand des Viafier Engiadina
PS I would be delighted to add a picture but I fear that reducing the picture size and then attaching it are beyond my skills just now.
