Saltford on hoppers

 

This is a venerable Saltford Models Simplex kit that I built a few years ago. I've always been a fan of the range, even though at the time they were still out of my grasp financially. A Ruston for Christmas was the only chance I had, and now they are seriously collectable, I doubt I'll ever have the chance of trying some of the odder locos in the catalogue. 

Made of Plastikard with whitemetal fittings, the model is a little fragile, but seems to run well and isn't too heavy. Speed can be set to either high or low, acheived by switching two of the four AAA batteries in and out of curcuit. The live under the bonnet, a tight fit. I'd love to cover the motor in the cab, but there's not enough space to fit even a heavily modified driver. 

The hoppers are repainted Tri-ang "Big-Big" models, and even without extra weight, rattle around the track very reliably. Maybe not the most glamourous of trains, they are realistic, and I like them. 

At the show: Suprisingly good. Ran nearly three hours hauling a couple of wagons, on a single pair of AA batteries. No problems with trackholding, so a real success.