Return of Banbury Connections Chief Mechanical Engineer has brought the 38xx back into service after months of sitting in the workshops waiting for attention. Following a major deterioration in motion consistency last year, the 2-8-0 was withdrawn from mainline service. Unfortunately, an incorrect diagnosis of the locomotive by our Head Ganger led to further initial damage to the locomotive's valve gear. 

While valve gear was the initial suspect of the locomotive's inconsistent running, further analysis revealed that both the valve gear and motor were running consistently. This led to the identification of a minor split in one of the locomotive's gears. Thankfully, a spare gear was obtained from Peter's Spares, as part of a syndicated order with one of our fellow enthusiasts experiencing problems with their J72 fleet. Insertion of the new gear resolved the issue in what turned out to be a rather complex diagnostic process. 

The 38xx has been pressed back into service, providing additional freight capacity to the Western Region. 

Hatton's recently had a number of old H/D wagons with converted couplings and finer scale wheels.BC management could not resist acquiring a gunpowder van for the iron ore mine and a presflo.
All good until the presflo derailed entering Wrexham on the Up. The hyper fine wheels had detected a small irregularity in the top and line! Fortunately  it was not the gunpowder van and replacement wheels were sourced and fitted which solved the problem.

Following the poor running performance of the Class 03 Diesel shunter at Sheffield Victoria, a decision was made to procure an additional Class 08. The Class 08 shunters have proven themselves to be versatile and reliable performers that possess sufficient adhesion to manage the yard duties of Banbury Connections' major stations. 

The latest addition, D3232 in BR weathered plain green was acquired second hand for a favourable price and performed well after a brief period of running in.  It is suspected that the locomotive had never operated before its arrival to Banbury Connections. 

Below is a picture of the new Class 08  near the coaling stage at Sheffield Victoria station, its worn finish makes it fit instantly into the industrial city. 

Since their release in December 2009, Banbury Connections has been impressed at the reliability and performance of Bachmann's 3MT Tank locomotives. Following an initial purchase of a BR Lined Green model, a BR Lined Late Crest Black and BR Lined Early Crest Black version were purchased second hand. Through a fortunate turn of events, Banbury Connections has managed to acquire a fourth 3MT in BR Green (unlined and weathered) for an extremely advantageous price from Cheltenham Shed (Cheltenham Model Centre). The new addition can be seen below on its running in trials around Wrexham General.

Banbury Connections Cambridge Depot recently took delivery of a second-hand Hornby Black 5 requiring a test run. In response, Cambridge (31A) Model Railway Club kindly allowed me to test the locomotive on their test track. The locomotive ran flawlessly in both directions with management looking forward to taking possession of this item for running on Banbury Connections later this year. Below is a short video and photo of the Black 5.

Banbury Connections recently took delivery of another BR Standard 3MT Tank locomotive. The acquisition was made given the class's high level of reliability making it the third Bachmann 3MT to join the Railway. An early crest variant was procured given the advantageous prices currently available. 

Following a complete replacement of the Boiler (i.e. motor) in the UK the locomotive has been airlifted back to Australia where it arrived on 11th December and is now running excellently. It is scheduled to provide motive power for Xmas Specials.
​Banbury Connections were extremely pleased with the speed in which Bachmann undertook this repair. 

Given the high demand for this locomotive, Banbury Connections experienced some difficulty in acquiring one at the discount price. Nevertheless, through a systematic search through our favourite model shops, our Cambridge acquisitions department managed to pre-order one. The locomotive has now been shipped to Banbury Connections where management look forward to taking delivery of this item.