As an N gauge modeller even with well laid and clean track, And live frogs, and all locos wheels and contexts being clean, and the contact set properly, I still find stay alive a “must have”.
You’re a channel star Charlie, a very top man. Always love your perfect blend of humour and seriousness, the railroad modeller entertainer is what you undoubtedly are. I’ve just started on a new O gauge layout and your channel is always my first point of reference whenever I’m not sure as I know deep down you are a perfectionist without an ego. Thank you so much.
Totally agree. I had a flashback to when I was a kid and I am now 54. When you are a kid you want the train to run as fast as possible making it skid as it comes to a halt. When you grow up you realise the train speed has to be realistic and it’s just beautiful. Great at work Charlie..
oh dear oh dear oh dear....I have not a single shunter so my life is clearly incomplete. need to head to the shops methinks armed with this great guidance
Another great video, thank you. I never put you down as the kind of guy who would be impressed with sprung buffers. Always thought they were a complete waste of time.
This video got me thinking. I do not have any Shunters. I do not have any reason on my layout for one. Since next year I start my expansion project I will have to rethink my design to incorporate more sidings and a need for them. We have some very nice locomotives in the US but Europe’s locos are in my opinion a work of art. Thanks Charlie!
Volunteering at Lincolnshire Wolds railway on the P-Way gang I am spending a lot of time scrabbling round our 08; learning to prep it for a day's permanent way track laying and maintenance. It really is the old boy that delivers. Oiling it up, climbing around it in the rain and wind, engenders a deep affection for this capable old beast. Thank you for your celebration of shunters.
That Hornby 06 has had quite a few mods, most noticeable the fitting of crankshafts which are not on the original. It also appears to have had fine scale wheels fitted. Nice.
Charlie, @ 26:45 I got a laugh a bit as the loco fell out of the body . . . it's happened to the best of us. Thank you for putting this comparison together for all us guys trying to figure out which shunter to get for our yards. You are by far, the best at presenting this stuff to us beginners. Have a GREAT! New Years, stay healthy and keep on modeling.
Thanks PW, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. When that shunter fell apart, I was mortified, but fortunately nothing was broken! Best wishes for 2023, regards, Charlie
We worked on them in Eastleigh 5 years ago i rember putting on the connecting rod i never forget it weights 300 pounds 2 of us to do it ,it was from up north we put a new engine in it
I do like the class 03. I live pretty close to Hornsey, in North London, and am thinking of modelling it in the blue diesel era of my childhood. It is the stuff of daydreams at present. However, at risk of sharp intakes of breath, I already know I'll be taking the outrageous liberty of introducing 03179 long before it displayed it's first capital connect livery.
Hi Charlie, great video, thank you (of course they all are!) It was a highlight of our weekend for my Dad, Bertie, and I to meet you at the Warley Show on Saturday. I had hoped I would see you. Some people say "Don't meet your heroes, because you'll be disappointed". Not at all, you're a real gentleman. What a pleasure. Funny and informative. Oh and patient! You know, for all the great layouts and splendid trade stands that day, it was the people we met that made it for us. And you, at the top of the list. Thanks again, Charlie, you're a really super chap.
WOW, as I have just finished my future layout on AnyRail I am looking at Engines and Rolling Stock Shunters are my fav pick, so I want to watch the Blue and White 07 010 looks GREATR
I enjoy your videos, they are entertaining. Ah! Shunters, I love them. Not sure why, but I do. I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming 02. I tried making a kit of one in N Gauge, years ago before that scale became too hard to see😂. It did not get finished. Ah well! Keep up the good work. Ian
The class 06 has been modified with a replacement chassis, can't say exactly who from might be branchlines if memory is right but its not the hornby chassis which is their standard 0-4-0 unit on the as produced model, this chassis mod and body detail kit was meant to solve the many issues with the old hornby tooling and inaccurate chassis.
It was very interesting with 2 08s getting loaded wagons out of Clipstone colliery sidings when slurry coated the rails at the lorry crossings, Good days gone forever great blog.
That 06 of your friend's has been given a new chassis probably by Branchlines. If you look at the underneath the thin chassis frames are held apart by several spacers. Plus the 06 has the correct jackshaft drive with a crank under the cab. This feature the original Hornby model didnt have. One interesting fact, on some lines in the north of England the 03 pilot engines were prefered over the 08 as they were geared to run at 28mph rather than the 15mph of the 08 which meant they could keep out of the way of faster traffic which was a godsend to the control office covering the area concerned. One point, the hump on top of the body in front of the cab was the loco fuel tank. To most Railwaymen and women in the area I worked in the 08 was described as a 350 pilot and the 03 as a 204 pilot. 'Shunter' refered to the person on the ground giving handsignals to the driver, couple and uncouple vehicles etc.
Thanks Tulyar, I was aware that the Shunter, was actually the guy doing the coupling. However, I’ve never known the term 350 pilot etc. Many thanks great information. Regards Charlie
While I'm a US modeler, I admit my favorite shunters are the BR Class 04, 07, and 08. Here in the States, our shunters were primarily the GE 44-ton and 70-ton, the EMD SW1200 and SW1500. The shunter was phased out by the 70s, but is often found on heritage railways as they were cheap to purchase and easy to maintain.
Well, it was more than I could resist to unbox and pop my Graham Farish Class 03 and Class 14 on a bit of track on the coffee table as I watched the video this afternoon (not having a layout as yet). Better shunt off now and do something less self-indulgent. Must put the locos back in their boxes first.....
I was actually looking for a video to explain how to tell and my, what a helpful video! Your big arch bridge also gave me motivation to spilt my whole layout in half just to make a river for a bridge. Keep up the stunning work Charlie.
On the recommend / not-recommend front... I have an old Class 09 BR Blue Shunter from Lima that I converted to DCC. The motor sounds like a hammer drill. Not recommended for layout use because of the noise, but I do use it during my track laying as a reliable tester, and you can hear it even when out of sight. I'll be looking for a good Class 08 for the layout so this video is a great overview. Cheers, Charlie!
"any way it comes out like that". Had me laughing. I'm very glad these videos are more down to earth showing what really happens over something 'perfectly' edited and shot with multiple takes
I've got lots of safe places that I can never find. The secret is to sneak up on them months later when you don't need the piece anymore, or when you've bought a replacement they seem to appear. Great video as always regards Sam Woodward
Thanks Charlie , great video ! I do love a the class 08 , brings back memories from my childhood layout. Will definitely have or or 2 😂when I get round to building my new layout. Looking forward to Warley tomorrow 😁
Thank you very much indeed for this video, Charlie! Nearly all my locos (active and inactive) are shunters, so this was right up my alley. I especially appreciate that you ran through the shunter classes. I have a very small Plymouth MT-8 (diesel mechanical) that came DCC fitted, but my other three active units all had to be converted from DC to DCC. Two of these, although B-B, have short wheelbases and small diameter wheels so using a keep alive is quite necessary for smooth, uninterrupted running. And as my layout is very small, only slow speeds are possible on it. Thanks again and cheers from Wisconsin!
First all the best for 2023...thanks Charlie, I think the shunter 08 was my first train, around 1962 or so. A black one Tri-Ang was the brand. A wonderful memory......!!!! Thanks
Great review Charlie, and another fabulous topic and video. I really enjoyed it! I must admit that I have a couple of class 08's and a class 03. All from bachmann and I cannot fault any of them. Stay safe Steve
Really interesting video Charlie and I can’t wait for the “stay alive” video. I have 2 shunters, both Hornby. A dreadful red colour 08 and a 040 Bagnall. The 08 DCC gets stuck on points if it’s in slow running mode. Hence the need for a “stay alive”. It will be interesting to see what you recommend.
Excellent video as usual, we call them them switchers, yard pilot or yard goats over here in Canada. Love the mistakes and your honesty in these videos👍👍👍
Charlie, I bought my Duette back in 1976 for the princely sum of £14.00; in terms of DC power units, it beats them all, & it's still used by my son to this day. Of course, this was a time when electrical goods were all 'Solid State', & thereby, built to last; forty six years on, it's still a champion. Excellent presentation - Thank you !
Another fabulous video Charlie. My heart was in mouth near the end when you demonstrated your method for removing the body from the chassis. We've all been there mate, usually on a client's loco for me. Good to you see you feeling better. I've had a slight relapse unfortunately. I'll be back in full swing soon. Stay safe mate
Hi Charlie Excellent as always. Love the mistakes and broken bits. I dropped a Bachmann class 47 years ago but Bachmann were marvelous and shipped me several small parts for repair. Hope you can do the same with your missing steps. Looking forward to your stay alive episode. Once again thanks. So informative and down to earth. Stay safe Howard
Awesome review Charlie!!! I love the 08 shuntesr, because lots of them are still in use in Holland (Private compagnies / museum railways (Class 500/600 in Holland). Thanks for sharing this video mate!!!
Great video, I was amazed at the slow, smooth movement of some of those locos in DC, a good friend of mine installs decoders, up to 10 per week, and at least 1 out of 12 comes apart as yours did, as you say “happens to the best of us” Jack
My first DCC conversion was a 14xx, successful I might add. Decided to try a split chassis 57xx for my shunter and station pilot. Opened it, began planning how to insulate and convert, only never to be able to reassemble it. Never trying a split chassis again... Ended up buying another 57xx 😅
Hi Charlie, yet another entertaining video, bloopers included🙂 I had a fail with a Bachmann 04 shunter with a split Chassis, it was a lovely runner until I attempted to convert it to DCC 🤔 I did successfully convert it but unfortunately it never ran as smoothly again. I'm looking forward to Warley, it's fabulous show with many smaller traders in attendance. Regards, David.
Hello Charlie, great video,I recently bought a Bachmann 09 class, it is a DC one but I find these engines run so smooth,I will eventually be building a small modern layout.these are a nice range of locos.
Cracking video. Have several Bachmann 08 shunters. Although the S&C didn't have any in my world they do. One 03 also has a run on the layout a lovely wee shunter .
All of my Shunters are 08s, most of them in green. I have one blue one, that I bought as a younger version of me. it still has its box and the price is shown as £3,25. Harlow Toy and Nursery Centre. Martin. (Thailand)
Very enjoyable video Charlie, thank you. I only have one. A Bachmann 08 in early 1950's black livery, like the 13XXX picture you showed. Lovely little runner. All the best.
Ahh, memories. My very first loco when I dipped into modelling 10 years ago was that Bachmann 03 shunter D2388, bought secondhand for £34. I used it for an Inglenook shunting puzzle, using Kadee couplings. Since converted it to DCC using a Bachmann board. Lovely little loco, still one of my favourites.
Great video, as always fascinating. I am still relatively new, again after some years, to the wonderful world of modelling railways. The first engine I bought this time round was the Hornby 08 (R3898TTS BR, Class 08, 0-6-0, 3817 - Era 6), my one lasting recollection of my childhood layout was a Class 08. A great runner but I do look forward to your "stay alive" video as I probably like most do have issues from time to time.
I like the history in these locos. I have a soft spot for the “switchers” or shunters here in the USA. It was one of my first locos that I actually owned myself and wasn’t passed down from a sibling. It was a Chessie System loco. I just recently got one for my n scale/gauge layout that I’m planning on repainting and relabeling, but it’s pretty complicated to take apart and above all, small. Great topic!
Great informative video Charlie. Here at the south Devon railway we use a couple of 04 s and a 09 on the branch and it never surprise us the tractive effort you can obtain from these great little locos
Only this week we were. sorting out the events for next year and your name came up. When we have fixed dates we are inviting you over for the diesel weekend and there could be a strong opportunity for a couple of cab rides
Charlie, at first I was thrown by the term, "shunter." I had images of some electronic component. We would call them "switchers," but I rather like shutters! Two nations separated by a common language. Those are lovely little locos.
Great video as always Charlie. I have 2 hornby 0-4-0 Sentinels one bar driven and one chain driven. Both are okay on dcc. My bachmann 08 is on dcc and is a beauty it crawls so slow! A little left field I have a Proto2000 H0 sw1200 on dcc and that is unreal! Its over due a repaint and modification to look like the sw1001's in Whatley and Torre works quarries.
Marvellous video Charlie. I can't say I have a shunter "problem" but I certainly have a soft spot for 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locos. Maybe they're just "cute"! However, feeding that addiction, I will now be on the look out for a Class 05 which I don't currently own. Cheers
Great video Charlie, I loved the history of each type that you put together. On the shelf above my computer I have a Hornby Dublo 3 rail class 08 shunter box. The colour scheme they used, blue background with thin yellow pinstrips, is quite superb, the engine was (is) a great favourite of mine. I liked the look of the class 14, very nice Good luck from Spain!!
Loved this video; especially as I lived as a child a little under 3/4 of a mile from the Vulcan Foundry where the 04’s were built. Now it’s an ALDI and a housing new build. A cracking homage to the shutters and their often unsung duties. And the Locoshed books brought back memories of many an hour train spotting at Winwick Junction; where the LNWR line met the West Coast Main Line-and a mere 3-4 minute walk from where the Vulcan Works stood.Another cracking video Charlie, with some personal memories for me. Thank You.
Hi Tony. Thank you for your video. I thought it was very enlightening to see the challenges sometimes imposed with the removal of the body from the chassis of shunters. It obviously requires a very steady hand, and dexterity. t is reassuring to know that things can happen unexpectedly during this process, despite taking the necessary precautions. But we can reflect upon these things in order to learn for next time. I am also glad everything was in one piece,
I note that the Hornby 06 had what looked like an after market (or hand made) chassis. I recently bought a SH one for my children's layout and have been recommissioning it for service. Nice video, thank you.
Steam is my thing but I wanted an early shunter for my coal yard and I chose the Bachmann 03, what an outstanding model this turned out to be, quiet, reliable, capable of a crawl with prototypical speeds, outperforms just about everything on my layout. And cab lights and driver! Great Video Charlie.
Excellent video as always. I have two N Gauge 08’s in BR green - lovely. Also, thanks for the screwdrivers tip (ouch) - I ordered them via your link. Cheers, Andy.
Nice to see the modern class 03's. I have a Mainline class 03 which I believe is the basis of the Bachmann model. It is split chassis model and was difficult to fit with a decoder. It does however run well for its age but is rather noisy. I have fitted a permanently attached pickup fitted shunter truck which aids running since fitting stay alive looks impossible. I find that body removal to fit a decoder on most models is more difficult than it should be.
Hello, I watched one of your videos, which I find very useful and informative, and you were trying various methods to control sound. A few years ago, while I was building a new layout I had the same issue. After some searching, I found a suggestion for self-adhesive, soundproofing foam for autos, about 1/4", or 5mm thick. I tried it and am very satisfied. I cut strips to put on the base of plywood, then glue cork roadbed on top of that. I find when you cut all the sound effects of the locomotives, it's almost perfectly quiet - sometimes even a little creepy😀 because if you aren't going fast, you really can't hear anything. Thanks again for your fine videos and keep em' coming!
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks, actually it's more like 1/8th of an inch thick, but it does the job. I am very satisfied with it and use it where I can. Thanks again and have a great day!
Hi Charlie I use a class 94XX pannier tank as a shutter and for a local goods runner, great videos by the way I have learnt a fantastic amount and gained a lot of confidence from stuff you have done and warned us against. Brilliant. And thanks.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you find the channel useful. Judging from your login name, do you have a UA-cam account? Or are you a Subscriber? Regards, Charlie
The 06 appears to have had a new chassis built. As far as I remember, as originally made, they come with the 'smokie joe' style chassis, without the jackshaft drive behind the rear steps.
As an American railway modeler I don't know much about the different classes of British locomotives. I have been a huge fan of the Class 09 for several years. Now though, that Class 14 is a real beauty. It reminds me of my favorite American locomotive, the ALCO RS-3. Great video!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Larry.
Hi Charlie, another great video, thank-you. An enjoyable deep-dive into a class of locomotive which may be overlooked. As you may anticipate (from my previous ramblings…) I maintained 08s at Laira during the 1980s, when these machines were only just 30 years old. They were heavily engineered to be capable of their role. The size of the cast iron brake blocks was something to be seen and the fitters would use a frame and pry-bar or lever to fit them. This was unusual as the mechanical fitters were capable of lifting most very heavy brake blocks in awkward positions unaided for most of the fleet. Some of the strongest handshakes you were likely to encounter….Never heard the nickname you used to refer to them. I seem to recall the ‘shunters’ were actually the men who did the coupling and uncoupling, the 08s being shunting locomotives but that’s just semantics I appreciate! (Maybe similar to the original use of ‘typewriter’ being the operator of the typewriting machine?). Reliable and powerful, dangerous too as surprisingly silent running. Thanks again. Kind regards. Chas.
My experience of Heljan (limited to 3 locos) is that they are quiet and smooth but hell on earth to dismantle and re-assemble for maintenance or repair. Great video. Thanks
Hi Charlie, new to the hobby, I’m just putting down my first DCC layout. I’ve used yours and others on-line content to guide me. The level of detail has enabled me to progress without too much mishap. Keep up the good work and thanks.
Hi! Great video. Not your usual style, but enjoyed it just as much! I’m not from and have never lived in the UK but am modelling UK because I love the look of the locos, so the background info is very interesting. Cheers!
Another very entertaining video Charlie. Always informative and straight to the point. My layout, inherited from my late brother, is based on the north Devon area around Padstow and with a bit of poetic licence incorporate some china clay traffic which allows the use of 03 and 08 shunters. Must admit the 08 is a favourite of mine. The Class 14 brings back memories of visits to Swindon when these were being built, but I do regret throwing away all my combined volumes when I switched over to aeroplanes!!! Have a good time at Warley. Can't be there this year but I do hope to meet up with you somewhere in the future. Take care.
hi there.great shunters,i have the bachmann 08 in black and hornby Bagnall 0-4-0 which is in the railroad range,a very good loco..finaly i have a Triang 08 which i had as child in 1963.these locos just keep going,
As an N gauge modeller even with well laid and clean track, And live frogs, and all locos wheels and contexts being clean, and the contact set properly, I still find stay alive a “must have”.
I think that your bang on the money, Doug. Regards, Charlie.
You’re a channel star Charlie, a very top man. Always love your perfect blend of humour and seriousness, the railroad modeller entertainer is what you undoubtedly are. I’ve just started on a new O gauge layout and your channel is always my first point of reference whenever I’m not sure as I know deep down you are a perfectionist without an ego. Thank you so much.
What a heartwarming comment, Tom, you’re far too kind mate. Regards, Charlie
Totally agree. I had a flashback to when I was a kid and I am now 54. When you are a kid you want the train to run as fast as possible making it skid as it comes to a halt. When you grow up you realise the train speed has to be realistic and it’s just beautiful. Great at work Charlie..
"put them somewhere safe" - How I chuckled - I do that all the time!
I’m sure it’s an age thing. Regards, Charlie
Yup!!!
I also saw a class 07 working in private ownership at the grain terminal at Kennet between Peterborough and Ipswich as late as 1996.
Great info mate. Much appreciated, regards, Charlie
1:03 what a name!
Its good watching back these videos!
I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
oh dear oh dear oh dear....I have not a single shunter so my life is clearly incomplete. need to head to the shops methinks armed with this great guidance
Go for Yvo, you must have one.
Regards Charlie
Another great video, thank you. I never put you down as the kind of guy who would be impressed with sprung buffers. Always thought they were a complete waste of time.
I know what you mean about the buffers Andrew. However, they are worth a mention. Regards Charlie
This video got me thinking. I do not have any Shunters. I do not have any reason on my layout for one. Since next year I start my expansion project I will have to rethink my design to incorporate more sidings and a need for them. We have some very nice locomotives in the US but Europe’s locos are in my opinion a work of art. Thanks Charlie!
I’m so pleased that you found a video so interesting Blue 68 Camaro. Shunters are delightful little locos. Regards, Charlie
Volunteering at Lincolnshire Wolds railway on the P-Way gang I am spending a lot of time scrabbling round our 08; learning to prep it for a day's permanent way track laying and maintenance. It really is the old boy that delivers. Oiling it up, climbing around it in the rain and wind, engenders a deep affection for this capable old beast. Thank you for your celebration of shunters.
What a great, Michael, I’m really grateful. Regards, Charlie.
That Hornby 06 has had quite a few mods, most noticeable the fitting of crankshafts which are not on the original. It also appears to have had fine scale wheels fitted. Nice.
Yes, Dick has made a very nice job of that modification. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie,
@ 26:45 I got a laugh a bit as the loco fell out of the body . . . it's happened to the best of us. Thank you for putting this comparison together for all us guys trying to figure out which shunter to get for our yards. You are by far, the best at presenting this stuff to us beginners. Have a GREAT! New Years, stay healthy and keep on modeling.
Thanks PW, I’m so pleased that you find the channel interesting. When that shunter fell apart, I was mortified, but fortunately nothing was broken! Best wishes for 2023, regards, Charlie
7
Be nice to see more of these type videos.
I shall see what I can do Paul.
Regards Charlie
We worked on them in Eastleigh 5 years ago i rember putting on the connecting rod i never forget it weights 300 pounds 2 of us to do it ,it was from up north we put a new engine in it
But I’m sure that those are happy memories mate. Regards, Charlie
I do like the class 03. I live pretty close to Hornsey, in North London, and am thinking of modelling it in the blue diesel era of my childhood. It is the stuff of daydreams at present. However, at risk of sharp intakes of breath, I already know I'll be taking the outrageous liberty of introducing 03179 long before it displayed it's first capital connect livery.
I’m sure that it’s well worth the outlay mate. Regards, Charlie
that was freat and very enlightening, also glad to hear you sounding so much better,roy
Thanks Roy, I’m well on the way to recovery now thankfully. Take care buddy. Regards, Charlie
Charly, I appreciate your educational videos very much, keep them coming!
That’s very kind of you to say so DK. Regards, Charlie
Fascinating look at shunters. Never really thought about them much. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about them . Roy.
You’re most welcome, Roy. Regards, Charlie.
Hi Charlie, great video, thank you (of course they all are!) It was a highlight of our weekend for my Dad, Bertie, and I to meet you at the Warley Show on Saturday. I had hoped I would see you. Some people say "Don't meet your heroes, because you'll be disappointed". Not at all, you're a real gentleman. What a pleasure. Funny and informative. Oh and patient! You know, for all the great layouts and splendid trade stands that day, it was the people we met that made it for us. And you, at the top of the list. Thanks again, Charlie, you're a really super chap.
Will you behave!
Thanks for such a heartwarming comment Nick, the pleasure was all mine.
Please give Bertie my regards.
Take care, Charlie
WOW, as I have just finished my future layout on AnyRail
I am looking at Engines and Rolling Stock
Shunters are my fav pick, so I want to watch
the Blue and White 07 010 looks GREATR
Thanks Falcon Eye. I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
I enjoy your videos, they are entertaining.
Ah! Shunters, I love them. Not sure why, but I do. I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming 02. I tried making a kit of one in N Gauge, years ago before that scale became too hard to see😂. It did not get finished. Ah well!
Keep up the good work.
Ian
Thanks Ian, we all deserve a few shunters. Regards Charlie
The class 06 has been modified with a replacement chassis, can't say exactly who from might be branchlines if memory is right but its not the hornby chassis which is their standard 0-4-0 unit on the as produced model, this chassis mod and body detail kit was meant to solve the many issues with the old hornby tooling and inaccurate chassis.
I’m on the case mate, I shall certainly get to the bottom of this dilemma. Regards, Charlie
I enjoyed learning about the different shutters. Thanks Charlie.
Thanks Charles, regards Charlie
Great video as usual. Loved learning about the different Diesel Shunters
It’s a fascinating subject Alan.
Regards Charlie
It was very interesting with 2 08s getting loaded wagons out of Clipstone colliery sidings when slurry coated the rails at the lorry crossings, Good days gone forever great blog.
Yes, a very underestimated little loco.
Have a great Christmas, regards, Charlie
Informative and helpful as always - just hope 🎅🏻 is listening . . . . .!!!
Leave a few notes around the house!
Regards Charlie
Wonderful video and excellent train layout Charlie
Thanks Mels, regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie I now feel well and truly shunted 😊
Another informative and well produced video.
Thanks Jim, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards, Charlie
That 06 of your friend's has been given a new chassis probably by Branchlines. If you look at the underneath the thin chassis frames are held apart by several spacers. Plus the 06 has the correct jackshaft drive with a crank under the cab. This feature the original Hornby model didnt have. One interesting fact, on some lines in the north of England the 03 pilot engines were prefered over the 08 as they were geared to run at 28mph rather than the 15mph of the 08 which meant they could keep out of the way of faster traffic which was a godsend to the control office covering the area concerned. One point, the hump on top of the body in front of the cab was the loco fuel tank.
To most Railwaymen and women in the area I worked in the 08 was described as a 350 pilot and the 03 as a 204 pilot. 'Shunter' refered to the person on the ground giving handsignals to the driver, couple and uncouple vehicles etc.
Thanks Tulyar,
I was aware that the Shunter, was actually the guy doing the coupling. However, I’ve never known the term 350 pilot etc. Many thanks great information. Regards Charlie
While I'm a US modeler, I admit my favorite shunters are the BR Class 04, 07, and 08. Here in the States, our shunters were primarily the GE 44-ton and 70-ton, the EMD SW1200 and SW1500. The shunter was phased out by the 70s, but is often found on heritage railways as they were cheap to purchase and easy to maintain.
Thanks Josh, for a look into your world. Regards, Charlie.
Interesting video with lots of information. I was looking for a shutter and your video helped me a lot.
That’s great news Jeff. Regards Charlie
Well, it was more than I could resist to unbox and pop my Graham Farish Class 03 and Class 14 on a bit of track on the coffee table as I watched the video this afternoon (not having a layout as yet). Better shunt off now and do something less self-indulgent. Must put the locos back in their boxes first.....
I’m so pleased that you found it, so inspirational, Lord techno pants.
Regards Charlie
“As smooth as a doo dar” Every model railway manufacturers dream review 😂 great work Charlie
I’m so pleased that you found it both humorous and interesting Dan.
Regards, Charlie
Thanks Charlie, I always look forward to every other Friday. A Nice way to finish off the working week along with a beer. Lol. Fascinating stuff.
That’s very kind of you to say so Nathan.
I was actually looking for a video to explain how to tell and my, what a helpful video! Your big arch bridge also gave me motivation to spilt my whole layout in half just to make a river for a bridge. Keep up the stunning work Charlie.
That’s very kind of you to say so William. Regards, Charlie
Genuine laugh out loud at “and it’s a special edition. OoooOOOOooooh!” 😂
A fair response Nick. Regards Charlie
Thanks Charlie. Great video as always. Love the little shunters, my favourite is indeed the Class 08
A sound choice mate. Regards, Charlie
On the recommend / not-recommend front... I have an old Class 09 BR Blue Shunter from Lima that I converted to DCC. The motor sounds like a hammer drill. Not recommended for layout use because of the noise, but I do use it during my track laying as a reliable tester, and you can hear it even when out of sight. I'll be looking for a good Class 08 for the layout so this video is a great overview. Cheers, Charlie!
Thanks Chris, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. Good luck with your project, regards, Charlie
GREAT EPISODE! The Class 08 is a dream model to me (Loved them as a kid in the 1970's and still do!)
Yes, happier times there, William. Regards, Charlie
"any way it comes out like that". Had me laughing. I'm very glad these videos are more down to earth showing what really happens over something 'perfectly' edited and shot with multiple takes
Thanks Martin, we all like the real world. Regards Charlie
I've got lots of safe places that I can never find. The secret is to sneak up on them months later when you don't need the piece anymore, or when you've bought a replacement they seem to appear. Great video as always regards Sam Woodward
Thanks Sam, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards, Charlie
Never knew shunters could be so interesting, but that was down to you. Another great watch Charlie 👍
Thanks Jeff, that’s so nice of you to say so. Regards, Charlie
Like the close-up running track. This shows the true wonder of these diesel locos...you are definitely the tech wizard.
Thanks David, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards, Charlie
Thanks Charlie , great video ! I do love a the class 08 , brings back memories from my childhood layout. Will definitely have or or 2 😂when I get round to building my new layout. Looking forward to Warley tomorrow 😁
Thanks Lee, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards, Charlie
Thank you very much indeed for this video, Charlie! Nearly all my locos (active and inactive) are shunters, so this was right up my alley. I especially appreciate that you ran through the shunter classes. I have a very small Plymouth MT-8 (diesel mechanical) that came DCC fitted, but my other three active units all had to be converted from DC to DCC. Two of these, although B-B, have short wheelbases and small diameter wheels so using a keep alive is quite necessary for smooth, uninterrupted running. And as my layout is very small, only slow speeds are possible on it. Thanks again and cheers from Wisconsin!
Thanks for the info Andrew. Much appreciated, regards, Charlie
First all the best for 2023...thanks Charlie, I think the shunter 08 was my first train, around 1962 or so. A black one Tri-Ang was the brand. A wonderful memory......!!!! Thanks
I’m so pleased that it brought back such great memories WJ. Regards Charlie
Excellent informative video Charlie , nice to see the 1973 Ian Allan combined volume make an appearance, brings back memories...😊
Such a simple of times, Dennis, we miss them dearly. Regards, Charlie
Great review Charlie, and another fabulous topic and video. I really enjoyed it! I must admit that I have a couple of class 08's and a class 03. All from bachmann and I cannot fault any of them. Stay safe Steve
Clearly you have good taste CJ. Regards, Charlie
Really interesting video Charlie and I can’t wait for the “stay alive” video. I have 2 shunters, both Hornby. A dreadful red colour 08 and a 040 Bagnall. The 08 DCC gets stuck on points if it’s in slow running mode. Hence the need for a “stay alive”. It will be interesting to see what you recommend.
I’m still acquiring components and will probably shoot it in January.
Regards Charlie
Always enjoyable Charlie but this was such an interesting video. Thank you.
Thanks Tom, I’m pleased that was particularly suitable for you. Regards, Charlie
Thank you Charlie for this!
As for the 08, here in the Netherlands those are also a familiair sight. And loved by a lot of modellers.
Such a popular design, all across Europe. Regards, Charlie
Excellent video as usual, we call them them switchers, yard pilot or yard goats over here in Canada. Love the mistakes and your honesty in these videos👍👍👍
I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting Ron. Regards, Charlie.
Charlie, I bought my Duette back in 1976 for the princely sum of £14.00; in terms of DC power units, it beats them all, & it's still used by my son to this day. Of course, this was a time when electrical goods were all 'Solid State', & thereby, built to last; forty six years on, it's still a champion. Excellent presentation - Thank you !
You can’t beat the good old stuff, Andrew. Regards, Charlie
No Sir, Charlie, you can't 🙂
Fantastic video review as usual.
Thanks Mark, I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting mate. Regards, Charlie
Another fabulous video Charlie. My heart was in mouth near the end when you demonstrated your method for removing the body from the chassis. We've all been there mate, usually on a client's loco for me. Good to you see you feeling better. I've had a slight relapse unfortunately. I'll be back in full swing soon. Stay safe mate
Yes it was a worry Roger. I do hope that you will soon be fighting fit. Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie
Excellent as always.
Love the mistakes and broken bits.
I dropped a Bachmann class 47 years ago but Bachmann were marvelous and shipped
me several small parts for repair. Hope
you can do the same with your missing
steps. Looking forward to your stay alive episode.
Once again thanks. So informative and down to earth.
Stay safe
Howard
A Quick PS
Being retired electric. Never heard of a programmable capacitor.
Must have something extra included.?
Regards to All
Howard
Awesome review Charlie!!! I love the 08 shuntesr, because lots of them are still in use in Holland (Private compagnies / museum railways (Class 500/600 in Holland). Thanks for sharing this video mate!!!
Thanks Onno, we all need 08’s. Regards Charlie
Great video, I was amazed at the slow, smooth movement of some of those locos in DC, a good friend of mine installs decoders, up to 10 per week, and at least 1 out of 12 comes apart as yours did, as you say “happens to the best of us”
Jack
Thanks Jack, I’m so pleased that you found it Interesting mate. As you say these things just fall apart occasionally. Regards, Charlie
Wonderful video , having a slight shunter thing myself i can understand your friend
Like most things, I think we have to shop with care! Regards, Charlie
My first DCC conversion was a 14xx, successful I might add. Decided to try a split chassis 57xx for my shunter and station pilot. Opened it, began planning how to insulate and convert, only never to be able to reassemble it. Never trying a split chassis again... Ended up buying another 57xx 😅
A lesson well learned mate.
Regards Charlie
Hi Charlie, yet another entertaining video, bloopers included🙂 I had a fail with a Bachmann 04 shunter with a split Chassis, it was a lovely runner until I attempted to convert it to DCC 🤔 I did successfully convert it but unfortunately it never ran as smoothly again. I'm looking forward to Warley, it's fabulous show with many smaller traders in attendance. Regards, David.
Hi Charlie. It was nice to finally meet you today at Warley NEC I'm sure you enjoyed meeting me to 😀 but in all honesty it was a very enjoyable day.
Yes, it’s always a joy to meet like-minded people, and have a decent chat.
Stay safe mate, regards, Charlie
Hello Charlie, great video,I recently bought a Bachmann 09 class, it is a DC one but I find these engines run so smooth,I will eventually be building a small modern layout.these are a nice range of locos.
That’s great news, Stephen.
Have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2023. Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway and the same to you.
Always informative and entertaining. Great video.
Thanks W XYZ, much appreciated. Regards Charlie
Cracking video. Have several Bachmann 08 shunters. Although the S&C didn't have any in my world they do. One 03 also has a run on the layout a lovely wee shunter .
Great, David, and as they say, run what you like. Regards, Charlie
All of my Shunters are 08s, most of them in green. I have one blue one, that I bought as a younger version of me. it still has its box and the price is shown as £3,25. Harlow Toy and Nursery Centre. Martin. (Thailand)
Blimey Martin, today you can’t buy a used coal wagon for that price!
Regards Charlie
Very enjoyable video Charlie, thank you. I only have one. A Bachmann 08 in early 1950's black livery, like the 13XXX picture you showed. Lovely little runner. All the best.
Thanks Tim, a great choice. Regards Charlie
Ahh, memories. My very first loco when I dipped into modelling 10 years ago was that Bachmann 03 shunter D2388, bought secondhand for £34. I used it for an Inglenook shunting puzzle, using Kadee couplings. Since converted it to DCC using a Bachmann board. Lovely little loco, still one of my favourites.
Great memories Alan, regards Charlie
Great video, as always fascinating.
I am still relatively new, again after some years, to the wonderful world of modelling railways. The first engine I bought this time round was the Hornby 08 (R3898TTS
BR, Class 08, 0-6-0, 3817 - Era 6), my one lasting recollection of my childhood layout was a Class 08. A great runner but I do look forward to your "stay alive" video as I probably like most do have issues from time to time.
That’s great news Neil.
The Stay-Alives are a god send.
Regards Charlie
I like the history in these locos. I have a soft spot for the “switchers” or shunters here in the USA. It was one of my first locos that I actually owned myself and wasn’t passed down from a sibling. It was a Chessie System loco. I just recently got one for my n scale/gauge layout that I’m planning on repainting and relabeling, but it’s pretty complicated to take apart and above all, small.
Great topic!
Thanks Andrew, I’m so pleased that you found this video, particularly interesting. I’ve never known them as switchers! Regards, Charlie
Many thanks, Charlie evevery one loves a shunter.
Perhaps our only true love!
Regards, Charlie
Great informative video Charlie. Here at the south Devon railway we use a couple of 04 s and a 09 on the branch and it never surprise us the tractive effort you can obtain from these great little locos
Thanks Howard, I must return and get some decent footage of them sometime. Regards, Charlie
Only this week we were. sorting out the events for next year and your name came up. When we have fixed dates we are inviting you over for the diesel weekend and there could be a strong opportunity for a couple of cab rides
That would be wonderful Howard. I spoke to couple of your volunteers at the Warley model railway show.
Regards Charlie
Charlie, at first I was thrown by the term, "shunter." I had images of some electronic component. We would call them "switchers," but I rather like shutters! Two nations separated by a common language. Those are lovely little locos.
Thanks James, I’m so pleased that you found our British shunters, or switchers, interesting. Regards Charlie
Great video as always Charlie. I have 2 hornby 0-4-0 Sentinels one bar driven and one chain driven. Both are okay on dcc. My bachmann 08 is on dcc and is a beauty it crawls so slow! A little left field I have a Proto2000 H0 sw1200 on dcc and that is unreal! Its over due a repaint and modification to look like the sw1001's in Whatley and Torre works quarries.
Great Locos, giving a sound service. Regards, Charlie
Marvellous video Charlie. I can't say I have a shunter "problem" but I certainly have a soft spot for 0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locos. Maybe they're just "cute"! However, feeding that addiction, I will now be on the look out for a Class 05 which I don't currently own. Cheers
I’m so pleased that you’re managing your addiction, Davie. Regards, Charlie
Great video Charlie, I loved the history of each type that you put together.
On the shelf above my computer I have a Hornby Dublo 3 rail class 08 shunter box. The colour scheme they used, blue background with thin yellow pinstrips, is quite superb, the engine was (is) a great favourite of mine. I liked the look of the class 14, very nice
Good luck from Spain!!
Great choices David. Regards Charlie
Loved this video; especially as I lived as a child a little under 3/4 of a mile from the Vulcan Foundry where the 04’s were built. Now it’s an ALDI and a housing new build. A cracking homage to the shutters and their often unsung duties. And the Locoshed books brought back memories of many an hour train spotting at Winwick Junction; where the LNWR line met the West Coast Main Line-and a mere 3-4 minute walk from where the Vulcan Works stood.Another cracking video Charlie, with some personal memories for me. Thank You.
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed this one in particular David. It’s great fun doing the research, regards, Charlie
Hi Tony. Thank you for your video. I thought it was very enlightening to see the challenges sometimes imposed with the removal of the body from the chassis of shunters. It obviously requires a very steady hand, and dexterity. t is reassuring to know that things can happen unexpectedly during this process, despite taking the necessary precautions. But we can reflect upon these things in order to learn for next time. I am also glad everything was in one piece,
Great comment Alan but I’m Charlie!
I note that the Hornby 06 had what looked like an after market (or hand made) chassis. I recently bought a SH one for my children's layout and have been recommissioning it for service. Nice video, thank you.
Thanks TS, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting. Regards Charlie
Steam is my thing but I wanted an early shunter for my coal yard and I chose the Bachmann 03, what an outstanding model this turned out to be, quiet, reliable, capable of a crawl with prototypical speeds, outperforms just about everything on my layout.
And cab lights and driver! Great Video Charlie.
I’m so pleased that you enjoy the video mate. 03 really is a gem. Regards Charlie.
Excellent video as always. I have two N Gauge 08’s in BR green - lovely. Also, thanks for the screwdrivers tip (ouch) - I ordered them via your link. Cheers, Andy.
Thanks Andrew, they are a lifetime investment. Regards, Charlie
Nice one, Charlie. Had my heart in my mouth when that chassis and body fell apart unexpectedly!
I almost needed a defibrillator! Regards, Charlie
Me and my husband dave always enjoy watching your channel keep up the great channel
Thanks Caroline, I’m so pleased that you both enjoy it. Regards Charlie
Fab video, I just love the class 08 😀
Keep up the excellent work here, love your videos
Thanks MT, that’s very kind of you to say so mate. Regards, Charlie
Nice to see the modern class 03's. I have a Mainline class 03 which I believe is the basis of the Bachmann model. It is split chassis model and was difficult to fit with a decoder. It does however run well for its age but is rather noisy. I have fitted a permanently attached pickup fitted shunter truck which aids running since fitting stay alive looks impossible. I find that body removal to fit a decoder on most models is more difficult than it should be.
I think that you’ve done well to get where you are Robert. Those older models are so difficult. Regards Charlie
Hello, I watched one of your videos, which I find very useful and informative, and you were trying various methods to control sound. A few years ago, while I was building a new layout I had the same issue. After some searching, I found a suggestion for self-adhesive, soundproofing foam for autos, about 1/4", or 5mm thick. I tried it and am very satisfied. I cut strips to put on the base of plywood, then glue cork roadbed on top of that. I find when you cut all the sound effects of the locomotives, it's almost perfectly quiet - sometimes even a little creepy😀 because if you aren't going fast, you really can't hear anything. Thanks again for your fine videos and keep em' coming!
I’m so pleased that you found a great solution Raymond. Regards, Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks, actually it's more like 1/8th of an inch thick, but it does the job. I am very satisfied with it and use it where I can. Thanks again and have a great day!
Hi Charlie I use a class 94XX pannier tank as a shutter and for a local goods runner, great videos by the way I have learnt a fantastic amount and gained a lot of confidence from stuff you have done and warned us against. Brilliant. And thanks.
Thanks mate, I’m so pleased that you find the channel useful.
Judging from your login name, do you have a UA-cam account? Or are you a Subscriber?
Regards, Charlie
The 06 appears to have had a new chassis built. As far as I remember, as originally made, they come with the 'smokie joe' style chassis, without the jackshaft drive behind the rear steps.
I’m pretty sure that Dick made this modification himself. Regards, Charlie.
@@ChadwickModelRailway it has certainly improved the appearance of the model.
Great video Charlie. Put a digitrains sound file in your 03 c/w cab light on when stopped, goes out as soon as it moves. I recommend it.
I’m sure you do know Alastair, the ESU do just the same. Regards, Charles
As an American railway modeler I don't know much about the different classes of British locomotives. I have been a huge fan of the Class 09 for several years. Now though, that Class 14 is a real beauty. It reminds me of my favorite American locomotive, the ALCO RS-3. Great video!! Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Larry.
Thanks Larry, I’m so pleased that you found a video interesting. Regards Charlie
Great video, and the class 14s and 08s are lovely locos as have crewed them both in real life ,also I have the Bachmann 03 in br blue and a nice loco.
Thanks Ian, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the video. Regards, Charlie
Hi Charlie, another great video, thank-you. An enjoyable deep-dive into a class of locomotive which may be overlooked. As you may anticipate (from my previous ramblings…) I maintained 08s at Laira during the 1980s, when these machines were only just 30 years old. They were heavily engineered to be capable of their role. The size of the cast iron brake blocks was something to be seen and the fitters would use a frame and pry-bar or lever to fit them. This was unusual as the mechanical fitters were capable of lifting most very heavy brake blocks in awkward positions unaided for most of the fleet. Some of the strongest handshakes you were likely to encounter….Never heard the nickname you used to refer to them. I seem to recall the ‘shunters’ were actually the men who did the coupling and uncoupling, the 08s being shunting locomotives but that’s just semantics I appreciate! (Maybe similar to the original use of ‘typewriter’ being the operator of the typewriting machine?). Reliable and powerful, dangerous too as surprisingly silent running. Thanks again. Kind regards. Chas.
Many thanks for such an interesting comment Chas. Regards, Charlie
My experience of Heljan (limited to 3 locos) is that they are quiet and smooth but hell on earth to dismantle and re-assemble for maintenance or repair.
Great video. Thanks
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. Regards, Charlie
This was a good idea for something a little different. Thanks.
I’m so pleased that you found it. Interesting mate. Regards, Charlie
Hi Charlie, new to the hobby, I’m just putting down my first DCC layout. I’ve used yours and others on-line content to guide me. The level of detail has enabled me to progress without too much mishap. Keep up the good work and thanks.
Thanks to you, I’m so please you find my channel, and of course the others, so useful. Regards, Charles
Thanks to you, I’m so please you find my channel, and of course the others, so useful. Regards, Charlie
Thanks to you, I’m so please you find my channel, and of course the others, so useful. Regards, Charlie
Another good one Charlie 👍
Thanks Martin, regards Charlie
Lovely video on shunters Charlie, really enjoyed it
Thanks Alan, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it mate. Regards, Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway That's better than that dodgy post 😀
Hi! Great video. Not your usual style, but enjoyed it just as much! I’m not from and have never lived in the UK but am modelling UK because I love the look of the locos, so the background info is very interesting. Cheers!
Thanks Nathan, I’m so pleased that you found it interesting mate. Regards, Charlie
Another very entertaining video Charlie. Always informative and straight to the point. My layout, inherited from my late brother, is based on the north Devon area around Padstow and with a bit of poetic licence incorporate some china clay traffic which allows the use of 03 and 08 shunters. Must admit the 08 is a favourite of mine. The Class 14 brings back memories of visits to Swindon when these were being built, but I do regret throwing away all my combined volumes when I switched over to aeroplanes!!! Have a good time at Warley. Can't be there this year but I do hope to meet up with you somewhere in the future. Take care.
Excellent comment, which makes me think of happier times. Regards Charlie
What a fortunately timed video, I've just acquired an 8ft by 1f plank. I've not decided on oo or n yet, but a shunting layout it shall be.
What a great coincidence, BJ.
Regards, Charlie.
hi there.great shunters,i have the bachmann 08 in black and hornby Bagnall 0-4-0 which is in the railroad range,a very good loco..finaly i have a Triang 08 which i had as child in 1963.these locos just keep going,
Great choices Peter. Regards Charlie