N Gauge Society Hunslet 0-6-0DH
Over the years, the N Gauge Society (NGS) has produced various rolling stock kits, which have been made available exclusively to its members. To mark the society’s half-century, a RTR locomotive is being offered for the first time in the form of a handsome Hunslet 0-6-0 industrial diesel shunter.
Produced initially for the National Coal Board, this versatile locomotive design eventually went into use across a range of industries, with many still at work today, commercially and in preservation. This tidy little model offers modellers what is surely the first totally authentic Uk-outline RTR industrial diesel shunter in 2mm scale and will provide an attractive focal point for an industrial complex or siding.
A wide range of livery options has been catered for, including various NCB schemes, Esso red, BP white or green, CEGB orange, Port of Workington blue/yellow, Lafarge green/white, Caledonian Paper blue and the vibrant house colours of Harry Needle Railroad Company. There are two different chassis versions on offer, portraying either a 50T or 55T locomotive, with other detail variations observed, including handrail patterns, footplate equipment and exhauster styles.
Received for review is a pair of the 55T versions, in British Steel yellow and NCB Midland area maroon. In terms of specification, the models are impressive. All come with a factory-fitted DCC decoder, which is a boon for locomotives of this size and removes the need to undertake fiddly installation work. The decoders have been designed to provide optimum performance in either analogue or digital mode, while the short wheelbase allows the models to cope with first radius curvature. Indeed, these are ideal for operation in cramped industrial or dockland settings.
A coreless motor is coupled with a ‘stay alive’ capacitor to promote smooth running over points and baseboard joints on analogue or digital control.
Directional lighting is also installed, along with flashing amber roof beacons on some versions (including the yellow British Steel version seen here). Due to the delicate nature of the motor and circuitry, the instructions recommend the use of ‘modern’ DC controllers, preferably featuring a smoothed output and without feedback. High frequency track cleaners should also be avoided.
As I lack a DCC ‘N’ gauge setup, these models were tested on DC only and they performed brilliantly, especially after the prescribed running-in period. The model only begins to move once a certain amount of power has been applied, as the sophisticated circuitry demands at least 4V before the motor is actuated. Furthermore, the model is geared to prioritise slower speeds, which suits the prototype’s maximum of 15mph. Even with the controller flat out, the model trundles along at a modest speed. Movement proved to be smooth and sure-footed, with ample pulling and pushing power for a shunting locomotive of this size.
The lighting is impressive, with the tiny lenses in the bonnet nose ends illuminated according to direction of traffic (no tail lights are employed) and the flashing amber rooftop beacon looks great. The flashing is very subtle and the LED lens is tiny, but it adds an extra degree of ‘play’ factor to the British Steel yellow sample.
Removal of the lower chassis cover reveals the nylon gears and inside axle bearings. The model employs a split chassis, optimising power collection direct through the wheels and axles, so there are no unsightly copper wiper pickups. The coupling rods are refined, as
The cab glazing is superb, with an impressive level of clarity and finesse
are the spoked wheels and balance weights.
LOOKS
The miniature Hunslets recreate the look of the real thing perfectly, with the deceptively stylish cab and bonnet profiles captured accurately. The bonnet doors feature strap hinge and bolt relief, and the handrails are rendered in etched metal, giving them a refined air. The cab glazing is superb, with an impressive level of clarity and finesse, although there is no interior detail within. The inclusion of twin-arm wipers at one end and single-arm wipers at the other shows impressive attention to detail. Each livery has been applied virtually flawlessly and the Hunslet branding and other logos are crisply rendered.
Two different types of buffers are employed on these samples, with the NCB maroon version featuring plain shanks and large round heads, whereas the yellow Hunslet sports a set of ribbed buffer shanks and oval heads. Standard Rapido style couplers sit in NEM sockets and a small bag of detail parts is provided, consisting of dummy screw link couplings, brake hoses and a pair of blanking plates (to be used if removing the Rapido couplers), complete with ‘wasp’ stripe elements to match the rest of the valances. A set of wire sanding pipes is installed and both they and the brake shoes align perfectly with the wheels.
As a celebration of 50 years of the N Gauge Society, these lovely models are a shining example of how far 2mm scale RTR products have come. Featuring state-of-theart electrics and excellent build quality, they offer incredible value. If you’re not already a part of the NGS, then now’s the perfect time to join, as the Hunslets are only available to members. (GD)