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see also conversion of this loco to finescale

In November 2014, Gazette Vol 19, No 5, Martin reviewed two Ace Trains locos, and this review follows a similar style. Readers will see that this is similarly positive on virtually all counts. If anything this new model is superior, quite possibly the best to date, and far in advance of Ace’s first offerings of 20 years ago - now for a developing market only faintly discerned then. (More models are promised including LMS/BR Jubilee 4-6-0s and Class 5 4-6-0s).

Ace BR 9F Tyne Dock version

The new model comes in a strong black box with liners and instructions about lubrication and the removal of the chassis for maintenance. A brief prototype history is pasted into the box top. This all then comes inside a white outer box. The prototype 92240 was Crewe built in 1958, with a double chimney, having a working life of barely eight years on the Western Region of BR. Preserved, it went to the Bluebell Railway. The model comes with a Pines Express headboard and lamps. The model 92240 has a BR1G tender which the prototype started with, correct decals and is satin black ex-works.

Other versions have single chimneys and different finishes including a Tyne Dock loco and a lined green 92220 Evening Star. In addition Ace has named two examples in a special lined livery Robert A Riddles and Timothy Hackworth. A BR1C tender is also available and is supplied as appropriate. Our sample, belonging to Richard, to our eyes looks just right. The following table gives relevant dimensions.

*Overall locomotive length looks short as tender front goes under loco footplate. Tender weights varied according to type. Scale tons we leave to you!

Detailing is comprehensive as we have now come to expect from Ace and is neatly done, better than some modellers assembling kits will achieve. Included are very neat rivet details, regulator rodding, piping - some having copper/ brass finishes as appropriate, whistle, cab ventilator slightly open, etc. The correct frame profile is there under the high - pitched boiler. Cab detail is simplified but could be supplemented with skill. The firehole open door opens up with a red glow once the model moves off. The tender is to a similar standard.

Not included is brake gear, cab seating, and a few other minor details. A skate could be fitted for stud contact operators, fixing its top plate through the screw holes which hold the Hornby-type spoon collectors in place. Ace recommend removing such collectors for two rail running and an unobtrusive switch just below the left hand cabside does this. The large Ace tender rear coupling is easily changed if you find it too big but a neat working screw coupling is on the locomotive. We find the buffers look small but this could be illusory given the impressive size of the model’s front end.

The model will negotiate 2ft radius curves if the loco-tender coupling is put out to its maximum distance. To get round tight curves the coupling rods are jointed and, as on the real locomotive, the centre axle has flangeless wheels, machined to aid running on tight bends. Axles 2 and 4 have wheels with reduced flanges, also as per the prototype. The can motor in the firebox drives at the back with smooth running due in part to a flywheel. All this mechanism is hidden from sight. Controlling needs care as a result. Once the engine is run in we expect its haulage powers to equal other Ace engines previously reviewed. On Richard’s line with 3ft radius curves the nearly new model pulled six Ace BR Mark 1 coaches with ease using under half an amp running around for half an hour. The prototypes were timed at 90 mph until the authorities put a stop to it – the model might well do the same once you’ve run it in! Heavy freight haulage should cause few problems.

As noted earlier, we think this model to be Ace’ s best so far. Sales will probably be good, so they should go quickly. The price is about one third of some 9F RTR models and a competent 2RFS modeller might just want to change the wheels and save money thereby. Thoroughly recommended.

A copy of this review was sent to Ace Trains and their comments have been incorporated into the text.

Pictures by Jon Holder, Tyne Dock version pictures by Charlotte Levy