Layout Update......... August 2008

N.B. The comments in this article refer to earlier versions of the Creanorm Post Container wagons. Later versions are being delivered with improved wheel mounting plates already fitted.

It's not everyday that a new manufacturer enters the world of Swiss N-Gauge modelling so I make no apology for this update being more about rolling stock than the actual layout. As promised and with typical Swiss punctuality CREANORM have just delivered the goods in the shape of the characteristic Lgnss 2-axle Post Container Wagon right on schedule. The model comes complete with two containers and is available in eight versions each carrying postal slogans in either German, French or Italian. I was particularly pleased when Creanorm announced this model last year as it had always been my intention to have a postal depot on the layout and I didn't relish the idea of scratchbuilding suitable wagons.

Two examples of the Creanorm Lgnss Post Container Wagons.

Straight from the box the models look fantastic with excellent paintwork, an abundance of mostly legible lettering and good detailing but unfortunately when they are put on the track a different story emerges (See note at bottom of this page). Firstly, because of a production fault, the wagons are not very free running as a result of the wheel treads rubbing slightly against the moulding into which the axle fits. This problem was immediately acknowledged by Creanorm and they soon came up with a simple method of rectifying it. It does require some careful filing but the end result is a very free running wagon. Before starting the two containers and the wheels need to be removed. I have produced the following photo to illustrate the procedure.

Once the wheels are rotating freely the second problem becomes even more apparent. Because of the wagon's long wheelbase, Creanorm have tried to create self-steering axles by allowing them to swivel slightly on their central axis when passing around curves. This might work in theory but in N-Gauge reality the axles have a mind of their own and noisy, uneven running results. Once again Creanorm responded and said that the axle-movement feature could be disabled but not if the wagons were to be used on layouts with Radius 1 curves (192 mm). As it is easily removed, should the need arise, I opted to secure the axle assemblies on my wagons with Copydex adhesive as shown in the following photo.

I don't have any Radius 1 curves but a great amount of test running has proven that the modified wagons can easily negotiate the 228 mm radius curves on the hidden parts of the layout smoothly and quietly.

A test train hauled by an appropriate (but unrealistic) Re460 passing through Primelbach.

Despite the teething problems with their first project I hope that Creanorm will not be discouraged and that they will go on to produce many more reasonably priced Swiss N-Gauge models.

Since this article was first written Creanorm have made modified wheel mounting plates available. They are easy to fit and cure the current problems without the need to use adhesive. As an added bonus they are also produced in the correct body colour instead of black as at present. The modified plates are shown below.

First written:30th August 2008.

Updated: 3rd September 2008 and 20th October 2008.