Voie Libre international No. 101

Working is hard, entertaining oneself is hard, escaping is hard… Nevertheless, even in this very peculiar period, we need to forge ahead. Building, imagining, creating… are all activities that help us look to the future, help us escape the present. To assist you, LR Presse has put in place various communications tools: a newsletter, blogs, forums, while continuing to publish our magazines, to keep us all in touch, to ensure that modelling helps us cope with the sanitary crisis. For this issue #101, we had to alter the editorial line, amend our copy to take into account the cancellation of a great many scheduled gatherings. But over and above everything else, our objective is to preserve our links with our readership, and continue to help you dream. Take care, and enjoy your…

TILLIG : BOGIE CARRIAGES Tillig has released two new references for two new versions and variations in H0-12 of its DR bogie carriages. Under reference 13980: a metal-bodied carriage in green livery, featuring 7 windows, numbered DR KB4ip 900-230, period III/IV, based in Straupitz (built Werdau 1929) from the Spreewaldbahn network, transferred in June 1970 to the Harz. It was modernized in 1984 and became KB 900-230. Under reference 13981, we have a set of two Harz carriages, numbered DR KB 900-494 (Werdau 1929) and 900-513 (Bautzen 1932) modernized in 1985/86, period IV/V, featuring 8 windows, in red and cream livery. Jacques Royan TILLIG PRICE OBSERVED FOR ONE CARRIAGE: BETWEEN 40 AND 45€ SET: CA. 85€ BEMO : A NEW LIVERY FOR THE HF 130 Bemo has released a new version of the HF 130…

PRINCE AUGUST : WATER SUPPLY I discovered this product shortly after having made a marsh on my layout (see VL 100). Prince August produces a polyurethane varnish, supplied in a jar, which polymerizes in 24 hours when exposed to the air. By pouring this product in successive stages, you can obtain surfaces that represent calm waters. A substance that is very reminiscent of GPP “water”. Eric Fresné PRINCE AUGUST EAUX TRANQUILLES [CALM WATERS] REF. FX001 PRICE: 14.00€ PLUS POSTAGE MBR MODEL : READY-MADE UNDERGROWTH Produced by the Polish firm MBR Model and available from the LR Modélisme shop, this undergrowth is supplied in the shape of a block of grey-brown fibres of various shades. Separated and put into shape, they can be used to quickly make bushes and hedges. I shall return to this product in…

In this weird period we are experiencing, and at the time of writing these lines, railway modelling and reading related magazines bring us a touch of relief… This quarter, we welcome a newcomer to our press review. Narrow gauge Downunder, an Australian quarterly, deals largely with American narrow gauge, but not only! The January issue contains a very good article about a 12 inch gauge outdoor railway. An opportunity for its owner to gather friends around the railway. In the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, Gary Bothe presents an attractive project in 0n30: a steam railcar based on a Porter 0-4-2 and a Bachmann Spectrum panoramic carriage, fitted with DCC and sound. Rail & Industrie features two fine historical studies on two factories that used to be connected to metre gauge…

At first sight, new releases are few and far between, but all are worthy of interest. Let’s take a closer look. RACK RAILWAYS For LGB, Hobbytrain and N-tram, this is the year of the rack! In IIm scale, LGB has released a magnificent DCC locomotive from the Furka line, featuring sound and a smoke system. An unpainted prototype, displaying cast metal and injected plastic parts, shuttled up and down a short gradient. At an advertised price of 3599 euros, this will be an engine for deep-pocketed modellers. Hobbytrain has released the small electric steeple-cab engine from the Zugspitzbahn, in two liveries and three gauges: 9, 12 and 16.5mm. For N-tram, this year’s engine is an Austrian rack-and-pinion 0-4-0 T from the Achenseebahn. Quite splendid! Tiny, sharply detailed and running beautifully. Ideal for evoking…

The Leopold Halling company produces delightful H0 scale ready-to-run tramways. One model is available in non-motorized kit form for less than 40 euros, with a choice of three gauges. A perfect opportunity for me, as I was short of stock for my metre gauge tram line. On the Ferro Train Leopold Halling stand, I fell for a fine tramway and its trailer in H0 scale. For ca. one hundred euros, I found myself with a tram kit, a type B vintage mode fitted with a bow collector, in 12mm gauge. This was my first rolling kit: a real treat! THE MODEL AT A GLANCE Manufacturer: Leopold Halling Modelle Scale: H0 (1/87) Gauge: 16.5 – 12 – 9mm Driving chassis: 23mm Halling Vario-drive Pantograph: IDPAN-SMU lozenge Price: Kit ca. 40€, driving chassis 54€, pantograph 13€. Website : https://shop.ferro-train.com The first…