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July 2024 Newsletter

Recording Trips

As mentioned last month, we struggled to get a full set of engine sounds within the confines of Norwich Crown Point depot and its 5mph speed limit. In response to this, Stadler very kindly offered us to return for a short trip out on the mainline to get what we needed.

Just in the nick of time for this newsletter, we rocked up bright and early at Crown Point depot yesterday morning (29th July) to setup our equipment. Our unit, 755408, was brought into the shed to allow us to do this. Being a 755/4, it had four engines rather than the two in a 755/3 that we recorded on the depot last month. As a result, it was a bit of a tight fit for the micrphones but we managed it. We then nipped outside to put a mic on the motor bogie using a magnetic mount and cable tie for extra security. With some extra mics placed inside the train for good measure in the saloon and cab, we shunted out of Crown Point depot and awaited the road southwards on the Wensum curve. This curve avoids reversing in Norwich station.

After the 11:00 to London had passed, we got the road and set off with 5P01 11:05 Norwich - Diss. We weren't too sure how much control we were going to have over the train but our personable driver was happy to take all reasonable requests. Whilst the primary aim of the run was to obtain the engine sounds, we also took the chance to record detailed 'run' sounds. These being the sound of the train moving. Starting at 10mph, every 60 seconds or so, we increased speed in 10mph increments to the full line speed of 100mph. We soon reached Diss and after waiting for a northbound London service to pass, reversed and headed back to Norwich with 5P02 11:25 Diss - Norwich.

The same process was followed as the outward trip but in reverse so we accelerated at full power to 100mph to get a solid recording of the engines at full rpm, before coming down in 10mph increments. Throughout the whole trip too, we took video of one of the TCMS screens stating the power output and rpm of the engines. This is always handy when processing the sounds so you know exactly what the engine is doing at a certain point in the recording. Before we knew it, we were back at Crown Point and had all of our equipment packed away in time for lunch. Hurray!

The Workbench

June has all been about liveries. Compared to the existing enhancement packs, our aim is provide even more variations and some of the more 'one-off' examples. Weathered variations will also be included as well as a comprehensive set of 2D nameplates. This is no mean feat as HSTs have worn a wide variety of nameplates of different shapes and sizes, many of which with accompanying plaques. For example, we have implemented 114 nameplates for InterCity Swallow livery alone. See below for just a few examples of what has been done so far.

At the time of writing, we are about halfway through the liveries. This is for the class 43 power cars alone with the Mk3s to come later, which hopefully puts into perspective what a mammoth undertaking this pack.