As one who is always prepared to shamelessly pinch others ideas this is my take.
The female socket has been shortened as has the coupling. A hole drilled through both parts and countersunk to ensure the pin doesn't protrude.
It reduces the length by about 3mm which isn't a lot but is a first effort.
The headcode discs are the one's supplied with the loco and are a random choice as the destination is fictitious.
Couplings have been fitted to the front buffer beam as has a steam hose.
All in all I am pleased with the result and must produce another Pull-push coach set, 2 car, for it to pull!
The numbering and shed plate for this loco custom made and delivered in two days from order is nothing short of amazing.
The lining is very fine and comes with ample to line several classes of locos.
The instructions are simple but comprehensive and, being fresh will be easier to apply.
https://www.railtec-models.com/index.php
It had also been repainted into Southern green as an Isle of Wight loco.
I had been looking for a mainland bunkered version with push pull equipment for some time and this fitted the bill.
The Southern green has been flattened down and repainted gloss black- not the best of finishes I will admit but once the transfers are applied and matt varnish applied this will not be easily be noticed.
So- a quick order to Rail Tec for suitable transfers whilst the paint dries and Steve hasn't disappointed with a very swift delivery. More of that next post.
When this appeared on an auction site with a ridiculous buy it now price I thought at this price it's too good an opportunity to miss.
It is actually two kits. One for a three way turnout, the other can be made as a long crossing or single or double slip.
Must read up to see if I need track gauges etc.
So much now to make!
Although the original title on the box lists it as a 15XX class whist it has been changed to a 64XX.
The contents are as new and an added bonus is that it came complete with wheels and a MRRC 5 pole motor. Old school I know but I remember the MRRC 5 pole from my slot car days- so know it will run well.
The wheels- Romfords -have already been fitted to the, one piece,chassis as shown below.
I used to go to the MRRC factory in Boscombe to get my slot car motors remagnetised. That was about 55 years ago and I was still at school!
Below are some of the major castings which are well cast and thicker than the castings I have been used to.
Just have to break out the low melt soldering iron and flux.
Using a moulding from the Dapol range of workers, Claud Farquharsen has been securely affixed to said chariot.
It is satisfying that aged figures can be used and without breaking the bank.
Claud is fetchingly attired in light grey overalls, his wife having spent some time boiling them to remove the grease and coal stains.
The moulding is very good- almost as good as the present rendition by Bachmann.
Purchased as a non-runner- it has been stripped and new parts added as needed. Add to this the addition of lamp irons, coal irons to the tender and a crew makes this model into a gem.
This one has had the couplings removed and loops for Sprat and Winkle etched couplings substituted. This loco is destined for use on the GWR era of St Mewan, my micro 4mm layout based near St Austell.
Crushed real coal and a crew- Dapol figures, complete the modifications and after testing, was deemed ready to take its place on the loco roster.
I have many models which haven't been recorded including this one, my Dapol Class 52 Western which was a limited edition from the |London Transport Museum some time ago.
This one made me part with the Heljan example - wish I hadn't. This is part of the St Mewan project which has just about come to fruition!
