Another body and chassis have arrived, this time in BR Maroon. This one has had handrails replaced and lamp irons fitted. The fit isn't too bad and once the area below the bufferbeam is filled in improves the appearance somewhat.
Buffers are by Bachmann and a loop fitted for Sprat and Winkle couplings.
The match of maroons isn't satisfactory so needs to be redone.
The two face up to each other- the Bachmann buffers are larger than the Mainline originals.
Firstly it was dismantled which identified that, without major surgery, the cab detail couldn't be used with the Lima chassis.
A driver had been added which saved me painting another one. The cab moulding simply slides off a couple of lugs so is easily removed.
The removal of the lower skirt from the mainline body is aided by a moulded line and makes a snug fit.
To aid fitment a small countersunk screw has been fitted at the lower edge of the body securing it to the chassis.
A new identity was obtained from Rail-Tec,- D816 Eclipse in this case. Steves nameplates are superb and a complete set of transfers for the loco is supplied for the price of an etched pair of plates.
Some spare headcodes have been applied (probably wrong!). And yes the crests are wrong but I happen to like this combination and it's my railway etc etc.
Turning attention to the bogies, as luck would have it there was a review of replacement wheelsets from Peter's Spares. A set was obtained- did consider the Ultrascale products but as this is for use on a 7ft long layout felt to be un-necessary.
The trailing set is simply a slot in excercise whereas the driving bogie needs a wheel removed to fit.
Below is a comparison of the originals with the replacements- removes the adhesion tyres also!
Original set bottom and replacement top.
Certainly improves appearance.
https://www.railtec-models.com/index.php
After several weeks I have actually found a way to access the blog!
This means that several builds and models have been by-passed because I couldn't access the blog.
Hopefully now I can start to re-post and the followers may actually have a reason for living!
