Thursday, 1 July 2021

How short is a 00 gauge coach?


 Twice as long as half a one of course!

Whilst rummaging through the 'bits' box I came across six pieces of Hornby 4 wheel coach- the old one.

When put together it produced the coach shown. A bit of fun which may be a talking point at future events.

All I have to do is replace the footboards, square up the roofs and epoxy the whole lot when the superglue has cured to beef up the butt joints (not ideal). Then fill any gaps and then undercoat. 

Final finish- who knows.

Monday, 28 June 2021

800th post-00 NEM couplings shortened.


A pal of mine showed me a way he had closer coupled stock using Bachmann/Hornby NEM couplings.

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.



 

Sunday, 27 June 2021

00 gauge Adams 02 0-4-4T .

The 02 is completed- just. The RailTec transfers were simple to apply even with my shaky hand. As a result I am pleased with the result. In times past I would have made a better job but now it is as it is.

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!


 



Saturday, 26 June 2021

00 gauge Adams 02 0-4-4T.

The 02 transfers have arrived and ,as usual, don't disappoint.

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



 

00 gauge Pull-Push Adams 02 0-4-4T.

 

A friend sold me this Kernow 02 which has had the circuit board removed and the motor simply wired to the pick-ups- runs fine.

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.


Wednesday, 23 June 2021

SMP 00 Gauge point kit.

Something I have never tried before is to build track.

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!

 


Tuesday, 22 June 2021

NU-CAST 00 Gauge 64XX Pannier Tank kit.


 

I count myself lucky to have found this Nu Cast Pannier tank kit.

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.


 Showing the boxed MRRC motor. Also some of the minor castings which are in remarkably good condition considering their age.

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.