Mountain Goat Waggon & Carriage Works.

[RogerB]

Hi MG, may I respectfully suggest that you either use the macro setting on your camera if it has one - or take your close up photos from a bit further away. Your two wagon are out of focus. R-

[Mountain Goat]

Been struggling how to reduce photos without using other sites. I use the crop function but it makes the pics zoom in which tends to make them blury.
At least this tablet works a lot better then the last one did as the last one didn't like taking photos.

This waggon was converted to 7mm narrow gauge by using a body from a budget battery train set and building onto it with sub chassis assemblies.

[RogerB]

Thats goes a little way to explaining the matter. Flickr is free and when you come to uploading your images you are able to select the size you want without any degradation. It is preferable for images to be hosted off forum and a link uploaded as it saves bandwidth (whatever that is). There is a help page here. Just ask if you need any help with it. R-

[Mountain Goat]

Yay. The internet is back, though it is ever so slow so I will see if I can share this next picture. It is not that clear as I took it on this tablet.
While the internet has been off, I have had the layout out and have been at work making some "Bridge rails". Not the bridge rails of the early years, but rather short sections of track to go between the boards. I have re-used some rescued sleepers which saves me a little work, and so far have made two of these tracks. Each one is cut and curved for the specific location in which it is going to be used. I have specifically used old Lima rail joiners for these pieces as Lima rail joiners are an appropriate rusty colour and they also support the upper parts of the rail along with the lower parts. They are ideal, though I will need to give them a little clean internally.
I have also come across some lovely clockwork locos which I have purchased as a price I couldn't refuse. I have a plan to build a lightweight body to use with them (I plan to convert at least one of them) which is very useful for use when the track power is not available. Initial tests have shown that they can trundle along as a realistically sedate rate with plenty of run time to complete a circuit. They do slow down a bit on my tight curves so I usually give them an extra wind to assist them. I am actually impressed as they do have potential. Stopping them at my station is going to be another challenge, but for through trains, what could be more fun! And fun they are in droves! By Jove, I'm having fun!

[Mountain Goat]

I thought the internet was back... It then went again until today when the repair man spent most of the day changing the line. He had quite a task as it was quite windy, cold and damp.
I have had some fun after making those little rail sections running 00 gauge clockwork engines. It has really brought some joy. What is strange is how clockwork drive seems to be almost forgotten about and yet it does offer something different and fun. I was also quite impressed that despite thought of as a toy, they are actually made well considering their budget intentions. Certain cost cutting shortcuts were not found in the mechanism itself. Plastic wheels, yes, though to be used alongside electric models, plasticnis ideal, along with gaining some grip on slippery rails. Important for a clockwork loco which doesn't want to lose its wind in a spinning frenzy!
Now will I convert one to 7mm narrow gauge? Maybe but some careful thought is needed. 0 gauge clockwork locos normally had plenty of power in their spring as they have a size advantage and can make use of it. However, with 00 gauge it is a compromize, hence very lightweight wagons were included in the little clockwork trainsets. My brother used to have one and it used to do 7 laps of a circle of track per wind. I have had four laps of my little layout but due to my tight curves, I have to be conservative on how much wind I can give them. Now to convert to 7mm narrow gauge, I am restricted to using the 00 gauge chassis with its small spring. I daren't take one of these beaties apart to have upgrade ideas like I do with an electric loco. I believe I could get a converted loco to pull two short coaches or three or four waggons, but my tight curves limit the clockworks ability to pull. If I had gentler 1st radius curves I would have a better chance of a nice run.
One of my little 0-4-0 clockwork locos is not made to the usual Triang or Hornby design. Its winding mechanism goes click click like a clock while the Triang and Hornby mechanisms (Same design) have a cog in a slot which lifts instead so does not click. Its rear loop to couple wagons to is about a cm higher then the Triang design. I have to be honest and say that this loco runs better, but who made it? It is a mystery to me so far... and a joy to have.

I also have three wagons designed for use with the clockwork locos which actually offer decent 7mm narrow gauge potential. The open wagons will make a great match to work with the larger 4 wheel waggon I have which had toy trainset origions. We shall see.

I also have

[steel bat]

You obviously enjoy your scratchbuilding and kit bashing! Must give you a great feeling of being the "Company Engineer" !


I simply use Windows "Paint" to resize pictures. Changing to JEPG or GIF format can often reduce the file size.

[Mountain Goat]

I may need to use a way to smallerize things. A few have suggested ways. I am on a tablet. This is a new Samsung tablet. I am still learning how it works. I have to use the old tablet as yet for photos until I get to know this one.

[glencairn]

Love the kit-bashing etc., Mountain Goat.
Hope to see more.

Glencairn

[Mountain Goat]

Thanks Glencairn. I did want to do some work on the layout today but wasn't feeling that energetic, and also there were other things which took priority.

[Mountain Goat]

I now have a new toy. It is a tool that may help a little in making things. I have not tried it yet.