Model Railway Forum

Nice work Steve - it is coming together very nicely.

I think some of the rods and shoes, and metal fabricated steps are supplied by Heljan as options, but I always thought they were primarily for static display purposes rather than a operational loco........ I have some 2nd radius curves and points, so full bogie movement is essential.

Also, have you allowed for a coupling at number two end only ?

Cheers - Richard

Hi Richard, yes the brake rodding is definitely for ‘showroom queens’ only but I will try a length of square rod as Brian suggested - it makes a big difference to the final look.
The metal steps are fitted and don’t seem to foul anything so far. Of course it will get a good test (and adjustment) on my layout before it goes home.
I have left the ‘snowplough’ off the rear buffer beam but I will need to shorten the pipe work at that end to clear the coupling, but I won’t do that until I have taken it’s final pictures after final reassembly.
Finally, I changed the DCC address and it seems to have cured the intermittent starting without resorting to any other CV changes - keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

What make is the loco. I had Heljan, Dapol and an old Hornby version. Dapol was amazing, worked on 2nd rad in the sidings with all attachments fitted.

Walkingthedog wrote: ↑Tue Jan 04, 2022 7:16 pm What make is the loco. I had Heljan, Dapol and an old Hornby version. Dapol was amazing, worked on 2nd rad in the sidings with all attachments fitted.

This is the Heljan version.

Is it, thanks.

I added the dummy brake linkage without the brake shoes which fouled the side cowling (I straightened them up after this picture was taken).
I have removed the cowl under the buffer beam at the rear as it blocks access to the NEM pocket but left the pipework intact - that can be snipped off with side cutters if the coupling is to be fitted.

Tested and running this morning but I suspect the wheels have quite deep flanges as they rattled on my ballast and the body has quite an overhang in the middle on curves - I kept it away from my platforms!

20220106_102244 by Steve Mumford, on Flickr

I had a Heljan 52, not the best runner due to deep flanges. They did the opposite with there latest steam locos. The flanges were so shallow the wheels derailed on curves.

Looks fab and exactly as requested - another very fine job Steve.

Thanks - Richard.

Ps - Will try to upload a video of it running when it gets back to Portencross.

I think you have a fantastic colour scheme there Richard, really suits the Western. Steve has made a beautiful job.

Thanks for the comments. The bit that I am most pleased with is the soot from the exhaust - it took three shades of black and even then it's more of a change of texture rather than colour.