Model Railway Forum

Firstly, I must say that I'm not certain which is the best forum section to post this item in.

I have an opportunity to acquire, on-line, a non-running Hornby T9 4-4-0 which the seller describes as:
Slipping gear, chassis block & motor mount perished.

I've been in touch with several repairers asking if they can provide a solution/service to remedy the fault. The concensus is that this problem is not uncommon in the T9 and it is, probably, not worth repairing.

I'm keen to know what causes this perishing. Is it the material from which the block & mount are made? Is it a fault in the manufacturing process? Is it down to a poor maintenance regime from an owner?

If you have come across this problem, how did you deal with it?

Thanks in advance.

Hello. The T9 is one of the most famous chassis rot victims. The issues occur when other metals get mixed in the mazak chassis material and the chassis starts to expand break up. If you are gifted it could present an opportunity (At the right price) to build a new chassis for it. Otherwize it is a non runner, which is a shame.

There is a replacement motor mount available from Peters Spares https://www.petersspares.com/peters-spa ... r-mount.ir which may be all you need, though it is out of stock ATM.

If you notice Roger next at bottom of Peter Spares ad for the part it says in small print Tenmp out of stock. I have began to think that means he is not likely to get any more in stock. Peter Spares have a habit of saying temp; out of stock on things which are not very likely to ever be back in stock. But you may be lucky you never know. .................John

A useful place to get hold of metal to cut up and build a chassis for another loco is to buy some old hornby / Triang chassis blocks which can be cut up and drilled and re shaped to your hearts content.
I have not measured it up, but a good chassis to start with to make a T9 chassis may be something like an 1990s Schools or something like a B12. I have not measured any thing so don't shoot the messenger. I am sure there is something which may give you a block with the axel holes in the right places. Then all you have to do is shape and adapt the block to fit the other wheels and body. Good little project for some body who wants to save a good T9 body and tender.. I think I would use Brass sheet and spacers as an alternative method to build a chassis myself.. The brass sheet type of chassis is easy to fit a motor in...................John

Sorry made error say chassis from B12 I was thinking about making something out of a Compound. That looks the right wheel arrangement.