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Moving to P4 (Post 39 (Loco Building))

Knuckles

Entry posted by Knuckles

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This post won't amaze you, neither is there any pictures so I'll be supprised to see any comments as it's more an announcement than anything, anyway, my next post will likely be the building of a locomotive kit (or 2) straight into P4

 

I'm finally going to have a crack at Thomas MK 1& MKII.

Finally I got a reply from Blue Pioneer who has built one of these E2's, he says the chassis is indeed etched and he has showed me a photograph and the horn guides are cut too.

Thus, I have ordered two E2 kits, and 2 chassis kits from Holt models. Luckily they do the easy transaction method I prefer.

EDIT 2: Just phoned Alan Gibson up and ordered the wheels/axles, sprung buffers, crank pins and some spacers. So when all the bits arrive I'll have a look at the kit and try to decide what gearbox/motor combination I need useing High Level or Comet Model's gearbox planners to work it out. Does anyone have info on suggested motor w/ gearbox?

Thing is I'm scared of buying one blind if it won't fit, or if it's geared unsuitably. Unsure.

Anyway, this should be interesting.

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  • RMweb Gold
Captain Kernow
  • RMweb Gold

Knuckles, I'd wait for the chassis kits to arrive, place them against a scale drawing of the loco, together with an acetate copy of the High Level or Comet gearbox planner, and make a decision then.

 

There is somewhere information on motor running speeds for the likes of Mashima etc., which could help you decide on the gearing of the gearbox.

 

I've always found that High Level have a combination that will fit (they also sell Mashima motors, possibly Comet do as well).

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Adam

I'd concur with CK here. High Level have a downloadable gearbox planner: http://chrisgibbon.com/webftp/gearboxplanner.pdf which, in conjunction with a scale drawing (or a sketch based on the internal dimensions of the body), should provide a good, clear guide.

 

The High Level site also features a speed calculator: http://chrisgibbon.com/webftp/speedcalculator.xls If you key in the relevant figures, a theoretical scale top speed will result. Now my guess with a E2 - a middle-sized 0-6-0T - would want something like a Mashima 14 series can, flywheel (always worth it if you can fit one) and 54:1 gearing (that would be my preference, but no more than that). Several gearboxes will give you that and keep the cab clear. 

 

Adam

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Knuckles

Guys, many thanks indeed. I have Comet Models gearbox planner on acetate already from ages ago but not Highlevels. I'll have a look definetly. Do you have suggestions on ballance weights? To be honest having looked at E2 photographs I think it would be a quick job with some thin styrene sheet.

 

Speed planner will help, thanks for the tips. :)

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  • RMweb Gold
Captain Kernow
  • RMweb Gold

For balance weights, I normally use 20 or 30 thou plasticard, pretty straightforward to cut out, and glued in place with 5 minute epoxy.

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Jan

Talk to Chris at High Level (0191 388 2112). I did today. He came across as a knowledgeable, helpful, and honest bloke. And now he knows what folk down here call Plymothians :)

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