I bought a railroad black 5 recently, thinking it would be a budget version of the superdetailed item.
I was a bit disappointed when I received it. It's very inaccurate and it wouldn't pull a boy scout off yer grannie.
Somehow I still like this model and so I've resisted reselling it. As long as I keep it away from my other black 5s, it looks OK.
But that tender has to go.
It weighs a massive 182 g and is less well free running then an old triang wagon with non pinpoint bearings. It's a disgrace really. In fact it operates as one big brake. I know it's a relic from the old days of ringfield, but surely Hornby have better chassis available?
So rather than mess with the mess, I bought a cheap mainline LMS stanier tender. Their version weighs in at 82 g, is much better detailed, and is a very free runner. I have to repaint it in early BR as well as fit wipers and a drawbar pin. Nothing tricky.
Just wondering if someone else has done this and maybe the best finish/ shade of black to match the Hornby body?
My aim is to get this loco to be able to handle 8 coaches rather than the current 2-3 on level track. I will also add some extra weight to the loco body.
All help gladly appreciated.
Craig