N gauge GWR 56xx tank

[TomJ]

I'm pondering a layout set in South Wales in the 50s/60s for my next project - so a 56xx 0-6-2 tank would be really good to have

 

The problem is I model in N gauge, and DCC to complicate things, and theres no rtr model. There is a Langley whitemetal kit that looks rather nice when built.

The big issue for me before I take the plunge and buy one is the chassis. This was originally designed to fit on the old Farish 08 chassis, with the inside frames. Obviously this has now been superseded by the new model with the correct frames

 

It occurs to me that the 64xx has a similar wheelbase and spacing. And is DCC ready to go. Has anyone taken the body off the chassis? If so does it look like it might be feasible? The alternative is to source a second hand 08 - any ideas how easy this is to convert to DCC

 

Thanks if anyone can help on a somewhat specialist, esoteric topic!!

[Joseph_Pestell]

I think the 64xx would have rather smaller wheels than you want for a 56xx.

 

A 57xx would probably be a better starting point.

[Atso]

I can't help regarding the internal gubbins on the 64xx but have you thoughts about the Dapol 57xx? The wheelbase is even closer to the 56xx at 7'3 by 8'3 (compared to the 58xx 7'3 by 8' and the 64xx's 7'4 by 7'4) and you can obtain the rolling chassis, minus motor, coupling rods, brake gear and DCC plug (all available separately) from DCC supplies for £18.

 

Just a thought...

[TomJ]

_{I didn't think about the 57xx - I thought the chassis was sort of intergral to the body/tanks so not an options}

 

_{I'll have a look at DCC supplies.....}

Edited July 7, 2018 by TomJ

[stevegr]

The chassis that 56XX body is designed for is actually from the Farish General  Purpose tank or the old Farish 94XX Pannier.

 

A few people over the years have modded the GP tank over the years to represent a Rhymney Railway Class S or S1 tank a couple lasted into the 1950's.

[Atso]

_{I didn't think about the 57xx - I thought the chassis was sort of intergral to the body/tanks so not an options}

 

_{I'll have a look at DCC supplies.....}

 

The motor is mounted/glued into the pannier tanks and an absolute wotsit to get out! However, the rolling chassis doesn't have a motor and you'll have to devise your own way of mounting it. With my own 57xx chassis (not for anything GWR I'm afraid), I'm looking to take a little bit out of the back end of the gearbox to mount a motor between the second and third axles, not at the front as designed. I'll probably use a Nigel Lawton 8mm motor and worm as well as this is a little cheaper than buying the pannier motor (which is actually a very good motor in its own right).

[The Johnster]

The Grafar 94xx chassis that the kit was designed for was never a particularly good runner; actually good running UK steam outline N gauge chassis were rare as rocking horse doodoo in those days.  AFAIK, as it originated on the 'GP' tank, it didn't even have fishbelly coupling rods, and a new counterweight was required for the centre drivers as well.  As the modern 57xx is a much better runner, it may be worth simply destroying the donor loco body to obtain a running chassis for the 56xx, but you'll probably have to devise you own means of mounting the kit body too it.  

 

A 56xx, or several, is more or less a standard loco on any South Wales layout from the mid 20s on, up to 1965.  But there are parts of the area where they were not common, and even where they were unknown.  They made their major impact on constituent and absorbed company's lines, but less so on lines that were GW before the grouping, like the Western Valley and some of the Central Glamorgan valleys around Tondu, which were already well served with prairies and 2-8-0 tanks.  The coloured dot route restriction did not apply in the area, all lines were cleared for 'red' engines (with some speed restrictions) and only Kings and 47xx were prohibited.  Restrictions came in to force north of Pontsticill on the Brecon and Merthyr and Craig y Nos quarries on the Neath and Brecon, so you will not be able to get away with a 'yellow' or 'blue' branch that only panniers can work on.  They would have been very rare if not unknown altogether on the Cowbridge (former TVR) and Penygraig (GW) branches from Llantriaant, though.

[Steamport Southport]

The Grafar 94xx chassis that the kit was designed for was never a particularly good runner; actually good running UK steam outline N gauge chassis were rare as rocking horse doodoo in those days.  AFAIK, as it originated on the 'GP' tank, it didn't even have fishbelly coupling rods, and a new counterweight was required for the centre drivers as well.  As the modern 57xx is a much better runner, it may be worth simply destroying the donor loco body to obtain a running chassis for the 56xx, but you'll probably have to devise you own means of mounting the kit body too it.  

 

 

The early ones were very poor runners.

 

But the version released in the mid 1980s with the five pole motor and used with the J94 was a lovely little chassis and runner. If you can find a cheapish one of those it's ideal.

 

 

 

Jason

[Karhedron]

I think the 64xx would have rather smaller wheels than you want for a 56xx.

Both have 4'7.5" wheels although the spacing is different.

[TomJ]

Thanks everyone for your tips and advice. I think I’ve found a possible solution - a Chinese era Farish 57xx, plenty on eBay. And I know the chassis comes off separately from the body.

 

It’s not DCC fitted but I believe it shouldn’t be too difficult to do. If anyone has any info then please let me know!

 

Actually getting quite excited about possible kit building........

[The Johnster]

Not difficult to make up a thin card or plastic counterbalance weight for the centre drivers, which is a very characteristic feature of the 56xx and much larger than the 57xx's.  Sorry, can't help with DCC; the thought of fitting it in 4mm terrifies me, never mind 2mm!

[Joseph_Pestell]

I have one of those generic Farish 0-6-0 chassis somewhere. Available if anybody needs one.

 

But GF steam chassis, even the simple 0-6-0, were not that great. I wonder if the N gauge market (as opposed to 2mm finescale) has now reached the point where chassis kits/locomotive kits would be a viable project.

[Joseph_Pestell]

Following on from this thread, I have asked a few questions about the potential for N gauge chassis kits.

 

In the course of that, my attention was drawn to another N gauge 56xx available from ABS Beaver. Looks rather finer than the Langley one.

[TomJ]

Thanks for that advice. I’ve had a look at the ABS Beaver kit and from the pictures it does look finer than the Langley. Sadly it doesn’t seem easy to obtain anymore.

 

I’ve sourced a Farish 57xx chassis which runs well and should be straightforward(ish!) to cover to DCC. So I’ll order the Langley kit and when there’s any progress I’ll let you all know!

[johndaymodels]

Hi, you will be pleased to know that most of the abs Beaver Products N gauge has been acquired by myself and at present you will find them on eBay by searching N GAUGE BEAVER PRODUCTS, they will be listed soon on my website johndaymodels.uk.com

Daryle Toney (johndaymodels).