Wright writes.....

[Adam88]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Speaking with a friend earlier, he thought Millholme kits should have been used by fishermen! 

 

In my experience fishermen are grumpy enough already without extra provocation.

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, Barry Ten said:

Here's some work I''ve been doing on a DJH 7F which was acquired second-hand.

 

 

There were mechanical and detail issues with the model which I've tried to address. First the detail stuff - the model was numbered as 53808, one of the 1925 series built with left hand drive - however the DJH boiler details and smokebox saddle are for the earlier, right-hand drive batch. However, it wasn't as simple as just renumbering it, as the builder had fitted the reversing lever to the wrong side. In the process of trying to relocate it, I managed to mangle the white metal lifting links so all of that had to be rebuilt in brass.

 

Although the boiler details (is it a vacuum ejector?) were then on the correct side, I felt that they needed to be beefed-up so the DJH castings were mostly filed back and then reinstated with brass, wire and plastic, until I had something that had a bit more presence. I also removed the handrails along most of this side of the loco and replaced them with a length of brass, secured by split-pins.

 

Mechanically, the model was all right but there were some tight spots that took a bit of diagnosing. One piston rod hadn't been trimmed back to length so was clouting the front of the cylinder on each stroke, so that had to be shortened, and one connecting rod was slightly fouling the motion bracket at part of its travel, leading to resistance. I also gave the loco more side-play, added extra pickups, and finally replaced the Portescap motor/gearbox with a DJH unit, since I couldn't stand the noise of the Portescap.

 

On that subject, I've now got a complete Portescap going spare, so if any of Tony's regulars might be interested, I'd be happy to pass it on for a small donation to CRUK - let me know by PM if so interested. it's got everything except the grub screw.

 

Here's a shot of the DJH and Bachmann 7Fs, showing the difference between the left and right-hand drive variants (the Bachmann one being correctly numbered in the later series).

 

 

cheers,

 

Al

Resolute, as always, Al,

 

What you've described is typical of many of the kit-built locos which pass through my hands. 

 

Mistakes in basic building, mechanical mistakes, mistakes with regard to detail and a Banshee-like Portescap. 

 

Small wonder, I suppose, why the equivalent RTR example is so popular. Still, I know which will give you the greater satisfaction. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

 

[Mark C]

6 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Good afternoon Brendan,

 

Ray Lightfoot's Gedney Drove was one of my first photographic commissions for BRM; a superb layout.

 

I think Ray scratch-built the Ivatt 4s on Gedney. Unfortunately he hasn't enjoyed the best of health for many years now. Indeed, I haven't seen him for some time (Covid notwithstanding). 

 

I also wonder what happened to Tony Geary's Millholme 'Flying Pig'. Had I any sense at the time (I was depressed), I'd have bought it myself.

 

Anyway, just to put you (and others) into the picture regarding donations to CRUK. Thanks to your loco and the contributions from the likes of Ray, Frank, Lee, Ron, Brian and Geoff (apologies for any I've missed), over £200.00 has gone to CRUK of late. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Gedney Drove cemented my interest in modelling the M&GN.  I retained that article within which there is an excellent shot of an Ivatt 4MT.  I saw the layout at Biggleswade and subsequently followed it to the Basingstoke exhibition; I've often wondered what happened to it.

 

Mark

[polybear]

5 hours ago, Clearwater said:

 

Hi Tony

 

Whilst I suspect I may know the answer to this question, have you given any thought to setting up a "Justgiving" or similar page for your virtual loco clinics?  Given the lack of exhibitions and inability therefore to put money into the tin, those of us who might want to contribute would be able to do so easily.  It may also entice some of the overseas followers of this thread to be able to contribute as well!

 

Kind regards

 

David

 

 

A contribution direct to CRUK would be more beneficial I think, especially if you agree to gift aid (it costs the giver nothing, and means that CRUK can claim an extra 25p for every £1 given).  And maybe a pm to Tony, so he can add the donation amount to his yearly total raised? HTH

[DougN]

I have just had a search for the grub screws for the Portescap motors. The answer appears to be a M1.6 grub screw. (pitch is 0.35) a specialist supplier may be able to supply these. Its a strange thought these may be available from plumbing fitting suppliers as Alankey screws for bath and kitchen taps etc. 

[St Enodoc]

6 hours ago, MarkC said:

What's the cut that JustGiving takes? I know they take some. That means less going to CRUK. Yes, I know that it costs money to run such schemes, but I know where I would rather see the pennies heading off to...

 

Mark

True enough Mark, but if that means that CRUK only gets say 90% of GBP 500 instead of 100% of GBP 200, which is the better deal?

[MarkC]

5 hours ago, St Enodoc said:

True enough Mark, but if that means that CRUK only gets say 90% of GBP 500 instead of 100% of GBP 200, which is the better deal?

This is also true - but I for one prefer to donate directly, instead of paying middle men. There's enough siphoned off by top management in many charities already... (but that's another debate entirely, and definitely NOT for this thread...)

 

Mark

[jrg1]

5 hours ago, DougN said:

I have just had a search for the grub screws for the Portescap motors. The answer appears to be a M1.6 grub screw. (pitch is 0.35) a specialist supplier may be able to supply these. Its a strange thought these may be available from plumbing fitting suppliers as Alankey screws for bath and kitchen taps etc. 

Jewellers may be able to supply small screws.

[Chuffer Davies]

1 hour ago, jrg1 said:

Jewellers may be able to supply small screws.

 

6 hours ago, DougN said:

I have just had a search for the grub screws for the Portescap motors. The answer appears to be a M1.6 grub screw. (pitch is 0.35) a specialist supplier may be able to supply these. Its a strange thought these may be available from plumbing fitting suppliers as Alankey screws for bath and kitchen taps etc. 

Ultrascale can provide these.  They can also provide a replacement final gear for these gearboxes if you’ve lost it.  
 

Frank

[lee74clarke]

14 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Good evening David,

 

I rather suspect you've forgotten to whom you're talking. What's a 'Justgiving' page? I haven't the least idea what it means.

 

It's true any contributions to CRUK this year (at least from February) have been less than a quarter of what Mo and I sent last year. The reasons are obvious - no shows and no visitors to see LB. Any funds post-Feb we've sent are mainly via donations from the generous-spirited folk out there (thank you all once more - you know who you are). 

 

Not all the donations are via Mo and me. After I've serviced/fixed (or just sorted) any model donations, after they're posted off, I leave it to many of the recipients to send their donations to CRUK (or, some particularly personal charity). Without being altruistic, we'll meet (most of) the postage charges (which is our contribution). 

 

I think it works quite well at the moment.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Good Morning Tony,

 

The Cancer Research UK web-site, makes an on-line donation really simple, that's how I arranged the Brit payment. You tick the 'Gift Aid' box before confirming payment, and that amount shows as well.

Maybe a bit of a gimmick, but you can add the name of someone lost to cancer as a dedication. I added one of my closest friends, who passed away aged 39 November '19, leaving a wife and 4 kids.  Cruel world at times.

What would he have said about me making a 'dedication'? Probably "Lee, don't be a t*"t, what a load of s*&t!"

 

Best Regards,

Lee

 

 

[MJI]

14 hours ago, dibateg said:

I cannot remember where 43106 went...it was sold, but to who? No it wasn't such a bad kit for its day, you just had to be wary of any errors in the kit and be prepared to correct them...

 

Tony's scratch built Ivatt, I wonder if anyone else has experience of haunted models!....

 

Regards

Tony

 

 

 

SVR?

[Tony Wright]

My initial assessment of Hornby's A2/2 has now gone live.

 

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/video-hornbys-a2-2-on-test-exclusive-first-look

 

It must be remembered that this is a proving sample, and the production ones might differ.

 

I used the loco straight from its box, with no running-in. I didn't add any of the detail fittings (front steps, cylinder drain cocks, etc.,) and left the extended drawbar as it came.  

 

 

 

 

It's very impressive...........................

 

 

Edited December 10, 2020 by Tony Wright
to add something

[MarkC]

One thing about these locomotives - there's no real issue with the bogie wheels fouling the cylinders on 'toy train' curves!

 

But it does indeed look quite impressive.

 

Mark

[Jol Wilkinson]

13 hours ago, DougN said:

I have just had a search for the grub screws for the Portescap motors. The answer appears to be a M1.6 grub screw. (pitch is 0.35) a specialist supplier may be able to supply these. Its a strange thought these may be available from plumbing fitting suppliers as Alankey screws for bath and kitchen taps etc. 

In the UK they are available from Model Fixings, who have a wide range of useful items;

 

Cup Point Grub Screws (modelfixings.co.uk)

Edited December 10, 2020 by Jol Wilkinson
spelling

[hayfield]

Tony

 

I see you have a liking to DJH kits an, I have recently have added a few kits to my collection, these are second hand either unbuilt or part built. I have a BR standard 4 class tank to build, other than buying a different make of chassis is it possible to build the chassis in the kit to EM gauge.

 

The main (or perhaps the first) stumbling block is the cast cylinders which would have to be modified slightly if I widen the main frames.

 

Any thoughts please

Edited December 10, 2020 by hayfield

[davidw]

3 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

My initial assessment of Hornby's A2/2 has now gone live.

 

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/video-hornbys-a2-2-on-test-exclusive-first-look

 

It must be remembered that this is a proving sample, and the production ones might differ.

 

I used the loco straight from its box, with no running-in. I didn't add any of the detail fittings (front steps, cylinder drain cocks, etc.,) and left the extended drawbar as it came.  

 

 

 

 

It's very impressive...........................

 

 

It looks superb. No sign of the A2/3?

[MikeParkin65]

18 minutes ago, davidw said:

It looks superb. No sign of the A2/3?

It's interesting that something that is aesthetically challenging in real life (not that I ever saw one but based on photo's and DVD's) looks so appealing as a model. 

[TerryD1471]

20 hours ago, dibateg said:

I cannot remember where 43106 went...it was sold, but to who? No it wasn't such a bad kit for its day, you just had to be wary of any errors in the kit and be prepared to correct them...

 

Tony's scratch built Ivatt, I wonder if anyone else has experience of haunted models!....

 

Regards

Tony

 

 

Hi Tony

 

I can tell you exactly where it went! I bought it from you and it is now resident and a regular performer on Hest Bank. Yes, I know it was an M&GN loco during 1958, but rule 1 applies....... (It's my train set etc.) Besides there were plenty of Ivatts at large on the Western Division, so it's not as if the type was "foreign".

 

Christmas greetings!

 

Terry D

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, hayfield said:

Tony

 

I see you have a liking to DJH kits an, I have recently have added a few kits to my collection, these are second hand either unbuilt or part built. I have a BR standard 4 class tank to build, other than buying a different make of chassis is it possible to build the chassis in the kit to EM gauge.

 

The main (or perhaps the first) stumbling block is the cast cylinders which would have to be modified slightly if I widen the main frames.

 

Any thoughts please

Good evening John,

 

DJH frames are really designed for OO (it's the main market, after all).

 

However, by adding spacing washers on the axles (anathema to the purists, but 'invisible' with the lid on) they can be made successfully in EM. If you widen the frames (in the half dozen or so I've built in EM, I haven't bothered), then the cylinders will protrude too far out. You'll need to file off the backs of the cylinder blocks to bring them in a twitch. Then, you'll find clearance problems between the crossheads/slidebars and the leading crankpins. My 'dodge' is to plug the cylinders with solder and re-drill holes for the piston rods an mil' and a half further outboard, setting slidebars out accordingly. 

 

I hope this helps.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, davidw said:

It looks superb. No sign of the A2/3?

Not as yet, David,

 

But I'm full of anticipation....................

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

Apart from the safety valves (on order from Markits) and a few bits to do on the tender, the donated Millholme 'Doodlebug' is now complete...................

 

 

I made the missing footplate sections out of brass stock, and other details came from my spares boxes.

 

The basic construction was really rather good (soldered, thankfully), and I've done no more than 'gild the lily' (if ever an Ivatt 4MT could be compared to a beautiful flower).

 

I'll have to wait to see how it performs on Retford. 

 

 

[MikeParkin65]

8 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

 

 

 

 

' (if ever an Ivatt 4MT could be compared to a beautiful flower).

 

 

 

 

Prettier than that A2/2

[MarkC]

36 minutes ago, MikeParkin65 said:

Prettier than that A2/2

And that was how the fight started 

[Barry O]

Why can't Hornby get BR Green correct on their locos?  It detracts from what looks like a nice loco.

 

Baz

[Beechnut]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Apart from the safety valves (on order from Markits) and a few bits to do on the tender, the donated Millholme 'Doodlebug' is now complete...................

 

 

I made the missing footplate sections out of brass stock, and other details came from my spares boxes.

 

The basic construction was really rather good (soldered, thankfully), and I've done no more than 'gild the lily' (if ever an Ivatt 4MT could be compared to a beautiful flower).

 

I'll have to wait to see how it performs on Retford. 

 

 

Well done Tony and note you have fitted the expansion link correctly :o) Looking forward to seeing it painted and running on Retford.

Were they used on the ECML or is it for the GCR?

Another loco for your EM stud which seems to be slowly but surely growing.

 

Brendan