2FS 45xx scratch build

[stuin21990]

Hi everyone, 

 

I'm relatively new to 2FS.

 

I've planned a small 'introductory' layout of which a 45xx is integral. 

 

I've been advised there's no available model suitable for conversion, so it's a scratch build, but a relatively suitable first scratch attempt. 

 

Given that I'm completely new to scratch building locomotives I'm not sure where to begin.

 

I do possess a small lathe and basic skills.

Any help with dimensions, plans or any relevant information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks 

Stu

[Chris Higgs]

Most people just use the Dapol body (both 4500 and 4575 versions available), together with an etched chassis. It is to 1:148 scale rather than 1:152.

 

Very detailed original drawing in Great Western Railway Journal Issue 16. There was also long ago a drawing by Stuart Hine on how he built his scratchbuilt 45XX. He made his own motor which you don't need to do any more.

 

Chris

 

 

[2mmMark]

If you have access to the 2mm Magazine archive, the January 1962 edition has an article by Stewart Hine on building a 45xx body.  The techniques are still valid today.   It's part of a series of articles on building a 45xx, from the time in which everything was scratchbuilt.  The articles were republished by the Association as a small booklet.

David Eveleigh offers a 45xx chassis kit which is designed for the Dapol body but would equally suit a scratchbuilt body.  This might be to 1:148 scale though, giving a small discrepancy on the wheel spacing from a 2mm scale model. 

http://www.2mm.org.uk/small_suppliers/davideveleigh/index.htm

[stuin21990]

Thank you Chris and Mark  I'll dig out those articles and get studying. Got a few things on the go that need finishing before I get into the 45xx build but the David Eveleigh chassis route seems the way to go.

Regards 

 

Stu

 

[Ian Smith]

Stu,

I’ve been going to reply to you for a couple of weeks (either on here or the VAG), so apologies for my tardiness!

 

There are copies of original drawings for the class in GWRJ nos 2 & 16. No 2 shows the class pretty much as built albeit with a larger bunker.

 

My current project is also building a 45xx but in as built condition suitable for my circa 1906 Modbury layout. I am using a suitably modified Dapol body with a scratch built chassis.

 

My chassis is built “traditionally” with phosphor bronze frames and pcb spacers.  I decided not to mill one this time as there is plenty of space in the body for weight.

 

I am/will detailing how I did it in my Modbury thread, but my chassis builds can be somewhat organic as I tend to adapt my ideas as I progress - a case in point on this one is the need to file away almost 0.5mm from the top of the chassis to allow body to sit lower, also I now realise that my original intention of fixing motion brackets in slots in chassis is a non starter as the leading wheels preclude this. Therefore I am now considering cantilevering them from the cylinders, speaking of which I am currently hacking from solid lumps of brass!

 

Ian