2mm Newbie question

[jamest]

Hi all,

 

I currently model in OO and O gauge but often think about doing something in 2mm or N. I did have a layout on the back of a door done in N gauge a few years back but sold it, and the stock (Doh), to fund other stuff when I had less room.

 

My question is - if I plan to model diesels only, how easy is it to swap out wheel sets to achieve pure 2mm standards?

 

I am aware of the 2mm association and have their starter wagon and track - I've also looked through the shop (I'm not a member yet) and, as with most specialist areas, it does fill me with a little dread.

I think I remember being told that split chassis models (like most Graham Farish stuff?) are easy to swap in wheels on - but other types with different pickups are more difficult.

 

Are there guides around for the more difficult tasks?

 

I'm not too concerned with the additional cost - as I don't plan to have a great deal of stock (mostly BR blue stuff) - I just don't want to go up an alley where I need to avoid certain locos because my skill, or part availability, limits my options.

 

The other option being not converting the stock and using the British Finescale stuff as a halfway house.

 

Regards,

James

[ShadowinLinby]

The drop in wheel sets are very easy to do and you can have a diesel converted very quickly. The 2mm FS Finetrac point kits are a good starter for a newbie to get a feel for point making. I would give fine scale a go and see how it suits you. Like everything different, it's about learning a few new skills. It's also about accepting that we learn by making mistakes. He who never made a mistake never made anything. 

 

ChrisB

[t-b-g]

I have recently being doing a bit of 2mm Finescale to help a friend with his project. The 2mm community is a very helpful and welcoming one and there is lots of advice and help available. There are plenty of threads in the 2mm section of RMWeb, some of which show how to convert RTR locos and stock to 2mm.

 

I would recommend joining the Association at an early stage, before trying to do much of anything. The shop is full of useful/essential bits, many of which are produced especially for the Association and not available elsewhere. I wouldn't fancy trying anything 2mm Finescale without access to it.

[jamest]

ok - thanks for the replies.

 

I was definitely going to join the 2mm association early on and give the points a go.

 

The size of the small piece of straight I got in the starter pack was an eye-opener! Or eye squinter!

 

I'm currently selling off some surplus OO stuff to partly fund some purchases!

 

Regards,

James

[ShadowinLinby]

James - I would depending on where you live, either seek out your local area group our join in on the Zoom Area Group (ZAG) which happens on Saturdays twice a month, or if possible do both. You will find lots on helpful people who all started where you are, and will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

 

ChrisB

[jamest]

I’ll take a look Chris,

 

First step done, form sent and fee paid for the association 👍

[Izzy]

11 hours ago, jamest said:

My question is - if I plan to model diesels only, how easy is it to swap out wheel sets to achieve pure 2mm standards?

 

If you are prepared to stick to Farish bogie diesels and DMU's then quite easy and simple using those parts produced by the association. They suit any Farish from the Poole era up to the latest spec to arrive. If you are not sure which to use then just ask on the VAG, ZAG, or here. There aren't drop-in sets for Dapol diesels at present, but I have read that some individuals are working towards producing these for the future. 

 

Bob

[nick_bastable]

 

 

a.pdf

Edited March 8 by nick_bastable

[ShadowinLinby]

James - the next ZAG meeting is tomorrow evening - details in the ZAG post on here. Pop in and say hello - we're a friendly bunch. Just remember, there will be members showing what they've been up to recently - don't be put off by what you see - remember the only difference between you and us is time and practice 

 

ChrisB

[jamest]

4 hours ago, ShadowinLinby said:

James - the next ZAG meeting is tomorrow evening - details in the ZAG post on here. Pop in and say hello - we're a friendly bunch. Just remember, there will be members showing what they've been up to recently - don't be put off by what you see - remember the only difference between you and us is time and practice 

 

ChrisB

Hi Chris,

 

Thanks for the invite, I have seen the thread and made a note of the meeting details.

 

I can’t attend tomorrow but will make an effort to on the next one later in the month.

 

Regards

James