Underframe Detailing on Thompson & Gresley Full Brake Kits

[Binky]

I picked these 2 OO gauge models up secondhand at exhibitions, they appear to be kit built (Kirk kits perhaps?) and the underframes seem to be missing some components which I'd like to add. Unfortunately coach underframes and suitable detailing parts isn't something I know much about. (Yes I know the Thompson needs bogies! I have some which will be fitted).

 

Can anyone please offer some advice on what to buy and where to fit it? Are there any diagrams or photographs of coach undersides that I could work from? Or perhaps a beginners' guide to this sort of thing?

 

Thanks.

[Steamport Southport]

Look at the instructions on the Wizard/Comet website. Between them and MJT they should have everything needed.

 

Thompson

 

https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/carriage/e8k/

 

 

I don't think Comet did a 61'6" Gresley Full Brake apart from the steel type so no specific instructions.

 

https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/carriage/e21k/

 

MJT did though.

 

https://www.dartcastings.co.uk/mjt/2866.php

 

https://www.dartcastings.co.uk/mjt.php

 

Also look here. Loads of information on them.

 

https://www.steve-banks.org/prototype-and-traffic

 

https://www.steve-banks.org/modelling

 

 

Jason

[brossard]

Here's my 0 Gauge Kirk Gresley BG with super detailed underframe:

 

 

 

 

Anyone who has done a Kirk kit will know that provided detail is sparse.  I did a lot of research to get this result.  Apart from the major parts, much of the fiddlyness is scratch built.

 

I used the Kemilway manuals extensively to understand the details.  Sadly, Kemilway seems to have gone.  I have the manuals as PDF.  Warning these are biblical in scope.

 

There are a number of bought in components.

 

When I was doing 00, I detailed quite a lot of older coach underframes, all LMS, using Comet parts.

 

John

[Waveydavey]

That Thompson full brake looks like the Mailcoach kit. I have just won one of them on eBay and am looking forward to building it.

MJT do a selection of LNER underframe parts that will add a decent bit of weight to both coaches.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

Never mind all the underside clutter, the major aspect to first make right 'down there' is the height between rail top and peak of the roof of 50mm (12'6").

 

That done you test the vehicle on the layout minimum radius curve, and then remove any fouling mouldings  on the underside. 

 

Now you can put the fiddly stuff on, carefully checking placement for unimpeded bogie swing...

[Arun Sharma]

I would have thought that the appropriate Isinglass drawing would have all the structural and historical information that you might want regarding any ex-LNER rolling stock.

[brossard]

36 minutes ago, Arun Sharma said:

I would have thought that the appropriate Isinglass drawing would have all the structural and historical information that you might want regarding any ex-LNER rolling stock.

 

I bought these for my Gresley kits.  Very useful drawings, however, next to no info on underframe detail.

 

John

[Binky]

Thanks for all the advice, links and pics.

 

After a bit of googling I found that Phoenix Precision have this plastic sprue which might be a good place to start? (I notice my Thompson has one battery box on the wrong side so it may be easier for me to remove what's there and start again) https://www.phoenix-paints.co.uk/products/coach-and-wagon-parts/coach-parts/4-bogies-and-underframe-parts/plastic-parts/8870-f

 

Although I do like the idea of MJT metal parts adding some weight too. Can someone please confirm if this kit would be suitable for both the above coaches? Thanks

https://www.dartcastings.co.uk/mjt/2800A.php

Edited April 5 by Binky

[micklner]

Avoid plastic "detail" no strength and poor detail.

 

All you need is here, as already said.

 

https://www.dartcastings.co.uk/lner-diag23.php#donor

 

 

[Bucoops]

5 hours ago, brossard said:

 

I bought these for my Gresley kits.  Very useful drawings, however, next to no info on underframe detail.

 

John

 

Agreed - underframe detail for LNER stock is hard to find. The major source of info I would suggest is Mike Trice (creator of MJT, now sold through Dart).

 

https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/test21/threads/gresley-carriages-in-detail.9809/

 

 

[Pint of Adnams]

As far as placement goes, here's the underside of a Bachmann Thompson (current generation) - more than sufficient on 4mm scale.

 

There are LNER parts on Shapeways too, but pricey.

 

 

[brossard]

28 minutes ago, Pint of Adnams said:

As far as placement goes, here's the underside of a Bachmann Thompson (current generation) - more than sufficient on 4mm scale.

 

There are LNER parts on Shapeways too, but pricey.

 

 

 

Looks good, a far cry from what we used to get.

 

Be careful, Gresleys had the vacuum pipe on the solebar. 

 

 

BG's had a Guards Brake mechanism which can be seen on mine. 

 

John

[Mol_PMB]

There are some very nice 3D printed parts available here suitable for Gresley coach underframes. If you can't see what you want in your scale, then Paul will probably be happy to print items smaller or bigger to suit:

https://fk3d.co.uk

 

I've got some Gresley brake cylinders and reservoirs on the way to me, including some custom sized ones for a project I'm working on.

Cheers,

Mol

[Binky]

Thanks for all the advice. I've ordered 2 sets of the MJT kits.

[45125]

13 hours ago, brossard said:

 

Looks good, a far cry from what we used to get.

 

Be careful, Gresleys had the vacuum pipe on the solebar. 

 

 

BG's had a Guards Brake mechanism which can be seen on mine. 

 

John

And a steam heat pipe..........