Hachette O gauge Mallard Instructions 1-14

[tjfromdevon]

Hi

I've just inherited a complete un-built O gauge Hachette Mallard partwork set from a friend. All of the parts are there as are all the instruction magazines apart from the first 14, does anyone have these available as a PDF or other file that they could send me. I only need the instruction for these first few pieces, all the parts are complete. I am an experiencedmodel maker, but have never built a large scale loco before. I am aware of the issue with the wheels and will probably replace with Slaters, i'm also after a gearbox and motor if anyone can help.

thanks

Tony

 

GOOD NEWS!! - The first 14 instruction manuals have now been located!! So once I've sourced a motor and gearbox, the build can commence

Edited September 8, 2024 by tjfromdevon
Information Update

[doilum]

Having built the flying Scotsmen, I can vouch that the magazine instructions are very useful especially in terms of component identification.  What wasn't always helpful was the sequence of tasks which was designed to keep customers buying the project to the very end. As an experienced modeller you might well approach the project as you would a scratch build or basic kit, referring to the instructions as required to support your build.

Good luck with the project. I am sure some one out there is sat on a set of dusty magazines. 

Memo to self. Come back from Guildex with the bogie wheels needed to finish Seagull my Hatchette A3/4 hybrid.

[tjfromdevon]

Thanks for the encouragement, i was going to use the instructions as you suggest  its the way i tackle my 1/12 car builds, 

[doilum]

Having just reread the original post and realised this will be your first big locomotive,  may I offer some of my experience with the Hachette kit. You are already aware of the issue with the wheels. Whilst ordering from Slaters get a set of pick ups. These would be difficult to install once the model is near complete. The flying Scotsmen was originally intended as a semi static model and Hachette had to play catch up once they realised that most of their subscribers wanted a fully working model. One source of frustration was the motion. This was made of a strange nickel silver alloy that was originally intended to superglue together. Despite much careful preparation and a choice of several irons it was a pig to solder. I got there in the end but Premier Components do a full set of motion at reasonable money. Seagull has a set. If you are new to big locos , time on Google and you tube  learning about Walschearts valve gear and Gresley's conjugated valves will be well spent.

J Hart do a range of motor / gearboxes suitable for the task. You will need a25:1 ratio ideally.

A Google search for "St Frusquin rm web" should take you to the account of my A3 build.

Edited August 24, 2024 by doilum

[tjfromdevon]

Many thanks for the advice  i Will takeca look at the components you suggested

[tjfromdevon]

Having gone through all the parts yesterday, it would appear Hachette realised there was an issue with the wheels as they isdued a complete wheel set with part work 52 to replace the ones they supplied originally

[JeffP]

The original set had the quartering wrong, so had to be replaced, they were useless otherwise.

Strangely their Flying Scotsman model also had a wheel problem: the axles provided were very loose fits in the wheels, so much so that it was impossible to tighten them enough to stop wheel wobble.

A new set of Slaters axles was the solution.

[doilum]

9 hours ago, tjfromdevon said:

Having gone through all the parts yesterday, it would appear Hachette realised there was an issue with the wheels as they isdued a complete wheel set with part work 52 to replace the ones they supplied originally

I understand that even some of these were useless too. Slaters have recently issued a warning on their website regarding the fake wheels that frequently wash up on the bay of E.

It was fun filing each Slaters axle to a perfect fit for the FS. To be fair, it only took about an hour in total. The Slaters website page offers advice on how to identify the genuine wheels and suggests that fake Hunslet 4'3" wheels are also around.

Edited August 25, 2024 by doilum

[Rob Pulham]

11 hours ago, JeffP said:

The original set had the quartering wrong, so had to be replaced, they were useless otherwise.

Strangely their Flying Scotsman model also had a wheel problem: the axles provided were very loose fits in the wheels, so much so that it was impossible to tighten them enough to stop wheel wobble.

A new set of Slaters axles was the solution.

 

I recently got hold of an almost complete A3 and like others found the issue with the sloppy wheels as luck would have it I do have a number of spare Slaters axles and once fitted the wheels lose their wobble so it's probably not necessary to replace all the wheels just the axles which are significantly cheaper than buying all the wheels.

 

Because I am a masochist and I have a supply of 3/16 rod, I plan to have a go at making my own axles to replace the sloppy Hachette examples. So far I have cut them to length and drilled and tapped the ends 6ba. I just need to mill the flats. 

[doilum]

For those lacking a milling machine: pick out your best flat jewellers file. Mount the axle in the vice and put a dot with the sharpie against one flat. Give it ten measured strokes ( please keep a straight face) . Turn the axle and repeat. Repeat until all four faces are filed. Test fit. It won't ,so repeat again. And again. It should now be close so try five strokes on the next cycle. Then three.....

Once successful  it is worth marking the position on the wheel and keeping them as matched items. It becomes quite therapeutic and takes about an hour to do the three driving axles.  I settled for a smear of loctite to keep the tender and bogie wheels secure.