7mm Manning Wardle Loco Kits

[NeilHB]

Hi all,

 

As I mentioned over on my blog ( http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/blog/148/entry-354-of-locos-coaches-and-wagons/ ), I'm thinking of getting a Manning Wardle as my next loco for the layout. However, I have a bit of a dilema as to which one to get.

 

I've seen the versions that Slater's produce, and I really like the look of the 0-6-0 version, the K Class: http://www.slatersplastikard.com/locos/gOLocos/7L016.html unfortunately, this does not come with the motor and gearbox unlike the rest of Slater's loco kits, they recommend using their own version, but this is rather expensive. What I'm wondering is this, is it possible to utilise another make of motor and gearbox, in particular, I want to use one of the motor/gearbox combo's produced by Connoissuer Models ( http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Motors%20and%20Castings.html ), mainly because I already have one in stock, and its a lot cheaper too! Also, how well does the model go together, I've only built a couple of brass kits before, and what are the instructions like (i.e. are they good for a dunce like me!)

 

The other version I was thinking of getting is that produced by S&D Models, the different versions can be seen here: http://www.sanddmodels.co.uk/products_43_standard.htm

I'm thinking of either the 'Old Class I' kit number SG1b, or the 'Class K, short pattern GN boiler' kit number SG2b. They state on the website that the buyer will need to source wheels, and recommend those produced by Walsall Model Industries, in particular their Manning Wardle 3'1" wheels: http://www.walsallmodelindustries.co.uk/www.walsallmodelindustries.co.uk/info.php?p=4&pno=0&pid=1113920&cat=&ack=9&search=&sought=

The only problem with these is that they are castings, and I don't have the necessary experience or tools (or willingness for that matter) to produce accurate wheels from castings, is it possible to use Slater's wheels instead? Again, how well do these kits go together, I know they're whitemetal castings and I've never built a whitemetal kit before as far as I can remember.

 

Sorry if these seem like daft questions, I just want to know what's what before I goes and spends me money!

 

 

Mucho thanks in advance.

 

TTFN!

[28ten]

Walsall wheels are available ready turned as well as far as I know they are 3/16 axles wereas the Slaters are (i think) 1/8. the Slaters are compatible with 4mm motor gearboxs which are a beetter size for the MW. I built the Slaters many years ago and it is relevantly straightforward if a little basic, although I thought the etched brass was a little thick, but that is personal preference.

out of the two I would go for the slaters

[NeilHB]

Thanks for the info 28ten, its much appreciated. Yeah the Slater's Manning Wardle axles are 1/8th inch whereas normal Slater's axles are 3/16th inch, I've had a look on the Roxey mouldings online store and they have a good selection of 4mm scale gearboxes with 1/8th inch axles, so will probably get one from there when I get around to it. I don't mind if the Slater's kit is a little basic, want to add various things to it such as a full cab anyway so that sort of stuff doesn't bother me too much. Again, thanks for the help, its much appreciated.

[Arthur Budd]

As the axles are 1/8th inch, why not have a look at the High Level range http://www.highlevelkits.co.uk/ . Excellent quality with good instructions and enough variety in the range to fit almost any loco and drive any axle you want. There is also a large range of ratios available to give a prototypical top speed. You can download a planning chart from here; http://www.highlevel...rboxplanner.pdf

 

Regards

 

Arthur

[NeilHB]

Thanks Arthur, to be honest I'd completely forgotten about High Level kits, have downloaded a copy of their gearbox planner to take a nosey at when I decide which one I'm going to get (having discovered Agenoria's range of kits I realised that I have even more choice!).

 

TTFN!

[Turin 60]

I built the Slaters MW some years ago, yes indeed 1/8" axles and I used a Branchlines multibox of about 70:1 ratio. This was with the motor mounted vertical in the firebox. I have another part built MW this time by Impetus (sob) but in this one I mounted the motor horizontally in a cradle that matches the bottom profile of the boiler. If I were doing it now I would probably use something from the High Level range as I think they are very good.

John Bruce.

[dymstocklr]

Personally I'd go for the Agenoria - tho it depends how well you get on with etched kits. I've made several Agenoria kits and they're excellent. Parts are a good fit and the design is well thought out. the Slaters and S & D versions have been around an awfully long time (I'm guessing the best part of 20 years or more) and judging from comments on the 7mm forum aren't without their detractors.

[28ten]

Personally I'd go for the Agenoria - tho it depends how well you get on with etched kits. I've made several Agenoria kits and they're excellent. Parts are a good fit and the design is well thought out. the Slaters and S & D versions have been around an awfully long time (I'm guessing the best part of 20 years or more) and judging from comments on the 7mm forum aren't without their detractors.

 

I can vouch for the Agenoria range, I hadn't seen their MW though, that would appear to be the best option. I would agree the Slaters is a bit long in the tooth, but I would take it over the S&D

[NeilHB]

Thanks to all who have replied, I think I've made my mind up, I'll get one from the Agenoria range, comes complete and from what a lot of people have said is much better than the other options. Again, thanks to everyone, its been a big help!

 

TTFN!