N-gauge class 47 snow-ploughs and buffer beam detailing

[Jim Martin]

Hi everyone

 

I've recently acquired a Farish class 47 (47474 in RES livery, so one of the reworked ones with a smaller gap between the bogies and the bottom of the body). This is destined to be hacked into a model of 47854 as it was in 2006-7, in West Coast Railways livery. One area that will need some work is the buffer beams, and I'm hoping to get the benefit of others' experience here.

 

First off, I was planning to use the TPM etch for the cut-away buffer beam (http://www.tpmodels.co.uk/1247.html - not currently available from TPM, of course, but stocked at various model shops). According to the linked page this can be fitted to "either old or new Farish class 47 models". Has anyone fitted this etch to one of the lowered versions of the newer 47? Were there any problems?

 

Secondly, I'll be needing to add a fair bit of detail to the new buffer beams. There are several different MU connections, which I'll probably scratchbuild (unless someone can point me to appropriate detail parts), but I've also been drawn to the Dapol detail pack (http://www.ehattons.com/36676/Dapol_Ndetail1_Snowplough_air_pipes_for_diesels_/StockDetail.aspx) which includes a nifty-looking screw coupling, which I'm quite taken with (this loco is going to be permanently assigned to hauling an inspection saloon, so I can have a full array of hoses etc. at one end) and also a representation of a snow plough, which 47854 did carry in my modelling period. How does the Dapol plough compare with an etched plough? TPM did one (http://www.tpmodels.co.uk/1204.html) but it doesn't appear to be readily available anywhere; BHE list a couple (BHE118 and BHE132 - http://www.bh-enterprises.co.uk/page13.htm) but I don't really know anything at all about these products. Does anyone have experience of any of them?

 

Jim

[Steadfast]

Hi Jim,

In my thread here http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/68676-jos-n-gauge-loco-works/ is a Colas 47 that I've used the TPM buffer beam on. It fits fine, I suggest using a 5 min type glue on the upright tabs to position it, before adding more glue to provide a strong joint all round. I used the air pipes and ETH bits from the Farish model superglued on to the brass buffer beam.

As for ploughs, I'd go for one of the etched brass options. The Dapol set always strikes me as overpriced. The screw coupling is rather large too, I'd recommend the TPM screw couplings instead. Much finer and you get 6 in a pack.

To mount either TPM or BHE etched ploughs I solder wire on the rear, and then mount this on the buffer beam. On an RTR model I'd drill holes and super glue the wire in, but on the TPM etched one you could maybe solder the ploughs to the rear of the buffer beam.

It may be necessary to trim or remove the NEM pocket if you fit ploughs

 

jo

[Jim Martin]

Jo

 

Thanks for that. If I'd realised that you were doing a 47 I'd have had a look at your loco thread: that 66170 is one of my favourite N diesels, bar none.

 

I've posted a couple of other questions about the 47 project on your thread.

 

Jim