Modifying a Hornby n2

[cheesysmith]

I am doing a big conversion to a Hornby n2 and wish to alter the wheel size. Now unfortunately for me Hornby don't use common axle/gear wheel sizes across its range. I want to know would it be easier to remove the original wheel and replace them with a set from the Hornby jinty (I'm after 4'8") or would it be easier to mount the gear off the n2 axle onto the jinty axle and mount the jinty axles into the n2 frame?

[Horsetan]

Would this be using the chassis in something like a J50?

[cheesysmith]

It might be.

[Horsetan]

Ah. Your secret's safe with me....

[cheesysmith]

Let's put it this way. If I can change the wheels, I should end up with a nice, powerful little loco, with the option of cab detail and plenty of room for additional lead adding. I was given the idea by the use of the Bachmann pannier j50 remotored posted on here. I just didn't want to disassemble a perfectly good loco, even if it was GWR.

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

Of the RTR powering options presently available, and assuming this is for the J50, take your pick of the Bachmann Pannier or Jinty mechanisms. The first has the 7'3" inch spacing between leading and centre coupled wheels which looks better in my opinion, the other has the better fit for overall wheelbase length, only 3" overlength overall, your choice.

 

The N2 mechanism is problematic. Uses eighth inch (nominal) axles so that's no problem, but could the motor be in a more inept position? I wish you well of trying to relocate the Hornby motor on a chassis moulded in a soapy plastic which affords no prospect for a firm anchorage for a motor. The simplest way to do it is to ditch the Hornby motor (it's a good spare to have in stock), and use a fold up gearbox and Mashima onto the rear axle, with the motor over the centre coupled wheelset, and fit whatever nominal 4'8" wheelsets on eighth inch axles you can get. Probably no cheaper than using the Bachmann chassis suggested above, and selling the body on to recover some of the cost.

 

Another option is the Bachmann K3 chassis (centre wheel location 3" out of position, overall wheelbase correct) with Bachmann's wheels from any of their 4'8" wheeled six coupled types that were introduced prior to their beginning to put brass bearings on coupled axles. (The Pannier and Jinty wheels are the ones most likely to be available.)

 

The lack of a good and easily recycled 7'3"+9' six coupled chassis with a reasonably low mounted motor mid chassis is one that has exercised me greatly, as you may be able to tell from the above.