Chris Higgs

As an alternative for B1 drawings, I just came across this: modelengineeringwebsite.com/LNER_B1_drawings.html

As an example of commonality, here's another set I have ready to go:

As I recall (given it was a number of years ago I did the research), the B17 is very similar, and a number of components are also shared with the Thompson O1. As you mention, its quite likely that later LNER types like the K1/K4 also have items in common. But a word of warning - the B17 and B1 have the same coupled wheelbase (7'3" + 9'0"). However, when N wheel overscale flanges mean this cannot be achieved, then Bachmann tend to make the wheels smaller to keep the scale wheelbase, whereas Dapol tend to adjust the wheelbase to keep the scale wheel diameter. That's what they did on the A3, and might have on the B17 as well. Chris

I suspect likely demand will not warrant this becoming a shop item. Chris

14.43 and 15.95 are what are on the chassis etch, which are prototype 7'+7'9" in 1:148 Chris

A set of B1 motion parts has been prepared and will be on my next etched sheet. Chris

I have now prepared some artwork for 61XX coupling and connecting rods. But could some kind soul please measure the precise spacing of the axle centres so I can check they match. Chris

0.75mm slightly tapered is the dimension I have based on the communications that went on during the design phase of these cranks and axles. So not actually measured from a Mk5 wheel. But I would strongly suggest you get the cranks first and then turn the wheels as they need to be a tight fit on the axle. Chris

You will notice a difference in the rivet pattern on the coal bunker area, which IIRC means the Farish model is based on an 81XX. This shows how important rivet counting is. www.gwr.org.uk/no-prairies.html Chris

The clearances are all a bit tight, which arises really from 2FS (and N) wheels being overwidth over the faces compared to the prototype, which pushes the frames out. The springs are slimmed down to partially compensate but even so. If you feel the cranks soldered on will be strong enough just solder them on at the end of the axle, not pushed against the shoulder. But getting them square is going to tricky. If you have a lathe you could turn down the extended axles and use the new turned cranks. I must admit I always thought the Mk4 extended axles were going to be a bit of a stretch to get cranks on true, and when Alan Smith cam up with the MK5 wheels with the turned cranks, I was delighted. They really are the dog's whatsits. CHris

Can we get some more details? I am assuming you are talking about the Farish conversion chassis for the 08 here, not the Association 08 kit? It was indeed intended that the outer frames should be attached to the tabs, although you can do other things if you wish. But most important is that the chassis was designed when we had an earlier iteration of the extended axles, not the current MK5 with slide-on outside cranks. So it could be that the cranks are not far enough out, rather than the frames being too far out. You can always put the cranks further out by putting spacing washers behind them. Some pictures would be really handy to understand better ... Chris.

The coupling and connecting rods on 3-623 are correct, I can probably arrange an etch of these separately without the rest of the chassis. The coupling rods on 3-170 don't have the correct GWR fishbelly shape to them. Chris

IIRC, some of the VSOL Pullman coaches now run on 10' Gresleys (see kentrail.org.uk) I think this might be one: www.flickr.com/photos/camperdown/6972647478/ Although they do seem to have gained roller axle bearings. Chris

I used a combination of the Isinglass drawings and those in Model Railways of November 1976. Chris

No plans (as yet) from me to do any of those designs. Although I already have a chassis for the LSWR O2, and the LMS 4F chassis recently added to the shop could be adapted for various 0-6-0 designs that have a 8' + 8'6" wheelbase such as the ex-GC J11 and ex-NE J27. Chris