A2Trimbush

Thank you all. I obviously need to explain a little more. Firstly, the latest model I have is R2930, 46243 City of Lancaster. The older models I'm trying to upgrade are all Chinese made, loco drive, 'super detail' Princess Royals and Princess Coronations. The Hornby part is X9834, described as a Duchess/Coronation pony truck frame, normally available from Peter's spares. The pony truck frame on the prototype Princess Royals appear very similar to the Princess Coronations, though don't have the two oval frame cutouts each side. This could be why Hornby have not offered a Princess Royal upgraded in this way, or it could be that the X9834 pony truck frame won't fit a Princess Royal anyway ? - hence my question. The defects (or old Margate leftovers) on my City of Lancaster will be masked by dirtying wheel rims and (if you've got level track and no curves less than 2'6'') reducing the daylight above the front bogie with black plastikard. Yes, the latest Hornby Duchess isn't as good as some (e.g. A4s and King Arthurs) BUT compared to a Dublo Duchess of Atholl @ 1948 and the Tri-ang Princess I got for Christmas 1953 it's wonderful ! My priority will be to upgrade a Royal, renamed as 46210 Lady Patricia in deference to She-who-must-be obeyed. Clearly I MUST NOT make a mess of Lady Patricia so your advice is vital !

I've recently acquired a Hornby OO Duchess with solid rear framing and hidden pony truck with flangeless wheels. It looks far better than the swinging pony truck on my older Duchess and Princess models. I see that this rear framing is available as a spare, @ £4.50, and would be grateful if anyone can relate their experiences of fitting it to a) older Duchesses b) Princess models, before I make a mess of trying it. Just in case anyone thinks my RMweb name suggests I shouldn't be interested in this topic, my dad took me spotting to all the London termini in the 50's and I like all types ! Thanks in anticipation, Chris