2mm Andy

Steve, I remember you mentioning this on the 2mm VAG some time ago and was thinking about your method when reading some of the posts above. Some photos of the arrangement would be very useful. thanks, Andy

I thought it was Katy Perry?! Andy

There is a good selection of pannier bodies on Ebay at the moment - just search for "Farish body". Or do what I did and visit a local toy fair/swapmeet (if you have any on the IoW). I picked-up a 57xx body and a 14xx body (both with minor damage like broken handrails/buffers) at a toy fair in York last weekend for £2 each and a Dapol Ivatt body for £5! Andy

They were available until a few years ago I believe. Originally punched veneer sleepers were used and the chairpins glued into holes in the sleepers with the rail threaded through the chairs (or laid into the slots). I've never seen any personally, although I know a few members who have used them with good results. Andy

The general consensus seems to be that Versaline (cast pewter chairs on nickel silver chairplates) is the most realistic, closely followed by Easitrac and the Blackburn system (brass two piece etched chairs). The Blackburn system is now WSL in the 2mm shops. To me, the most important thing is that the rail is lifted off the sleeper to show a little daylight underneath the rail and that the chairs are of consistent size and shape (which Easitrac does for you with next to no effort). Andy

I wouldn't laugh too much - you feature in one of the photos here Rich! http://www.cmra.org.uk/exhib12/demo12slideshow.html Andy

Yes - I'm sure it can, but I was talking about unmodified Peco track. But as you say, we now have two types of concrete sleeper Easitrac, so there is no need. Andy

2mm stock does not run well on plain N gauge track. The dimension over tyres in 2FS is 9.12mm (dimension 'WG' on the diagram here), whereas N track is nominally 9mm. I have experimented with this, running a loco with 2FS drop-in wheels on Peco track, and it has a tendency to jump off the track because of the gauge problem, so I really wouldn't recommend it. Unfortunately I think you've got confused here - Noel's jigs were designed to allow Easitrac components to be used to build N gauge track. So the crossing jigs had the wing rails flangeways spaced to allow N stock to run through them. Andy

Interestingly (and apologies to Julia for going off-thread rather here), the Association motor appears to be very similar to that fitted to the Farish Cl.03, 04 and 14 shunters. The main difference is that the 2mm SA motor has a shaft at each end (the Farish motor is single-ended). I can't comment on performance because I don't have the necessary measuring gizmos, but I'd be surprised if they were vastly different. Andy

You've certainly had a productive day - that looks fab! I think that gearbox would work a treat in the Peckett with those Mike Bryant plastic-centred wheels (which have 1.5mm axle holes.....) Andy

No it shouldn't have happened, but lessons have hopefully been learnt. Andy

Ahem, Aside from Highbury Colliery (always a pleasure to see this, even with GWR stock), I think you're forgotten a certain forum member who was also demonstrating the virtues of 2mm modelling at a higher level (on the balcony! ) Andy

Michael, Agreed - the problem does seem to be more pronounced on the production etches (I have an 03 chassis too). I would wait for the replacement jig etches to be produced. It is disappointing that these problems have occurred (and weren't picked-up at the test etch stage), but it will be resolved. Andy

The late Pete Wright used to cut out 2mm loco frames using a vice and a hammer and cold chisel......! Andy

Ian, Judging by your progress with the layout, I'd say that you really shouldn't have any problems. If you are uncertain about anything, post a question on here or bring the chassis to one of the North East Area Group meetings - there will always be someone there to offer help and advice. I've got a couple of the 03/04 chassis on order, and have a Farish J94 in the gloat box, so no doubt I'll get around to doing that one in due course. Andy

I believe the etch was produced when one of the 2mm SA 'wagon sponsorship' projects (1887 PO wagon if I remember correctly) was oversubscribed - the extra money raised was used to commission this kit. Andy

There are some files on the 2mm 'VAG' showing the gear arrangements for the new chassis and diagrams of the etch (what you get for your money if you like!) as well as a list of the other components required. Chris and others are working on a way of putting the instructions on-line without running up a huge bill for bandwidth. Andy

That's superb John! I have built one of these vans, and have another couple in the gloat box. The etch was designed by Bob Jones. Andy

That's a very nice model, James - I'm almost tempted to dig out my old 009 stock! I hope your model is more controllable than the original - it suffered a rather nasty accident a couple of years ago. Not sure if it is back in service yet. http://www.raib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/100507_B062010_Sylfaen_Summit.pdf Andy

Blimey - you have been busy! Makes my solitary Christmas 'palbrick' seem rather insignificant! Some nice things there, although some a bit too modern for my tastes . Good to see the (in)famous Reading General sign at last. Andy

Bear in mind that although the lengths were increased at the dates quoted, this would only have applied to new track laid after that date. Rails in existing lines would have remained as per the earlier dimensions unless there was a need for them to be changed (eg. maintenance or track layout alterations). Rails on lightly used branchlines would last decades. I would agree with Jerry though - lay the tracks using rail lengths that suit you (allowing for expansion, etc) and 'nick' the head of the rail and add fishplates to simulate rail joints. Good to hear of progress on your layout though - some photos would be nice! Andy

Whatever the origins of the loco body, it makes a rather nice looking loco. I think there have been a couple of articles in past issues of the 2mm Magazine on building locos using the Farish body - must have a look when I get home. Andy

Nice photos Julia! Thank you for the chance to help build the first of your wagon etches - if only all kits were as simple and well-thought out as that one! I'm really looking forward to seeing the gearbox assembled - that could be very very useful....... Andy

Thanks Jerry - I think I must have been wincing when I realised you were taking a photo! (either that or concentrating on turning a cassette) Anyway, thank you for the opportunity to operate the layout - it was a very enjoyable day. You forgot to mention that you and Kim were awarded two trophies by the Hull MRS for Highbury Colliery. Andy PS> The carrot cake was very nice!

Nice photo Tony (and rather brave of you to publish that photo!). I don't think I ever met Pete Wright, but I remember ordering loco bits from him when he was Shop 3 shopkeeper. It proves that 2mm sweatshirts aren't a new invention either! Good luck with the house move. Andy