Electrotren 0-6-0

[Chubber]

Although current circumstances have prevented me from doing any more layout work, I have recently aquired this lovely little Electrotren 0-6-0 from Kernow Model Rail as a putative O/16.5 donor to tuck away. It's HO, and this is reflected in the lovely fine motion.

 

With 15mm wheels spaced    Front O<---21mm--->O<--24.5mm-->O Rear with separate cylinder/guides, it looks like a good place to start from.

 

 

 

It certainly looks less toy-like than a lot of Hornby's entry level chassis', I'd be interested in your opinions and suggestions. I've not built a locomotive before, I have a  2-6-2 chassis tucked away too, but this might be an easier one to start with, althogh a lot of the easier looking resin bodied kits appear to be built on 0-4-0 chassis's.

 

£45 seems a lot for something I intend to pull to pieces, but as they are on offer at that price at KMR and at least I won't have to do any chassis/pickup work on my first attempt.

 

Doug

[Southwold]

You have the benefit of decent valve gear compared with Hornby. Their 'entry level' chassis have very basic representations. I haven't seen the chassis 'in the nude' so I can't comment on it's suitability for one of the resin body kits. However, there might just be a chance - if you are bold enough - to keep the basic body and replace the cab and any other fittings that might betray its HO origins for parts from a resin kit...but which one? Suggestions anyone?

 

Ken

[Chubber]

Further to my post above concerning the Electrotren chassis, I emailed Michael Rayner of  Smallbrook Studios, makers of cast resin models

 

http://www.smallbrookstudio.co.uk/

 

to ask about its suitability as a donor chassis for a 7mm NG locomotive, and I enclose his reply below

 

 

"  These Electotren 0-6-0 tank engine chassis are delightful and asking for different bodies to go on them. I have one to hand at present with this in mind. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find the time to make anything to go no it.


I do plan to make a body kit for a GWR 1361 class saddle tank in 4mm scale but have nothing planned at present in 7mm NG and I do not think that any of my current kits would fit without an amount of chopping around.


I will, however, have a look at my current kits and the chassis and see what could be possibly be done with them and come back to you in a few days.  


I hope that this is of help, best wishes Michael Rayner"

 

So, any further news I'll update you.

 

His stuff looks very appealing, one can't help but be impressed with the possibilities it opens up for redundant 'Smokey Joe' chassis and their like. From my viewpoint as a novice locobuilder/7mmNG'er it offers a neat way into the subject before I tackle one of the larger white metal kits.

 

Doug

[TonyMay]

From the looks of it it could do with a new cab I reckon the dome could do with moving forwards a little bit.  But that's all (i.e. not much work).  OK, it might stand out a little bit next to a full kit or scratchbuilt model based on a prototype but as a first job it should be OK.  The smallbrook studio cab would seem to fit if you don't want to make your own, and that is available seperately.

[Chubber]

Thank you, Tony, for your input, I've forwarded your suggestion to Michael Rayner, too.

 

Doug