This won’t be much more than a “this is where I’m at†posting because progress has been zilch since the last entry... the warm weather, building work, decorating, allotment and work hasn’t helped the situation... but still I’m at a bit of a holding point.
Having gone about as far as I’m going to go with the Bachmann 47 body (maybe some roof handrails beckon)... it was time to turn the attention to the underframe. Whilst I need to do some research on the fuel/water tanks, my initial focus was with the bogies. Yes they probably need some ride height reduction, but I was happy that once fitted with Ultrascale wheels these exhibited none of the rocking tendency that some of these suffer from. However, I wrecked some of the brake linkages when fitting the bogie frames back to the bogie body and really needed to work these (class 57 origin) bogies... so wondered whether there was a better option.
James had been really helpful in pointing out various issues and solutions (cheers James ) and I acquired two pairs of Heljan frames to contemplate as these looked quite promising. These do have much crisper mouldings and are free of many of the errors of the early Bachmann ones... but they’re not perfect. Yes all the details are there, but some of the details have been added at the expense of the moulding shape, which I found a little disappointing to be honest. When I fitted these to the Bachmann bogies I also noticed that the distance between the axles was not quite the same... whether the Bachmann’s wrong or the Heljan’s wrong is probably irrelevant as I intended to keep the Bachmann workings... so more contemplation – picture shows my thoughts. Oh, and the bogie side frames are two pairs – so that’s a speedo pickup on each bogie .... really?
Anyway, here's the Bachmann bogie (minus some brake gear)
And here's the other Bachmann bogie with the Heljan sideframe
Yes, I've been picky, I know!
There’s the offer of a fully sprung Bachmann bogie... and I will be seeking the demonstration of this at Railex tomorrow. Yes, despite the truly gorgeous weather, swmbo has decided that she wants to spend the day cleaning and tidying tomorrow... so we’re not going out on the bikes with the kids so ... I’m allowed to go to the show ... woo hoo.... could be an enjoyable day! And I’m really looking forward to seeing some good layouts and exhibitors... and catching up with a few others. Early to the M25 I feel! Anyway, whilst I will look at these offerings, I’m of no expectation at being skilled enough to attempt them... but looking wont hurt... will it?
In the mean time, I contacted Bachmann (eventually – they don’t make it easy do they) and ordered some new bogie side frames – of the newer models so they should be a bit more accurate at least, although I suspect I’ll still need to change those awful springs!
Anyway... I’m still awaiting postie... and looking forward to learning tomorrow. That’s all for now. Time to get the kids up to the allotment to burn off some of energy – theirs not mine; I’ve none left!
Jon
- 4
7 Comments
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now