I've now painted and assembled the 2P frames, I'd been struggling with motor gearbox for it. I think I've solved it now. The original motor I was going to use I decided was not man enough, I tried a canon one but it's a lower revving one than others I've used and even with 20 to 1 gear set I don't think it would of come near express speeds. But the one in there now with a double length Markits box got it inside the firebox. It's too big to sit low in the frames. Here's a video of the first run. More again soon I hope.
I think it's about time to start finishing things. From left to right, my ex LSWR 0395, scratch built, just needs reversing rod which I seem to of lost, back head and transfers. Next is the Dean's Goods, this is ready for transfers, boiler bands, number plates, and cab details. Looks like the tender is overloaded with dust. Then the Rhymney Railway R1 again just transfers, back head and cab details. Finally the 2P. Lining, transfers, back head and cab details. Not a lot to do, but I tend to find I get bored at this stage. Especially as there is no rush on the ones being sold, as not sure when next trip to UK is going to be.
Very nice Peter, and a very tidy bench too. I must admit at times my workbench resembles an explosion in a loco parts factory! I tend to find I start off tidy then get engrossed in the build to the extent that clearing up gets left 'til the build is about ready for painting......in my defence though, my workbench is in my loft 'train room' which is pretty crowded and like a game of chess, once in there it's a case of "Your move next!" Keith.
But that's not my bench, it's supposed to be the base for the layout. I couldn't line them up on the bench without finding it first.
I know the feeling Peter, I have an unfinished 850 pannier tank in the cue I must complete to move on at some point.
As the old saying goes....”any colour you want, as long as it’s black” what a great line up of locomotive power Peter
The RR R1 is done, apart from a couple of bits to be touched up. I fitted back scratched pickups, which I like to do, but I did need to make a couple of adjustments to the footplate. With a little fore thought I could of avoided. I also now can fit the whistles. Once they are on it will be a few photos and in the post to UK. Here's a couple of videos on my test track, which is laid to 31.5 with a double A5 cross over. It's a bit tight and poorly laid for this fixed wheeldase loco. It does run nicely through Peco points. Also good news, the lining has started on the 2P.
Time to get back to thinks after not doing anything for about 6 months. The RR R1 is now complete, ready for bringing to the UK in June. I quite pleased with the result. It's been a struggle
Hi Peter, Am I right in thinking that I read on one of the forums that you are moving back to the UK permanently?
You did hear correctly, how permanently, is a different story. My wife has tried to live in the UK twice before. But, never made it much more than a year, missing mum and sisters. But she wants to try now here mum and favourite sister have both passed away. But it mostly depends on her being able to work from home on a permanent bases.
Ah yes working from Home, when we first started doing it in around 2007 I hated it initially and I only did one day per week. As time went on I grew to like it more and more and in the end could have happily worked from home full time if they would have given something towards the cost.
For the wife there won't be any extra pay, but there will be great fuel savings, and obviously less maintenance on the car. Then again I will probably start working again.
Here's a couple of pictures of the Dean goods, I have a little problem to sort out. I hope it's just me not having fitted the frames straight to the body. There is a little squeak when pushing the tender. Enjoy.