Loco Class conversions from existing RTR models.

Discussion in 'Books and reference materials' started by Keith M, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    I've bought a few books recently (like Toto, it seems) but when it comes to modelling and building loco's and/or rolling stock, I don't believe you can have too much information. As a "Southern " modeller, there are a number of classes that have never been made available as models, either as a kit or in RTR, so when these books popped up on Ebay recently, I jumped in and got them cheaply, as they're Ex-Library books. As the writer points out, if you can modify existing RTR loco's into unavailable classes, it can work out a lot cheaper than scratch building then having to construct a chassis and buy in motor/gearbox, wheelsets etc. Even kits can be very expensive, as I know, my recent "GT3" kit build having cost me in total, the wrong side of £250 (admittedly with extra brass frets etc, but if you're gonna do it, do it properly!), so these books may well give me fresh idea's. There are loco's from all four regions detailed (not just the "Southern"), and the writer gives full instructions on how to do the conversion, RTR loco and further parts required, with photo's and drawings, together with photo's of the real loco's for comparison. Not fully read them through yet, but a quick peruse of both volumes looks like finding me more work!
    Keith.

    Attached files [​IMG]
     
    Andy_Sollis and York Paul like this.
  2. scottystitch

    scottystitch N Gauge Society Publicity Officer Full Member

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    That looks very interesting . Would you say the information is multi-scale, in particular, would it be relevant to N gauge? Are there any specific N gauge examples?
     
  3. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    Unfortunately the books only give specific "00" gauge examples, but I don't see why the same principles wouldn't apply to any other gauge, always assuming that the relevant classes of loco required to start the conversion are available in your particular gauge of choice. Personally, at nearly 71, my eyesight precludes me going anywhere near anything below "00" gauge, and some jobs on that gauge mean I have to use a magnifier in addition to my glasses to stand any chance of success. As my books were 'ex-library', maybe your local library has, or can obtain, copies of these books for you so that you could have a go and see what you might be able to achieve at no cost to you, worth a try!
    Keith.
     
  4. scottystitch

    scottystitch N Gauge Society Publicity Officer Full Member

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    Thanks Keith, that's most helpful.

    I will do some digging.

    Best

    Scott
     
  5. Ben Alder

    Ben Alder Full Member

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    I have only read Vol 1 but would add the caveat that some of his examples are fairly crude renditions and in some ways reflect the standards of the seventies but the principle is good and should give inspiration. Converting locos can be very rewarding and often the only way to get something that is otherwise unobtainable. For a starter, perhaps wary of hacking about an expensive new model there are plenty older ones available sec ond hand, but the recent series of Great British Locomotives used current models as moulds and are thus an excellent source of raw material, quite a few of them lending themselves as potential material. There is an interesting thread on RMweb concerning this and well worth a read if anyone is thinking along this path.

    Here is a link to it - http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/69535-great-british-locomotives/

    Be warned - it runs to almost three hundred pages with a lot of discussion but there are plenty conversion projects there too.....
     
  6. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    You can never have too many books. I think university set me on the road to that way of thinking.
    Good stuff Keith
    toto
     
  7. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    Ben Alder wrote:
     
  8. Henryblock

    Henryblock Guest

    Many thanks indeed.

    Does anyone already have anything theyd be willing to share, or pass on second hand?

    Thanks again

    Andy
     
  9. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    Hi Andy. Do you mean books or are you asking about loco bodies/chassis anyone might have 'surplus to requirements'? I have a few loco bodies (both steam and diesel) left over from projects where I've used the chassis with resin body kits and never seem to get around to putting them on Ebay.
    Keith.
     

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