Project or scrap bin???

I've now replaced the 12mm wheels with 14mm ones so the units are level and inline now. I fitted a LAIS dcc decoder I had lying about, a cheap Chinese clone but still 4 function, good enough for an economy project I reckon. Both roofs are now fitted and I now need to turn my attention to the motor bogie to make it look a little like an EMU bogie. I cut the bogie side frames off the old Triang unit, and the ones off the Hornby one, so next I have to fit some sort of frame around the bogie to fix the replacement side frames onto. You can see the differences between the two bogies in this pic, larger ones are Hornby.

Attached files

 

I created the side frames out of a few bits of plasticard. When the bogie frames are attached, I'll black paint all to blend it in before weathering.

Attached files

 

After the superglue had gone solid (seems Hornby plastic takes some sticking to!), I was able to attach the bogie side frames removed from the original Triang bogie. The centres are slightly off (6mm to be exact) but after some painting of the frames and blending in of the white plasticard, all looks quite passable, to me at least. I altered the CV's in the decoder to dim down the carriage lighting as despite there only be 5 LED's per carriage, it still looked over bright. I've used one or two of these Lais decoders, and despite being cheap (under a tenner for full 4 functions can't be all bad!) they seem to work quite well. I gather that originally, they were a "Knockoff" clone with a fictitious CV identity, but it seems they are now fully 'legit' with a genuine NMRA identity, usefully small and with 'stay alive' capability, so what's not to like. Anyway, after some initial weathering, here's what it looks like so far. This is with carriages, cab and destination code lit.

Attached files

 

.....and set to reverse.

Attached files

 

The "New" bogie seems to blend in quite well I reckon.

Attached files

 

Finally, this is the link wire between coaches. 4 cores with heat shrink tubing covering, in a "U" shape between the cars, to allow for curves etc. There is 1 common core for all lighting, 1 for carriage lighting, 1 for red tail light and lastly 1 for destination board when travelling in reverse. I think the link wires seem to be quite unobtrusive, and it's not the first time I've used this method. A bit more weathering and I think it'll be quite at home on the layout, and a much more worthy addition to boot, all for a total outlay of less than £35.......can't be bad!
Keith.

Attached files