So a few weeks back I got a white metal model of a J83 some one has started it but not yet finished and was looking at a G5 and even though there is a a couple of mm difference in some areas feel this may be quite a good loco for a conversion and I didn't pay much for it so happy to cut it about the bonus is it has romford wheels fitted already end even though the center axis is flangless I can use the rear set will extend the cab and bunker and also lower the cab roof as well as move some pipes from one side to the other and feel once finished and on a layout you won't be able to tell Attached files
Here's one from the other side and will upload an image of a G5 so the comparisons can be made Attached files
looks like a reasonable job done on the original attempt. looking forward to the transformation. toto
Hi Chris I'll be watching this carefully, a G9 would have been better and possibly using the hornby J83 Paul
Hi Paul have just looked at the G9 and had completely over looked it before and yes it looks a lot easier to convert as they look very similar I think this could be the way forward many thanks
So remembered this morning that a few years ago I brought a C12 kit at a railway show the kit was massively incomplete but did come with randoms wheels bogies and a few other parts including a brass bunker so after a small amount of research found that the wheels both driving and bogies are the right size for my G9 conversion so will cut the bunker and foot plate just behind the cab and extend it 16 mm to give me the correct length. Using the original J83 chassis I will cut away the area behind the center axil and put a plate in that will allow me to mount the rear bogie to via a center screw with strong spring to help keep the front end down I will also add some lead to the smoke box so will be a very heavy engine but hopefully a good runner I also intend to add pick ups to the bogie to help prevent stalling on points will up load pictures soon
