Old 0-4-0 now in working order A review of loco’s last week resulted in 3 categories – operational, service (lubrication/traction tyres), and overhaul (non runner / noise of cement mixer). One of the overhaul loco’s was an old Hornby 0-4-0 which came as part of a job lot from an auction site about a year ago, which my father in law had identified as ideal for a ‘Private Owner’ loco for the Suppit Hall Brewery at Setforth Junction. During this morning’s running session, he reminded me so I got it down from the overhaul shelf and had a look. Immediate problem – no pick up – spring wire missing. Annoying having just ordered 2 days ago a batch of spares/accessories – had I known and ordered the part then it would have been less than a £1. No worry – a bit of old GPO telephone cable bent round the pivot and rubbing on the wheels did the trick. A good lube all over, wheels cleaned, and now we have one of the quietest and smoothest loco’s on the layout. I do like the old Triang Hornby stuff – nice and simple, 2 metal gears, die cast chassis. So much easier to fix than locos with 7 or 8 plastic gears in them all making noise and wearing down by the hour!
Yeah, I've probably got to do something like that to one of my old 0-4-0s, except that I do have the proper spring around...somewhere! They can virtually run forever, very easy to work on. Also bullet proof aesthetically for the kids, they can survive a lot of drops with only minor damage to couplers which is still usually easy to fix. Cheers Tony
Got a few here that I have worked on a bit. Polly is now in plain black and awaiting a number when I get round to it. Smokey Joe is in the same state and the old Dock Shunter is in overall dark green and black. This has had a large fuel tank added on the rear and is on the list to have glazing fitted. I'll put some pics up tomorrow.
Herewith the promised pics. All need more work doing on them but I will get round to it eventually Triang Polly. This will get glazing & real coal added along with numbering (Private owner) Smokey Joe. This will be glazed and numbered and perhaps a bunker added Triang Dock Tank. Again it will have a number and glazing added. Till later. Got a couple of old Lima shunters going through the mill at the moment so will post more when they are done as well as an 8-wheel drive Triang/Hornby Hymek
60019Bittern wrote: Smokey Joe- the first 'serious' engine I ever got, for my 6th birthday. Was there really a loco in this livery?
I intend leaving mine in its current livery, adding a Suppit Hall Brewery nameplate and then using it as a weathering trial exercise before I start on something more expensive! Although would it be true to assume that PO locos were kept in good condition?