O Gauge Heljan 33 Improvements and JLTRT MK2s.

Pugsley

Pugsley

Western Thunderer
tomstaf said:
Hi David,
I was considering how best to get round this. I'm certainly going to glue a brass rod between the two bogie frames. As for the linkage gear I'm still thinking. Considering the brake shoes are separate parts they are easy enough to move. I think it's probably best to slice/file off the linkage around the axle box and replace with some sort of stainless steel (for strength bearing in mind its slimness) etched part.
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I'd agree with using SS for strength, the brake linkages in the JLTRT 37 kit are brass and they're very flimsy.
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Here are the latest developments with the JLTRT MK2s. This is a BSO, which will be completed in Intercity livery as part of the former Virgin XC XC34 rake, 9523. If anyone has any pics of it from the late 1990s/early 2000s they'd be most welcomed. I am just carrying out all the mods on this one first to get familiar with it. Then the High Speed Track Recording Coach 999550, will follow.

I have removed the moulded window frames, enlarged the opening slightly because the JLTRT toilet and guard windows are about 1mm too small. I then fitted Shawplan MK2 frames. I have also added the rain/rust preventative strip adjacent to the doors with metal strip.

The strips by the luggage compartment doors need recesses for the hinges. I attempted to filed the strip I have but it's too thin to do so accurately with the tools I have. I will leave this until I have an etched replacement. Pics so far;

Cheers

TomJLTRT MK2 Pic 3.jpgJLTRT MK2 Pic 2 sml.jpgJLTRT MK2 pic 1 sml.jpg
 
Phill Dyson

Phill Dyson

Western Thunderer
I didn't know that Shawplan did MK2 frames :cool:........I hope they update their website sometime soon so potential customers like myself can support them & buy their products :thumbs:
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Phill Dyson said:
I didn't know that Shawplan did MK2 frames :cool:........I hope they update their website sometime soon so potential customers like myself can support them & buy their products :thumbs:
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Hi Phil,

After seeing the 4mm ones I asked Brian to scale them up to 7mm. They are part of his range but I don't think he keeps them stocked. If you want them give him a call and I'm sure he'll sort you out pretty quickly. He's done frames for the MK2 e/f SO, FO and BSO so far.

Cheers

Tom
 
Phill Dyson

Phill Dyson

Western Thunderer
I'm not actually after MK2e/f frames Tom, but It's nice to see some suppliers actually making detail parts at long last for diesel era modelers.........do you know if they will be doing laser cut windows in 7mm ?

Cheers Phill
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Phill Dyson said:
I'm not actually after MK2e/f frames Tom, but It's nice to see some suppliers actually making detail parts at long last for diesel era modelers.........do you know if they will be doing laser cut windows in 7mm ?

Cheers Phill
Click to expand...

Hi Phil,

The lazerglaze will be done for some of the HJ diesels, and certainly the class 33;) . I think it's a case of ask if you want something and it'll get produced. That's how I've found Brian operates so far with his products.
As far as name plate etc goes, he's just redone all of the 80/90s era rail freight depot plates and silver double arrows.

Cheers

Tom
 
D1054

D1054

Western Thunderer
I met up with Brian at Bridgenorth on Saturday and gave him access to the 52's to measure up to produce fan grilles and walkways in his "Extreme" range, so they should be in line for release befor too long. Hopefully, some cab window etches may be in the offing too.
 
Ressaldar

Ressaldar

Western Thunderer
Hi Tom,

watching the 33 'upgrade' with interest - I started mine yesterday - two bogie coil springs re-aligned the other two to do today. I am not bothering with the roof fan, but will mark out the rubbers on the windows and paint the cab interior whilst the pieces are out for the windows. I will also be replacing all of the cab handrails as three of mine were already snapped off at one end before I took the loco from it's box!

I ordered a Zimo sound chip from Digitrains yesterday - should be with me by the end of the week, then the fun will really start as it will be my first chip installation - watch this space.

cheers

Mike
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Ressaldar said:
Hi Tom,

watching the 33 'upgrade' with interest - I started mine yesterday - two bogie coil springs re-aligned the other two to do today. I am not bothering with the roof fan, but will mark out the rubbers on the windows and paint the cab interior whilst the pieces are out for the windows. I will also be replacing all of the cab handrails as three of mine were already snapped off at one end before I took the loco from it's box!

I ordered a Zimo sound chip from Digitrains yesterday - should be with me by the end of the week, then the fun will really start as it will be my first chip installation - watch this space.

cheers

Mike
Click to expand...

Hi Mike,

That all sounds very good! If you want to add laserglaze give Brian a call at Shawplan (01773 718 648) and tell him you want laserglaze. I think the more people who encourage him, the faster he'll produce the windows ;)

Cheers

Tom
 
alcazar

alcazar

Guest
I notice people using parts to detail from Shawplan, which is OK, but JLTRT?
Do they make their parts available, then? Or are they from a "spares box?"
 
Phill Dyson

Phill Dyson

Western Thunderer
Jordan said:
In my experience, JLTRT only supply spares to existing customers..... hence why I never used any JLTRT details on my Class 22... :rolleyes:
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From what I hear they charge those existing customers an arm & a leg too...........I think the ethos behind it is that you will buy their kits if you are not buying parts for other peoples...............has the opposite effect on me though :))
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
alcazar said:
I notice people using parts to detail from Shawplan, which is OK, but JLTRT?
Do they make their parts available, then? Or are they from a "spares box?"
Click to expand...

Quite a lot of useful spares are available to buy such as those listed on the website (http://www.justliketherealthing.co.uk/o-gauge-diesel-loco-detail-pack-p-198.html?cPath=15, http://www.justliketherealthing.co.uk/diesel-loco-eth-connectors-p-225.html?cPath=15). If you can't find the exact part drop them an email but most are in the various packs they sell.

HTH

Tom
 
alcazar

alcazar

Guest
Right, thanks for that.
I hadn't seen those: I don't spend much time on the JLTRT website, the prices there frighten me too much.
No wonder certain people can afford large layouts..........
 
tomstaf

tomstaf

Western Thunderer
Gents,

After a break from the 33, the improvements are progressing again. I've obtained some cast headlights and want to make them work. But, very big but, electronics are not my thing at all, and the leaflet included in the box is no help.

I know I want flat top 'Golden White' LEDs. What I have no idea about and am hoping someone can help is this;
  1. I'm not sure which LEDs to go for - is there a technical term for 'golden white'?
  2. Can I solder the LED straight onto the existing wires that lead to the head code display lights?
  3. If I can do that, what resistor if any, would I need?
Here are a couple of pictures of the 33's circuit board which might help.
Cheers
TomHJ 33 HEADLIGHT sml.jpgHJ 33 CIRCUIT BOARD sml.jpgHJ 33 WIRES TO LIGHTS sml.jpg
 
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