4mm OLD MILLS is up in the air!
- Thread starter RonnieS
- Start date
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
The 3 single bolsters on the left are kit built (by Rob Kinsey, Old Mills builder) where as the ones on the right are a "bodge" by me. A Triang body on a Red Panda underframe + a Triang body on a shortened Parkside chassis. In a train of 30 wagons travelling past - not too noticeable but close scrutiny? Another matter. However, I intend to "tweak" my efforts with better bolsters and pins.
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RonnieS
Western Thunderer
Well I have been using the train set for just mainline running so it's about time to do a bit of shunting. In the fiddle yard I experimented with 4mm dia x 1mm neodymium magnets. Eventually coming up with a solution to facilitate handling the Sprat and Winkle couplings. 2 stacks of 2 (4 magnets per facility) spaced as shown.
When the stock is pulled over the magnets, it stays coupled as the coupling bar holds up the hooks. When pushed, it uncouples when on the magnets, and couples back up when past it again. To uncouple (Mk1 couplings), you have to buffer up on the magnets, and the train will split.
When the stock is pulled over the magnets, it stays coupled as the coupling bar holds up the hooks. When pushed, it uncouples when on the magnets, and couples back up when past it again. To uncouple (Mk1 couplings), you have to buffer up on the magnets, and the train will split.
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
In the scenic area I found the magnets put in place by Rob had weakened so I added one in each position from underneath. Great! However having a play found a couple of point blades not working so I could not enter the shed or run around stuff.
This meant I could not enter or exit from the routes marked X. The straight routes are OK. But shunting wagons from boards 12 and 13 to Old Mills colliery was convoluted!
I have repaired the loop point (2 attempts) but the shed one requires the return of my patience! It's detached in 2 positions.
This meant I could not enter or exit from the routes marked X. The straight routes are OK. But shunting wagons from boards 12 and 13 to Old Mills colliery was convoluted!I have repaired the loop point (2 attempts) but the shed one requires the return of my patience! It's detached in 2 positions.
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
I managed to repair the point so the next stage is the acquisition of a Ruston 48DS class. Researching the loco has been a minefield as the one purporting to be the exact one delivered to Old Mills is in dispute. According to Hornby it is now the "GOWER PRINCESS" on the West Somerset. However the cab and other details differ from the photo I have.
So! I have ordered a Hornby model with the fully enclosed cab and will buy another body if more information turns up.
After all I have a get out clause.
It is the similar successor!
So! I have ordered a Hornby model with the fully enclosed cab and will buy another body if more information turns up.
After all I have a get out clause.
It is the similar successor!
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
Isn't always the way! Shortly after I had tried it out, I found out it's the wrong cab and the wrong livery! Being a war time acquisition (1940) it should be unlined. There was also a 88DS at Old Mills. Despite having several books relating to the line there are many contradictions between them. And much missing information. So who can be sure?
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
I have acquired an Accuscale pannier. The detail differences from the Baccy ones (I have 8!) make it interesting.
Early days; but the running is better on slow speeds. However the price precludes any more and the older ones are adequate for the duties they are allocated to.
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
The one in the middle. Red backed Number plate (to be changed to 7723) . The main detail difference no top feed.
When run in I can check the haulage. It's about 200g which is about the same as the Bachmann PT. 2 of my fleet have been modded to 250g but the unmodded ones pull 35 wagons without slipping.
When run in I can check the haulage. It's about 200g which is about the same as the Bachmann PT. 2 of my fleet have been modded to 250g but the unmodded ones pull 35 wagons without slipping.
RonnieS
Western Thunderer
The loco is going to be 7729 (I think) BUT I only have 1 photo so if any kind WT member can point me in the direction of any others I will be sure.
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Alan
Western Thunderer
7723 was a Gloucester engine at various times and spent its last year at Gloucester Barnwood and was withdrawn in August 1960.
7729 appears to have spent all its life at St Philips Marsh and was withdrawn in July 1962. Both according to the Pannier Papers and unfortunately there is not a photo of either of them.
7729 appears to have spent all its life at St Philips Marsh and was withdrawn in July 1962. Both according to the Pannier Papers and unfortunately there is not a photo of either of them.
