Tuesday 18 November 2014

58xx A start is made

Latest project on my workbench is this old Dapol 14xx mostly undergoing cosmetic alterations. Top feed removed, new chimney, new smoke box door casting and more to come.
The original traction tyre wheels removed and plain wheels fitted.
The finished loco will be renumbered 5801 of Penmaenpool shed the same design as a 14xx but without the auto gear fitted.








































The prototype locomotive still in GWR livery in 1958 standing in the Dollgeleau  bay platform at Barmouth

7 comments:

  1. Those mods are well worth doing Frank and make a huge improvement to the old model. I look forward to seeing the finished job on shed.

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    1. Hi Geoff Thanks for the comment. I'm using the Mainly Trains detailing kit, but not the auto gear components obviously.

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  2. If I remember correctly the Airfix moulding was rather good and worthy of upgrading, unlike some of Margate's offerings from the same period. Not sure why they fitted traction tyres though...
    Anyway, I've always liked these little locos and I look forward to seeing it finished to your usual high standard.

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    1. Hi Paul. Thanks for your comments.
      This particular loco is stamped Dapol, but not sure if the Hornby mouldings are the same. I got rid of the traction tyres in order to improve the appearance as well as help with power pick up.

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  3. Hi Frank, some nice improvements to this good old stager. The chimney looks very good, a shame Mainly Trains is winding down.

    Have you heard that Hattons/DJ Models have announced a new state of the art 14xx/58xx today? Not that it should make any difference to your project, doing mods like these are a real pleasure in itself, I think.

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    1. Hi Mikkel Thanks for your comments.
      I didn't know about Dave Cleal selling up his Mainly Trains business until a few days ago, That is a great pity as he does some really good stuff not available anywhere else.
      Yes, just found out about Hattons too! Just my luck to start a project to have one RTR available too. I had the same thing happen when I built my K's Dukedog only for Bachmann to release theirs soon after.
      Oh well, such is life.

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    2. In that case Frank, could you build a GWR 3521 class, so we can have an RTR one? :-)

      Seriously though, I expect your 58xx will be finished long before the Hattons one.

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