Scale 7 info please and anyone in the NW?

[ianlbsc]

Hi, I am starting 7mm modelling, having been a P4 modeller for 35 years and have a P4 layout under construction and many locos and carriages in 4mm.
I have been tempted by 7mm and wish to find out more, see if there is anywhere to run stock and meet others. I live in Blackpool, Lancashire and model the LB&SCR from about 1860 to 1910. I am just starting to build an Albion D1, my first LB&SCR 7mm loco, having built a Slaters open cab tank as per the box and have had second thoughts about continuing in O FS.
Are there any Scale 7 practioners nearby I could have a chat with face to face or an area group I could visit?
I know my way around 4mm suppliers but 7mm is a new ball game! I shall be attending Doncaster on the 4th June but want to have a chat before then so I am in the know for purchases then.
Many thanks
Ian MacCormac

 

[Heather Kay]

Hi Ian. Welcome to WT and - potentially - S7!

I'm sure @Dog Star, Graham Beare, will be along shortly, as he's currently part of the S7 Group steering committee. The Group publishes a membership list, which is sent out to all members once a year so they can contact people in their local area. I don't immediately know of anyone - though Mike Osborne isn't a million miles away from you.

If Rob Thompson, whose WT handle I forget, the Group's secretary is watching he might be able to help, too.

 

[adrian]

Hi,

I'm just down the road in Preston and I've been known to dabble with Scale7 - I oscillate between that and 2mmFS. I don't think there is an local area group as there seem to be very few Scale7 modellers around these parts - although more than happy to meet up for a chat at some point.

 

[ianlbsc]

Hi Heather
I think I used to be an acquaintance about 25 years ago or more when I was in the Amesway group of Scalefour? I am trying tio remember but I recall a Paul?? who had either an infra red or remote controlled operating device. I used to live in Chatham and teach at The Maths School at Rochester.
Anyway, many thanks for the welcome. Graham has already been in touch!
I have sent off my joining application today and have a quick question. I am starting an Albion D1, I will be getting the Slater's wheels re-profiled when I find out how, but am wondering about frame spacer widths. What do people usually use? Anyone built one of these or any Albion kit in S7?
Thanks
Ian

 

[S7BcSR]

Hi Ian and welcome to the world, potentially, of S7.

As Adrian says there are relatively few S7 modellers in the NW, only about 15 according to S7 Group membership list. Looking in your area there are a couple of members in Preston, one in Poulton-le-Fylde, one in Lytham St Anne's and one in Morecambe. The rest are mostly down in Cheshire and around the Manchester area. The nearest active area group is the North East who tend to meet at Locomotion in Shildon.

However if you want to discuss anything then I am only too pleased to help and maybe I can point you in the direction of others if I can't help specifically. My email address is in the contact list on the S7 website but there are also many S7 modellers who frequent this site and I am certain they would be able to help if you ask through WT.

Rob Thompson

 

[ianlbsc]

Hi Adrian,
Aha! A local person!
I have been to the Preston Gauge O group a couple of times but no-one that I spoke to there had any real interest in S7. Am I mistaken? I have heard of the Locomotion group now so may make a trip over when I have something to run and just build a few feet of test track here.
Cheers
Ian

 

[ianlbsc]

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome!
I hope to get started soon. Will hopefully meet some of you at Doncaster on 4 June.
Cheers
Ian

 

[ianlbsc]

Thank you Rob
That means 4 members within 20 miles so I should be able to find some help if I need to.
Cheers
Ian

 

[Heather Kay]

Ha! Small world indeed!

Yes, the other half does recall you, though my brain cell is a little fuzzy on such matters. Sadly, age has somewhat taken its toll on his eyesight and he no longer models. I have made the move into building models professionally, something I wish I'd done years ago.

I see Rob and Adrian have popped up with information, and I just realised Graham probably contacted you over on RMWeb. Penny drops!

 

[ianlbsc]

Aha! Just found the discussion about width over frames in the S7 section, so I will try 29mm. Cheers
Ian

 

[Paul Stokes]

Hi Ian

Welcome to the group, myself (S7 Stores) and Ron Pitts (S7 Membership) will be on the S7 stand at the Doncaster show, come and have a chat to us, we can answer any questions you might have.

Paul Stokes

 

[ianlbsc]

Many thanks Paul, see you there!

 

[demu1037]

Hi Ian

If you can cope with a hour (or so) on the M6 the Warley 7mm groups are holding an open day on Sunday (B69 2RA), its alleged some of them know about S7, (but not d82/253 CCT's!), they might be glad of someone to talk to.

Andy

 

[Scale7JB]

Glad it all worked out Ian!

JB.

 

[Dog Star]

If you can cope with a hour (or so) on the M6 the Warley 7mm groups are holding an open day on Sunday (B69 2RA), its alleged some of them know about S7 ... they might be glad of someone to talk to.

Good point Andy (@demu1037). Peter and I are making the trip (just under two hours) at the behest of "The Engine Shed" lads, apparently this layout is rather good.

 

[Heritagebob]

Hi Ian, welcome.
As a very recent convert myself to the world of S7 I don't think you will regret going over to the larger scale, and if and when you need it there's a good deal of help and advice available on here from very knowledgeable people.
I'm currently in the process of building some S7 track using steel rail and ply and I'm finding it enjoyable as looks just right. Common crossing/Check Rail chairs are available from the Shapeways Website.
Good luck with it

 

[ianlbsc]

Just so you are aware, I have had two emails bounced back from the Scale7 web site. Both to Ron Pitts, membership@etc. Non deliverable and timeouts.
I am attempting to change a few things this Sunday but not looking good. Will definitely be at Doncaster though!
Cheers
Ian

 

[Ian@StEnochs]

Hi Ian.
I too worked in P4 until I realised that what I really prefered doing was building locos when I changed to 0 gauge. However after my first engine I found that the compromises needed for the narrow gauge and course wheels after P4 was a step too far and I changed to S7. Now some 40 locos down the line I have no regrets. A bonus is that I find if much easier and quicker to scratch build a loco without having to bu##er about with dimensions, you just take them from the GA drawing.
I am not near you but will be at Doncaster if you fancy a chat.
Ian.

 

[Eastsidepilot]

Aha! Just found the discussion about width over frames in the S7 section, so I will try 29mm. Cheers
Ian

29mm 0/a frames is basically the dimension I have standardised on for S7, it gives just a little more space if you require any side play in any of the axle sets considering some models are sometimes required to negotiate tighter curves than maybe the protoype may have done, having said that I have built them at dead scale and they still work fine.

Col.

 

[Eastsidepilot]

A bonus is that I find if much easier and quicker to scratch build a loco without having to bu##er about with dimensions, you just take them from the GA drawing.

Col.