SimonD’s workbench

[southern rambler]

Hi Simon
Yes my motor question was directed at you was looking for some pointers thank you, looked on premier components website their three stage gearbox is about fifteen to twenty pounds cheaper than the MSC version could the dimensions differ slightly between the two as space could be the deciding factor for my G6?.
Hope your Christmas was a good one.

Kind regards,

Paul.

 

[simond]

Hi Paul,

thought so

I have used Premier Components motors in various locos (disclosure, I did the CAD for the gearboxes) and I’ve been very happy with their performance. They will fit between Slaters hornblocks, whereas the MSCs might be a bit tight. I used an MSC Crailcrest in my 42xx, and it’s very good, though was pipped at the post by a mate’s H15. It was a bit academic as we were up in the 80-plus wagon loads…

I have not used a Slaters motor/gearbox but have only heard good reports. I have used ABC motor/gearboxes and have likewise been entirely satisfied. I know Brian Clapperton has images of the ABC products on his website, I can give you an outline of a Premier one if it would help, and I may have a drawing of a Crailcrest. I don’t think Slaters publish their drawings.

let me know if you want pictures
Happy Christmas
Simon

 

[southern rambler]

Hi Simon
I think in a way you have made my decision for me in opting for the Premier Components Helical gearbox and motor set up if the dimensions allow, one question I have is can the motor be facing towards the rear of the chassis as that is the only way round it will fit if that makes sense?
I know there are mixed views on Ace Products kits I spoke to William at the Guildford Trade Show venue about producing a kit for the Southern Region N15X 4-6-0 tender loco which is listed on his website he phoned me Christmas Eve to say he can put a kit together so I have taken the plunge and in the new year I shall be placing an order for one as far as I know there is no one else who produces this kit in my view it is a bit of a gap in the Southern loco lineup these were a rebuild of the LBSCR express tank loco that had a serious accident after it toppled over on its side at speed and collided with a bridge the loco crew dyed and some passengers also perished in the accident it was then decided to rebuild them as loco crews had reported the locos could be unstable at higher speeds with rocking from side to side due to the higher positioning of the water tanks.

Regards,

Paul.

 

[Bill Campbell]

Hi Simon
Yes my motor question was directed at you was looking for some pointers thank you, looked on premier components website their three stage gearbox is about fifteen to twenty pounds cheaper than the MSC version could the dimensions differ slightly between the two as space could be the deciding factor for my G6?.
Hope your Christmas was a good one.

Kind regards,

Paul.

Hi Paul

Hope Simon doesn't mind me interrupting.

Slaters do a downloadable pdf of their motors and gearboxes on their website. I have used their motor/gearboxes in two locos and they are fine. I remember getting a consternatious reply when I enquired if their gearboxes are worm or helical drive - they are helical. Their small motor/gearbox combination looks good if space is restricted.

Regards.

 

[southern rambler]

Hi Bill
Thank you for the info/suggestion will have a look at this idea I think the space I have to play with could be the deciding factor on gearbox/motor options I have as loco is a 0-6-0 tank.
Still in early stages of building locos my only other loco build has been a 0-4-0t loco with a single axle gear and worm driven motor she runs fine considering the basic driving set up, I wanted something a lot more engineeringly precise which would in turn run lot quieter.

Kind regards,

Paul.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Southern Region N15X 4-6-0 tender loco which is listed on his website he phoned me Christmas Eve to say he can put a kit together so I have taken the plunge and in the new year I shall be placing an order for one as far as I know there is no one else who produces this kit in my view it is a bit of a gap in the Southern loco lineup these were a rebuild of the LBSCR express tank loco that had a serious accident after it toppled over on its side at speed and collided with a bridge the loco crew dyed and some passengers also perished in the accident it was then decided to rebuild them as loco crews had reported the locos could be unstable at higher speeds with rocking from side to side due to the higher positioning of the water tanks.

I was aware the LBSC encountered unsteadiness at speed with their 4-6-4T L class Baltic tanks early on which necessitated reducing the side tank water capacity by half (while maintaining their original height) and the installation of larger well tanks between the frames. But I didn't think they had any serious accidents on the level of the SECR 2-6-4T K and K1 'River' class.

As far as I know the Brighton Baltics had relatively uneventful careers on London to Brighton services (one being the Southern Belle - renamed Brighton Belle on electrification) until they were made redundant by the 1933 London - Brighton electrification. After which they were rebuilt into the N15X by the SR from 1934 to make use of a relatively new loco with six of the seven L class built being 10 to 12 years old.

Apologies for the SR diversion, Simon.

 

[simond]

No apologies needed! It’s all grist to a very comfortable mill. Draw up a hay bale and join the chat.

Bill, thanks for correcting me, I didn’t know that Slaters provided pdf’s. I’ve not found them (but then, I wasn’t looking!) but now I know…

Paul, I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I think it’s fair to say that Ace kits have a rather mixed reputation. Do have a read on here and RMW before splashing your hard-earned.

In answer to your other question, motors really don’t care which way up they are, what they don‘t like is being trapped, they need to be constrained just enough, but no more, so a simple retaining strap, and the gearbox mounted on the axle will be enough.

I’m sure the Premier motor/gearbox will be fine.

Do start a thread, post your pictures, and your progress, and ask for help if & when you need it. There are lots of folks on here with lots of experience, and the generosity to share it.

atb
Simon

 

[southern rambler]

Hello Dave
You are right it was the River tank locos that were rebuilt into 2-6-0 Southern U class Moguls the accident I was referring to was called the Sevenoaks Railway Accident 24th August 1927 which involved River class loco No 800 River Cray, I stand corrected.

Regards,

Paul.

 

[southern rambler]

Hi Simon
In relation starting a thread and to posting pictures I do not have the up to date items to use for posting pictures will look at starting a thread though thank you for the information.

Kind regards,

Paul.