Tri-ang R52 Jinty - mystery jig

[Southerngooner]

Hi

I've been asked to check whether a 1960's Tri-ang Jinty is a runner, and after a bit of cleaning got it going. The box contained an oil pot (empty) and a strange piece of metal that I presume is some sort of jig given the number of letters on it. A photo is below - anyone any ideas what it is? The overall size is 32mm x 26mm



Dave

[ntpntpntp]

AI thinks it's probably part of a pinball machine

Doesn't come up as anything related to model railways.  Maybe post it on the Hornby Community forum?

[msr]

There's a diagram of the chassis halfway down this page but doesn't show your metal piece:
https://www.classiccollectmodels.co.uk/the-triang-r52-jinty-locomotive-retro-reviews/

Could it be a weight within the body shell?

[Roy L S]

I am by no means an expert on Tri-Ang models but do have a fascination for 50s/60s models, follow a couple of FB forums and also have a bit of a collection of TT3.

From my understanding of the OO range, models first introduced had chassis made up of sheet steel sections as per the exploded diagram in the link above. Later (late 50s/early 60s), this type of chassis was superseded by a diecast metal one.

Of course none of that answers the question, and I admit it has me stumped, the general shape and hole (for a motor shaft possibly?) suggests some kind of spacer or mounting bracket, possibly unrelated to the loco.

If @Southerngooner is OK with it, and I can figure out how to post a pic of the item on the said FB forum, I will happily ask there to see if anyone can shed any light.

Roy

[Southerngooner]

More than happy for you to post this elsewhere Roy!

As the box is in good condition, with the two card tubes round the couplings, and the jar of oil (with a nice cork!) in there with the actual loco, the presence of the "jig" (which feels like steel) feels like something that hasn't just been dumped there. Coukd it be a form of clearance/track gauge/platform height guide?
Dave

[Steven B]

Looking at similar locos on eBay, quite a few of them have a similar piece of metal in the box.

With the A, B, C, D & E markings, I'd guess it's a gauge of some description.

Do any of the dimensions match the 16.5mm of OO Gauge track? How do they compare to the back-to-back dimensions of the wheelsets?

[Steven B]

I've asked the question on RMWeb:
https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/200762-mystery-triang-gauge/

[Bealman]

Not exactly full of info there, either, so far!

[mojo]

Looks like a track gauge to me.

[JanW]

You could ask here: http://www.tri-ang.co.uk/

Jan