N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: MikeDunn on October 11, 2013, 01:17:02 PM

Title: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: MikeDunn on October 11, 2013, 01:17:02 PM
Hi all,

SWMBO picked up, a while back, the Dapol release of the Airfix release of the Kitmaster Schools class; in this case, King's Wimbledon (instead of the original Harrow).

Now ... I've had a look, and I'm a little leery of it !  If I do build this (I may not have a lot of choice  :doh:  :(), I'd like to build it "better" than what I have in the bag; if nothing else, that means proper decals etc.  But ... I'd prefer to go further, and make this a running model.  I know it won't be anywhere up to modern standards, but ... !

So ... is this a feasible idea for this kit ?  Are there detailing packs around that I can get to improve it (please don't say silk purse / sow's ear  ::)) ?  Who from ?  And what about replacing the wheels (horrible plastic things) - I assume something like Gibson or Ultrascale (really don't say the purse / ear here !!!).  As far as the motor etc - haven't a clue ...  ???

Or should I just build it as a static & tell SWMBO that if she wants a running kit to buy a proper one !  :P

Mike
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: EtchedPixels on October 11, 2013, 01:57:35 PM
Well first of all you are going to need to grind it into fine powder and use that to cast an N scale one 8)

Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: Dorsetmike on October 11, 2013, 03:44:40 PM
Quote from: EtchedPixels on October 11, 2013, 01:57:35 PM
Well first of all you are going to need to grind it into fine powder and use that to cast an N scale one 8)

I think I'd rather buy a Del Prado one (washes mouth out) save a lot of hassle. Mine's parked back of the shed, must get the smoke box door open and add a couple of fitters in attendance.
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: Roy L S on October 11, 2013, 04:36:40 PM
Quote from: MikeDunn on October 11, 2013, 01:17:02 PM
Hi all,

SWMBO picked up, a while back, the Dapol release of the Airfix release of the Kitmaster Schools class; in this case, King's Wimbledon (instead of the original Harrow).

Now ... I've had a look, and I'm a little leery of it !  If I do build this (I may not have a lot of choice  :doh:  :(), I'd like to build it "better" than what I have in the bag; if nothing else, that means proper decals etc.  But ... I'd prefer to go further, and make this a running model.  I know it won't be anywhere up to modern standards, but ... !

So ... is this a feasible idea for this kit ?  Are there detailing packs around that I can get to improve it (please don't say silk purse / sow's ear  ::)) ?  Who from ?  And what about replacing the wheels (horrible plastic things) - I assume something like Gibson or Ultrascale (really don't say the purse / ear here !!!).  As far as the motor etc - haven't a clue ...  ???

Or should I just build it as a static & tell SWMBO that if she wants a running kit to buy a proper one !  :P

Mike

A more cost effective route to a working one in 00 (Sorry!) is the Hornby Railroad one: -

http://www.ehattons.com/60230/Hornby_R3172_Class_V_Schools_4_4_0_steam_locomotive_925_Cheltenham_in_SR_Malachite_green/StockDetail.aspx (http://www.ehattons.com/60230/Hornby_R3172_Class_V_Schools_4_4_0_steam_locomotive_925_Cheltenham_in_SR_Malachite_green/StockDetail.aspx)

Regards

Roy
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: MikeDunn on October 11, 2013, 07:10:47 PM
I (or rather SWMBO) already have a working one ... that's not the point.

Anyone with any decent suggestions ?  ::)
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: Adam1701D on October 11, 2013, 07:25:44 PM
I did have a look for replacement chassis that would fit the Airfix Schools but with no luck. I'm sure someone like Comet or Branchlines would probably do something suitable. A quick check on eBay did show a Kitmaster Schools mounted on an old Eames chassis that recently sold, so that might be a good route.
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: EtchedPixels on October 11, 2013, 07:27:37 PM
Might be worth asking on rmweb ?
Title: Re: Ex-Kitmaster Schools class
Post by: MikeDunn on October 11, 2013, 10:29:50 PM
Cheers Adam,

I'll have a look-see over there ... odds are, I'll end up making it a static & tell SWMBO to find a decent kit for a runner  :smiley-laughing: