So I managed to find an early Grafar Holden Tank chassis for my Cavendish Pannier tank kit. And, miracle of miracles, I managed to get it just about working (in fact, I bought two "spares and repair" and they both work... sort of...!)... :claphappy:
However... I really can't live with those pizza-cutter wheels, they're horrible - does anyone know of anything I could use to replace them? The problem is that the newer Grafar 0-6-0's have a much longer wheel base so a straight wheels and rods swap isn't do-able.
Also, the ancient Grafar motor is not the most responsive thing ever - is there a modern motor that would fit in its place?
Thanks for any help/advice. :)
Just had an email from Bob at BR Lines on this - he said (with massive and commendable tact, diplomacy and delicacy!) that it's not really worth trying to upgrade such an obselete chassis.
So I shall nurse the current one and try to ignore the wheels - one day I might have a go at shortening a newer Grafar chassis, perhaps losing the front coupling to make it fit - but for now, at least my son will have a (just about) working Pannier tank...! :)
There are no new style wheels that will fit this type of chassis anyway - the Holden had a unique wheel size and gear diameter....
Cheers,
Alan