As the title says.
I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get my hands on a railway crane? I'd like to be able to create a breakdown train consist with the crimson Stove R I've got on order.
Whether it's a kit, ready to run or shapeways print doesn't really matter to me, I'd just like to know where to get one.
And don't worry moderators, this isn't a request to buy one from a forum member. I know I'd need to use the Wanted section of the N'porium for that.
UPDATE
I have purchased one of Osbournes' ready to run cranes, and it should be with me in a few weeks (if it isn't lost due to Australian Post being the literal worst).
Osborn's models;
https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln100--ready-to-run-gwr-ransomes--rapier-crane-43811-p.asp (https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln100--ready-to-run-gwr-ransomes--rapier-crane-43811-p.asp)
https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln102--ready-to-run-45t-br-red-ransomes--rapier-crane-47322-p.asp (https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln102--ready-to-run-45t-br-red-ransomes--rapier-crane-47322-p.asp)
There are two versions, i think; also there used to be a cast one by Skytrex, but i don't know if any one else took over the tooling.
Martyn
Currently I believe there is only one UK crane on the market.
https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln100--ready-to-run-gwr-ransomes--rapier-crane-43811-p.asp (https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln100--ready-to-run-gwr-ransomes--rapier-crane-43811-p.asp)
https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln102--ready-to-run-45t-br-red-ransomes--rapier-crane-47322-p.asp (https://www.osbornsmodels.com/ocww-aln102--ready-to-run-45t-br-red-ransomes--rapier-crane-47322-p.asp)
The GWR version is 1940-48.
The BR red version is late 1960s onwards.
There was also a BR black version 1948-68 (approx dates) which ran on the Southern but they may have sold out.
Worth asking Osborns what they can do for you.
You do not want to go the whitemetal kit route. They are so heavy you won't be able to move them.
HTH
Bob (NGS Helpline)
EDIT - Martyn beat me to it by seconds but since the facts are identical, I'd say you have your answer!
these often come up on ebay--cheap and cheerful
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284745246421?hash=item424c23a6d5:g:XrIAAOSwyi1iSv7- (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284745246421?hash=item424c23a6d5:g:XrIAAOSwyi1iSv7-)
and
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284741190708?hash=item424be5c434:g:alwAAOSwolphWJdf (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284741190708?hash=item424be5c434:g:alwAAOSwolphWJdf)
There's a yellow thing I seem to remember from the nineties - Ibertan?
Quote from: Bigmac on April 07, 2022, 08:42:24 AM
these often come up on ebay--cheap and cheerful
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284741190708?hash=item424be5c434:g:alwAAOSwolphWJdf (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284741190708?hash=item424be5c434:g:alwAAOSwolphWJdf)
and make a fairly decent basis for a bit of butchery;
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=43692.msg670976#msg670976 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=43692.msg670976#msg670976)
You are rather limited when it comes to UK cranes. Osborns or the old Skytrex kit?
There are a few Continental crane models out there, most of the major manufacturers have offered one at some point. For example Fleischmann, Roco, Minitrix (same as Roco), Ibertren, Arnold, Kibri (kit). I don't believe any of them look very British in nature so it depends how realistic you want it to be?
Top to bottom: Roco, Arnold, Ibertren, Fleischmann. Not showing their match-trucks in this photo - if you buy second hand make sure they come with the match truck!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5885-070422091516.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=121386)
Hi @mca0004 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=10029)
You can view my own crane journey here...
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11342.765 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=11342.765)
Thought it might give you food for thought.
Kind regards
Paddy
What an interesting thread Paddy :thumbsup:
You have done a fabulous job there :D :D :D
I can only add my name to the list suggesting Osbornes, but also let you know I have one :D
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141552-1213792495.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141553-1213921945.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141553-121391510.jpeg)
The detail is excellent. It is a lovely model, which I bought as I have early memories of my Dad's layout in the loft, where he had a Hornby (I think :hmmm:) one made of a very very heavy lump of iron ;)
The Osbornes one will run on radius one curves, but is happier on radius two :thumbsup:
Osbornes can be difficult to get hold of, so if you don't hear from them, it's worth mentioning here. Mike and Maurice look in, and are very helpful when they get your message :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
@Phoenix (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5755) Yes I remember having a Hornby Dublo crane very similar to the Osborns model.
https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Breakdown_Crane_(Hornby_Dublo_4620) (https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/index/Breakdown_Crane_(Hornby_Dublo_4620))
(https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/w/images/Breakdown_Crane_No133,_Hornby-Dublo_4620_(DubloCat_1963).jpg)
Quote from: Phoenix on April 07, 2022, 02:27:40 PM
What an interesting thread Paddy :thumbsup:
You have done a fabulous job there :D :D :D
I can only add my name to the list suggesting Osbornes, but also let you know I have one :D
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141552-1213792495.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141553-1213921945.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/5755-070422141553-121391510.jpeg)
The detail is excellent. It is a lovely model, which I bought as I have early memories of my Dad's layout in the loft, where he had a Hornby (I think :hmmm:) one made of a very very heavy lump of iron ;)
The Osbornes one will run on radius one curves, but is happier on radius two :thumbsup:
Osbornes can be difficult to get hold of, so if you don't hear from them, it's worth mentioning here. Mike and Maurice look in, and are very helpful when they get your message :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
Thanks Kevin, I appreciate your kind words. Creating my crane was a labour of love (not sure that is the right word though!). The Osborn Models crane looks fantastic and if I did not have mine then I would be tempted.
Also, I love the old Hornby Dublo model. What an amazing "toy" from simpler age.
Kind regards
Paddy
Thank you all for suggesting Osbornes, I'm happy to say I've got a BR Black crane on the way!
I'll keep you updated for when it arrives.
That's great news.
Enjoy it.
Oh and you can run it with black or red breakdown coaches/vans, as the cranes were the last to get repainted in the 60s.
You may be able to get a Breakdown crane Red Stove R secondhand or a Dapol Red ex fish van, but the staff running brake van might have to be a repainted red or black early Farish Suburban brake end coach.
Bob
I run my Osborn's BR black crane with one of the Farish departmental black Stanier BGs. Looks good IMHO. (Yeah, yeah, I know the coach has ELECTRIFICATION lettered on the side. I just imagine it's been recently reassigned to the breakdown crane unit and hasn't had the lettering repainted yet. You can't read it from the other end of the loft anyway.)
PW
Quote from: Bob G on April 07, 2022, 10:47:23 PM
Oh and you can run it with black or red breakdown coaches/vans, as the cranes were the last to get repainted in the 60s.
You may be able to get a Breakdown crane Red Stove R secondhand or a Dapol Red ex fish van, but the staff running brake van might have to be a repainted red or black early Farish Suburban brake end coach.
I've luckly have an old Graham Farish LMS Suburban coach I don't mind repainting, I just need to know; what colour it should be? I know it's supposed to be red, but what type of red?
I also already have a Crimson Stove R on the way, so that's sorted, and I can get some peco van kits. I just need to know that red.
I believe it is signal red, but you are correct to ask the question! I have had various attempts at getting this colour right.
It is also a colour that doesn't cover well in blocks, so lots of light spray applications is best, rather than a dollop of colour.
Of course, if it is black you want to paint it, I'd use a satin black aerosol.
Dapol did a CCT in engineers Red, Cheltenham Model Cenre did box vans and fish vans in engineers Red.
Martin
The switch to red for breakdown trains was from 1959. The new 75t and 30t cranes were delivered in this colour.
As the Osborns' crane is a GWR if wouldn't have been repainted from black to red until an early 1960s overhaul.
There's a nice history of railway breakdown cranes here:
http://www.bdca.org.uk/modernisation.html (http://www.bdca.org.uk/modernisation.html)
The 1959 red livery was originally meant to have black and straw coloured lining but many of the workshops didn't bother with the lining as the earlier cranes had too many rivets.
I think signal/buffer beam red is about the right shade but you're probably best matching it to you vans you have. Most paint ranges should have something suitable. If you're going to repaint a coach then I'd suggest a pre-1949 design, probably from the region you're modelling. The old 1980s generic coaches from Farish would be ideal if you don't want to attack a modern model.
The crane usually ran directly behind the locomotive with the vans following.
Steven B.
Steven B.
I've got my train sorted. It's going to consist of a BR black crane, 2 vans I'll make from Peco kits, a Stove R brake van, & a LMS suburban brake coach I'll repaint.
Now the million dollar (or whatever your local currency is) question: What order will they run in? I'm thinking; loco-crane-van-van* is a must, but what's supposed to follow? *-coach-stove, or *-stove-coach?
I'd keep the Stove R for the Condor. Its the wrong colour for a start.
There was a Tinsley Stove R in engineers red which you might like to get secondhand to go with the train, but I'd just go with one or two vans and a brake coach at the end.
Enjoy the dilemma!
Bob
The suburban brake would provide accommodation for the guard, so no reason for the Stove R as well.
As it's a steam crane, you might also want to add a water tank wagon.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3307/4584513629_31c8db6a2f_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/7Z7Qbr)
LMS RS 1054 50T Steam Crane (https://flic.kr/p/7Z7Qbr) by Nick Baxter (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25830408@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4101/4780964640_eed951803b_w.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/8htGdQ)
33038 at East Croydon - 16 January 1982 (https://flic.kr/p/8htGdQ) by John Oram (https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnoram/), on Flickr
Steven B.
There was an article about breakdown cranes on pages 36-43 of the summer 1998 issue of "Model Rail".
There was also an article about building the Fleetline kit for a 15 ton GWR breakdown crane on pages 527-529 of the October 2002 issue of "Railway Modeller".
The Osborn's breakdown crane is an excellent model but comes with a price.
Some more cost effective ideas for a breakdown train can be found here:
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50233.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=50233.0)
Ian
Can I just say a big thank you to all the members who posted to this thread a few weeks ago, it inspired me to pull out the Roco crane I had purchased on an impulse a few months back, spend alot of time trawling through pictures of cranes on the internet and then converting it to something passable on a mid-60's based layout. What became apparent was that there was many different varieties of cranes available and no one crane seemed to be the same as another, hence I could apply quite a bit of modellers licence to produce my interpretation of a Cowden Sheldon 30T steam crane, using plasticard and bits and pieces from the left over box. Overall I am happy with the results, although if I did another I would try to make the body of the crane sit slightly lower, and the front part of the roof broader. Finally a big thank you to both Cambridge Custom Transfers and Railtec for both their excellent service and the excellent products, that bring the model to life.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/8834-290422071744.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122236)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/8834-290422071853.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122237)
Quote from: Tonk66 on April 29, 2022, 07:21:40 AM
Can I just say a big thank you to all the members who posted to this thread a few weeks ago, it inspired me to pull out the Roco crane I had purchased on an impulse a few months back, spend alot of time trawling through pictures of cranes on the internet and then converting it to something passable on a mid-60's based layout. What became apparent was that there was many different varieties of cranes available and no one crane seemed to be the same as another, hence I could apply quite a bit of modellers licence to produce my interpretation of a Cowden Sheldon 30T steam crane, using plasticard and bits and pieces from the left over box. Overall I am happy with the results, although if I did another I would try to make the body of the crane sit slightly lower, and the front part of the roof broader. Finally a big thank you to both Cambridge Custom Transfers and Railtec for both their excellent service and the excellent products, that bring the model to life.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/8834-290422071744.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122236)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/8834-290422071853.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122237)
that looks excellent--well done. Only prob--i need to re visit mine now!
Look what arrived in the mail today.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/123/10029-270622064407.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=123738)