On the spur of the moment I bid for, and won, on eBay a job lot of 3 diesel chassis, of which this is one:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/134/2975-090823164618.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=134683)
It runs well, as per the description, but it does tend to fall to bits when you pick it up. Despite this, I'm sure it could be made into a useful loco. Spare bodies can often be picked up for a few quid on eBay - the question is, which one do I want? It is a 'Grafar' loco, according to the stamp on the base, which probably means it is quite old. I checked it against my Class 31 and it is definitely longer than that. Any clues, folks?
Cheers,
Chris
class 37, or 47 ?
IIRC at one time that used the same chassis
Yep looks like a 37/47 to me as well.
Regards,
John P
I agree, a 37 or 47. Would the bogie or bottom tank/batterybox design clarify which? I'm not an expert on the locos.
I have a couple of old 47s - the original version with proper brass gears and working lights -
@Papyrus does your chassis have these features? Don't think I can see any lighting diodes or retaining strips for bulbs (see my photo below)
You say it falls apart - do you mean the bogies fall out? That would imply broken retaining clips which are available from Farish N Spares. They're not expensive. One of my locos only cost me £8 at a toy fair due to this problem so I designed and 3D printed some new clips (and a retainer for the fuel tank as that was loose) :)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/126/medium_5885-260922113532.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=126290)
Could it perhaps be from an EE 'Type 5' Co-Co (TOPS Cl. 55) - 'Deltic'?
Best wishes
John
The fuel tank between the bogies indicates a class 47.
Regards Great Eastern
Quote from: ntpntpntp on August 09, 2023, 06:05:32 PMI agree, a 37 or 47. Would the bogie or bottom tank/batterybox design clarify which? I'm not an expert on the locos.
I have a couple of old 47s - the original version with proper brass gears and working lights - @Papyrus does your chassis have these features? Don't think I can see any lighting diodes or retaining strips for bulbs (see my photo below)
You say it falls apart - do you mean the bogies fall out? That would imply broken retaining clips which are available from Farish N Spares. They're not expensive. One of my locos only cost me £8 at a toy fair due to this problem so I designed and 3D printed some new clips (and a retainer for the fuel tank as that was loose) :)
Mine has plastic gears and no lights. Does that make it earlier or later than yours?
Yes two of the bogie retaining clips are broken - good to hear that they are still available. The fuel tank is also detached but a dab of glue should solve that. Many thanks for your help (and everybody else). At least I know what body to look out for now.
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Papyrus on August 09, 2023, 07:34:48 PMMine has plastic gears and no lights. Does that make it earlier or later than yours?
Yours is later. The brass gears and lights are the first version. The lights were a "big thing" in those days, although of course the Continentals had been fitting them for many years before)
I prefer brass gears :)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/113/medium_5885-310821144556.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=113294)
These are my two originals. The blue one's my bargain toyfair find. I had a green "Isembard Kingdom Brunel" when they first came out (1981?) but sold it when I changed to European N; this one's a more recent purchase for nostalgic purposes!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/126/medium_5885-260922113908.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=126293)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/113/medium_5885-310821144625.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=113295)
QuoteThe fuel tank is also detached but a dab of glue should solve that.
I designed a new mount with clips for mine. It glues into the bottom of the original tank.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/126/medium_5885-260922113749.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=126291)
Quote from: Papyrus on August 09, 2023, 07:34:48 PMAt least I know what body to look out for now.
Burke and Hare might be able to help you there ;)
Quote from: ntpntpntp on August 09, 2023, 08:02:36 PMQuote from: Papyrus on August 09, 2023, 07:34:48 PMMine has plastic gears and no lights. Does that make it earlier or later than yours?
Yours is later. The brass gears and lights are the first version. The lights were a "big thing" in those days
I had a green "Isembard Kingdom Brunel" when they first came out (1981?)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/113/medium_5885-310821144625.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=113295)
QuoteThe fuel tank is also detached but a dab of glue should solve that.
Brunel poses nearest the camera. As Nick says - brass gears and lights, although I have to say the lights on mine are as dim as a glowworm's armpit ;D
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/134/264-090823212444-1346722105.jpeg)
As has been mentioned already, an old Poole Farish chassis that was used for the Class 37 and 47; I've got 6 of these bought in the early 1990s. All have had the axles changed as some of the gear cogs had split, a known defect in these locos.
I've got 4 unpainted class 37 bodyshells and some nose ends that I was going to paint but have decided to buy new Bachmann Grafar as they are light years ahead of these old ones.
Quote from: 37214 on August 10, 2023, 02:40:42 PMI've got 6 of these bought in the early 1990s. All have had the axles changed as some of the gear cogs had split, a known defect in these locos.
Not with the original brass geared versions :D I'm perfectly capable of replacing split gears and I replace them with brass where I can :)
I've bought some new bogie clips (thanks for the tip
@ntpntpntp ) so it no longer falls apart. As the chassis was so cheap, I decided to splash out and buy a new body from farish nspares while I was about it, so I now have a pretty decent loco for not too much money. One thing struck me about the body though - the roof is the same colour as the main part of the body except for a glaring white panel on top. Is this correct? I have been trying to check online photos and the impression I get is that the roofs were grey in varying shades, where you can see them under the dirt. I'm no expert on diesels, so I'd appreciate some more info.
Cheers,
Chris
@Papyrus which livery bodyshell did you buy? Post a photo?
This one:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/134/2975-120823161148.jpeg)
I've just converted my old GF Class 47 to coreless, so I can definitely say this chassis will fit a Cl 47 body of GF make. I kept the brass gears as changing to plastic (quieter) was going to cost around £30. I did have a long chat to bob at B R Lines who is very helpful regarding anything Poole made. he can supply spares for most things if you ask him. I have also converted mine to LEDs at both ends so now get white and red showing in the lights. Just need to work out a way to stop the now very bright lights illuminating the cab! :D I fitted a decoder in the space left when the magnet was removed.
Cheers :beers:
Quote from: Papyrus on August 12, 2023, 03:29:44 PMOne thing struck me about the body though - the roof is the same colour as the main part of the body except for a glaring white panel on top. Is this correct?
The lighter grey panel on the roof is correct. When built they were fitted with fibreglass roof panels with the intention that they'd let more light into the engine room. As you say, they soon got mucky with dirt.
Steven B
Quote from: Firstone18 on August 12, 2023, 04:20:00 PMI've just converted my old GF Class 47 to coreless,
How does it now run?
Quote from: Steven B on August 12, 2023, 08:05:03 PMQuote from: Papyrus on August 12, 2023, 03:29:44 PMOne thing struck me about the body though - the roof is the same colour as the main part of the body except for a glaring white panel on top. Is this correct?
The lighter grey panel on the roof is correct. When built they were fitted with fibreglass roof panels with the intention that they'd let more light into the engine room. As you say, they soon got mucky with dirt.
Steven B
See the rear two locos in this post.........
Quote from: Newportnobby on August 09, 2023, 09:31:14 PM(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/134/264-090823212444-1346722105.jpeg)
Thanks for the replies, people. The white roof makes sense, now. Onward and upward.
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: NinOz on August 12, 2023, 11:51:08 PMQuote from: Firstone18 on August 12, 2023, 04:20:00 PMI've just converted my old GF Class 47 to coreless,
How does it now run?
Much better, still a bit noisy as it has all brass gears, but at a show I don't think this will matter. I am hoping to run it on Saturday at the Silver Fox show in Milton Keynes. The LED lights are also showing in the cabs as they are so bright now! I need to invent some sort of shield to prevent this when I get time. :D
@Papyrus - have sent you messages
Sorry I haven't answered, Andrew. I've been a bit under the weather for a few days so I haven't even switched my laptop on. Will let you know when the parcel arrives.
Cheers,
Chris