N Gauge Forum

So in recent years I've had to turn away from buying new locomotives (mainly cost) and have a renewed interest in old ones and stock.  Given my interest in trains from all parts of the world I thought it would be fun to start a thread for people to post pictures / movies / stories / history of their old locomotives, as much or as little as you like.  I have to give credit to for the title of the thread to @Webbo

The 'very loose' rules.

1. They can be from any country
2. They should be old (I don't know what makes a model locomotive old, but I figure anything thats pre-2000 starts to qualify, after all, there are plenty of real locos that didn't last that long!, but you decide if they are old to you)

This is mean't to be a celebration of these trains, just because a thing is new, doesn't mean its better and I'm finding a lot of my older loco's while not as detailed in some cases are generally pretty bullet proof and run well.

I'll start the ball rolling with this Concor (made my Roco) F3a from 1979.  Bought at a show recently for next to nothing, she's got a bit of a wobble but runs well and looks pretty good as well I think.  Doing pretty well for a 45yr old!


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/192-120125231622.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148490)

And proof of life (also for an ancient GN FA-1)

Poole Farish saddle tank, circa 1990. Still runs ok, nice firebox glow in the cab.

Well, a sparking motor, actually  :D

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/95/255-170620014148-955631696.jpeg)

I quite like this idea of resurrecting old locos for this thread.

Here is my contribution: A Lima Class 31 bought second-hand in 1977. Repainted by hand by me about 8 years later, with rub-on transfers.

It worked regularly for about 20 years until I acquired a Poole Farish example. When originally bought the Lima one lacked 2 traction tyres, so had very little pulling power. Some years later I tracked some down in a now defunct model shop on Auckland's North Shore. I remember the day fairly well as I got married that evening..

Put on the track today it did fire up under power, though the driving wheels spun before it moved off, as the aforementioned traction tyres are now almost worn out.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/6861-130125061011.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148491)

That doesn't look too bad at all, actually. :thumbsup:

I started in N gauge back in the 70s with a couple of class 101s (Farish) subsequently sold off, a Farish pannier tank, Castle and 3 Minitrix locos. Though far from dead, they do look very dated compared to modern day equivalents

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/264-130125062746-1484942250.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/264-130125062745-148489483.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/264-130125062745-148489977.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/264-130125062746-1484932200.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/135/264-150923170000-135654964.jpeg)

Love those Minitrix models! :thumbsup:

Talking of Minitrix, here's a Minitrix 9F converted to a Crosti version:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/94/255-060620065254-949451119.jpeg)

Hello Chums

The Poppyshire & Sillyshire Railway (aka the SuperSilly Train Set) is a railway preservation project in miniature.  As such, it has a slowly-increasing non-collection of Locomotives from Yesteryear.


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/6222-130125100203.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148501)


I think this little blue beauty is the oldest engine on the railway.  She has probably celebrated her half-century.  A Graham Farish Great Eastern Railway 0-6-0T.

I purchased her as a non-runner from the excellent Elaine's Trains.  After a refurbishment, she now runs and, every now and then, I couple a couple [Thank you!] of four-wheel carriages to her and she toddles round the little layout.

Excellent idea for a thread, thank you, Graham.


'N' Gauge is Such Fun!

With all best wishes.

John

Not sure if early 1960s "push-Trix" counts, but anyway the pacific and coaches are original production (the set was a 1999 repro for 40 years of Minitrix)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_5885-130125105522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=52871)

I suppose these are among the earliest I have which still work, though too coarse to run on the regular layout now

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/79/medium_5885-040719191619.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=79155)

I have a few late 60s / early 70s Arnold, Minitrix and Fleischmann locos. 

This set from 1968 still runs beautifully
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/133/medium_5885-210723211522.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=133758)

Long time British N modellers will know this one, the bullet-proof class 27-ish :)  (same chassis as that 1968 loco in the set above)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_5885-130125104949.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=54647)

1971 set
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/132/medium_5885-050523230952.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=132107)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/147/medium_5885-161224175256.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=147717)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-260420155311.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91760)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/91/medium_5885-150420171108.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=91031)

Two motors in this one!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/88/medium_5885-270220214200.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=88004)


My first N gauge set was similar to this, bought in 1974 in Fiji of all places!
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/75/medium_5885-220319191239.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=75246)

Ibertren 3-rail (I have a complete set to run this on)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/130/medium_5885-050323144439.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=130415)

If we're talking about old models that are still playing their part on the layout at exhibitions then the Arnold ET 420 units take the medal, There are usually two or three of the mid 70s tooling models in the stock box :)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_5885-291224124346.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=148038)

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/79/medium_5885-040719200636.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=79157)

3 Southern 4-6-0s from the early 80s

862, a Lord Nelson - hacked from a Peco Jubilee tender from a Nord Pacific.
509 my first N gauge loco, Southern Urie S15 Langley kit on Fleischman chassis
837 Maunsel S15 hacked from a Langley kit on Fleischman chassis; (mainly cab roof and footplate over cylinders)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/2855-130125130324.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148503)

Some great old models there, keep them coming!

Quote from: JulianO on January 13, 2025, 10:58:32 PMSome great old models there, keep them coming!

Shouldn't that be 'keep them going'? ;)

Quote from: Newportnobby on January 14, 2025, 09:48:35 AM

Quote from: JulianO on January 13, 2025, 10:58:32 PMSome great old models there, keep them coming!

Shouldn't that be 'keep them going'? ;)

Here's another locomotive from the Poppyshire & Sillyshire Railway's non-collection that keeps going:-


(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/6222-140125103516.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148518)


A splendid '5XP', later, 'Jubilee' 4-6-0, made for Peco by Rivarossi.  If only Peco's plan for a range of 'N' gauge locomotives had come to fruition...


'N' Gauge is Such Fun!

With all best wishes.

John

I have 'resurrected' quite a few second-hand locos and run them all on the club layout fairly often, sometimes at exhibitions. All are DCC converted, and I am often surprised how many people notice them and start chatting about what they had as youngsters.
The Peco 5XP is my latest completed project. I got a new chassis from Peter's Spares, and a 1015S motor and worm from Tramfabriek. A club member 3D printed me a sleeve for the motor. A decoder was fitted in the tender by removing a small amount from the top of the chassis; the chassis weighs in at around 50g following removing material.
Hope the picture is able to be seen? I reckon this loco, well the original parts of it anyway, are at least 50 years old.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/6899-140125112821.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148520)
I've got 4 Minitrix, and two UM locos which predate 1998 as well; all run well and can still pull a long train!
Cheers :beers:

For a European N modeller it surprises me that I have three Peco Jubilees :) 

All because I had one back in the late 70s when I was running British N.  I remember it cost me £26 (twice the price of a Farish tank loco)  which I'd earned during my summer jobs on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.  That example was sold off when I changed to Continental N in the early 80s, but more recently I've re-acquired two black ones and a red one just because I like them as models :)  One of the black ones has been re-motored with a coreless.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on January 13, 2025, 10:22:24 AMIbertren 3-rail (I have a complete set to run this on)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/130/medium_5885-050323144439.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=130415)

I too have a 3-rail Ibertern loco acquired around 50 +/- years ago from a schoolmate who had got it when on a holiday in Spain with his family - I cannot remember what I swapped it for, although I do not believe it was for a model railway item -however, after years and years of moves, some sections got lost and I no longer have all the track needed to make an oval - so basically nothing to run  the loco on. Any pointers to sources of 2nd hand Ibertren? I guess one might have to visit Spain...

Colin.

@cmason   the 3-rail track and pointwork does appear on ebay from time to time, but not very often.  Watch for "Bertren" as well as "Ibertren"  as some folk misread the branding.  If it's boxed track then look for "3N" labelling (not "2N").  Check photos very carefully, make sure you can see the raised contacts in the plain track and the centre rail on the points.

I found some 3N diamond crossings on ebay at the moment, and a couple of old 3-rail sets, but nothing else in the way of track bundles.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on January 14, 2025, 01:36:36 PM@cmason  the 3-rail track and pointwork does appear on ebay from time to time, but not very often.  Watch for "Bertren" as well as "Ibertren"  as some folk misread the branding.  If it's boxed track then look for "3N" labelling (not "2N").  Check photos very carefully, make sure you can see the raised contacts in the plain track and the centre rail on the points.

I found some 3N diamond crossings on ebay at the moment, and a couple of old 3-rail sets, but nothing else in the way of track bundles.

@ntpntpntp - yes, not a lot on ebay, and an outrageous shipping cost from Spain for the crossovers - could probably fund a flight from the cost of buying a few bits... however you set me looking and I found this Spanish auction site - https://www.todocoleccion.net/buscador?from=top&mostrar=t&navegacion=g&orden=r&bu=ibertren+3N - pricing seems reasonable - just need to spend some time investigating shipping costs.

Could be worth it to get that old engine running after all these years.

Colin.

My modest contribution to this thread is a Langley Class 25 white metal kit on a Lifelike GP 40 chassis.  I am guessing I made this kit 30-40 years ago.

The Lifelike GP 40 chassis was not the best of runners and shedding a traction tyre hasn't improved things, although the metal loco body does provide a good bit of adhesion. 

Hopefully, I think my modelling skills may have improved slightly in the intervening 30-plus years, although this is open for debate.

The Langley model has long since been replaced on Ferryhill by a Graham Farish Class 25 although this model is looking a bit long in the tooth, too.

Ian

@icairns those old Life-Life / Mehanotehnika chassis were cheap and easy to cut up.  At least the motor was a 5-pole even if it rattled a bit!

@icairns, that looks a pretty nice job and is a reminder that back then that if N Gauge modellers wanted a particular loco we had to work with what was available, which was way less than these days and a kit or scratch-build on whatever chassis was available was often the only game in town.

Just caught up with this thread - some very interesting old locos there! My first loco was a Lima shunter (stop sniggering at the back...) which Mrs Papyrus Mk1 bought me in the mid-80s, along with some track and wagons to get me started. I ditched the body and used the chassis in a kit-built Wisbech and Upwell J70:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/2975-190125123608.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148630)

Yes, yes, I know the J70 is an 0-6-0 and the chassis is a four-wheeler but you can't tell underneath the valancing. Still runs well. I subsequently bought a Lima Class 31 which was so poor it wouldn't even pull itself along, let alone a train, so I got rid of it. Knowing what I know now it obviously needed new traction tyres, which I didn't even know were a thing in those days. All the locos I had then were either second-hand or a kit, including:

Farish Black 5, subsequently sold,
L&Y Aspinall saddle tank on a Farish chassis (awaiting repair),
Langley B1, ditto, (still runs well)
Farish Jinty, of course, (still runs),
and the granddaddy of them all, a Farish Holden tank (currently in bits awaiting a new motor).

Since I got back into the hobby I've acquired among others 3 Minitrix Britannias, 2 Class 27s (still not sure why), an Ivatt 2-6-0 and another Jinty, most of which need working on but I'm confident I can get them running again. In fact, I've still only ever bought one loco from new. I'd much rather renovate something old and bomb-proof than buy something new and fragile.

Cheers,

Chris

Much though I like the latest detailed models, it's a sad fact that when I take stock to a show to run it's always my older versions as they'll run all day and bits won't fall of them if I sneeze in the vicinity

Quote from: grumbeast on January 12, 2025, 11:17:23 PMI'll start the ball rolling with this Concor (made my Roco) F3a from 1979.  Bought at a show recently for next to nothing, she's got a bit of a wobble but runs well and looks pretty good as well I think.  Doing pretty well for a 45yr old!

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/192-120125231622.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148490)

Interesting: The Roco F3 is a "Phase I" as it has three portholes – never noticed that before. I always thought that Kato's early F3s were the only Phase I's that were produced. The Katos were introduced in 1988, so are just nine years younger than Roco's – but the detailing of the shell is still contemporary. The F3 Phase II in the background is a much more recent release, and there have been a few improvement in the printing, like the silver plates on the doors and the numberboards (now also lighted) but overall the units from 1988 still hold up very well 37 years later. (Single headlamp is correct for the Santa Fe F3 as built but it should have the large numberboards.)
Yes, there are now F units from Broadway Limited that are even better detailed with photoetched grilles etc. but honestly, in N I don't need more details than Kato's engines offer.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_6051-190125133706-1486322280.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=148633)



These are the oldest items I have, some are older than me. The early Minitrix "push-Trix" T3 was the only locomotive that made it into the 1964 "Minitrix electric" range. They had to enlarge the cab to fit the motor.
The electric T3 and colourful wagons are from the 1973 starter set 1033 – the first N my grandpa bought. This must have been the cheapest starter set of all as the T3 does not even have red wheels and rods like all others.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_6051-190125133705-148631396.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=148632)



The Minitrix push-Trix were much more realistic than what Arnold had to offer at the time. The green coach is from Arnold's initial "rapido 200" range from 1960–63. But just four years after these coaches were retired, Arnold was the first manufacturer to offer full-length 26.4 m coaches – 165 mm in N, like the one in the background. This one is not from 1967 but from the 1990s, so has a few improvements like finer window frames. But the bodyshell was still derived from the original 1967 release.
Full-length coaches were not even produced in H0 at the time, so this was a spectacular development to transform N scale away from childish toy to realistic model railway.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_6051-190125133707-1486331496.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=148634)



And from Fleischmann's humble beginnings in N – the first <piccolo> items from 1968:

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/medium_6051-190125133705-148622189.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=148631)

Officially, Fleischmann celebrates 1969 as their entry year to N scale with the class 050 2-10-0 and some wagons. But in fact the 2000 set was already introduced the year before. I have read that this was more aimed at H0 modellers for a narrow-gauge industrial railway but the sticker clearly says N=9mm=1:160, so this isn't true.
For 1970 all item numbers were changed, and set 2000 became 9369 which was available until 1974. The print on the tray can be found with "FLEISCHMANN <piccolo> 2000", "FLEISCHMANN <piccolo> 9369" and then just "FLEISCHMANN <piccolo>" of which the first version was once considered extremely rare.
I have a Fleischmann variations guide were this set has a footnote that they can't give a price range as it is such a special collectors item. But that was before ebay ... now, when this set appears every now and then, it usually sells for less than €50. :D

Here is my very first British N gauge loco and the only one of my assemblage that dates pre 2010. It is an LMS Fowler 0-6-0 4F made by Lima. I can't remember when I obtained this loco, but it was certainly pre 1980. This particular model was introduced in 1975.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/4229-210125065005.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148690)

Lima has a reputation of being rather careless with the scaling of their UK offerings. A nominal N gauge scale can range from 1:160 all the way up to somewhat overscale. My little 4F looks to me as if it is scaled about right. To me, it is a handsome looking locomotive.

This loco would have run less than 1 hour total in 45 years and is understandably a bit 'stiff'. It now runs somewhat okay, but I'm certain it could use a good lube. The second photo shows the motor in the tender. To be honest, I'm frightened of disassembling such a strange looking beast for oiling as it looks like it would spring apart.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/4229-210125065104.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148691)

Webbo

Awesomely cool, Ian. It is way overscale, though.

I wouldn't think about fiddling with that motor either! Reminds me a bit of the Hornby Dublo Ringfield Motor. :thumbsup:

@Webbo @Bealman  those old Lima mechs are very easy to dismantle and service so don't be scared.  Only remove the cover plate if you need to clean the commutator.  Don't lose the brushes as originals are very hard to find now.

I would suggest just the tiniest pin-drop of oil on the motor bearings, and keep the wheels spotless.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/145/medium_5885-210924191607.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=145185)

@Webbo
That Lima 4F was my first N-Gauge loco too, purchased in the late 1970s from the model shop in the shopping precinct by Chester market. It was most definitely over scale but ran alright. Your photo made me feel quite nostalgic. I'm afraid I disposed of my old Lima items some time ago.

Stuart

George tells us that the Lima 4F is way over scale and Stuart agrees it is definitely overscale, but I'm not so sure it is really any worse than any other N gauge model.

Wikepedia lists the length of the prototype tender+loco as 52' presumably across the buffers. My model is 59' scale (1:160) across the buffers, but there is an enormous gap of 4' between the loco and tender on the model. If I reduce that gap to 2' which looks more correct from 4F photos (see photo), then my model would be a scaled 57' long. Now N gauge in the UK is overscale by 160/148 = 1.08 so a 52' prototype would scale to an effective length of 56.2'. So, it would seem that the Lima 4F is overscale to the tune of 57' versus 56.2' in N gauge scaling terms. Not much! So, it seems to me this loco is really not noticeably more overscale than any other N gauge model.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/4229-220125054034.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148711)

Sorry about the convoluted arithmetic.
Webbo     

You're probably correct, but to me it just doesn't look right. Too high, or something. The gap between cab and tender might exasperate this, I dunno.

I might be just fussy. ;)

There was a thread 7 years ago

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=40202.15

Locos like the shunter ( Catalogue 210 / 211 ) had a grim cab where one could see 
The motor and a block.


The 31s ( 1970 ) ( Catalogue 209 Blue and 214 Green) and the Deltic ( 217 Blue and 253 Green introduced 1978 ) all had decent moulding but I guess were overtake to fit that awful Ringfield
Motor. There was the pancake motor


As for the 1967 introduction of the 86

https://japan-train-blog.infogogo.com/model-railways/manufacturers/lima/lima-n-gauge-class-86-220205G.html

The article highlights issues with the 86 and a poor toy like pantograph,  deeply recessed windows on the cab, translucent glazing and 1 cab occupied by a motor that became unresponsive.

Thanks for sharing about 4FI did notice this . Seems to be tender driven, jerky runner and lacks detail.

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/181254-the-history-of-the-triangwrennlima-n-gauge-range/
I did not know the marketing but worth a read

That RMWeb thread is basically the same discussion which rolls round every few years. People not knowing how far back the Lima British N range goes, bemoaning the scale issues, the cheap motors, the vapourware King, Western, and J50 where we only ever saw retouched 00 models in the catalogue  (I must admit I was excited about the prospect of the Western).

Someone on there asked about the 86 "Novelty" - yes I have one.  The nameplate actually reads "Navalty".  It has a can motor and runs better than the cheap ringfield style motor bogie but still only driven one end and pickup on the other. We've discussed them on here in the past. Too little too late.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/79/medium_5885-280719113343.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=79985)

Can motor 31:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/93/medium_5885-120520201912.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=93187)

Nick
Thanks for this. Agree could have done better with the 86 both with 86235 and E3185 and always thought the 31 and Deltic sat high. I still have the shunters although non working

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 22, 2025, 10:59:36 AMNick
Thanks for this. Agree could have done better with the 86 both with 86235 and E3185 and always thought the 31 and Deltic sat high. I still have the shunters although non working

I have E3185 but sans-pantograph so haven't shown it here. Sounds like a deranged chainsaw but it does actually move. I was bequeathed it by a dear friend and it was totally dead according to my old Gaugemaster controller. Oddly, when I hooked up my Morley Vector it twitched, twitched again, and the started to move very slowly. A bit of de-fluffing and it will do a scale 60mph now. Any advice on the best pan to fit to it?

Probably needs something from Dapol?  Peters Spares list 2 pantos for N but only the Breckell-Willis is in stock (not the Stone-Faiveley).  I don't know what type the 86 should have?
https://www.petersspares.com/p/dapol-2a-000-031-brecknell-willis-pantograph-n-gauge (https://www.petersspares.com/p/dapol-2a-000-031-brecknell-willis-pantograph-n-gauge)


Whilst not prototypically correct, the old Sommerfeldt single arm panto will probably fit though will need something doing with the isolator mounts I expect. Matt is still selling off the former CJM stock of them for a great price on ebay :)  I bought quite a few as replacements on some of my older German locos.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387492688634 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387492688634)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/SCkAAOSw6d9nDr8K/s-l1600.webp)

Rob @Foxhound

Sorry cannot advise on best pantograph probably use Internet and search around. The video shows a few hints but my loco us not the best runner and I run it with a 47 piloting or rarely.  As I was posting so was nick , probably that's the route to aim for ( dapol )

https://railsofsheffield.com/products/stone-faiveley-pantograph-pair




Stone faiveley prior to c. 1984
https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/68282-when-did-class-86-pantographs-change/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinidle/4937029450/
86420
https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/threads/25kv-stuff-old-and-new-and-other-electrics.11682/page-2

The Lima Class 86 is an interesting model.  Here is a comparison between the Lima model and the much later Dapol version.  (Apologies as I have posted some of this information on another thread previously).


In the foreground is my Wrenn-Lima model.  The original Lima body has been fitted with a modified Tomix Class EF66 chassis and a Dapol pantograph.  With the Tomix chassis the loco runs like a dream, and nothing like it did with the original Lima power unit.
 
I painted the buffer beams of the Lima model red but the small yellow warning panel is original.  (Lima made versions with either a small white panel or a yellow panel as shown above).
The rear buffers of the above two models are lined up, and as can be seen, the Lima version is considerably shorter than the Dapol model.  Also, the Lima version is taller and with the oversize black thing on the roof, it makes the pantograph very high with resultant excitement when the loco goes into tunnels and under bridges!  There is just clearance on my layout, but only just.
 
Ian

I still have my Lima Class 86. I am not sure when Dapol released their version but the original Lima model must have been tooled in 1966/7, nearly 60 years ago - so for its age...

Cheers,

Tim

@crewearpley40 Can you shorten that link to the RoS panto back down please, it's throwing the page layout off :(   Only need to include the link up to "pantograph-pair"  (ie. up to but not including the ? character). The rest is just tracking and currency settings etc.

tia   

Quote from: ntpntpntp on January 23, 2025, 04:51:39 PM@crewearpley40 Can you shorten that link to the RoS panto back down please, it's throwing the page layout off :(  Only need to include the link up to "pantograph-pair"  (ie. up to but not including the ? character). The rest is just tracking and currency settings etc.

tia

Dapol 2A000-030
https://www.dapol.co.uk/products/2a-000-030-n-gauge-stone-faiveley-pantograph



Tim @Moonglum

Approx 2022 dapol. Lima approx 1967

Try now.  Looks good on that tomix chassis!
Nick
@ntpntpntp Where did you obtain the chassis from please?

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 23, 2025, 05:01:30 PMNick
@ntpntpntp Where did you obtain the chassis from please?

Which chassis are you referring to?  My Lima can motor 86 and 31 were both ebay purchases. Still after a can motor Deltic just to complete the set of examples (missed one a few months ago)

Tomix EF66
Sorry unfamiliar with these.
You mentioned above and was appreciative of the reply but hectic day. Good luck with the Deltic. Have 2 myself


@icairns thanks for the comparison
Nick ntp sorry. Tad busy time and misread

As for Deltic

https://japan-train-blog.infogogo.com/model-railways/manufacturers/lima/lima-class-55-deltic-d9003-meld.html

Horrible overscale and probably fleebay

@crewearpley40 Ah that was @icairns with the Tomix EF66.  I expect there'll be one on ebay :)

Thanks Ian it was. Please nick do update us on the Deltic.  I'm on here regularly Tags not needed. I sold my lima 55 and later purchased a farish. As far as the 86 goes the dapol version is
Quieter and the pantograph and roof detailing looks an improvement

Using a Tomix EF66 chassis under the Lima Class 86 was a well-known upgrade back in the day.  The modifications included removing the Tomix dummy centre bogie, installing the Lima battery boxes (or whatever they are) in the middle of the underside of the Tomix chassis, some very minor fettling to get the chassis to fit the body, and painting the grey bogie sideframes black. 


There is an EF66 up for sale on U.S. eBay here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/356459948752

Ian

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 23, 2025, 05:34:25 PMThanks Ian it was. Please nick do update us on the Deltic.

Yeah, I know it's way over-scale (I got rid of my original Lima pancake motor 55 back in the 80s) but just want a can motor example just for the Lima part of my "heritage N" collection :) I think I've only ever seen two can motor 55s on ebay, both BR blue livery.  One went for more than my limit, the other was too "play-worn".

Quote from: ntpntpntp on January 23, 2025, 06:11:32 PM

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 23, 2025, 05:34:25 PMThanks Ian it was. Please nick do update us on the Deltic.

Yeah, I know it's way over-scale (I got rid of my original Lima pancake motor 55 back in the 80s) but just want a can motor example just for the Lima part of my "heritage N" collection :) I think I've only ever seen two can motor 55s on ebay, both BR blue livery.  One went for more than my limit, the other was too "play-worn".

I wasn't aware that Lima made a can motor variant of the 55. As far as I was aware only a 31 and 86 were ever made with the later can motor chassis? If anyone can put up a picture of the can motor 55 and confirm what livery variants were made with that chassis it would be very much appreciated.

Roy

@Roy L S  the last one I saw on ebay was May last year, as I still have my messages to the seller about it.  Sadly the listing & photos are no longer available.    As I say, I've only ever seen them in blue not two-tone green.

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 23, 2025, 02:37:00 PMRob [ As I was posting so was nick , probably that's the route to aim for ( dapol )

https://railsofsheffield.com/products/stone-faiveley-pantograph-pair


Stone faiveley prior to c. 1984
https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/68282-when-did-class-86-pantographs-change/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robinidle/4937029450/
86420
https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/threads/25kv-stuff-old-and-new-and-other-electrics.11682/page-2

Thanks lads, much appreciated.

I'd consider nick' s solution or look at dapol @Foxhound Rob

I'm pretty sure the Stone faiveley is the one sought as the cross arms were only on a selected few 86s back in the day.

Good luck fitting one if find one

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 24, 2025, 02:13:31 PMI'd consider nick' s solution or look at dapol @Foxhound Rob

I'm pretty sure the Stone faiveley is the one sought as the cross arms were only on a selected few 86s back in the day.

Good luck fitting one if find one

Cheers Chris, much appreciated.

Quote from: Foxhound on January 27, 2025, 09:55:50 AM

Quote from: crewearpley40 on January 24, 2025, 02:13:31 PMI'd consider nick' s solution or look at dapol @Foxhound Rob

I'm pretty sure the Stone faiveley is the one sought as the cross arms were only on a selected few 86s back in the day.

Good luck fitting one if find one

Cheers Chris, much appreciated.

Welcome Rob. Hope you manage to purchase some