N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: allot-ment-spel on January 29, 2025, 03:41:44 PM

Title: Draw Bar length on B1 Kit on Grafar Chassis
Post by: allot-ment-spel on January 29, 2025, 03:41:44 PM
Hello, I have recently bought a B1 4-6-0 kit-made on a Grafar chassis (Black 5 I think) The kit tender is riding too close to the loco which derails on anything but wide curves. Does anyone know if a slightly longer draw bar is available to give a bit of extra space between loco and tender, which would probably solve the problem?
Many Thanks
Title: Re: Draw Bar length on B1 Kit on Grafar Chassis
Post by: icairns on January 29, 2025, 05:18:27 PM
I have a Langley white metal LNER B1 kit on a GF Black 5 chassis.  I am not sure if my draw bar came with the loco or I made it at some point.  I have obviously painted it.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/148/3276-290125165555.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=148855)

The dimensions are:

     Overall length = 14mm
     Hole centre-to-centre = 11mm
     Width = 4mm

My B1 has no trouble going around Peco radius 2 curves (10-3/8 inch radius).

Various draw bars are available from Farish 'N' Spares: https://www.farishnspares.co.uk/

But it may be just as easy to fabricate one from brass or plastic card.

Ian

Title: Re: Draw Bar length on B1 Kit on Grafar Chassis
Post by: allot-ment-spel on February 03, 2025, 01:15:23 PM
Hi Ian, Thank you for the great detail in your reply to my post. The original draw bar is 9mm centre to centre. I contacted nfarishspares/LP Rails and spoke to Lee Palmer.  He drilled me an 11mm (c to c} and that extra 2mm makes all the difference. The loco negotiates everything beautifully now. I cannot recommend Lee highly enough. Thank you again for your detailed reply.
John