Recent posts #11
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Timbo66 - Yesterday at 05:35:58 PMWith `only` 16, I feel a bit inadequate...
A good reason to buy more! #12
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Roy L S - Yesterday at 05:15:52 PMHi Alan
Thank you for not only confirming but helpfully filling in the gaps as far as the Pro Models A2s (both Peppercorn and Thompson) are concerned. I feel sure there were other models produced, but these are the only two I remember. I only ever saw finished versions of their Thompson A2 pictured, and was intrigued by it, but as I said, I could never have afforded or justified the price they asked, and also, I wasn't overly impressed with the standard of finish (reckoned I could have done better myself). Now I see the way they went about the model and chassis conversion in particular, while certainly capturing the essence of the real loco, their chassis work looks a bit of a "bodge" to me and quite honestly, I am glad I didn't buy one back then (I reckon probably circa 2006 ish). Looking at what you have achieved by reworking the model, in my opinion it was definitely not sacrilege, what you have created out of it unsurprisingly stands head and shoulders above the original attempt. Roy #13
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Dr Al - Yesterday at 12:48:33 PMQuote from: Roy L S on Yesterday at 11:16:03 AMI feel 90% sure "Pro Models" did the Peppercorn A2 RTR using this kit, but I recall they also did a RTR model of the very different Thompson A2 which used the Farish V2 chassis, this a loco I would love to have a model of, but I didn't have the £250 odd they cost back then If that was ~2012 era, then with inflation that's north of £400 in todays micro-£ era. Not sure they were worth that IMHO. Cheers, Alan #14
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Dr Al - Yesterday at 12:34:04 PMRe: Pro Models.
A good number of years ago, two A2/3s originating from Pro-Models, I managed to obtain - I think both did originate on Les Richardson's system. Both had seen some use and were suitably 'used'. This was one (the front bogie had already fell off!) A2_0 by Dr Al 60103, on Flickr A2_1 by Dr Al 60103, on Flickr A2_2 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrThese comprised what appeared to be a Langley A3 body (whitemetal) modified with resin cast front end footplate, bits atop the chassis and tender body/underframe. The V2 chassis was also modified with equidistant driving wheels and new coupling rods - the chassis block had a new slot made for this axle using a rather scabby resin piece. Both these models I completely gutted and rebuilt. They got: - stripped of DCC - new Bachmann B1 driving wheels to the V2 chassis - replace front bogie with Dapol A3 (either bogie, or wheels, I forget!) - replaced resin axle slot block with mazak part cut from another scrap Farish jinty chassis, for future longevity - complete replacement tender from Farish A1 - retaining its motor to give both loco and tender drive (!). Somewhat remarkably, despite being from two different eras, with different size motors and completely different geartrains, these are almost perfectly speed matched. - cab removed and replaced with Foxhunter A1 etched brass cab - new brass turned buffers, and various other new replacement details including wing deflectors in brass (these were resin or plasticard originally) - new front end detail under the footplate in the very prominently visible region ahead of cylinders. After new wheels: A2_3 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrReplacement cab A2-2-3 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrAfter complete stripping and rebuild (this is second model) A2_1 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrComplete with test A1 tender A2_1cab by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrPainted, with Farish Tornado tender backdated A2Tender3 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrVs original Resin tender (which was pretty rough representation) A2Tender2 by Dr Al 60103, on FlickrI never took a complete picture of 60501 when complete, so below is 60506 which was! ![]() And the powerhouse of a drive ![]() Was it sacrilege to gut these? I guess if you are an N Gauge collector or historian, yes! For me they actually were bought pretty cheaply (IIRC ~£60 for one and £50 for the other), so the value was in their potential. Was the Pro-models attempt good? I think I'd say ingenious adaption of all the bits to get there, but mediocre execution of it all. Having said that it provided the basis for the above models, both of which are still part of the active fleet. Searching "Pro models n gauge" doesn't bring up much, so the old URL would need to be found to see if it's still on the 'way back machine' internet archive (I'd suspect it will be). They certainly had a range of different models from what I recall, all of similar early 2000's style basis. Best, Alan #15
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Roy L S - Yesterday at 11:16:03 AMQuote from: icairns on January 09, 2026, 10:26:45 PM@Roy L S Hi Ian Thank you for your kind words. Amongst my collection I also have another B1 which I converted to tender drive using the Union Mills tender and mechanism (I may well have been the first!), Fred H did the paint job on that one, no other than preserved 61264. As to the A2, my "Blue Peter" was definitely a "fifty six and a Half inch" kit and I think I may well have posted it's picture on the Yahoo Group before. I feel 90% sure "Pro Models" did the Peppercorn A2 RTR using this kit, but I recall they also did a RTR model of the very different Thompson A2 which used the Farish V2 chassis, this a loco I would love to have a model of, but I didn't have the £250 odd they cost back then and I doubt it will ever be done by a mainstream manufacturer these days (Hornby making it in OO). Yes, I would like to know more too, and wish I had paid more attention at the time, of course there were also lovely RTR models made in the late 90s by Duncan Hazledene (can't remember the company name) of LMS prototypes too, and Fred Hempsall planned to do some resin models under the "Cempro" brand some of which I think my have appeared. My last recollection is that originally Union Mills also mentioned plans for locos like the V2 with outside valve gear in his early material, but clearly decided against them. All in all, the early 1990s to about 2005 was in it's own right an interesting and much overlooked period for N models, and in terms of history, not very well documented... Roy #16
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Bob G - Yesterday at 09:55:56 AMQuote from: Newportnobby on Yesterday at 09:15:03 AM...one on Fleabay I might possibly win tomorrow I thought you didn't use the site that must never be spoken of? (better tell me in PM so that I don't bid against you )Oh and nice to see you like that photo of the DMU I posted for you! Bob #17
N Gauge Discussion / Re: How many locos?Last post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 09:15:03 AMI currently have 130 pieces of motive power split roughly 50/50 steam and diesel with a few hybrid/electrics purely as they were iconics (to my mind)
Some of my justifications for them appearing on my own layout(s) are, admittedly, horribly contrived whereas our club layout is of no fixed location so could be anywhere in the UK I also have another half dozen on pre order and one on Fleabay I might possibly win tomorrow #18
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Snowplough DutyLast post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 09:07:41 AMGot one when they came out..........
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General Discussion / Re: My local bus stopLast post by Bealman - Yesterday at 07:26:18 AMTwo members of the local constabulary just walked through the bowlo looking for underage drinkers. I said, "Okay, I'll come quietly officers"
They were not amused. The only reason they were here was to get out of the 45 degree heat, I'm sure #20
General Discussion / Re: My local bus stopLast post by Bealman - Yesterday at 06:30:55 AMExcellent idea. Still on the way up though, until about 9pm tonight.
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