Gn Miniature

[Steve Bennett]

I gnow I'm not the only one to be inspired by Colin's thread on the 7 1/4 inch gauge Wolds Way Lavender Line (see here http://forum.gn15.info/viewtopic.php?t=1469). The last couple of evenings, I have been having a play and thought you guys might like to see some pics of what I have done so far. So here they are:




Rather than start from scratch, I used an Avalon Line kit as the basis of the loco, as it was pretty similar in outline to the Roanoke design (http://www.roanoke.co.uk/). I used most of the kit and as can be seen in the pics, just fabricated a new cab for it. I still need to do the controls, but you can see in this pic, the way the control panel takes up the whole of the interior of the cab.



The tender/driving car, I thought was going to be nice and easy, just a box with a seat, on top of a 9mm gauge chassis, WRONG . A test quickly showed how unstable this was going to be with a G scale figure balanced on top. After a bit of thinking, a solution came to mind. Using 12mm gauge axles with the wheels pushed in to 9mm gauge, spread the load wider, giving much more stability, BINGO. As an added bonus the wheels are also of a larger diameter which improves the look aswell. A 16.5mm gauge chassis could also be used, but I wanted to keep it pretty narrow. Here is a shot of the underside, showing the chassis in place.



The bodywork was a straight forward piece of construction in styrene and all that remains now, is a few final details, then a trip to the paintshop. Just to set your minds at rest, I wont be painting this lavender and cream like the Wolds Way loco , not decided on colour but it definately wont be that

[DCRfan]

Looking good. I particularly like the larger wheels. Personally I prefer the narrow gauge style ride in sub 15 inch locos.

http://forum.gn15.info/viewtopic.php?t=664&highlight=gn8

Paul Napier

[Colin Peake]

Looking good Steve. I do wonder though if the tender sides need to be a little lower? The Roanoke original has them roughly at the height of the bonnet, making it look much more in proportion. I realise you have had to compromise, as usual a seated figure cannot do the contortions that the real driver has to, there isn't as much leg room on the real thing!

Anyway, I think it is time I officially went into hiding before the Gn miniature revolution....

[Steve Bennett]

Looking good Steve. I do wonder though if the tender sides need to be a little lower? The Roanoke original has them roughly at the height of the bonnet, making it look much more in proportion. I realise you have had to compromise, as usual a seated figure cannot do the contortions that the real driver has to, there isn't as much leg room on the real thing!

Yes, you are right Colin, the tender sides are too high. It was a compromise to get the figure to look like he was sat in, rather than on it. My first attempt was lower and it didnt look right. I might have another go, it wouldnt take long to try it, quicker than modifying the figure

[Steve Bennett]

Looking good. I particularly like the larger wheels. Personally I prefer the narrow gauge style ride in sub 15 inch locos.

I'm normally the same Paul, there was just something about this that caught the imagination

[MilesB]

Looking good Steve. I do wonder though if the tender sides need to be a little lower? The Roanoke original has them roughly at the height of the bonnet, making it look much more in proportion. I realise you have had to compromise, as usual a seated figure cannot do the contortions that the real driver has to, there isn't as much leg room on the real thing!

Yes, you are right Colin, the tender sides are too high. It was a compromise to get the figure to look like he was sat in, rather than on it. My first attempt was lower and it didnt look right. I might have another go, it wouldnt take long to try it, quicker than modifying the figure

A lot of miniature tender locos utilise footwells for the driver, with a box suspended below footplate level at the front of the tender. In some cases this will extend under the back of the cab - thus getting the driver both lower - for looks and stability - and closer to the controls on the loco.

[ian holmes]

Jon Looks pretty happy with his new toy.
So when does the kit hit the market Steve?

Ian

[Steve Bennett]

So when does the kit hit the market Steve?

Part of it is already not sure about the rest of it though

[Gerry Bullock]

So when does the kit hit the market Steve?

Part of it is already not sure about the rest of it though

Looks as though you'll be having the largest stand at Swanley to stage " "The Autumn Collection"

[Steve Bennett]

Thanks to Colin's feedback, I had another go at the tender body. much better proportions I think.

[ian holmes]

Part of it is already not sure about the rest of it though

Ah. So it'll be like the old Saltford models kits for 16mm then?


Ian

[Colin Peake]

That does look better Steve. What happened to the rather comfy seat the mock-up version had?

Back into hiding now

[Steve Bennett]

That does look better Steve. What happened to the rather comfy seat the mock-up version had?

You mean this one



Decided it was a bit big and left no room for Jon to carry his flask and sandwiches in the tool tray behind the seat

[Steve Bennett]

Ah. So it'll be like the old Saltford models kits for 16mm then?

Dont give me any more silly ideas

[KK]

Hey guys,

now this all realy gets crazy.

Are models of model railways still model railways

@Steve: Sales must be bustling, hey

Z Scale may give some neat 5" lines...

Lets see: 6.5 mm * 22,5 = 146 mm right between 5" and 7 1/4"

Keep the spirit flying....

I like it!

[ian holmes]

Do we need a "Gnine" forum now to cover the modelling of miniature railways
"Gnine"...
I like that.
I used it first! I'd better copyright it...

Ian

[Steve Bennett]

Do we need a "Gnine" forum now to cover the modelling of miniature railways
"Gnine"...
I like that.
I used it first! I'd better copyright it...

I like that, no good for you halfinch guys though, Hnine doesnt quite have the same ring to it does it.
In 1:22.5, 9mm gauge works out at 8 inch, which I guess gives you GnEight Think I had better stop there

[ian holmes]

I like that, no good for you halfinch guys though, Hnine doesnt quite have the same ring to it does it.
In 1:22.5, 9mm gauge works out at 8 inch, which I guess gives you GnEight Think I had better stop there

NOOOOOOOO!!!
Lets not flog that dead horse again PLEASE!!

Ian

[Steve Bennett]

[Blackcloud Railways]

Well . . . . . Actually . . . . .

If Gn15 is G scale/narrow gauge/15 inch,
shouldn't it be Gm9 for G scale/miniature/9 inch?

Just my little bit of pedantry, I'll duck now.

[ian holmes]

Well . . . . . Actually . . . . .

If Gn15 is G scale/narrow gauge/15 inch,
shouldn't it be Gm9 for G scale/miniature/9 inch?

Just my little bit of pedantry, I'll duck now.

<reaches for large heavy object>

Well, I didn't say it was perfect. But what would the people at Kalmbach say...

[Steve Bennett]

Well, I didn't say it was perfect. But what would the people at Kalmbach say...

Forget Klambach, they wouldn't understand. It doesnt come in a box labelled Atlas/Athearn/Bachmann/Lifelike/Kato/Walthers (delete as appropriate)

[Blackcloud Railways]

Well, I didn't say it was perfect. But what would the people at Kalmbach say...

Forget Klambach, they wouldn't understand. It doesnt come in a box labelled Atlas/Athearn/Bachmann/Lifelike/Kato/Walthers (delete as appropriate)

No "Sidelines" then?

[Steve Bennett]

No "Sidelines" then?

Forgot that one

[richard andrews]

Come on Guy,s Its hard enough thinking up ideas for Gn15, now you are
talking about going miniature
It looks like i am going to have to have a rethink and build Purbeck Quay
again with miniature track and stock
just kidding!

love the loco Steve.
Regards Richard




keep on building