After suffering rolling stock damage in an exhibition accident (See Readers Letters RM Sept 2017), I have two Minitrix chassis with damaged valve gear, specifically the plastic cross-head. Per the N gauge forum, the valve gear can, with a bit of effort, be removed and replaced. I would like to have a go as a first step. Do any members have a non-working Mintrix chassis, with intact valve gear to spare please?
Alternatively, does anyone have any tips/suggestions for doing a compete replacement of the cross-head and slide bars? One of the engines, "Gowrie" doesn't have outside valve-gear, anyway so the Minitrix replacment would not be realistic compared with a compete re-build, even if it would be beyond my own skills!
Your help would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
John V
I wonder if the etched valve gear parts from RT models would be of any use to you?
In addition to the simple connecting rod sets they sell to fit to the Farish 08 (along with their resin cylinders and replacement keeper plates) they also sell a set of Walscherts valve gear for the Leek & Manifold Kitson locos.
Hello Julien
Thank you for the advice. You must be telepathic, because I only rrmembered this possibility today, but could not remember who might make suitable etches. I will have a look at RT Models asap. Don't expect outside frames, or moving the coupling rods to the correct axle just yet. I did once get Minitrix gears out of alignment and aged 10 years trying to get them back properly.
Kind regards and thanks again
John v
In my experience it is very common for this plastic part of the Minitrix valve gear to snap.
I have lost count of the number of these chassis I have seen with this part broken.
In short you will be very lucky to find a replacement spare part as quite a few others will be looking for the same part as well!
Please do let us know how you get on using an alternative to the original parts.
Brian Meldon