Hello folks
In my July issue of the 009 news I noticed an item that caught my attention on page 10, "re a two part resin cab kit to convert the Bachmann Plymouth diesel into a workmanlike 009 loco", the accompanying photo of the build/conversion built by Gary Whiting, my questions are can any fellow member tell me where to obtain the suitable Bachmann loco? and is the chassis suitable for 009 9mm gauge? and also Gary if you read this post can you pass on any tips on how you converted/constructed this excellent looking model, or indeed any other member who has done a similar conversion pass on any advice.
Thanks all the best,John.
I believe Parkside Dundas have them in stock, failing that the FR shop has them in Porthmadog.
Oh dear! Unfortunately the caption in 009 News is incorrect ( Mark Howe has already been informed ) . The model in the picture is actually the pre-production sample built by Dave Hewitt, the proprietor of Unit Models. However, at Dave's request, I did complete a test build of the conversion kit, prior to its release, and I also made some suggestions regarding amendments to the instructions that Dave supplies.
My completed version was in the Society display case at Sparsholt earlier in the year. I will ask Mick Thornton to photograph my version on Saturday at Brian's Open House Do.
The Bachmann 6w N gauge Plymouth Diesel in its current form is probably the best that Bachmann have ever produced, and is an excellent chassis for 009 use. A1 Models have produced a number of etched brass 009 diesel bodies to fit on this chassis.
The Unit Models cab conversion, whilst not difficult, does require some work, and is probably not to be recommended unless you have previous modelling experience, particularly in working resin. The cab is an extremely tight fit onto the modified Bachmann body shell, and a considerable amount of the original lower cab sides which have to be retained to maintain integral strength has to be gently sanded away. Failure to do so will lead to the new cab exerting pressure on the chassis block which in turn causes a short circuit. The solution is to return the modified Bachmann body shell to the chassis and test fit the cab, and then test that it still runs, before you cement the resin cab in place. Keep sanding the lower Bachmann cab sides until this happens. That aside, its a very acceptable basic conversion. However you do have to supply your own exhaust, air filter, air horns, bell, lights and handrails etc.
Quote from: garrywhiting on July 29, 2010, 06:45
............ I will ask Mick Thornton to photograph my version on Saturday at Brian's Open House Do.
I am always willing to bring requests of this nature to the attention of the board of directors as long as they are received with good notice before an event, but do submit your bid allowing sufficient time for the board to convene and consider it and if the bid is succesfully accepted to authorise the procurement of new photographic plates and magnesium for the flash. Our rates are very reasonable considering the quality of the product provided.......... :)
Before anyone jumps in on this thread advising that the Bachmann 6wh diesel can be obtained from 009 Sales, I can confirm that as at yesterday, Brian had 7 or 8 of the bare chassis in stock but NIL of the complete loco including body, which would be required to produce a loco using the Unit Models kit as I understand that his source of supply from the USA has dried up at the moment.
For those that are not already aware, Colin Peake posted details of a very quick and easy conversion to make this loco a 4 wheel model that preserves the drive system on ngrm-online forum about a month ago - if you are a member just find Colin under members and check his recent postings. All you need is a couple of short bits of 1/16in metal rod or tubing to form new stub axles to replace the centre wheels and it literally takes about 5 mins to do it, plus a bit longer if you wish to file the cast axle boxes and spring representation from the chassis block. Makes a very good 4 wheel chassis 21mm wheelbase that looks much better under a small diesel loco than a 6 wheel one so this easy conversion would probably suit the Unit Models kit very nicely.
Mick