A Hunslet Heisler

Hugh Norwood · April 03, 2022, 20:43

As I have mentioned before, I have a soft spot for articulated locomotives, so I was attracted to this lovely little Heisler from Model Engine Works on Shapeways.

Hugh Norwood · April 03, 2022, 20:45

Bandai 4 chassis

It is designed to fit on the Bandai 3 B0-B0 chassis; as I couldn't find one available, I put off buying the model. I then discovered that the Bandai 4 chassis is identical in all but the bogie ends, so I bought one of these chassis and sent off for the Heisler

It comes, as is usual for most of David Hurst's designs, as a one piece printing, which you carefully separate into the main components, taking care not to separate the cranks from their respective coupling rods, as this is how you get the quartering perfect. The rear face of each crank has a circular raised lip that fits in the annular depression on the wheel face, allowing them to be put in position easily.

Hugh Norwood · April 03, 2022, 20:46

There is a set of instructions downloadable from Shapeways that guides you through assembly. The only difference with the Bandai 4 chassis is that the buffer beams do not clip over the coupling mounts, but have to be glued to them, I made a "U" shaped yoke from 0.45mm handrail wire to hook over the coupling mount at one end after the buffer beam fell off.... I'll do the same at the other end it that one falls off, too.

I packed the free space inside the body with sheet lead, and found a couple of metal figures to act as crew. The loco weighs in at 48g, which is quite a respectable weight for such a small loco.

Graeme Dunbar · April 03, 2022, 21:49

That's a lovely looking locomotive! The built-in 'quartering jig' is a neat idea too.

B.Meldon · April 04, 2022, 09:19

Nice Job.
There is a full size two cylinder Avonside Heisler preserved here in the UK.

Robin Webster · April 04, 2022, 11:41

I too wanted to purchase this loco but have not been able to find a Bandai chassis.

Hugh Norwood · April 04, 2022, 11:56

Quote from: Robin Webster on April 04, 2022, 11:41
I too wanted to purchase this loco but have not been able to find a Bandai chassis.

I got my chassis from Plus Daughters - just had a look - they seem to be out of stock.

Robin Webster · April 04, 2022, 19:30

That's an interesting name, "Plus Daughters". Quite a variety of stuff they have. They are book marked now.
Thanks.