A 3rd Knightwing kit-bashing job (February 2022 onwards)

[David Hennessey]

Just when you thought it was safe to come out of hiding, yours truly has embarked on a third attempt at the classic Knightwing diesel shunter kit-bash. Only this time, this one's making a departure from the simple four-wheel format, and going in a different sort of direction.

Some time ago at a random meeting in Rainford, I picked up a six-wheeled Fleischmann chassis. Another time, I also acquired the frames and bogies of a random Talyllyn coach kit. Then I had a thought; why not combine the Fleischmann chassis with a completed one from the Talyllyn kit, and the body of a Knightwing diesel shunter on top?

Before I get down to how the work began, a few shots of the chassis in question:






And also, the chassis and donor-part from the random Talyllyn kit:




Naturally, the first job was to measure and cut out a piece of 0.5mm plasticard. This was done using the running plate frame from the Knightwing kit, acting as a template. A hole in the middle was cut out as well, with inlets to allow the motor to fit comfortably.






This side-view will give you some idea, as to the concept of the new build. It should be pointed out that this is only a dry-run at the moment, pending alteration to the running plate, and getting the front chassis in a suitable place to enable free movement.




The cab front was slightly altered, to allow the worm-drive from the motor to fit through.




And with the body added. Again, this is all a dry-run, to determine any alterations necessary, and to ensure all proportions of the body are correct.




And finally for now, another side-view of the concept. I'm reliably informed by a certain Charles Insley, that this loco so far resembles a French 230/2C 4-6-0 diesel loco...




A fair way off from completion (plenty more additions and alterations to be made, of course), but what better way of trying to regain your modelling mojo after a while?

​​​​​​​Comments (and suggestions) welcome as always.

[B.Meldon]

Those Flischmann diesel chassis do suffer from split gears on the drive axles.
It looks like one has already been removed from your example as they are supposed to be six-wheel drive.

In the past i have purchased replacements from a Polish gear supplier.

Brian Meldon

[David Hennessey]

Those Flischmann diesel chassis do suffer from split gears on the drive axles.
It looks like one has already been removed from your example as they are supposed to be six-wheel drive.

In the past i have purchased replacements from a Polish gear supplier.

Brian Meldon

Thanks for pointing that out. What size gear wheel would I need to replace the one removed?

[David Hennessey]

14/02/2022

A brief session of work tonight saw me adding some details onto the body. This included a small tubular piece of plastic cut to length, ready to act as an exhaust pipe. Buffer beams and running plates were also measured, cut and glued on, as were the brake pipes (not sure of the make). On the roof, a small strip of black plastic was glued into place, to act as a radio antennae.






More detailing to be done, in due course.

Comments/suggestions welcome as always.

[David Hennessey]

08/04/2022

Humble apologies for the lack of updates recently. The project was temporarily stopped due to lack of time and other things (which unfortunately include getting the dreaded 'Covid' among them). However, today saw a chance for me to do a bit more work on the current kit-bash. Namely adding small details such as cab steps, brake cylinders, the battery box, headlights (the side ones) and buffer beams.

The inside of the body has had fluid lead applied (with super glue), to give weight which will aid extra traction on the chassis.

Below are some snaps taken of today's progress.
















The handrails will be added at a later date.

More to follow, in due course. Comments welcome as always.

[David Hennessey]

30/06/22

Time for a fairly overdue update on progress.

With the body just about complete, grey primer was applied. Then red paint was used for the bufferbeams, brake pipes and running plate edges, as well as a thick red stripe running along the top of the main body, and over the cab middle.






The main body was put into dark green (Phoenix Precision BR green), while the top half separated by the red stripe went into black. Hence giving the loco, an 'Upnor Castle' style look:




The cab windows were painted black, and a piece of 0.5 plasticard placed in the middle. This was to cover up the top of the motor, which sadly leaves no room for cab interior details this time around.




Initial testing did not go as well as anticipated, due to the front bogie constantly coming off on tight curves. This was probably due to the fact that the bogie was on a fixed pivoting point. It was decided to remove the pivot point, and create a flexible one instead.




The front bogie, prior to the flexible pivot system being created.




Strips of plastic were used, top and bottom of the bogie. A 1.6mm hole was drilled through the bottom of the bogie, and through one end of the main pivot piece.




Another hole was drilled in the space where the front bogie is, as closely aligned with the motor as possible.




To hold everything together, 1/4 steel bolts and matching size nuts were used. Care was taken, to ensure the bogie was still able to move freely.








Unfortunately, due to being a bit heavy handed with the superglue, the wheels at the front of the bogie ended up stuck. Luckily, a dip in the spares box turned up a handy replacement; a Dundas bogie from an old Welsh Highland coach kit. A new pivot system was rigged up for it, and fixed into place.




As mentioned earlier, care was taken to enable free movement of the bogie.








Finally for now, a look at the loco, as of Thursday 30th June 2022:




Further testing to be carried out in due course, as well as finishing off any minor bits and bobs.

Comments welcome as always.

[JulienW]

Looks like the new bogie is a War Department one and quite appropriate I think.

Well done.

[David Hennessey]

Looks like the new bogie is a War Department one and quite appropriate I think.

Well done.

Thanks Julien!