Converting from '00' to '0'...

[brianthemodeller]

I am looking for an '0' gauge loco to use as a load for a heavy haulage vehicle... (http://ipmsuk.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=tk2&action=display&thread=4805) but can't find a kit I can afford!

I have just had the brilliant idea of buying one of the old Airfix '00' loco kits (possibly the Evening Star) and using it for reference to scratchbuild in '0' guage (or 1/50 to be more accurate).

Has anybody tried anything similar or am I totally off the wall with this one?

Comments please

Brian

[alfie]

Ayup Brian

The Japanese company Arii did a range of 1/50 steam locomotives like the ones here: www.hlj.com/hljlist2/?Maker1=ARI&MacroType=RldSta&GenreCode=Rld&Dis=2. Rivarossi/AHM also did a few 1/48 scale loco kits too.

If you're going to scratch build, then the Hobby's catalogue may be worth a look as they did loco wheels, etc ( www.hobby.uk.com/ ). If you need plans, then let me know.

Alfie

[foxy]

Hi Brian.

Well there are lots of 0 gauge steam outline loco's around, but most are kit built in Brass, this is very expensive, but getting plans would be your best bet.

You could then use wood/Plastic and wheels as Alfie says.

A friend of mine has plans in 0 scale, but they are small loco's in 060 wheel arrangement which might be to small for your load.

If you have a Model rail exhibition near you, that to might be the best bet to find plans or maybe second hand locos in 0 gauge.

Hope this helps.

[brianthemodeller]

Thanks Guys,

I'm not good with plans - prefer to work by trial and error rather than dead reckoning.

I have scaled down my plans to a Prairie tank engine (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120362150381#ebayphotohosting).

Very handy to know where to get the wheels though - thought that bit might be quite tricky.

[Deleted]

Ayup Brian, just a quick input. You have to decide if it's worth scaling up plans for a 1/76 scale loco (Airfix), which is 00 gauge, and then scratch building. '0' gauge is approximately 1/43 scale, and one of the finest producers of rolling stock kits in this scale are Slaters: www.slatersplastikard.com/7mm%20Products/slaters%20wagon_kits.htm ... have a look at their catalogue via the link. I would suggest a 16 ton mineral wagon or a guards van, which would be a fair load for any transporter, they're reasonably cheap, not too demanding to construct, but impressive when they're built, painted and weathered.

[edgar]

Try Model Express, phone no: 01934 744195, and the address is "Oakland House," Wells Road, Draycott, Somerset BS27 3SU. They make(made?) O gauge locomotives in resin plus white metal, which are (or were, when I got mine) around £100. Wheels aren't included (like most O gauge kits) but if you're not planning to make it move, it's a simple matter to get one axle/pair of wheels from Slater's, and clone the requisite set(s) in resin, yourself. There's a web address www.modelexpress.biz and an email address [e-mail] on the box lid, but I can't raise them, at present.
Edgar

Edit ... Edgar, I've taken the liberty of amending the Internet link by removing the coma after the address, and apparently it now works.