|
The Hornby 4F is a sufficiently good enough model to be a useful engine to have on any LMS or ex-LMS layout. The only problem is that tender drive mechanism. Even when new it is rather noisy and has nasty plastic traction tyred wheels on the tender.
Modelyard is on the brink of producing a loco drive version of this loco. The starting point is a Hornby 4F. The loco is stripped down and a Branchlines motor/gearbox mechanism installed. To keep costs down most of the other components are retained but brass bearings are added (originals are plastic !!!!) and the chassis is stiffened up a little.
The tender has the mechanism removed and the wheels replaced with Hornby ones from the current black5/8F range.
Pickup is from four of the loco driving wheels and four of the tender wheels.
As the 4F is not a current model in the Hornby catalogue, I will only be able to offer “as-new” ready converted models - but these really will be “as new” unless otherwise stated.
I will also be offering a conversion service for your Hornby 4F. I will also be able to convert Airfix 4Fs which are virtually identical.
You will be able to obtain a standard analogue version, a DCC version or even a DCC Sound version.
I have had a small hiccup with the conversions in the bearings department but this is almost solved. Once this is done I will be announcing that here and putting prices to the three versions.
I am already taking expressions of interest - an early expression of interest will aid an early conversion.
|
