BE loco en route

MTA · BE loco en route

I've just ordered a battery electric loco from IP Engineering.

Here's a link to what loco it is: http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page130.html

I'll be aesthetically modifying it to resemble the prototype more closely.

I'll be basing my model on one of the Huddy Hunslets at Amberley, but the more original of the two as we have one that is fitted with a McLaren engine. No, not that McLaren!

I hope to get a full set of close up pics on Friday (I can't stand sitting around in the house on my birthday).

Here's a bit of history of the loco:

"This locomotive was built as part of a batch for the War effort. Devoid of works number and builder's date, it was acquired from the MoD site at Liphook around 1960 by Star Construction Ltd of Partridge Green in West Sussex for future use, but it was never used. As far as can be ascertained, the locomotive never worked in industry. However, the front and rear wheelsets differ, and as the locomotive is unlikely to have been built as such, this wheel change could have been undertaken by the M.O.D. if the loco had been used as a donor machine. It was donated to Amberley by Star Construction Ltd in a very poor condition.

This locomotive was also used in the James Bond movie 'A View to a Kill', and was numbered 74 for filming purposes.

It works passenger trains at Amberley (although it is currently receiving attention - ed), and is fitted with electric start and air braking equipment."

I will be writing an article for this for the 16mm NGMA's in house magazine, so I have to give the editor a promise of exclusivety. A picture will be posted here when it is all finished which shouldn't be long...

Spokesmann

Any news on this one Si?

MTA

Chris

SillyBilly

I think you'll find that one of the ways I.P manage to get the price down is by it being run by one man most of the time (possibly two), they also happens to make and design all of the kits. I have always found I.P's customer care excellent, I know of atleast two cases where bits have been missing from kits and he has sent the customer a second kit free of charge.

MTA

I've received this kit today, I have already got an idea of how to modify the bits and pieces and I have also ordered some 'dress up' bits from Cambrian Models.

http://www.cambrianmodels.co.uk/16intro.html

I've ordered some dummy axle guards, nut & bolt heads, rivet heads, a brake stand and a brass & steel worm and wheel set.

I've already made a start on the kit, but until these bits arrive I cannot make a good start on the chassis proper.

MFSteam

Is Ivan Prior still involved with the company?

SillyBilly

Very much so, I think he does most of it, as stated in my post above about the customer service..

MFSteam

He is a nice chap, I knew him before he entered the garden railway scene. IP used to make reproduction parts for vintage model aircraft engines. I see he no longer sells much live steam, what happened?

steamyjim

SillyBilly

I think he noticed there was more profit to be made from making cheap stock, rather than more expensive precision engineering bits.

Minor1PJG

Is this one sparking... er I mean running yet Si??