The J26 is indeed a kit - from the Alphagraphix catalogue. There is a wealth of Irish related models in 7mm scale including Elf, the MGW 2-2-2T, Fairy [with pay carraige], the delightful Argadeen 2-6-0T & St Molaga 0-4-2T from the Timoleague & Courtmacsherry tramway, plus a Bandon 4-6-0T.
The J26 was £90, likewise Argadeen, while the Bandon tank is currently £140. This is minus wheels, motor, gears of course. However, there was a full set of etched number plates with the J26. Having built a fair few 7mm kits in my time & even scratchbuilt a 'Claud Hamilton' 4-4-0, must say this J26 was a very straightforward model to make. Instructions are clear & include a few decent photos, while the etches were good & castings adequate if not entirely top quality. At the price, very good value though.
The chassis is designed for 32mm gauge & is actually a one piece etched, designed to fold up & make a basic unit. Haven't come across this method before & was a bit dubious, but decided to go ahead as per instructions & once wheels & rods were fitted, it rolled beautifully, first time. For 36.75mm gauge, the top hat bearings are soldered in back to front. Was going to add some dummy frames to fill the space, but have found it looks ok, so haven't bothered to fit them. Still needs a bit of weathering & some coal in the bunker, but for a first essay in 36.75mm gauge, i'm more than pleased with it & see no reason why other models listed shouldn't be as good..
Alphagraphix advertise in Railway modeller, but can be found at 23 Darris Road, Selly Park, Birminigham B29 7QY. Email sirberkley@tiscali.co.uk
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Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway
in David Holman's Blog
A blog by David Holman in General
Posted
The J26 is indeed a kit - from the Alphagraphix catalogue. There is a wealth of Irish related models in 7mm scale including Elf, the MGW 2-2-2T, Fairy [with pay carraige], the delightful Argadeen 2-6-0T & St Molaga 0-4-2T from the Timoleague & Courtmacsherry tramway, plus a Bandon 4-6-0T.
The J26 was £90, likewise Argadeen, while the Bandon tank is currently £140. This is minus wheels, motor, gears of course. However, there was a full set of etched number plates with the J26. Having built a fair few 7mm kits in my time & even scratchbuilt a 'Claud Hamilton' 4-4-0, must say this J26 was a very straightforward model to make. Instructions are clear & include a few decent photos, while the etches were good & castings adequate if not entirely top quality. At the price, very good value though.
The chassis is designed for 32mm gauge & is actually a one piece etched, designed to fold up & make a basic unit. Haven't come across this method before & was a bit dubious, but decided to go ahead as per instructions & once wheels & rods were fitted, it rolled beautifully, first time. For 36.75mm gauge, the top hat bearings are soldered in back to front. Was going to add some dummy frames to fill the space, but have found it looks ok, so haven't bothered to fit them. Still needs a bit of weathering & some coal in the bunker, but for a first essay in 36.75mm gauge, i'm more than pleased with it & see no reason why other models listed shouldn't be as good..
Alphagraphix advertise in Railway modeller, but can be found at 23 Darris Road, Selly Park, Birminigham B29 7QY. Email sirberkley@tiscali.co.uk