Brendan8056

Stephen, Hopefully the pictures tell a story. IRM have taken on board comments I made and I expect future wagons will be easier to convert to 21mm gauge. The most disappointing part was the IRM wheelsets. I do not like wheels and axles that can't be dismantled. I was unable to reuse them for 21mm gauge of the same wagons but I have kept them and may use them on kit built wagons instead. Murphy's coaches had the same problem and an even shorter axle length, but I used them to replace HO scale wagons on some Marklin wagons I purchased. I have attached a picture of a bubble converted to 21mm gauge. Note how thin I have filed the axle boxes to provide enough clearance.

I have converted a ballast wagon to 21mm. It was not easy. Removing the plastic collars gave an extra 4mm of width, perhaps this would be enough for the thinner wheels used by P4 modellers? I had to dismantle the model to put in plasticard spacers and enlarge the axle box interiors and fit brass bearings. The pictures attached may explain more. I used one of my last Gibson 21mm gauge wheelsets but Maygibs would work just as well. The existing IRM wheels cannot be used as one side is non insulated and integral with the axle. I also filed the back of the axle boxes to thin them to give a little extra space. It runs really well and I am converting a second wagon at present. I make the axles myself using 2mm steel rod and a mini drill and file the pin point ends. I have re-gauged 3 cement wagons and these did not need dismantling but still needed the axle boxes thinned and modified. I am looking forward to the Taras and the pull out wheelsets.

I used the Chris Leigh blue pullman trailer bogies on my scratchbuilt Dutch van about 25 years ago. They looked right, are to 4mm scale and based on a continental design. I would assume the Kitmaster blue pullman trailer bogies would also be suitable. Both are long out of production but can be found secondhand. You could always ask Bachmann if they could sell you a couple? I think they are doing a rerun blue pullman at the moment, so may have some left over..

Dave of Roxey Mouldings still lists 21mm gauge wheels for use in his Isle of Man coach kits, in O scale, Brendan

David, It was great to see Arigna Town on Saturday and have a chat about Irish railway modelling. I hope your club all had a good show, Best wishes, Brendan