Converting a 00 Jinty to 21mm has anyone done it?

[Bob49]

I'm looking for a quick win to get a 21mm micro shunting layout up and running. So converting a standard LMS 3F Jinty into a NCC jinty looks on paper and easy win. Firstly has anyone done it? And secondly how easy is it to do?

 

Marc

[David Holman]

The biggest problem is likely to be the front splashers, because moving the wheels out to 21mm will certainly foul them. Clearances inside the tanks could also be a problem because of the thickness of the plastic moulding.

 Indeed, regauging the prototype caused similar problems, with the wheels being thinned.

 At the very least you will be looking at cutting off the current splashers and making new ones. Then there will be new axles, as the existing ones will be way too short. Hence wheels will need removing ( probably crank pins and rods too) along with the main gear. If this is nylon and a force fit, that could also be a problem because of it splits, then you'll need to source a new one. Once the wheels go back on, they will need to be quartered, so all in all, not an easy or quick fix! 

[Bob49]

I was planning to swap the wheels for Gibson's P4 ones any way so they are not going to be a problem. It was the surgery to the top and if I could get the old wheels out which was the bit the was the concern.

If it wasn't possible to convert one my other opinion was a London road models LNWR special tank kit built as a DN&GR loco. 

Marc

[Mol_PMB]

I haven't done this myself, but I'd agree the front splashers will definitely need attention; I suspect that the insides of the tanks can be thinned if necessary to provide clearance.

Of course you'll also need to modify aspects of the chassis like the brake gear. 

I do note that High Level Kits make an etched chassis for the Bachmann Jinty. Although not for 21mm gauge specifically, it's possible that it would make an easier starting point than modifying the Bachmann chassis? At least if you built it with the P4 frame spacers, the frames would be the correct distance apart. 

Jinty | High Level Kits 

Hope that helps

Paul

[Tullygrainey]

I'd endorse Paul's comment about the High Level chassis. Worth considering and probably as easy as trying to adapt the rtr chassis. I built one to OO gauge and fitted it under an old Hornby Railroad body to make No.19. It's a lovely kit which runs beautifully. The instructions are the best I've seen. It comes with a custom High Level gearbox and chassis spacers for OO, EM and P4.

Alan

Edited Tuesday at 11:36 by Tullygrainey

[Andy Cundick]

I did one years ago using the Perserverance chassis with all the wobbly bits.I used a Hornby Jinty body and  checking underneath theres enough room for the wheels without replacing the splashers just a bit taken off the back.as for the High Level chassis not used his one but  Chris's stuff is always well thought out and easy to assemble.If you are thinking about going down the Special tank route its a bit more involved as the DNG tanks are to all intents and purposes DX goods with saddle tanks ie larger wheels it can be done as London Road will sell you the cast brass splashers from there DX kit Andy