Gauge of interest: Alphagraphix 4mm Irish kits

[GSR 800]

Was talking to Roger at Alphagraphix, inquiring regarding the viability of making 4mm etches of the many 7mm Irish kits he has.

From Roger:

"To make the project viable for us we'd need to have definite orders for at least six of every vehicle/loco kit in advance to make the order worthwhile. Additionally we're not in a position to supply the necessary cast parts as we only have patterns for the 7mm versions."

I was personally considering the following 

CIE/GSR J18 (I'd order two so four left)

MGWR Luggage Van 'The Hearse' (Again, I'd order two)

The Ivatt F6 (would order one)

Along either considering some of the other MGWR rolling stock and locos.

 

Many of the cast parts could likely be 3d printed.

[Mol_PMB]

Many thanks for having the discussion. I guess the challenge is to find enough people with similar interests!

From the range, I’d be more interested in MGWR 6-wheel coaches and, maybe, a J30. 

[Killian Keane]

I would have one of the MGWR Elf class for sure, probably a J30 too

[Tullygrainey]

We explored this once before but I think because our collective interests are so diverse, we didn't manage to get the numbers for any one thing. Worth another go though.

 

 

[GSR 800]

1 hour ago, Tullygrainey said:

We explored this once before but I think because our collective interests are so diverse, we didn't manage to get the numbers for any one thing. Worth another go though.

 

 

I'll add one to any MGWR order, two in the case of the J18 and the Hearse

So +1 Elf

+1 onto MGWR coaches 

[Sea Breezer]

I’d go in for an MGWR Elf and a GNRI JT

[Horsetan]

J30, please

[Mayner]

An important point to check with Roger is whether a 4mm loco chassis produced from 7mm artwork/photo tooling will be suitable for a OO gauge loco. 

The width over chassis on a 4mm loco produced from re-sized 7mm/Gauge 0 artwork may be too wide for OO.

Alternatives would be: (a) to re-design the existing chassis so that its suitable for OO gauge (width over frames 12mm) or (b) the buyer purchasing proprietary etched or turned frame spacers and assembling the chassis as a conventional chassis.

Although my 4mm MGW vans were designed to be assembled to OO or 21mm gauge, it was necessary to re-design the chassis when I re-scaled the artwork to 2mm scale for a customer.

[Adam Berry]

I would interested in a J18, depending on price and it's quality of course! Any chance of a Bandon tank?

[Mayner]

Studio Scale Models already produce a 4mm model of a Bandon Tank both roundtopped and Belpair firebox versions. https://www.studio-scale-models.com/B4.shtml

 

[Adam Berry]

19 minutes ago, Mayner said:

Studio Scale Models already produce a 4mm model of a Bandon Tank both roundtopped and Belpair firebox versions. https://www.studio-scale-models.com/B4.shtml

 

Your dead right, still though, its a nickle silver kit so how different is it from a brass one? and is he still taking commissions? 

Either way the J28 sounds interesting, always good to see more kits on the market.

Edited 8 hours ago by Adam Berry

[Mayner]

1 hour ago, Adam Berry said:

Your dead right, still though, its a nickle silver kit so how different is it from a brass one? and is he still taking commissions? 

Either way the J28 sounds interesting, always good to see more kits on the market.

Nickle silver basically a superior material to work, basically stronger, easier to solder and easier to paint compared to brass.

Best contact Des on availability, Studio Scale models traditionally held kits in stock though may have shifted to supplying kits to order.

Des supplied tender etchs and castings at relatively short notice for a GSWR 52 Class 4-4-0 I produced several years ago.

 

[David Holman]

Roger's 7mm scale kits feature a one piece etched chassis. Have mentioned before that you solder in the bearings, then simply fold the sides and spacers. They are designed for 32mm gauge, so you fit the top hat bearings inside out for broad gauge. Never had any problems with clearances for splashers and other bodywork, so presume things should be ok in 4mm.

 However, if there are no castings, what you will get is the same as with Worsley Works, so that means sourcing or making everything from chimney, dome, buffers, cab details, whistle tender axle boxes, brake standard, etc, etc.

 Without wanting to rain on anyone's parade, finding such things is a lot harder now than it was ten or even 20 years ago, when there were many more whitemetal and brass castings available, though 3D printed options may be possible now.

[Mol_PMB]

David,

Many thanks for the info. From my point of view, the width of the frames won’t be a huge problem (as I’m working in 21mm) but may be an issue for those wanting 16.5mm as John says. 
However, it sounds like the chassis makes no provision for springing or compensation so I’d have that challenge instead. 
 

Noted the challenge of castings; wheels also these days.
 

Have you built any of the 6-wheel coach kits in 7mm scale? Any views on how the undergear of those might scale down? 
 

Many thanks,

Paul