StevieB Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 With no firm commitment yet from Murphy Models as to a class 121 Bo-Bo(or am I mistaken?) my thoughts turned to a short term alternative. Now on Shapeways website there are bodies for both N and 3mm scales, so you have to wonder if it would be economical to get a 4mm version produced to go on a suitable chassis. Anyone got any thoughts or ideas? Stephen Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Hi Stevie. I wasn't impressed with the finish quality of any 3D printed models I've seen so far. The obvious chassis would be an existing MM 141/181. I'm happy to wait some years for high quality injection moulded plastic if it ever comes to pass. Nothing including 3D, resin nor metal beats it for detail nor quality. Noel Quote
irishthump Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 The obvious chassis would be an existing MM 141/181. Bear in mind the 121 chassis is shorter than the 141/181. Quote
UP6936 Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Additionally, given that 141s aren't made any more and few will want to give one up for a chassis, it would be a better idea to make it fit something like an Athearn SW1500 chassis for example. Something easily available, and less expensive than a small GM Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Bear in mind the 121 chassis is shorter than the 141/181. Is the difference in length (i.e. buffer to buffer) due to different body length sitting over the same chassis, OR actual shorter distance between the outermost two axels? Quote
GSR 800 Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 (edited) Good idea, I mean who would want to destroy of some of Mr murphys work when something else can be used. Would the at Ahearn be roughly prototypical in size? Edited July 27, 2015 by GSR 800 Quote
irishthump Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Is the difference in length (i.e. buffer to buffer) due to different body length sitting over the same chassis, OR actual shorter distance between the outermost two axels? The 121 chassis is definitely shorter than the 141/181. It's noticeable in any photos showing a 121/141 double header. Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 The 121 chassis is definitely shorter than the 141/181. It's noticeable in any photos showing a 121/141 double header. Thanks. I think I'll wait for quality should MM or Bachmann release a 121 model over the next few years. Enough of wishful thinking . . . summer activity beckons for now. Quote
irishthump Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Good idea, I mean who would want to destroy of some of Mr murphys work when something else can be used. Would the at Ahearn be roughly prototypical in size? The SW1500 is what's recommended for the MIR kit. Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Despite most retailers being out of stock, in my experience new or mint MM 141/181s are still relatively easy to get hold of with prices varying between €80-130. Probably the best Irish model chassis ever produced. And who knows, perhaps in years to come there may be limited reruns anyway. Quote
StevieB Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 Quite by chance I've just looked on the Shapeways website and there is now 4mm body available from Rail 3D Prints for £46.49 plus £17.41 for a set of detailing parts. The 2mm version is designed to go on an SW9 chassis, so no need to chop up a 141/181 chassis. Stephen Quote
irishthump Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Despite most retailers being out of stock, in my experience new or mint MM 141/181s are still relatively easy to get hold of with prices varying between €80-130. Probably the best Irish model chassis ever produced. And who knows, perhaps in years to come there may be limited reruns anyway. I tell you I wouldn't have the heart to cut one up to make it fit in a 121! Quote
irishthump Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Quite by chance I've just looked on the Shapeways website and there is now 4mm body available from Rail 3D Prints for £46.49 plus £17.41 for a set of detailing parts. The 2mm version is designed to go on an SW9 chassis, so no need to chop up a 141/181 chassis. Stephen Just had a look but you would really need to see one of these in the flesh to know how good it is. Good to see they have bogie sides available but I guess glazing would be up to yourself. The cost would be around €100 without shipping. Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 If they marginally cheated on scale length so it would fit straight over an MM 141 chassis I would be tempted to buy one. €190 for a completed 121 model would be worth it if the detail is any good (ie while waiting in case MM ever do one). I see they offer a polished version (ie no 3D grain). I'd have no problem discarding the body from an MM 141 chassis, but I couldn't be bothered shortening a chassis (cut'n'shut). On screen it looks far superior to past MIR resin bodies. I have not yet seen a decent detailed model of a 121 at any of the shows. Quote
UP6936 Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 While I don't have one myself, the latest version of Athearn RTR SW1500 is supposed to be very good, including a good drive. And would be cheaper than a 141. Not saying you're wrong to do it Noel, I'm only commenting for the benefit of those like myself who would be tentative. Fair play to you for your willingness! Quote
Noel Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 (edited) While I don't have one myself, the latest version of Athearn RTR SW1500 is supposed to be very good, including a good drive. And would be cheaper than a 141. Not saying you're wrong to do it Noel, I'm only commenting for the benefit of those like myself who would be tentative. Fair play to you for your willingness! Thanks. That's an option to consider. MM 141 seem less expensive than SW1500 eBay prices. I presume MM bogies are 00 gauge but the Athern is HO so would it look a little undersize? Ps. If this Shapeways 121 is any good and sells well it could kill off any chance of a future MM/Bachmann offering. Edited July 27, 2015 by Noel Quote
WRENNEIRE Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Boys and girls Just home after a couple of shandies and I came across this thread I was talking to a friend earlier who was in contact with PM about another matter He tells me that PM has just returned from the Far East He would not give any specific details but I reckon you should start saving your shillings for next year! Just saying like Quote
Riversuir226 Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Boys and girlsJust home after a couple of shandies and I came across this thread I was talking to a friend earlier who was in contact with PM about another matter He tells me that PM has just returned from the Far East He would not give any specific details but I reckon you should start saving your shillings for next year! Just saying like Nice one Quote
DiveController Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Reflected ripples in the Gulf stream suggest that vast quantities of a certain coach may have returned to to the Orient which would certainly explain why no more stock can be sourced by Marks Models so soon after release of an 'unloved' product. That 'being' the case…… well, I'll leave the chinese whispers to Dave Quote
Mayner Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) Reflected ripples in the Gulf stream suggest that vast quantities of a certain coach may have returned to to the Orient which would certainly explain why no more stock can be sourced by Marks Models so soon after release of an 'unloved' product. That 'being' the case…… well, I'll leave the chinese whispers to Dave The Oriental version of "luck-penny" the Chinese manufacturers tend to quietly sorts out the problem at their own expense without admitting liability and throws in a substantial discount off the next order for luck. Edited July 28, 2015 by Mayner Quote
Railer Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Reflected ripples in the Gulf stream suggest that vast quantities of a certain coach may have returned to to the Orient which would certainly explain why no more stock can be sourced by Marks Models so soon after release of an 'unloved' product. That 'being' the case…… well, I'll leave the chinese whispers to Dave I was only looking at that on their site over the past few days and thoughts were racing like little tiny trains. One can only hope for the best all going forward. Quote
Noel Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Boys and girlsJust home after a couple of shandies and I came across this thread I was talking to a friend earlier who was in contact with PM about another matter He tells me that PM has just returned from the Far East He would not give any specific details but I reckon you should start saving your shillings for next year! Just saying like Classic. Thanks Dave, glad to hear it. Will hold off then until President Clinton is back in the white house. Quote
Warbonnet Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Reflected ripples in the Gulf stream suggest that vast quantities of a certain coach may have returned to to the Orient which would certainly explain why no more stock can be sourced by Marks Models so soon after release of an 'unloved' product. That 'being' the case…… well, I'll leave the chinese whispers to Dave Hawkins Street still have them, including in their front window. They're still out there for anyone who is after them. Quote
Railer Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Hawkins Street still have them, including in their front window. They're still out there for anyone who is after them. If you look on their site there are a few listed as less than 10 left and no more stock after that. I'd be amazed if they sold out of them so quickly all considering. They were the only Mk2s discounted in the sale too. The IE and Galways remained the same price. A good few went on ebay last night for €40 sold yet they are €56 in shops, they are shifting but well below RRP. Quote
Irish Rail Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Did MIR make a 121? If so presume its rare to get these days? MJ Quote
Kirley Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Did MIR make a 121? If so presume its rare to get these days? MJ Here's an MIR one. Quote
WRENNEIRE Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 You first born might be included in the price Quote
Railer Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Where is that O scale 121 in your keep safe Dave. Built like a tank. Quote
Weshty Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Boys and girlsJust home after a couple of shandies and I came across this thread I was talking to a friend earlier who was in contact with PM about another matter He tells me that PM has just returned from the Far East He would not give any specific details but I reckon you should start saving your shillings for next year! Just saying like Oh be still my gentle heart. Worth waiting for. Quote
jhb171achill Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 I'll have a grey one and a black'n'tan one.... Quote
Railer Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Oh be still my gentle heart. Worth waiting for. Someone, somewhere, please start making a few Mk3 DVTs while there is still time. Quote
burnthebox Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 You first born might be included in the price Now Dave'y boy, a box is a box, it's what's inside that matters. !! Quote
Noel Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 You first born might be included in the price Most of the MIR 121s I've seen in the flesh looked like they have been dipped in an orange chocolate fountain. No doubt great in their day, but not exactly fine scale. Quote
DiveController Posted July 28, 2015 Posted July 28, 2015 Now Dave'y boy, a box is a box, it's what's inside that matters. !! He's doesn't open boxes Quote
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