RPSI's 131

[heirflick]

Hi all, just wondering if there is any loco out there that resembles or could be converted into the beautiful 131?

[BosKonay]

She's a beautiful lady, that's for sure

 

[Weshty]

Damn!  Looking really good.  She's had a long journey to restoration from when we started back on her in the Loco Shed in Mallow in '84 with the GSRPS.

[WRENNEIRE]

Fowler 2P would be a good start I think

 

[jhb171achill]

There would be major surgery required. In theory, a loco like this could be rebuilt to resemble (even vaguely) several GNR or CIE prototypes, though in this case the amount of work needed would just as easily be done as a new-build,

[Noel]

Prototype 131 is a fine looking loco. However 4-4-0 wheel arrangement in OO gauge are not renowned for smooth reliable running especially over point work. 

[Mayner]

 

5 hours ago, jhb171achill said:

There would be major surgery required. In theory, a loco like this could be rebuilt to resemble (even vaguely) several GNR or CIE prototypes, though in this case the amount of work needed would just as easily be done as a new-build,

Apart from the NCC Jinties and Woolwich its probably easier to scratch build than attempt to modify a model of a UK mainland loco into an Irish Prototype.

Even the NCC Jeeps, Moguls & Castle Class 4-4-0s were quite different from the LMS engines, the LNWR crossed the DX with its Crew Special Tanks for the Greenore line, the DSER Webb 2-4-2T that passed into GSR stock was rebuilt by the DSER with large boiler, DSER style cab and boiler fittings.

The Hornby T9 with 6 wheel tender is probably about the right size for 131 or 171, but would need new cab, smokebox, boiler fittings and tender superstructure. 

The T9 would be an expensive option, there are also reports of problems with gear mesh and mazac rot.

A Triang L1 with a plasticard scratchbuilt body would probably be a less expensive option compared with trying to carve a modern rtr 4-4-0 into an Irish model and mighty actually last longer.