|
|
Post by Jim on Apr 16, 2014 3:17:07 GMT
From what I've heard from around the traps your experience is sadly typical Ned. As you say the ad's sound great but that's about it.
Jim
|
|
|
|
Post by suctionhose on Apr 16, 2014 4:31:05 GMT
The majority of NSW loco's are built to 1 1/8" scale using fullsize drawings obtained from state archives. Unfortunately, Ernie Winter prepared his designs to 1 1/16" which while being closer to scale has proven less popular.
As to "what is happening", based on recent conversations with the current operator there are difficulties on several fronts. How and how quickly he gets on top of these difficulties remains to be seen.
What were you planning to build?
|
|
|
|
Post by runner42 on Apr 16, 2014 7:41:24 GMT
My experience has been one of frustration, particularly when EJW were the sole supplier. The range of stock covered by his catalogue and the prices indeed is very attractive, but the service has been less than ideal. He tells me that the business has grown, probably faster than the management can deal with the increase in customers. My recommendation is to be very very patient and keep e-mailing him using the website contact procedure. This in my experience produced better results than was achieved by using your PC's e-mail package. The quality is good and the prices very competitive, so consider everything you require from EJW as long lead items.
Good luck
Brian
|
|
|
|
Post by suctionhose on Apr 16, 2014 8:41:14 GMT
First choice would be a Z12 as a starter, or a C32, both in 5" gauge. The 12 is a lovely model. Small. Fiddely. A one man engine needing constant attention. I'd like one on my mantle piece. The 32, for an extra axle and some tender bogies is a much more capable engine. For an incremental increase in material cost and work it would result in a far superior outcome. You really need to define your scope as it were. What do you want to do? How much design do you want to do yourself? Are you happy to blindly follow someone else's drawings? Do you want 1 1/16" or 1 1/8"? Do want it to scale or not? It is your choice and there is no wrong answer. Just be informed from the outset. I will PM you an address that may well be worth consulting... Ross |
|
|
|
Post by Shawki Shlemon on Apr 16, 2014 10:07:06 GMT
over the last 33 years I built a few engines including some NSW such as C38 / C36 / SMR10 / D50 / C32 and Z13 , all to Winters design , I bought plans and castings plus other materials from him , I can only say that I received excellent service , the plans were good and the castings excellent . I must say that all this was before the business changed hand and therefore I can't comment on the present . I suggest give Kelly a call to resolve the issue .
|
|
|
|
Post by suctionhose on Apr 16, 2014 12:37:10 GMT
Wholeheartedly recommend the 32!
To be fair to EJW, he has, where no one else has, amassed a collection of drawings and patterns for NSW engines in 1 1/16" scale.
If you do not feel inclined to design your own model from fullsize drawings and photo's then EJW is the way to go.
There is a change in management. There are predictable difficulties with that transition. Foundries and industrial skills in Australia are on the "endangered species list".
Whether Kelly is able to sort these issues out remains to be seen.
In any case, in my experience, wheels are the only castings required. Cylinders are convenient but not essential. Drawings should be more readily deliverable. Get those and make a start. Join a club. Get the Boiler Code and talk to people that have done it before.
It should be very evident from this forum that commercial designs, anywhere in the world, are far from perfect. Anyone embarking on the locomotive should be ready o accept this situation as "part of the deal" and be prepared to work with it.
I have started 2 engines from commercial designs and abandoned both. I like to do it my way and no one else will hand that to me. My NSWGR 50 class is modelled on a single member of a class of 280 as she appeared in 1964. That was the only example I could find having photographs of both sides, front and back and with the exact features of the class that I wanted. Not everybody is so pedantic...
Ross
|
|
|
|
Post by Shawki Shlemon on Apr 22, 2014 8:47:42 GMT
Glad to see that you have resolved the issue , good luck with the building of a very nice engine .
|
|
