Modelworks

[Deleted]

Hi Paul,

I've still not heard from Dean - he promised to let me know by last Friday what the schedule would be for the remaining Britannia parts.

If anyone gleans anything from them at Harrogate I'd be interested to hear.

Regards,

John

[alexinsuffolk]

Well I was at Harrogate yesterday, David Draper (he who shows the steam car was there), and his wife were on the stand, but I could see no one else, so it would appear that MW are alive and well, which is good in a way because the kit idea is a good one in principle.

So had a natter and the only thing I found was that the steam cars have sold out, and that Brad ain't there anymore.

Hope that your issues can be resolved, as despite my gripes with MW over the Burrell, its now a nice looking engine, powerful and steams well.

Cheers
Alex

[locoworksnorth]

Hello Everyone,
There certainly seems to be some frustrated people on this thread !
I went to the Harrogate ME show , to pick up the usual tool tips, paint, a few decals and so on. Anyway, as a Dutchess builder I was interested to take a look at their control model, which looked good to me. The drift is definatly in the right direction. I have built the Winson King Arthur and 9f. Gentlemen, those old models really were poor, I have invested massive time making them work well. If you think youve seen crap rods, think again. The ones on the control model looked well.... for some work admittidly.
The cylinders and particularly valves look much improved in my kits. The general look of the thing is vastly improved.... nice screw rivits etc.
There are certain things I am not so happy about but in the end I just don't have the time to scratch build one.
My 14xx and 57xx , which are both slide valve loco's, work very well... very nearly as supplied. Have I had some fun ? Absolutly yes !
I am annoyed that things seem to get late, but they have always seemed to get there in the end. On the Dutchess, we are all hoping to be in steam late summer 09 as long as things don't slip to far. Even if things got really late only a major change in personal circumstances would have me seeking a refund... because I actually want the model.
So are there people who read this forum who could help , or is it just a place to go and moan ? I would like to hear from people who have built these models and have overcome the problems..... and who do enjoy using and maintaining their models.
Anyone out there ?
Locoworks

[heyfordian18]

I have a Modelworks 1400, and have had a lot of enjoyment out of it over the last 2 running seasons. By the end of last season we had clocked up over 70 miles.
Yes it is a high maintenance model, and some of the items, such as the regulator are poor design. I did not know that when I bought the kit, but have learnt by reading books and magazines. The use of 'O' rings in the cast iron cylinders is another poor piece of logic. Fortunately easy to change, but clupit rings eliminate that piece of regular maintenance.
Buying the 1400 got me on the track, learning how to drive and look after a loco in a little over 2 years. I am 3 years into the build of an engine from drawings, with at least another year to go.
The Modelworks experience has at times been frustrating, but overall hugely enjoyable, and I have always found Dean, Ian and Debbie very willing to help. Living 8 miles from the factory does make it easier to resolve problems though! ;D

[locoworksnorth]

Hi Hayfordian18,
On the subject of the 14xx, I have just finished the first major overhaul on mine and did a couple of good little mods.
I brazed an oil feed onto the steam pipe feed to the valve chest, rather than use the one on the front of the steam chest block.
That works much better.
I also made some new pistons and cast iron rings to do away with the O rings....
Its passed its hydaulic and steam test and is back on the track !