I think I figured it out, SL vs. Mk 1, 2 and Thomas T....

[Spule 4]

I think I finally figured out the one big reason the newer locos just don't have the same charm as the SLs in my eyes.

Granted, the detailing is lacking, but that is easily fixed.  

I think it is due to the high footplate vs. the lower one on the SLs.

But, this could lead to making the newer locos 0-4-2T types as well, as it looks as if some of the rear frame could be cut with not much ill effect?

Thoughts?

[Chris Cairns]

Garrett,

You are quite correct. The original Mamod SLs were never a true 16mm scale locomotive, more closer to 14mm scale. The latter Mamod locomotives suffer from their toy steam design with the proportions all wrong - a much bigger boiler but much smaller cabs.

Here is a good illustration of this using a Busy Bodies Mamod driver to illustrate the problem.


Driver fits into the cab of a Mamod SL locomotive


Driver is too tall for the William II cab, yet this locomotive is bigger overall than the SL locomotive


Again driver is too tall for the Mark II locomotive, yet this locomotive is a similar size to the SL locomotive.

However it does look if they have got the cab proportions better on the Thomas Telford locomotive.

As for a 0-4-2T with these locos you are very limited. The chassis frames are different to the SL ones as they have that large ceramic gas burner which with the gas jet holder extends a far bit towards the rear of the loco, and the chassis's have a distinctive sloped cut up towards the cab floor, so little room to add another axle. A trailing pony truck would be your only real option but I'm not sure how effective that would be with pointwork, etc. Is there not an Accucraft loco with a rear pony truck that has big problems with derailing on points leading owners to run it without the pony truck?

I've just dismantled my Mike Chaney 0-4-2T locomotive ( http://gardenrails.myfreeforum.org/ftop ... -asc-0.php ) for overhaul, and still not sure if it will remain an 0-4-2T or be converted to a tender locomotive.

Chris Cairns.

[Spule 4]

OK, now it makes more sense. Thanks Chris!!

Yes, I have heard that the Mamods are closer to 14mm scale, but then they work fine for me as a tiny 16mm scale loco. They are closer to reality than some of the honkin' huge offerings by the well-knowns. But at a price point for those of us who cannot spare the cash for Prescott or Wrightlines loco.

Granted, a lot of UK prototype and model locos have the tank, footplate and front running board height being the same (look at a R/H Millie) But the overall height does not do these locos any help in the appearance department.

More to consider as far as Mamodification for these locos.