Garden Railway Forum

Since I haven't seen many examples of the Busted Bricks loco about I thought I'd post a pic of ours. There are a few imperfections, but overall I think it has turned out quite well.


Click to see full size image

Its got a few additions when compared to the stock kit: a horn, exhaust, brass buffer beams at the front and back with milled couplings, a little filler cap and a seat and raised floor in the cab. It has also been fitted with a reversing switch and we are wanting to fit a small DC jack and rechargeable batteries so the top will not need to be removed when the batteries are discharged.

Overall I think its a great kit, really well put together instructions and the slot construction makes it super easy to get everything aligned. The mechanism runs very well. Especially for the price its hard not to recommend this kit.

You have made a smashing job of that well done..

That has come out very well. Well Done.

As you know Michael sold off the Garden Railway business to HGLW who have yet to re-introduce them, and I see also that the rest of the Busted Bricks web shop has now closed as well.

Let us hope that HGLW will re-introduce the budget Garden Railway range soon, and even expand it.

Chris Cairns.

I do hope that the HGLW expands the line-up of the budget garden railway stock. I think the design and aesthetic of the stock is fantastic. Michael's way of having the bearings slot into the side members is an excellent idea, I might try it if I decide to have some more custom stock laser cut.

And thanks for the kind words.

I've got one of those to build - I'm intending to add some details as well. Where did you get the horn from?

The horn was made on a lathe out of brass, with a small screw and nut to hold it to the cab. The exhaust is some metal pipe and plastic bent and shaped. The little filler is also a small bit of metal shaped on a lathe.

That looks great, well done. I know that David is coming to grips with the laser so the kits will appear again. The aim was always to make a simple, affordable kit that leaves room for builders to add the level of detail they prefer.

I've probably not designed my last GR model but with £16.50 postage on a small parcel from the Faroes there is no point in doing it as a business. However I'm still trying to pursue my dream of manufacturing live steam locos but a lot of things (mainly money related) have to fall into place for that to happen.

BTW, multi-height buffer like you are using is very easy to make with laser cut parts. Perhaps you should pester David to offer them.

T'is a very nice looking loco.....looks as good as something at least twice the price, and my tinkering with my chassis shows that it's a good sound reliable runner.

I'm looking forward to the chassis being available again!

Got mine finished this evening...................

MDLR:85802 wrote:Got mine finished this evening...................

I really like the handles, nice work.

I've got 3 of these beasties now,plus a couple of chassis. Cracking little jobs. No photo's yet, but on mine,I've fitted the mesh flush with the front. All have the bonnet modded so I have access to the batteries without taking the body off and are fitted with speed controllers as well. Another mod I've done is to fit plasticard side frames to them so the standard axle boxes aren't used. The frames hold the bearings in. One chassis has been heavily altered to take Roy Wood tipper wheels and shortened with a Keef style body on top. 10 mm pulleys were used for the drive. Every one was "painted" with waterproof PVA prior to primer.

Spoke to David yesterday and have placed an order for another little BB loco and chassis plus some other bits and pieces. First one runs like a dream and is awaiting the fitting of the "extras". David currently has the loco and chassis available, but is having a delay setting up the web pages. Direct contact is best just at the moment.

I have built two other chassis both using Michael's drive system bits, but one using a brass frame and larger MFA motor and gearbox.

The Houstoun Gate Locomotive Works webshop is now fully up and running and able to take your orders.
Visit www.hglw.co.uk and you will find all the old Busted Bricks items for sale on the Rolling Stock Kits page.

I also have a Facebook page for the loco works at www.facebook.com/hglocoworks . Pop along there and see what I'm up to in the workshop. A 'Like' on the page would be even better!

If you already have any of the BB models I'd love to have pictures for the HGLW website and FB page to post as inspiration to others. Let me know what you have got.

Regards,
David H.