PDF single Fairlie

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Garethep
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PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Thu Jan 05, 2023 9:43 am

After some delays due to the current state of the postal system, my Christmas present arrived today.
First impressions are good and I look forward to building it but will do a proper look over it later. Image

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ge_rik
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by ge_rik » Thu Jan 05, 2023 10:16 am

Really interested to follow the build process on this one. Please let us know (with photos) how you progress.

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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Thu Jan 05, 2023 10:22 am

Thanks Rik,
Usually terrible at remembering to take photos during the build rather than at the end but I'll make a conscious effort here. It will benefit me too as I'm hoping to pick up some construction tips for my ongoing B-class design and build.

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Peter Butler
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Peter Butler » Thu Jan 05, 2023 10:47 am

I'll be watching too as I think these kits are good quality models at sensible prices. My own PDF Christmas present arrived early and was hidden away by my wife until the big day! Mine is the Baldwin 50HP petrol tractor, an ugly beast but lots of character and detailing potential.
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by SimonWood » Thu Jan 05, 2023 12:43 pm

Ooh, another 50HP Baldwin - we will be able to have a proper parade of these at a South West Wales group meeting, I think this will make a third - matching the number of Kerr Stuart 4415s in the group (at least once I finally finish painting my one!) Though we're probably a way off yet matching the number of quarry Hunslets! But I do like seeing these models together.

Image

Looking forward to seeing the Single Fairlie build....

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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Thu Jan 05, 2023 1:40 pm

Thanks all,

I very nearly went for the Baldwin and it's definitely still on the list but the Fairlie just beat it in desirability.

I decided to have a better look over lunch and I remain impressed.

Image

In contrast to the DeWinton I had previously built, it's nice to see the Slaters wheels which should really help the running (they do make up a good chunk of the price of the kit though). Likewise it's good to have metal gearing which should be much more durable than the plastic versions on the smaller locos

Image

The printed parts seem to be of good quality for FDM prints though they will need a lot of elbow grease to get them smooth (I've become spoiled after getting into resin printing πŸ˜„) and the assembly methods have clearly been well thought out...it is interesting to compare this with the way I was planning to build my own printed locos. This kit was clearly designed by a modeller whereas I too often try to design things like an engineer which doesn't always work in smaller scales.

Image

The separate bogie and stepped footplate means the parts are necessarily fairly chunky but not excessively so.

Image

A very rough assembly shows that this will be quite an impressive machine when finished (and before anyone says, I do now realise the cab is on backwards πŸ˜„)

My only real complaint is that, once assembled access to the (usefully cavernous) interior will be limited so I may make some mods to allow easier battery changing etc. There is enough space for a fairly decent size LiPo battery which should give very decent run lengths though.

So in summary, this looks like it has the potential to make a lovely model as long as I don't muck it up!

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Peter Butler
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Peter Butler » Thu Jan 05, 2023 2:09 pm

Nice as they are, I will continue any further Baldwin discussion on my own 'Time to build a railway..' thread and let Gareth keep us informed about his Single Fairlie build here. My intention was to promote the PDF brand, (as a satisfied customer), nothing more!
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ge_rik
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by ge_rik » Thu Jan 05, 2023 7:34 pm

Great work so far. Impressed by the quality of the printing. Clearly a better quality printer than mine has been used.

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TonyW
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by TonyW » Fri Jan 06, 2023 11:02 am

Puzzled by the round spectacles on the cab front ... should they not be rectangular?
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:53 pm

Yes they should! I just loosely put everything together and the cab is on back to front...Doh!

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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by TonyW » Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:59 am

Garethep wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:53 pmYes they should! I just loosely put everything together and the cab is on back to front...Doh!
Ah, yes!
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:14 am

The cab thing (whilst a silly mistake) does hint at the only real issue with this kit so far....mine came without instructions (I assumed a mistake) but I've had it confirmed that there are no written instructions.....there is an online video showing the construction of the power bogie but nothing for the body.....whilst it is generally straightforward there will be doubt be some trial and error figuring out the various fasteners etc.

Ill try and document the build as closely as I can and highlight any traps I find to help anyone who builds one of these in the future.

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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by MRail » Sat Jan 07, 2023 1:03 pm

Yes, we do get there eventually!
[attachment=0]MR200802-001.jpg[/attachment]
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by Garethep » Sat Jan 07, 2023 5:56 pm

That's a lovely job! I'd be happy if mine was anywhere near that good.

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ge_rik
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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by ge_rik » Sun Jan 08, 2023 6:29 pm

Excellent finish on both locos

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Re: PDF single Fairlie

Post by FWLR » Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:18 am

Great photos of those lovely locos Rob. :thumbright:

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