In one of the garden railway shops I used I've spotted a build GRS rail bus. Well done you I hear you all cry! However it's in need of a little work. I know a few of you on here have built these kits so am after some advice.
Firstly does anyone recall how much these kits cost when they were made?
Secondly, the main issue is both ends have drooped and are wondering what is the construction and could it be fixed- after all I want a flying- not bent banana! I think I will end up repainting it anyway so if the work is large amount it's not too much of an issue.
Thirdly, I know that John made replacement grills a good while ago but any other issues with these kits?
And finally does anyone have a copy of the instructions?
The story behind it is that the owner bought it from E bay and it was damaged in transit, and as I know the shop owner well I believe it. Nothing should be beyond repair but just want some advice on this.
Thanks as always,
Simon ( back after serious internet issues!)
Simon,
I am afraid to say that, apart from assembling the bogies, cutting away the side panels from the streamlined fairing around the bogies, fitting the batteries and control gear to the underside of the floor and replacing the radiator grilles, I have not done any more with the kit......it sits on a shelf (with the part built Dean Goods) reminding me of how many tasks I still have to complete!
One thing I feel the kit will need before I proceed further is a strengthened floor..... full length steel or brass angle on the upper (inside) surface along each edge.
Is there any indication as to why this example has "drooped".
Was it exposed to excessive heat (exposed to the Sun for too long which softened the resin) or is it a result of physical damage (being dropped)?
Regards,
John
P.S. I can send you a set of radiator grilles if you decide to "give it a go".
You might be wise to talk to Ian Driver who recently built one for a customer. He can probably tell you all you need to know. One top tip i can give you is remove the motor from one of the two motor bogies it will go a lot better. I had this with the GRS Bubble car which has the same power units for the bogies.
Mark
On the matter of the bogies, there were two different types fitted to these kits.
The first batch produced by GRS had "Aristocraft" bogies whereas later batches used "USA Trains" bogies.
I believe the bogies to which Mark refers are USA Trains type, where the drive can easily be disconnected from the motor.
My kit is from the first batch and it is not possible to "disable" the motor in the fashion which Mark described to me over the phone some while ago. If I opt for single bogie drive, I shall have to build a non-powered bogie.
Regards,
John.
Thanks gents.
Well I only had a quick look so will have a far more detailed inspection if I go in again. I suspect the weak floor has caused the issues.
Not sure on bogie type but im working on another project that I need some steel lazer cut for so my do my own bogie for this as the powerd unit could come in handy for say a small diesel. I have a friend who is a CAD designer and as long as I supply him with a few pins should draw it up for me. If I do go that far I will let you know John as I may get some extra sets done for this and maybe the bubble car.
Well £420 and I've got it. In need of an overall! Sides are fine but can mouldings need work as, some windows need replacement and a full repaint. I'll be in touch about the grills John, thanks. 27am radio so will replace And think I will add lighting. Only odd thing is it has full skirts so will see how much a set of bogie castings will cost as may make some cut outs as the covers over the bogies got taken off in service.
Will post some pics.
Well a few pics. Will need splitting down to its main components, as the glue has filled.
second pic
last pic. I will repaint in BR green I think. Its from the first batch as it has Aristro bogies, they now use USA trains. Needs a lot of work but still good for the price I hope!