GWR Prairie Brass

[Sleeper Agent]

Can't spot any details concerning the motor but the GRS/SANCHENG build looks pretty well made, £1,425.00.

https://www.ellisclarktrains.co.uk/collections/gauge-3/products/sancheng-gauge-3-2-5-gauge-plain-brass-gwr-prairie-2-6-2t

[John Candy]

They have a poor reputation, both for solder joint strength and motor efficiency (common problems with Chinese products).
There are reports of the motors catching fire and the example I was asked to overhaul, a few years back, had already had the motor replaced and there were bits falling off and the wheels wobbled/were loose on the axles!

Regards,
John.

[Chris_P]

There are also a number of dimensional errors well explained in threads on here.

[753]

I don't disagree with the comments on these engines, but within weeks of joining G3S one of these engines came up for sale as a member had deceased, it was in sad state and needed some TLC.

I striped it down removed all the paint, replaced the outside motion, repainted it. It runs very well and now a very presentable example of the breed all for less than £1000. So, I would not condemn them out of sight.

Mike

[hornbeam]

Very nice Mike, were the coupling and con rods to your own design?

They may not be perfect but GRS took a big risk in producing them and my live steam version has given me many hours of enjoyment.

[753]

Hornbeam

In as much as I tried to follow Swindon practice

Mike

[hornbeam]

Ah I see, I'm sure someone made replacement laser cut examples but I've never found any.

Simon

[MikeWilliams]

I believe Slaters did a conversion pack to use their wheels and motor - needed a special pack because the axles were a non standard size.  As Hornbeam says, GRS took a huge risk having these made, they put their money on the line and deserve credit for that.  They raised the standards at the time - RTR scale and detailed - a huge leap forward.

Whether they run OK I have no idea!

Mike