Finally this week, an On30 Porter locomotive.
Based on a Bachmann model, the version you see here has been improved with the aid of a Backwoods Miniatures dress-up kit that is sadly, no longer available.
You can read all the details in this blog thread.
One of a batch I built for a customer (before you ask, I don't do this any more), it got a little bit broken, but I fixed the body up and kept it for myself.
One day, I will build an On30 layout. Something for small, and somewhat worn steam and diesel engines to run on. I keep photographing minimum space models and ogling them in magazines. It's nice to dream...
So what became of the Backwoods kits, Phil ? According to the BW website, Pete McP was looking to transfer the business, but there's no sign of anyone picking it up as far as I can see. It would be a huge shame if Pete's work in developing the kits were to go to waste..
ReplyDeleteAs a one-time 009 modeller looking to get back into narrow gauge, they are clearly tempting, if challenging prospect !
No idea. They seem to have disapeared.
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ReplyDeleteThe Link to the build thread simply brings one back to this posting.
CP
That's breathtaking work, Phil! Re Backwoods, I knew both Arthur Belshaw and his brother Eric over twenty years ago- I think Arthur had eyesight issues, latterly. Like Impetus, another nice manufacturer into the ether....
ReplyDeleteNeville Kent of n-drive productions has taken over some of the 4mm narrow gauge stuff. But exactly what, and when, they will return to production, I don’t know. He is very busy trying to keep up with the orders for his chassis. I think lockdowns have increased demand.
ReplyDeleteLovely little engine, Phil! I had one of the very early Bachmann Porter 0-4-0STs before I got into 0-14, I remember it being a lovely runner. Backwoods pretty much ceased operating when Pete Mc Parlin's wife sadly became very ill.
ReplyDeleteA number of people have expressed interest in the various ranges; as far as I know at least some of the 009 range has passed to Neville Kent of N-Drive, not sure what if anything is available yet though. It would be nice if it were all to reappear at some point, there's certainly a market for it.
Chris - scroll down. It brings back this post as the top one, but everything else is underneath.
ReplyDeleteGood news about the Backwoods kits. Personally, I always wanted to build the NGG16 Garrett on 7mm scale, even though I'm told it's challenging.
At the moment N-Drive have taken on the Irish 00n3, some of which has been re-released and the 009 ranges, last year caused a lot of problems with the day-job so things have not gone as planned but the first 009 kits will be available shortly. At present there are no plans to take on the 0n30 but it hasn't been ruled out once the rest is sorted.
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