Simple Accucraft Modifications

[Chris Bird]

Hi folks
Now I am more used to sending bits of brass over to the USA, but when I saw two modifications being marketed by The Train Department in the US, I had to buy them to try on my Quarry Hunslet.

The first is a replacement regulator, which has a finer cone and twin O rings for smoother operation. I gather it fits all Accucraft, but I only tried it on my basic Ruby before fitting it to my manual control Quarry Hunslet. It works a treat and is very simple to fit as you can see here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KrxPTbsPdM (Preview)

The second is a replacement gas valve which has a much finer thread and the twin O rings for smooth operation. This version was specifically for the Quarry Hunslet, but there are other versions for different Accucraft locos. It also works a treat and is very simple to fit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Zgvfr0twY (Preview)
Cheers
Chris
PS At www.thetraindepartment.com go to Accucraft and then Replacement Parts to find them.

 

[Mossala Hill]

A controllable gas valve is just what the world needs, or at least me anyway. I've tried cleaning the seats, polishing the needles and copious amounts of Vaseline on the o rings but still struggle. How did the postal charges work out Chris? Any attempt by Royal Mail to charge customs clearance fees?

Rob

 

[Chris Bird]

A controllable gas valve is just what the world needs, or at least me anyway. I've tried cleaning the seats, polishing the needles and copious amounts of Vaseline on the o rings but still struggle. How did the postal charges work out Chris? Any attempt by Royal Mail to charge customs clearance fees?

Rob

Hi Rob
The shipping is between $7 and $10 depending on how much weight of brass you buy. The valves are pretty inexpensive at $11 for the regulator and about $13 for the cab mounted gas valve. So say $30 ish = about £20. Royal mail just delivered mine. They are Toy Train parts so no duty, just VAT if they feel like it, and that would add £4. So still a real bargain! It took about ten days for them to arrive.

Before making the other two films I made one with the Accucraft Ruby to show how simple that is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm__QoI8RYE
Cheers
Chris
Cheers
Chris

 

[John Morgan]

You would have thought Accucraft would either get it right in the first place or take note of the comments made by purchasers of their loco motives. Noisy burners difficult to light and now messages on this forum about buying mods from the US. for the gas regulator.Should we have to do it? Come on Accucraft try harder!

 

[Chris Bird]

You would have thought Accucraft would either get it right in the first place or take note of the comments made by purchasers of their loco motives. Noisy burners difficult to light and now messages on this forum about buying mods from the US. for the gas regulator.Should we have to do it? Come on Accucraft try harder!

Oh heaven's John - I can't speak for Accucraft, but I think their locos are incredible value. Yes there are some shortcomings, but the locos usually work straight from the box. I and others have managed with their valves so far, but when something so cheap and effective comes on the market, I just want to give my locos the best. I agree that the burners and jets have been a pain and it would be great if Ian could sort that, but gauze wrapping and maybe Mike Darby's jet conversion do that job for very little money.
As for buying from the US - well I was reluctant at first, even though hundreds of US enthusiasts have bought from us here in the UK, but it is as simple as buying from a UK trader and only takes a little longer.
Cheers
Chris

 

[John Morgan]

Hi Chris,
I agree 99% of what you say. Its the 1% that I refer. Noisy burners howling away and gas control valves that could be better. Just needs a little more effort in my honest opinion. I used their chassis on a coal fired Edrig and am building a coal fired Mortimer and have no complaints at all. Seems a shame these faults have not been addressed by now.
Respectfully, John.

 

[Chris Bird]

Hi Chris,
I agree 99% of what you say. Its the 1% that I refer. Noisy burners howling away and gas control valves that could be better. Just needs a little more effort in my honest opinion. I used their chassis on a coal fired Edrig and am building a coal fired Mortimer and have no complaints at all. Seems a shame these faults have not been addressed by now.
Respectfully, John.

Ah - it seems we are on the same page John! The gas valve is not relevant for you, but I strongly recommend the regulator which will be superb on your coal fired locos. While Ian Pearse is pondering, you can have the benefit of Jay's and Karl's superb work for a few pounds
And I really am not connected to these in any way!
Cheers
Chris

 

[bobg]

I wonder how good the reg would be with R/C. The finer cone really means more movement (greater rotation) required, for the same effect. Such 'movement' may not be there to be had with a servo.

 

[John Morgan]

Hi Chris,
Please have a look at my Youtube channel. Not to good on computers not sure about linking things. Type in Llanwellyn, scroll down to the first posting of my Edrig rebuild. The loco is all in brass. The video was taken as is with no electrical slow motion. Fitted with a Summerlands Chuffpipe.
The gas tank and regulator are ex Roundhouse Millie. The burner was sent off to be modified by a chap I believe is Mr Smith but I cant remember his company name. Might be SM32. The burner is not audible. The gas control suberb. Please have a look and pass you comments back. Its worth reading the Youtube comms as well. The loco has since painted.
Kind regards,
ZJohn.

 

[Chris Bird]

I wonder how good the reg would be with R/C. The finer cone really means more movement (greater rotation) required, for the same effect. Such 'movement' may not be there to be had with a servo.

That is a very good question Bob. I am going to try it on my Edrig to see and John Robinson is currently testing one on his Accucraft plantation loco. His first thought is that it will need 90 degrees which is achievable. It does depend on gradients and loads though....
Cheers
Chris

 

[Chris Bird]

Hi Chris,
Please have a look at my Youtube channel. Not to good on computers not sure about linking things. Type in Llanwellyn, scroll down to the first posting of my Edrig rebuild. The loco is all in brass. The video was taken as is with no electrical slow motion. Fitted with a Summerlands Chuffpipe.
The gas tank and regulator are ex Roundhouse Millie. The burner was sent off to be modified by a chap I believe is Mr Smith but I cant remember his company name. Might be SM32. The burner is not audible. The gas control suberb. Please have a look and pass you comments back. Its worth reading the Youtube comms as well. The loco has since painted.
Kind regards,
ZJohn.

A superb looking loco John - I have always liked the Baldrig XT shape and yours is very special. I found it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cidMzqP76Vo
Can you post a photo of it painted please?
Cheers
Chris

 

[John Morgan]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the link. I will take photos early next week and show how the Millie gas tank fits etc.
Regards,
John.

 

[John Morgan]

Hi Chris and others following this post,


Photos of the brass loco now painted. Two of the photos show how the Roundhouse gas tank fits the modified Edrig. The others are photos in general. Details of the mods I have made are attached to the Youtube postings of this loco which Chris Bird has kindly linked above on his reply.
Regards,
John.
P.S. Note to self, buy a better camera!

 

[Chris Bird]

Thanks John - those are great. it really is a very attractive loco. I like the use of the RH gas tank - and Milton burners are reported to be very good.
Don't blame the camera too much - good indoor shots are always a challenge!
Cheers
Chris

 

[Chris Bird]

That is a very good question Bob. I am going to try it on my Edrig to see and John Robinson is currently testing one on his Accucraft plantation loco. His first thought is that it will need 90 degrees which is achievable. It does depend on gradients and loads though....
Cheers
Chris

Well I did some tests on my modified Edrig today. It has single channel radio on the regulator only and I just swapped the Train department regulator from my Quarry Hunslet into it. I thought it wouldn't work as there was only 45 degrees of movement with the set up. Well it did! I needed at least 40psi for my track and with about 6kg on the back it worked fine. With 50psi it was even better. Starts were smoother, though still tricky to get really slow, and stopping was much smoother.
it is really a matter of trial and error and it is certainly possible to get longer travel than I currently have. For really heavy loads and steep track it might not give enough steam, but I liked it and have ordered one (and the gas valve).
Cheers
Chris

 

[Chris Bird]

Hopefully here is a photo of `Bert Webster` on test today.
Cheers
Chris (who has only just realised that the process for inserting pics has changed!)

 

[bobg]

Thanks for those thoughts Chris. I might give one a try.

 

[MRail]

They are Toy Train parts so no duty, just VAT if they feel like it, and that would add £4. So still a real bargain!

Chris, we have to remember the P.O. add their cut of £8 for doing us the favour of collecting the £4 VAT.

Does the gas valve come with any kind of lever?
I'm thinking of possibly getting three.

Addendum...
Ooppsss!!! Just looked at the Quarry Hunslet video.
I see the lever, and the answer to my question.
Must pay attention.

 

[Chris Bird]

Hi Rob
That's interesting about the PO charge - they didn't ask me for it the first time! They come in a small jiffy bag so maybe came under the radar........

The cost for the two valves I have just ordered for Edrig is $31 including $7 shipping. (I ordered a gas valve without handle). So that is around £21 and if I have to pay the Royal Mail another £12 then that is £32.

I will be happy with that, but you are right that it is important to bear it in mind.
Cheers
Chris

 

[JRinTawa]

Rob, there are a couple of options on the gas valve one of which has a brake type handle. That's the one I got for my Plantation loco and it works a treat.