Bogies for scratchbuilding

[philkelly]

Anyone out there got a recommendation for a track-powered, four wheel, short wheelbase reasonably-priced bogie to put under a scratchbuilt railcar, and sources for same? Playmobil track powered bogies approaching hens' teeth rarity; Piko 36100/101 out of production, but still around (Grootspoor 35 Euros, but are they really in stock?) Would be interested to hear from anyone who has used these (or any other recommended bogie) how easy it is to separate track pick up from motor feed to insert chip, and any other comments

Thanks!

 

[a98087]

The company g bits do sort motor blocks from the big manufacturers,

http://www.g-bits.co.uk/DieselChassisMenu.html

They sensible prices are there all brand new, fresh from the factory.

Dan

 

[Zerogee]

Given that even the Hartland and USA Trains blocks are still going to set you back £50-£60 at least, how about buying the cheapest small LGB loco you can find off eBay - things like the base model Schoema or KoF diesels are ideal, and can be got for around the £50 mark if you're lucky (I've sourced a couple of Schoemas that way for around that sort of price). Strip out the motor block for your project, then the body can either go in the bits box for possible future use or even be resold to recoup a few quid? That way you can be pretty sure that you've got a sturdy, bulletproof LGB power unit (provided it's a decent runner when you buy it of course, and if not then you send it back!).....

Jon.