Identification help required

Z

ZiiPJester

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First of all, as this is my first post, I would like to introduce myself and ask for some help. My name is James, and whilst I have reasonable knowledge of OO and N gauge trains, I know absolutely nothing about G gauge. I've had a browse around the forum, and this seems like a very sensible place to ask for help.

I'm in a position where I lost my father to dementia a couple of months ago and have been tasked with dealing with his garden and model railways. Most has been kept in storage for almost 10 years - but I literally have no clue as to manufactures etc.

He had one traditional style steam engine that he loved, and one of what I can only describe as a steam powered railbus. (made up of 2 carriages). The main engine I am in the process of restoring and will be mounted in an oak and glass display case that I have had made, which also acts as an urn for his ashes.

The rest of his rolling stock, track, radio gear and items I am looking to sell once I can work out what they are, and estimate a sensible value.

The "railbus" (correct term?) is the main item I am struggling with at the moment. I have found one similar example online, but it wasn't exactly the same. It measures just under a metre in length. Can anyone help with its origins etc?

Many thanks to any help that can be provided.

railbus-1.jpg

railbus-2.jpg
 
It is a Locomotion steam railbus. No longer made. Despite being rather ugly IMO they are quite sought after and fetch a good price. Maybe worth searching ebay 'sold items' to check prices realised.
 
Fantastic, that helps a lot - just searching 'Locomotion steam railbus' in google creates a lot of leads for me to look into.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated :)
 
Also that is a 45mm gauge version I can tell simply form lookingat the track it’s sat on, some Garden railway is gauges asdjusatvle to 45 or 32mm

It’s always helpful tostate that when selling


And as away any other questions you have
Dan
 
Cheers Dan, your eagle eye is correct - it is 45mm. Thanks for making me aware of variations, I'll be sure to make any potential purchasers aware :)
 
Condolences on your loss, James.....

I'm sure you'll find a good home for the steam railcar set - I've seen one before, though I couldn't have put a name to it, glad that Philip was able to ID it for you.

As Dan says, do check whether the gauge is adjustable - although most of us on here run on 45mm gauge, in general it does seem a bit easier to move 32mm gauge items in the Live Steam world.
Do be aware that most serious buyers for something like this, certainly those prepared to offer a good price, will most likely want to see the vehicle in steam before purchasing - so it might well be worth you firing it up to check that everything works as it should; if you're not familiar with it, then there will always be local enthusiasts only too willing to help.... I'd recommend checking with the 16mm Narrow Gauge Association for anyone near you. I believe the Association has people on hand who can offer help with estate sales of equipment - it might actually be worth the small cost (under £20 I think) to join the Association yourself for a year, just for the contacts and assistance that they can offer - you'd most likely make that cost back many times over by getting good sale prices for the items you need to dispose of.

Of course, if you do that then you might even get bitten by the bug yourself, and decide to keep some to run as well as your plan for the main loco (which I think is a really nice idea, by the way).

Jon.
 
I would recommend Zerogee'so suggestion. Find you local 16mm or Google Scale society and pop along with your loco. They'll be able to give you any advice required, and maybef ind a buyer. I know there's a 16mm group in Peterborough, check the 16mm association website.
 
Thank you for your kind words Jon.

My initial thoughts were to put it on ebay at a low starting point and make anyone interested aware of its history and reason for sale. To be honest, I know it has been hardly used compared to his other engine. However, in my heart I don't like to cut corners - and I want it going to a good home with the knowledge that it is in solid working order. Therefore, finding a local association seems like the smart move.

Ironically Paul, I've just moved house from near Peterborough only last week. (Moving house on Christmas week - NOT recommended) - I'm sure there must be similar enthusiasts in the Lincoln or Lincolnshire area - I'll do some research.

As for catching the bug... and distinct possibly in the future, when I have a garden that allows it :)

Thanks once again. Always warming to find a great community on the net.
 
The Association of 16 mm Narrow Gauge Modellers can be found here - Narrow Gauge Railways in your Garden - Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers

They are a broad church these days who cater for enthusiasts using both 32 mm & 45 mm track gauges, mostly live steam and battery operated and in scales from 7/8"ths through to 1:22.5. They have numerous local area groups throughout the UK. They handle sales for deceased members families for, I think, a nominal fee of 10% of achieved value. Worth contacting their membership secretary to see if your father was a member. There is a section of the association that is very clued up about "heritage" products like the one you are showing. It's probably the lowest risk and most economical way of realising the best value from your late father's hobby assets ( I hope that does not come across a bit too matter of factly and cold) Max
 
Interesting piece. I know Railwayman19 isn't enamored by it, but I think it has nice lines. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
 
railwayman198 said:
It is a Locomotion steam railbus. No longer made. Despite being rather ugly IMO they are quite sought after and fetch a good price. Maybe worth searching ebay 'sold items' to check prices realised.
Click to expand...
It is certainly in better condition than mine. And the trailer coaches are very difficult to find - a set like that should be worth a pretty penny. (My Railbus without trailer cost $450, as it was well used.)
Lots of pics and useful info : Locomotion Steam Railbus
 
Thanks Max, very useful advice. I'll be signing up and seeking contacts to see who can help. Sadly, dealing with anyone's estate is a cold affair, but it has to be done.

Thanks also for that link Fred, there are certainly a lot of variations it seems. I must confess that the longer it sits on my desk, the more I am taken with it, but definitely deserves a home where it'll get some good use and enjoyment.
 
The members of the area groups of the 16 mm Association visit one another's layouts during the warmer months, so having one's own garden railway should not be a difficulty. The West Herts members have periodic use of the Brambleton layout near Harpenden & other area groups will also have access to similar layouts. This video was made on 14th July this year & demonstrates the enjoyment to be had. Best wishes.

https://youtu.be/ezh9hXLkF80
 
Perry said:
The members of the area groups of the 16 mm Association visit one another's layouts during the warmer months, so having one's own garden railway should not be a difficulty. The West Herts members have periodic use of the Brambleton layout near Harpenden & other area groups will also have access to similar layouts. This video was made on 14th July this year & demonstrates the enjoyment to be had. Best wishes.

https://youtu.be/ezh9hXLkF80
Click to expand...
There's several open days at Brambleton, but I'm sure if you contact the club (WHAG) they look invite you for a session
 
Much as the video is informative..
I fail to see how a 'meet' in Harpenden will help or new member, as he is in Lincolnshire now??

There does seem a fair amount of activity in Lincolnshire, but it is another of those counties, which cover quite a large area.
 
I did mention "& other area groups will also have access to similar layouts." The Lincoln Area Group contact is Ray Wyborn. His number is 01522 569297 or email him at area.groups@16mm.org.uk with Lincoln Group as the subject line. The quarterly bulletins listing events & the SMT journals are first class publications. The November edition even includes an article warning of the dangers of the Box Tree Moth! Roll on the February editions.
 
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