IPEngineering or AnDel, for new coaching stock ...

Artistmike

Registered
In my efforts to re-vamp the EALR and give it a more consistent look I'm in the process of deciding which British outline coaches to build for the line. I had intended to use IP Engineering http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page96.html < Link To Freelance Range which both look right and I've read good reports here about the quality of the cutting of these days.

Whilst looking round though I came across the AnDel http://andelmodels.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=113 < Link To Four Compartment range which also look very good but instead of wood are made of a polyurethane resin, that I've not worked on before.

So if anyone could either give me a comparison if they have made both, or give me some advice as to how well the AbDel go together in terms of gluing and painting, I'd be very grateful.

I'd like to build a small rake with a bit of character and both of these seem the right sort of thing so any input from you guys is very welcome at this planning stage...:thumbup:

Many thanks!
 
The Muddledale Railway Company operates coaches from both makers.
Although these are not the exact model in question, the general principles apply.

I.P. are traditional plywood construction, and very good. The recent move to laser cutting has improved things further.
Construction is generally easy.
I found Ivan Prior to be good to talk to and get advice.
However, I have some reservation about the wheels - I have several wobbly sets.

From Andel, we have some workmen's coaches (2 x 4w & 1 bogie) with a guard's van.
A second consist is 3 GVT closed coaches.
There's also a pre-built O&K loco.
Andel wheels are of resin, with an iron based filler to add weight and strength. I have no problems with these.
Resin is a different beast to work. After getting used to it, there are no real problems.
It is rather unforgiving if it needs to be persuaded (bent) into position. It does have rather more natural weight than plywood.
One reservation is I dropped a screwdriver from my worktop onto the low level sidings, and chipped 2 GVT roof corners.
The resin looks to be quite difficult to repair.
Andy Bell, again, is an easy guy to talk to. He's a member of our local Lancs group of the 16mm Assoc, and has visited the MR with a selection of stock.

Finally, you do have to "suck it and see". Gut feeling will decide.

fff2b43ca28646e983877f70ab2d1a7a.jpg

75bbedf3551848dcbda20fb42047f9a7.jpg

06912bb8ef1a462fa51d39b9fd2b6ff2.jpg
 
Being a semi-traditionalist,

meaning I stick to what I know works for me, but am prepared to see what others have done with new methods,

I largely use wood , some brass, some styrene, where appropriate

been intigued with the possibilities of resin models,

but,

have reservations of having rolling stock made of it, incase of derailments that could mean it ends up falling 2ft to the ground,

especially as 3/4 of my track is raised, & because of my wheelchair the paths all around the railway are concrete or paved

and I have seen a lot of nice resin models!
 
Mrail, that is a very nice fairly. Looks to be out of Chopped LGB. Can we have some details please, or if you already have can you repeat the link please?
JonD
 
Thanks Rob and Don :thumbup: In terms of looks there's nothing in it really as I like the look of both, I suppose like you Don I'm very much used to wood. I scratch-build all my goods stock out of of wood, brass and bits and pieces and have used IPEngineering's wheelsets. Though I've heard people have trouble with these, I've found them fine with wheelbases that aren't too wide.

I think that's one of the things that worry me is that with longer coaches, unless I go to bogies, I can't see the standard IP wheelsets being up to the job, on my R1 curves, at the longer wheelbase needed.

It seems you like the resin and Iron wheels on the AnDel ones Rob and that is one reason I has been leaning towards them, until you made what seems a valid point about breakages! :nail: I haven't had any major derailments, but like Don I have some raised sections....

Some more thought need I think, mind you I suppose I could fit AnDel bogies, which can be bought separately, to the IPEngineering bodeis, does anyone think they would fit OK? I might get what I needed that way............... :thinking:
 
I have used IP which I was pleased with. I have just tried one of the laser cut kits from Brandbright and found this excellent though with wheels and couplings they do cost more. The interior had much more detailing including the window straps. It was also easier to put together for the less experienced like me
 
I've just had a look at the Brandbright ones John and they do look rather nice. Have you any experience of what they are like on R1 curves, of which my railway has plenty!
 
dunnyrail said:
Mrail, that is a very nice fairly. Can we have some details please?
JonD

Nice of you to ask, Jon.
I'll post some basic details & pics under the Loco section, to avoid getting off topic.
Rob G
 
Back
Top Bottom