Modifying a LGB Frank S into a tank (creating a Franco Belge KDL11 look alike!)

[Spule 4]

One of the problems with the LGB HF110C is it is just too huge, not 1:22, but probably closer to 1:19 or bigger.

But your modifications to a larger prototype locomotive improves its appearance greatly.

 

[jameshilton]

Thanks Garrett - I think it pulls it off doesn't it.

 

[jimmielx]

Fantastic job James, it really looks the part outside.

 

[Philbahn]

Nice to see it comming to completion. It looks really good James.

 

[JonathanJ]

Very nice indeed James. Are you going to keep looking for a Giesl Ejector?

Thinking of which I was looking at a book on the BR standards, some of the 9F's being Geisl fitted, and I convinced the plan section is two parallel straight sides and semicircular ends, not an oval. Haven't got any drawings to prove it, but... So parallelgrams of flat sheet and half pipe sections in you material of choice look like the answer.

J.

 

[DoctorM]

I('m) convinced the plan section is two parallel straight sides and semicircular ends, not an oval. Haven't got any drawings to prove it, but... So parallelgrams of flat sheet and half pipe sections in you material of choice look like the answer.

J.

That's right, I seem to remember a drawing in a book called "R A Riddles - Last Steam Locomotive Engineer" which showed it as a series of small blast pipes in a single row exhausting through a parallel sided chimney. (Then again the drawing might have been in another book called "BR Standard Steam Locomotives" published by Ian Allan.)

Update - see diagram at http://www.trainweb.org/tusp/ex_dwgs.html which states

"In the late 1940's, Dr. Adolph Giesl-Gieslingen developed a new exhaust design called the Giesl Ejector. He patented this device and it was applied to thousands of steam locomotives all over the world. The Giesl Ejector featured a series of small in-line nozzles exhausting up a thin, oblong chimney. "

 

[PaulRhB]

Did the second coat of varnish solve the dusty look James?

 

[jameshilton]

Hi Paul - yes the dusty apprearance is all gone The second coat when on a little heavy on the bunker and cab rear but unless you hold it up to the light and look at the reflection it's completely un-noticeable.

Nigel, Jonathan - the Giesl is on hold for now - I want to move on to my next project, but if you know one thing about me, it's that things are often re-visited in the future!

So what's left on Henrik? Hopefully the custom etched 'Henschel' works plates will arrive this week, and I've got a Bachmann Scenecraft crew to go in the cab along with some real coal for the bunker.


And finally - a shameless pull from my EJ&KLR thread in G-scale pictures, my favourite photo of outdoor running this weekend, a photo that recreates a little bit of Austria for me - and the reason I built this Frank S conversion in the first place really...

 

[Neil Robinson]

That's a very fine model you've created there, one any enthusiast would be proud to own.

 

[DoctorM]

Well done James, the nearly finished result looks excellent - I eagerly await the final pictures resplendent with Henschel plates!
Although I contributed to the Giesl thread, I think your model could end up looking a bit naff with a tall thin chimney. The chunky Frank S one really complements the overall wide tank locomotive design, giving it a powerful Bulldog look.
In my opinion the only attractive Giesl fitted locomotives were ones with large boilers and short stacks where the width went largely unnoticed!

 

[jameshilton]

Thanks Neil
David - yes you might be right. For now the Frank S funnel is staying, as you say it does suit the chunky powerful look of the locomotive with the side tanks.

I'll take some more photos when the plates arrive - I'm looking forward to seeing them fitted as well. I'll do a proper photoshoot of the model then as I intend to write it up on RMWeb and NGRM - as well as seeing if any of the mags would be interested in the build.

 

[garrymartin]

Congratulations James on the end result,a handsome, purposeful looking loco.

 

[annieshalt]

what more can anyone say james that's the (dog's bo----ks).

 

[jameshilton]

Thanks guys

Well ahead of the custom etched worksplates I figured there were a few last things that needed addressing...

1) Coal in the bunker
For this I sourced some real coal from Mum's old coal bunker and then enjoyed smashing it up gently with a hammer whilst inside a sandwich bag. I painted PVA into the bottom of the bunker, placed in the big lumps and scattered smaller dust around.

2) Driver
If you recall I removed the LGB driver as I didn't like him so I sourced a Scenecraft crew. I've cut off about 4 mm from the drivers legs so I could mount him on the pad in the cab that I cut the LGB figure from. I've left out the fireman, as installing him means I can't reach the isolation switch in the firebox.

So outwardly not a massive amount of progress, but I'm pleased with the results.
I also reflected this evening that I need to construct a loco box for it as I bought the model unboxed.

 

[Richie]

Looks fantastic James a job well done

 

[jimmielx]

Wow, it's looking stunning James. I love the custom decals - lovely touch.

 

[jameshilton]

Thanks guys!

 

[wandgrudd]

James,

what red paint do you use for the detail work?

andrew.

 

[jameshilton]

Hi Andrew - the red paint is just a Humbrol 'tin' - it's Satin 174 - a near perfect match up against the LGB paint - although a smidge of a touch lighter so I used it in panels rather than with a random edge.

 

[wandgrudd]

Thanks James really like the look of it adds a nice touch highlighting the bit and pieces in the red.

So when are you taking commissions wouldn?t mind a frank s conversion, similar to yours but without the side tanks.