Kit locomotives

[GARETH BREWERParticipant @garethbrewer36626]

Where can I get a kit for a simplex for my son? He is new to model engineering so he is building a 5'' simplex. What kind of drawings / instructions do kits come with? I'd be greatful for any advice.

[GARETH BREWERParticipant @garethbrewer36626]

[SpringbokParticipant @springbok]

Hi Gareth,
You will need some tooling as kits do need fettling, and parts made. there are loads of failed simplex out there beware of the fleabay ones. Have not heard of anyone currently doing a kit as such. Hot Coals are doing a kit but that is a B1 and Polly have some kits.
Just out of intrest how old is your son and are you a member of a local club, There is usually at least one Simplex builder there.

Good luck
Bob

[Derek DroverParticipant @derekdrover32802]

Simplex doesnt come as a "kit". You need to purchase plans and castings. These castings need machining, all other parts have to be fabricated from raw materials.

If you're looking for a "kit", which requires no tooling, skills or knowledge to assemble bits, I'd suggest looking towards Polly. They have been going for many years and are recognised as building quality kits which actually work.

del.

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Hi Gareth

The link to the Polly site is HERE . Polly V looks to me to be nearest to Simplex size.

I suggest you talk to them. They are very helpful folk.

Regards

Norman

[Trevor Drabble 1Participant @trevordrabble1]

Please note that Maxitrack also produce locos in different gauges which are availble either as a kit or ready to run.

Trevor.

[GARETH BREWERParticipant @garethbrewer36626]

Thanks for all the replies. Its his 30th & he's always wanted to make his own. He has a Speedy that he bought from a friend of mine but half the joy is in making it & the buzz / pride you get when you first take it to the track & it goes.

I agree that a polly V is the best way forward – will call them tuesday. Might even get him a polly VI – have had a go of one & quite liked it!

Thanks again for all the help!

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Well Gareth

That's a very nice birthday present! ………….of course , for pretty much the same money, you could set him up with a lathe, milling machine etc. then all your future "what to buy him" problems are solved for ever. Just ask anyone on this site if their workshop is fully equipped and they have all the tools and machinery that they could possibly want!

It would too, I'm sure, be of benefit to you as, with a workshop, pretty much anything can be fixed ( at least that's what all my neighbours seem to think!)

Regards

Norman

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

> all your future "what to buy him" problems are solved for ever.

Good try Norman, although I think my wife might not agree with you 100% on that!

Neil

[NJHParticipant @njh]

No Neil – perhaps you misunderstand me – I suspect your wife has it right (don't they always?!) What I was meaning was that no Model Engineer EVER has enough tools or machinery. I certainly don't and, even if I did, then maybe a newer better version…….?

N

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Ah! I got it back to front. I thought you meant he could make all his own presents

Neil

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