Anderslej, my Slovenian layout

[Fluesheet]

An OBB (Austrian) type 93 becomes an SZ 53, with a little modification. Awaiting etched plates and decals

I'll have to say that I am somewhat smitten by these little drivered compact steam locomotives that seemed to have been fairly common in Europe (at least based on what I've seen in the modeling market).

I also continue to be intrigued by the technologies employed on steam "over there". The three cylinder 2-10-0 with the Belpaire firebox is a good example.

[eightyeightfan1]

WE don't get to se many "International" layouts here. A breath of fresh air to see some great modeling, thats not based on an American prototype, from across the "Big Pond"
Excellent work!

[andersley]

Thanks for the responses guys - pleased you enjoy seeing some 'foreign' stuff. I may even post some more.

[Gary S]

I may even post some more.

Please do!

[jglfan]

Wow, that is just superb! Wonderful modeling and photography. And I really like seeing the various locos so different to what we see here all the time. Thanks for posting, I'll have to make time to check your website.

[Triplex]

I'll have to say that I am somewhat smitten by these little drivered compact steam locomotives that seemed to have been fairly common in Europe (at least based on what I've seen in the modeling market).

Not just in modelling. In the declining days of steam in Austria, it looks like it was mostly class 93s (and wasn't there another 2-8-2T type?) and ex-German 52 2-10-0s. The 2-8-2T also appears to have been common elsewhere, judging by railfan photos of the time. They seem to have been most important in Poland (lass Tkt48), and the German class 86 and French 141TC and 141TD are also familiar. These and other tank engines were used on all types of service: branchlines, secondary passenger and freight trains, switching... I suppose the 2-8-2T in Europe filled the role of the 2-8-0 in North America.

[Green_Elite_Cab]

This is an AWESOME layout. I love electric railroads, no matter where. Its fairly special (at least here in the US where I'm pretty sure I'm only one of maybe a handful of people who truly attempts heavy electric models).

- You mention in the web page describing your Gomulka EMU (http://www.andersley.co.uk/gomulka.html) the use of a "black beetle motor bogie". I had never heard of these before, but googled for the term and found this site: http://motorbogies.com/index.php?main_pa...cPath=1_24. The bogies used in your EMU look very good - what size motor bogie did you use ?

I've seen them here in the US. I actually have one that i've installed in one of my NJ transit Arrow III EMUs. That said, i wish i could find more of them around, but it looks like the internet link you have above (motorobogies.com) is the only good way to obtain them (my original supplier appears to have disappeared off the face of the earth)

The Black Beetle motor bogies (made in Australia) are very similar to Tenshodo spuds, but more robust. The Gomulka was designed to use the Black Beetles. I had the pleasure of meeting (and having a beer or two) with the maker of these kits and several other Slovenian friends in Ljubljana. The bo0gies are available in several wheelbases and wheel sizes. They are very smooth and quiet.

You wouldn't happen to be able to know where i could get more for a reasonable price? I have a many Electric MU cars on my roster, but none of them come with any attempt of a powered frame, and so these motor bogies are my only option. I know the black beetle runs well in the one EMU i installed it in, so i was hoping i could find more of this brand.

[andersley]

The shop mentioned is the best one for black beetles in the uk, but yes, they are expensive. For EMU's the slightly cheaper Tenshodo 'Spud' should work well, have you searched for a supplier of those in the US?

Yes, I also love electric railways, but we are spoiled for choice in Europe, and can see them anytime.

[Green_Elite_Cab]

The shop mentioned is the best one for black beetles in the uk, but yes, they are expensive. For EMU's the slightly cheaper Tenshodo 'Spud' should work well, have you searched for a supplier of those in the US?

I thought the spud was an older piece, is it quiet, and does it perform well? I'm also curious if you know if they match up well with the black beetles, since if one of my EMU sets run different from the others, it might be problematic.

Actually, the only American company that made anything close to a powered truck was Northwest Shortline, and they haven't made one in YEARS. While they have just started making new ones, they are all odd-balls for trolleys and other things. None of them match the various MU cars i own. none of the other distributors I'm aware of carry anything like a motor bogie. There was one Trolley outfit that bought up powered trucks (they had a HUGE bin of them), but i only saw them at a train show once, and their website doesn't mention HO powered trucks, and they have never replied to my Emails.

Yes, I also love electric railways, but we are spoiled for choice in Europe, and can see them anytime.

yeah, I live in the electrified region of the US, but even so, there isn't quite the variety there used to be. most of it literally looks exactly the same. half the locomotives and EMUs are based off each other. though they are clearly different, they all have the same carbody and general appearance (they are close enough that i'm sure most people don't know the difference). I suppose I'm bored of the same old stuff, though at the same time i don't mind watching it. Thats why i model back in the 70s/80s, since there is at least a reasonable availability of a wide variety of electrics.

[andersley]

The Tenshodo Spud is very similar to the BBN, but slightly lower, so it will fit completely below the floor level. I have only used them when repowering some models for a friend, they are quiet and probably run about the same as BB. I think they are not quite so robust, so should not have too much weight placed on them, but this also applies to BB.

[Russ Bellinis]

GEC, my first thought when reading this thread and your quest for the Black Beetle Motor Bogies is that you might try contacting the manufacturer in Australia and see if he has any distributors here in the U.S.

[andersley]

Just been reading an oldish thread on a UK forum and every contributor ststed his undoubted preference for Black Beetle over the Tenshodo Spud. BB have more options for wheelbase and wheel sizes. Obviously the way to go, even though they are 50% more expensive.

[Green_Elite_Cab]

GEC, my first thought when reading this thread and your quest for the Black Beetle Motor Bogies is that you might try contacting the manufacturer in Australia and see if he has any distributors here in the U.S.

It looks like i'll be having no such luck. He doesn't list any american distributors. the only place i knew had a stockpile of these was a local trolley group, and i didn't know what became of them.

Just been reading an oldish thread on a UK forum and every contributor ststed his undoubted preference for Black Beetle over the Tenshodo Spud. BB have more options for wheelbase and wheel sizes. Obviously the way to go, even though they are 50% more expensive.

yeah, my philosophy is you get what you pay for. I just wish they didn't cost as much as a locomotive. the EMU kits themselves were already super expensive. whatever, better start saving!

[Russ Bellinis]

I'm wondering if he would be interested in having your become a distributor for his products in North America? You could open a web site and sell them online. From the description of them it sounds like they would be popular with trolley modelers, logging and mining modelers wanting to power a "critter," and it could also be a solution for modelers wanting to open up the grills and make see through Sd40-2t tunnel motors or for powering an RDC with full interior detail.

[andersley]

They are also useful when convertion older diesel locomotives to DCC Sound, where no space is available in the body. Two Black Beetles leaves the whole body empty for good sized speaker(s).

Edit: Maybe we should start a new thread on motor bogies?