EFE Rail Class 143/144

[47331xosIM]

Has anyone converted one of the EFE Rail Class 143 or 144 railbus units to P4 at all? If so, how did you it? I am not sure who the original manufacturer was, as I think EFE re-release former models.
Rich

[kelly]

The original model was by REALtrack Models.

[PeteT]

High Level kits do conversion kits for the Hornby Pacer which may be worth investigating/asking Chris whether he knows of anyone using them in the Realtrack/EFE versions.

https://www.highlevelkits.co.uk/product ... -power-car

[Daddyman]

Realtrack have strenuously denied on RMWeb that the tooling was theirs. But they haven't offered an answer as to why the model is identical to theirs. It's all a bit murky - possibly something to do with lax Chinese copyright laws.

However, I would check it is actually identical in all respects, including axle diameter.

[47331xosIM]

Thanks guys,
I had not thought about the HLK option for the Hornby Pacer being an option for the EFE version. If I decide to buy one of the railcars (75/25 in favour at the moment!) I may well get one of the motorising etches at the same time for £20 - although they are out of stock at the moment.

I have an idea for a late 1980s/early 1990s Jubilee challenge layout, but just trying to establish if its feasible, viable and doable at the moment!

Rich

[Hardwicke]

A quick look at the stock picture confirms why I won't bother. They dont look right.....

[jim s-w]

I may well get one of the motorising etches at the same time for £20 - although they are out of stock at the moment.

Rich

As a huge supporter of Chris' stuff I'd say in this instance really don't. The Hornby pacer was a weakling motor single axle powered per car affair and will have absolutely nothing in common with the EFE pacer.

[Albert Hall]

[/quote] The Hornby pacer was a weakling motor single axle powered per car affair.[/quote]

A bit like the prototype! I once took part in 'skid pan training' using 143611 at Okehampton, learning how to handle power and braking on a gradient under severe adverse railhead conditions simulated with used cooking oil from a local chippie. Definitely a challenge!
Roy

[Hardwicke]

I may well get one of the motorising etches at the same time for £20 - although they are out of stock at the moment.

Rich

As a huge supporter of Chris' stuff I'd say in this instance really don't. The Hornby pacer was a weakling motor single axle powered per car affair and will have absolutely nothing in common with the EFE pacer.

Do you mean the Hornby was underpowered or the HLK replacement doesn't improve it? I have one "to build". The improvement I found on the HLK LowRrider for my Hornby BRCW Calder Valley 3 car was phenomenal. Ultrascale replacement wheels with the Hornby pancake motor and no compensation = it can hardly pull itself along. HLK bogie and it takes a load of the two trailers with ease and would take additional coaches too if needed.

[jim s-w]

The Hornby pacer was underpowered and the high level kits upgrade does make it much better the point is the efe pacer and the Hornby pacer are absolutely nothing alike mechanically.

I have a lot of units that use original pancake motors with ultrascales, up to 4 car units and never had any problems at all.

[47331xosIM]

As a huge supporter of Chris' stuff I'd say in this instance really don't. The Hornby pacer was a weakling motor single axle powered per car affair and will have absolutely nothing in common with the EFE pacer.

The Hornby pacer was underpowered and the high level kits upgrade does make it much better the point is the efe pacer and the Hornby pacer are absolutely nothing alike mechanically.
I have a lot of units that use original pancake motors with ultrascales, up to 4 car units and never had any problems at all.

Thanks Jim, given your skill will these things I'll bow to your better judgement and knowledge!

Back to the drawing board I think!

[Simon_S]

I think the trouble is that you're the first on here to try this. Post some photos of the existing chassis, find out the prototype wheel diameter and measure the model axle diameter. I'm sure you'll get loads of suggestions then.

[47331xosIM]

I think the trouble is that you're the first on here to try this. Post some photos of the existing chassis, find out the prototype wheel diameter and measure the model axle diameter. I'm sure you'll get loads of suggestions then.

Hi Simon,
Yes I suspect you're right! I have not acquired one yet - at best part of £200 at Kernow (I haven't shopped about yet!) I wanted to make sure it was convertible before parting with the cash! I may have to take the plunge..... I'll keep mulling it over!

Thanks every one.
Rich

[Will L]

...I wanted to make sure it was convertible before parting with the cash! ...

They're all convertible, just depends on how determined you are!

[Paul Willis]

...I wanted to make sure it was convertible before parting with the cash! ...

They're all convertible, just depends on how determined you are!

Is that strictly true Will?

Wasn't it the DJ Models GWR 14xx that people decided that the best way to convert it to EM or P4 was to buy an Airfix RTR and a High Level Kits chassis

Best,
Paul

[Will L]

...I wanted to make sure it was convertible before parting with the cash! ...

They're all convertible, just depends on how determined you are!

Is that strictly true Will?

Wasn't it the DJ Models GWR 14xx that people decided that the best way to convert it to EM or P4 was to buy an Airfix RTR and a High Level Kits chassis

No they just weren't determined enough.

It may have been an the easiest rout starting with nothing but money, but not necessarily if you already had the unconverted loco and very little cash.

[Philip Hall]

I sometimes think that determination might not be enough. It sometimes turns into wondering why on earth you chose that route to a new engine.

I am currently engaged in a battle with a GW 1366 where the design, whilst relatively conventional, has been poorly executed. With the great benefit of hindsight, it would have been easier to build a new chassis, even though much hacking of the (quite beautiful) upperworks would have been needed. But it’s too late now, so in an effort not to be beaten, I am producing new coupling and connecting rods, reducing some of the (unbelievable, almost) slop in the bearing slots and so on. It’s in EM so no excuse to blame our tiny flanges as an impediment!

If I’m successful (there’s confidence for you) I might post a picture later on…

Philip

[Will L]

I sometimes think that determination might not be enough. It sometimes turns into wondering why on earth you chose that route to a new engine.

I am currently engaged in a battle with a GW 1366 where the design, whilst relatively conventional, has been poorly executed. With the great benefit of hindsight, it would have been easier to build a new chassis, even though much hacking of the (quite beautiful) upperworks would have been needed. But it’s too late now, so in an effort not to be beaten, I am producing new coupling and connecting rods, reducing some of the (unbelievable, almost) slop in the bearing slots and so on. It’s in EM so no excuse to blame our tiny flanges as an impediment!

If I’m successful (there’s confidence for you) I might post a picture later on…

I would have said you weer demonstrating my point Phil. In the end with sufficient determination... I didn't say it was necessarily a good idea, but if you want to do it badly enough...

[jim s-w]

Wasn't it the DJ Models GWR 14xx that people decided that the best way to convert it to EM or P4 was to buy an Airfix RTR and a High Level Kits chassis

Best,
Paul

Wasn't that because 70% of them had appalling running if they even ran at all? I don't think swapping the wheels was the main issue with them.

[Simon_S]

Found some photos on RMWeb RMWeb - EFE Rail Class 143/144 Pacer

Looks like there's springing built in and plenty of room for P4 wheels but it has split axles of unknown diameter which complicates things a bit.

[Winander]

NRM Curator with a camera looks at the Pacer 142 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWVMmvOswjU