Class 25

[Roomey]

With there not being really good class 25 out there I took the plunge and Rebuilt a SLW 24 into a 25/0 then followed it up with a 25/1
Now I decided to convert a Hornby 25 body and graft it too a SLW chassis
This is what I’ve done so far
Replaced the side grilles with 3D printed version modified the cab areas and doors, new fan grille and roof panels
Chassis tanks modified

[Hardwicke]

Apart from the central window (which I always felt was a tad small and too high) the Hornby body is very good. I carefully enlarged the window downwards and made both a 24 and 25. I added new doors too.

[triumph3]

Excellent work Dave. It also gets rid of the awfull radiator grill on the SLW body. For the life of me I don’t understand why they have not replaced the grill.

David

[jim s-w]

Apart from the central window (which I always felt was a tad small and too high) the Hornby body is very good. I carefully enlarged the window downwards and made both a 24 and 25. I added new doors too.

It is too small so enlarging it downwards is the way to go. It’s not too high, the problem is the top of the doors is too low.

[Horsetan]

.... the awful radiator grill on the SLW body. For the life of me I don’t understand why they have not replaced the grill

Possibly because retooling is expensive and the thing hasn't started turning a decent profit yet?

[jim s-w]

Possibly because retooling is expensive and the thing hasn't started turning a decent profit yet?

Wouldn’t need a retool it a new photo tool which costs next to nothing, in the grand scheme of things. ISTR Phil had a new etch ages ago and it appears the most recent release might have better grills, it certainly has improved windows.

[kelly]

The newest releases (97201) have better windows and new grilles. The windows are to be made available to owners of older models for upgrading if they wish iirc.

[Hardwicke]

Apart from the central window (which I always felt was a tad small and too high) the Hornby body is very good. I carefully enlarged the window downwards and made both a 24 and 25. I added new doors too.

It is too small so enlarging it downwards is the way to go. It’s not too high, the problem is the top of the doors is too low.

Thanks Jim. I'll find my loco sometime for a picture. Yes, you are right.

[Roomey]

A few more pictures

[jim s-w]

The newest releases (97201) have better windows and new grilles. The windows are to be made available to owners of older models for upgrading if they wish iirc.

So basically the bits some people were insistent I was wrong for saying could be better, have been made better then?