Perhaps this post should be headed "Curate's egg" in reference to my knowledge base. Bear with me if I ask what seems, to the initiated, inane questions.
OK, got that out the way. I am interested in "returning" to modelling British outline, but unlike my early 4mm Hornby attempts, I have learnt a little more since then through modelling the US scene, first in HO scale, and now in On30. I am also enarmoured of the detail in 7 mm (my ageing eyes also appreciate the larger scale) so I want to try out building loco's, rolling stock, track and buildings in this scale. In finescale 7mm. Hopefully I will be able to build a small modular layout which can fit inside my existing train shed ,without disrupting my On30 layout.
Layouts, track - although handlaid bullhead should be interesting - wagons and coaches I am not too worried about, I can apply what I have learned here and feel confident enough to be satisfied with the outcome (even if others are not so kind). My first question about the area I know least about, 7mm locomotive construction, refers to DJH kits (I fell in love with the Ivatt
2-6-0). I see wheels and motor/gearbox are sold separately, which enables the modeller to choose his/her own preference in these areas. I also have been looking at the Slaters range of wheels, with their 3/16" axles. Does anybody know if the DJH kits take this axle size? Or is there something dark and evil lurking here to trap the unwary Antipodean modeller?I have joined the Gauge O Guild, and once I can keep my head above water I will probably annoy them, but in the interim I am trusting that the friendly and helpful nature of the members of this news group will shine through (grovel, grovel).
All comments - except about a recent Ashes cricket series - gratefully received.
Steve Newcastle-not-on-Tyne, NSW Aust