QUOTE (Ravenser @ 23 Apr 2007, 20:03)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Jinty2:
The running problems - flat out or stall and seemingly nothing in between - seem to be common to all the cheap Hornby 0-4-0 locos. I've found the little Gaugemaster Combi gives a bit better controlability than a normal Gaugemaster with these mechanisms - not sure why but it does.
On an earlier layout I tried to use a Hornby 06 as a shunter and it was a bit of a painful experience
Recently developed locos from Hornby and Bachmann (eg their 08 diesel shunters and arguably the Bachmann Jinty) have vastly better mechanisms . You might also want to look at the small Knightwing diesel shunter kit (not the bigger Sentinel). Its a very simple plastic kit and with some carving underneath you can get a Black Beetle motor bogie inside with plenty of lead in the bonnet.
Black Beetles are available from Branchlines in various wheelbases for £40 and they really do run very nicely
Ravenser
Ouch! I recently also bought a second hand 06 for the same project! Looks like I will have some running problems. At this time I have not started baseboard construction so have no track laid to test running at this moment. I have "The Saddle" rolling road parts to test run but accept this is not typical of normal running. I guess I will have to look carefully at new chassis for both. I have the Bachmann 08 tucked away (amongst many other modern bigger locos) and have run that on track with a Gaugemaster Combi and that runs beautifully as you say. I have kept up with the magazines but have no practical experience of running these locos yet. Must change that shortly. Thanks for your comments.