Older, more xenophobic viewers will identify this as a Zenith X3, made by that august builder of the BEST 12 volt motors by far as a cheaper model for certain model railway suppliers and manufacturers. Complete with splined axle ends for the Stewart-Reidpath wheels of the day (very early 50s) and a good old 40-1 worm gear set. Tom, you're a gentleman and a boy scout, mate.
Here it is in my showcase
Ooops! I put it too far right, but as you can see, I am a bit of an open framer nerd. Not for me nasty Japanese cans, thankyou. Sharp eyed will spot a complete collection of Romfords, some with boxes and a similarly complete collection of K's on the right. Between them , a Zenith of the twin magnet, 7 pole type that I'd always wanted and Tom obliged.
As an aside, you will also see that my interests are wide. On the top shelf is a beautiful whaler, completely scratchbuilt by my old friend Steve Bowen and a lovely built kit by Fred Harris of Bluebird K3, holder of the World Water Speed Record for a while. I hate kits, but I was placed next to Fred's company stand of Replicast at the first Modelex show in Dunstable and was knocked out by the quality and "soul" of his work. That Christmas my dear wife bought me this one, Bluebird K7 and Stanley Sayers' "Slo-Mo-Shun".
Fred gave her a massive discount, just because we'd been nice about his resin cast kits. Now they are no longer available, I treasure my three. In that regard, the little red box on the third shelf is a tiny model of K7 made from some rivets salvaged from the real boat during its restoration after finally being raised. This is a very rare item.
On the fourth shelf are some Coventry Climax relics which will be going on my Austin Seven Special as it has a Coventry Climax engine. A zinc plate of Coventry Climax Engines, a steering wheel hub badge in enamel and a brass plate from the three spires period, before the famous graphic that I love on the cam covers of so many astonishing little engines. It's an eclectic bunch of bits, but I love 'em.
And I love my motors too, of which this is just a tiny selection of what Tom sent me.
In a thimble display case that cost me all of 50p at a local boot fair.
Now, how long will it take to make locos and slot cars for all this lot?
Martin,
ReplyDeleteAll that looks like is an explosion in a 1960's Japanese brass model train works!
My Gawd but its there a Pittman DC-71 in that collection somewhere?
Rich, don't be unkind!
ReplyDeleteI do believe there is a DC71 there, somewhere. There are several Pitmanns, KTMs, Tenshodos as well as American and British ones. Some are massive! Some are beautifully finished. That one in the centre of the pic above is over 3 inches long! But has no identifiable names or marks on it.
I must try to identify them all.
Hmmmm, Wasn't trying to be unkind but now that I read that I can see where it might come out as such. Remove the "is" from the first sentence and you'll better understand.
DeleteI have about a dozen or so of those type motors sitting in HO locomotives and what have you that I built back when I was in high school. (1950's) They still run to this day. 3 pole or five pole was the difference back then and I have several locomotives from across the sea that are that old with the same motors and they run as good as new also. You should know I sent you one of them.50+ years old and still runs like a watch don't it?
If they weren't good motors then why would Micro Mark still sell rare earth magnets as replacements today?
Unkind? Envious actually so please try and forgive an old man his foibles.
No, I knew what you meant, old friend, of course.
ReplyDeleteThat loco you sent me will be incorporated one day in a small diorama. but meanwhile it remains in its box well away from harm. Too precious to risk in the showcase. I recently found a yard of HO track, but as yet have no controller to test it, but that won't take much to sort out.
Hello Martin! I'm glad to see those dirty old clunkers have gone to a good home where they will be cherished and appreciated. My girlfriend says that one day the same thing will happen to me.
ReplyDeleteYou mean you're not already cherished and appreciated, Tom? I can't believe that!
ReplyDelete