Hornby Holden Tank 101 Improvements

Simple improvements to convert a cheap toy like Holden Tank loco into something much more like a decent model.

[@danielsellers8707]

This is the locomotive I imagine "Ivor the Engine" to be:-)

[@IronHorseRailways]

Cracking job Keith, those huge tension locks need to go my friend - they're spoiling your work, sir! Now then - those rails look well, where they from then?😊

[@KV12543]

I know what you mean about the tension locks but they seem to be moulded on to the chassis so much surgery would be required....maybe one day.... The hand rails are standard .45 mm wire. I purchased mine from Eileen's Emporium but they have now ceased trading. You could try Peter's Spares, they carry most things, Regards Keith

[@martinhall60]

What a very informative and interesting video.. Thank you so much for sharing your story, I think you have done a great job with your little locomotive. She now looks, as you say, just like the shunters would have looked in the early 1950s. Well done sir, I was born in 1955 and I can just remember seeing dirty, sooty black locomotives moving wagons across a road not far from where I used to live. I used to stand with my dad near the crossing gates watching the locomotive and wagons go past. Happy days instead. Well thank you once again for a great channel and a great video. 👍🚂

[@KV12543]

Thanks for your kind comments Martin ...I am just a bit older than you but my memories of the last days of steam are just the same...happy days indeed, Regards Keith

[@ghostengineer]

Great video and great job improving this model. I know people put their nose up to these things but I love these 0-4-0s. Thanks for sharing

[@KV12543]

Thanks for your kind comments....I agree there is something about these basic locos, Regards Keith

[@stuartmiller8053]

great result

[@KV12543]

Thanks Stuart, glad you liked it, Regards Keith

[@donniblanco5239]

I love buying these little Holdens & Pugs for a tenner or less, and I have painted them up in a variety of liveries. I do get Triggered when they are referred to as Pocket Rockets, because as you’ve shown us Here, they are perfectly Well behaved with the Extra weight, and in The hands of a Sensible driver 😜 Nice Vid & a Great Job 👏🏻✨

[@KV12543]

I agree with all your comments and I love modifying them too. I have several Hornby 0-4-0 s and they all work very well and can be driven extremely slowly.....and they are cheap! Regards Keith

[@martinsurridge7390]

An excellent job, I did a similar thing a while ago to one I brought with a damaged body, it now has a new full cab! That experience made me purchase a few more of these, which are in store awaiting detailing and rebody jobs "when" my layout is built - one day? They are very good runners, the early "Margate" chassis (pocket rockets) were geared diffrently to later ones from China which are better at slow speed, but the extra weight does improve pick up and slow running for both. Thanks for an encouraging video! 👍

[@KV12543]

Thanks Martin, i agree with all your comments and look forward to seeing your versions, Regards Keith

[@maxroberts1717]

What a vast improvement to that Loco! Great painting and weathering KV. Enjoyed watching the process and the finished Loco running on the layout.

[@KV12543]

It does run very well for a cheap loco, Regards Keith

[@railway187]

Apart from the D-couplers it looks incredibly realistic! I usually use car tyres weight, but these lead slabs seem much more flexible and probably heavier too.

[@KV12543]

The lead sheet I use can also be cut to fit any space relatively easily but they do wear out knife blades quickly! Regards Keith

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

Inspirational work on the little Holden. What controller are you using to get such slow and smooth running from it?

[@KV12543]

Thanks for your comments. The controllers I use are Gaugemaster Handheld feed back and they work very well at slow speeds, Regards Keith

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@KV12543 is that the model "M" type? I vw one of those. Or is the feedback type a different model?

[@KV12543]

@@dibsyardshuntinglayout It's a GMC HH which is a hand held feedback controller, Regards Keith

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@KV12543 ah. Thank you.

[@johnbill9201]

Great video thanks for sharing, looks amazing what can be done, J

[@KV12543]

Thanks John, it's just a bit of fun really but the end result is worth it I think, Regards Keith

[@User-3O3]

Would love to see more of these improvement videos from you. :)

[@KV12543]

Thanks J, there will be more..... Regards Keith