The LNER Encyclopedia

Have any of our builders tackled the valvegear supplied with the Comet V2 chassis and that supplied with the current Finecast K3 etched chassis? For that matter we could also throw in the Branchlines V2 valve gear if anybody has experience.
How easy/tricky was the valve gear to build in each case, and how good was the result in terms of both sound construction/performance and appearance? I'm particularly interested to hear of any snags or any strong advantage(s) for one type over the other in the area around the motion bracket, expansion links, rear end of slidebars and the lifting levers.
Any comments gratefully received of course.

I probably ought to point out that in either case I'll be modifying one aspect of the valve gear to suit a different application - namely moving the lifting lever to the "slotted through the expansion link" position as used on the P2s and their Pacific descendents. I also realise that you cannot get just the motion set from Finecast, as it comes with the etched frames, but I'm still interested in the comparative merits of the valve gear assemblies.

A couple of years ago I had a run at a Crownline V2 that I picked up 2nd hand at the Wigan show. 30 quid including a set of Gibson wheels - bargain or what?!? I took one look at the cast cylinders and very 2 dimensional valve gear and decided that they had to go. Further investigation of the kit contents revealed a very dodgy front pony truck.

A visit to the Comet stand put me right on all of the above.

You should have no worries at all with the Finecast valve gear. They realize that valve gear is 3 dimensional and so the coupling and connecting rods are laminations even if their expansion links are 2-D. Their cylinders are well cast also so you'll be OK I reckon. Both are nice and easy to put together with Comet - praise be! - offering the correct triple layer expansion link although if you have enough space for all 3, you're a better man than I am. Provided the front overlay is fitted the subterfuge is invisible especially if, like me, you put the valve rod "in gear" so the eye is caught by the movement of what is normaly a static component on models.

Follow this link for the V2 and more...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2674

Incidentally, the 9F on that link also has Comet valve gear Note that BR fitted one layered expansion links and I've yet to get enough space to make this type of gear work properly. I'll do it one of these days! DJH's cylinders look great though, don't they?

Thanks BB, useful observations, especially about that triple-layer expansion link, which struck me as being potentially tricky - judging by the sketch and notes accessible on Comet's website.

On further study of the Finecast paperwork I realise that the K3 "frames + valvegear" etches don't contain the motion bracket, this being on the separate "spacers and pony truck" etch. That would mean buying both, at obviously greater cost, and having a lot more parts left over. Perhaps the argument begins to swing in Comet's favour?

Comet usually include the motion bracketry on their motion etch. Give 'em a bell and discuss it - they're a good company to deal with.

May I add that my ony connection with Comet is as a satisfied customer.

Ta BB. Events have in fact moved on since previous comments were made. I ordered a set of Comet gear and it was delivered in 24 hours. It is now installed and working, in rather modified form, on this:
http://lner.info/forums/loco-vans-brake ... 3s870.html

Looking good, Atlantic 3279.