R383 underframe deteriation

[KimiKimi]

My son's R383 Gordon has been in a bedroom cupboard, in it's original packaging since 2008, along with numerous other engines, track & accessories. Today, I started to sort out and sell the collection.

On opening R383 to take photos etc, I was unable to attach the tender to the loco as there was not enough clearance around the tender collector which is supposed to fit into the coupling assembly on the loco.

On closer examination the tender underframe had warped and the tender

cover 'popped' up along the sides. I carefully removed the tender cover and saw that the collector had moved back into the underframe. Holding it forwards enabled enough clearance to attach the loco.

The problem is now 2 fold.

1. How do I get the tender collector to remain in correct position.
2. The underframe is so warped and fragile that, with each touch, a piece of the moulding falls off - why? I thought Hornby was built to last. I can understand mechanical failures.

This engine, along with all the others,was used 3-4 times maximum before nature intervened and the collection was put away.

Any suggestions, help, assistance would be greatly appreciated. (Apologies if I have incorrectly named parts - I used google to help!)

Thank you

[ColinB]

It sounds like the dreaded Mazak rot, I had a Royal Scot that did exactly the same. I think when I was looking at Gordon many years ago it was the Railroad Flying Scotsman with a different body. So it might be an idea to buy a secondhand flying Scotsman and swap the bits. Alternatively look on EBay for a new chassis. Could you please identify whether it is loco driven or tender driven, then I can point you in the direction of a suitable replacement.

[ColinB]

I have just looked up your loco, look like it is tender driven. Do a search through Peters Spares using "Ringfield". You should find a suitable tender chassis replacement. Then just swap the bits over.

[new lad on block]

Hi KimiKimi, I think all Gordon’s were tender drive, the tenders on several of the Thomas range were in fact Schools tenders, Edward, and James as well as Gordon used the same tender.

If you cannot buy one from Hornby.

Checked on eBay if you type in, new Hornby S4470 X8775 metal tender chassis, you will find one for sale including postage for £4.99.

The problem you may have is the colour of the chassis, comes in different blues depending wether it was made in UK or China.

Regards