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Sheepcroft
by Stu Davies
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Sheepcroft is a 5 Foot shunting plank and my first attempt at EM. For a beginner in this
gauge it can be a challenging learning curve getting to grips with trackwork and stock
conversion. But it is worth it when your first converted loco runs through your first
(decent) handbuilt point..
Some of the easiest conversions are Heljan's Bo-Bo's such as the Hymek. This has Romford
14mm coach wheels and the original gear wheels. And by using solid metal wheels the
existing pick-up arrangement can remain the same. Couplings are 3 links which look good
but can be / are fiddly to use, but shunting with them can provide a measure of
entertainment for onlookers.
There aren't really any hard and fast rules converting RTR stock. Some will simply accept
drop-in EM wheelsets, some require surgery to the brake blocks, other need the brakes moved
and excess chassis material removing. Fortunately the Sonic Ferry van unloading in the yard
was one of the easier ones.
A Class 22 shunts a few wagons. This Dapol model has had the split axles replaced with full
width axles and new wiper pickups which has solved the occasional problem the original setup caused.
A view of the yard, very short sidings but makes shunting stock interesting!
A recent addition is a Heljan Class 25 re-numbered to represent a Western region loco that
replaced the Class 22s. It is an excellent runner and also DCC sound fitted.
