Finney 7
Web: www.finney7.co.uk

Purchased and reviewed by Robin McHugh

I was admiring the made up and painted examples of loco kits on the Finney7 stand at Guildex and got into conversation with Steph Dale, one of the members of the consortium that is carrying the range on from where Martin Finney left off. One of the models was a LSWR Adams radial tank and I mentioned that I’d purchased one of these kits from Martin on the day he introduced it at Guildex more than a decade ago. This is as yet unbuilt. The kit was originally designed to use a Portescap RG7 motor and gearbox with a modified arrangement of the gearbox and replacement gearbox frames were included in the chassis etch. I asked Steph if they had plans to revisit this as the RG7 has long been unavailable and he suggested using one of the Finney7 gearboxes designed to use one of the popular 1833 flat can motors, thus I purchased what he advised. I also went in search of a suitable motor and obtained a Cannon 1833, £25, from Premier Components.

The pack contents

The gearbox kit comprises a substantial etch on 0.7mm hard nickel silver, a set of Romford gears, 30:1 in this case, 40:1 and 50:1 are also available, and a pair of 3/16in bore, ball race bearings. Instructions need to be downloaded from the Finney 7 website, but I’m sure they will be provided if the purchaser is unable to do this. The instructions are very clear and informative, each step being accompanied by an appropriate picture.

I’d suggest that it is important to follow them closely and note simply refer to them when a problem crops up. The etch is produced to very close tolerances and this is emphasised therein. I followed the instructions with no problem whatsoever and a very sweet and silent running mechanism was quickly achieved. The finished assembly is very compact and will easily fit between frames fitted with hornblocks and guides.

The assembled gearbox

This was the first time I’d used ball races and I must admit I’m hooked. The main difference between them and traditional bearings is that you need to make the axle fit the bearing rather than the other way round, and this was the slowest part of the job. It’s obvious when you think about it, but there’s always something to be learned in this gentle game of railway modelling.

Highly recommended.

Richard Lambert has seen this review and replied…
Thank you for sending the review, we are happy you like the product, and have little to add. It is important that the instructions are followed carefully as the gearbox is etched to very close tolerances. We are continuing to develop the SDMP range, and all gearbox kits, diesel and DMU drive components. Canon 18/33 flat can motors are available from stock. Every gearbox kit will come with instructions - we merely hadn't had them printed in time for Guildex, though as you note, they are available to download.