This is the second in our range of kits for simple and rapid conversion of RTR locomotives to a sprung chassis in EM or P4. As with our A1 EasiChas kit, no soldering is required to produce a fully sprung chassis - just use our fold-up EasiChas over the existing Hornby chassis block . Note this kit is not suitable for tender drive versions and other earlier Hornby models.

We have been advised by a customer that the latest versions of the Hornby A4 are now DCC-Ready or DCC-Fitted and have the decoder location moved from the locomotive to the tender, and the tender also modified to allow a speaker to be fitted if required.This means there are some changes to the tender frames. The respective EasiChas can still be used but will require the slots in the top of the plastic frames to be widened to accommodate EM and P4 wheels. Also, if the tender pickups are to be fitted, a small part of the moulding on top of the frames that is inside the body will need to be removed.

We have taken lots of photographs during the building of our test model - click here to view these. Download the instructions.

There are various levels of conversion with the  builder choosing which, of any, additional detail is required beyond the basic conversion.

The basic conversion makes use of:

fold-up mainframes and keep plate with sprung bearings

fold-up replacement bogie (3 types)

fold-up replacement tender frame with sprung bearings.

Click to zoom in

Further components are provided to add to the detail of the conversion. These include:

overlays for the main frames in front of the cylinders with bogie wheel splashers

replacement coupling rods

replacement return crank

replacement reach rod

replacement lubricator drive

replacement tender brake gear

replacement tender guard irons

The detail etch is also available separately - Ref H209 - price £10