Our fully assembled, plug-and-play Flangeway Independent snowplough weight upgrade kit. 

The kit comprises:

The two weights combined weigh in the region of 70g.

Background

As many of us who own one or more of Flangeway's OO gauge independent snowploughs will know, whilst they are in most respects a wonderful representation of these icons of British railway history, they are not without their flaws.

Possibly the most problematic issue, and one that may still occur even with the extra brass weight in Flangeway's newest release, is that they are too light and can be prone to derailing (particularly when pushed).

This upgrade sorts that in minutes.

Included in the kit are two carefully-designed 3D-printed weights filled with fine lead ballast, together weighing approximately 70g. This represents a significant improvement on the ~22g moulded plastic weight in the original release or its upgraded ~34g cousin in the more recent release. 

The main weight is a simple replacement for the existing plastic moulded weight, while the other is a new, custom-made part that sits forward of the leading wheelset. No glue is required to hold the weights in place and no alterations to the models are needed. This upgrade is fully reversible.

Also available as a separate item is our unassembled snowplough weight kit, which enables you to add your own choice of ballast to a maximum of around 72g (Liquid Gravity) or 106g (Lead Shot) total ballast. Click 'see other items' to find out more.

A note about postage: We are happy to combine postage for multiple orders and most listings should do this automatically. If postage doesn't automatically combine, please drop us a message before you pay and we'll sort out a revised invoice. If you've already paid, drop us a line and we can refund the extra.

Compatibility

We have tested this kit with both the original batch of Flangeway's snowploughs and their new release in 2020. The moulding is the same, so the kit is compatible with all current models.

Installation
 
Upgrading your snowplough with our pre-assembled weight upgrade kit is simple. In most cases, all you need is a small Philips screwdriver. Full instructions can be downloaded via our website, but here's a quick overview:

To install the front weight: 

Simply remove the foremost screw, insert the weight over the screw hole, press it into place and replace the screw. The weight should be held firmly in place by friction and the screw, but if there is a little movement, you can sort it using double-sided tape (removable) or glue (permanent). 

Note: So long as the weight is seated correctly, it should be barely visible once installed; however, if a small portion is visible, you can paint the underside to reduce visibility.

To install the main weight: 

Unscrew the two screws that hold the top part of the plough to the lower section and then separate the two parts. You will see a moulded plastic weight in the top part of the plough, which should be removed (in the original release, it's all plastic, while in the 2020 release, it is plastic with a small brass insert). Insert the new weight into the space vacated by the old weight and reassemble the plough.

Painting the weights

We use cyanoacrylate glue to hold the ballast in place. Given the volume required, it is common for it to 'off gas' whilst curing. This may result in a white residue forming on the outside of the plastic containers. This is purely cosmetic and in most cases won't be noticeable once installed, but you may wish to paint over it using black or another suitable colour.

Safety Precautions

In order to add as much weight as possible into what are relatively small spaces, this kit uses fine lead shot for ballast. Lead is poisonous to humans, animals and aquatic life. Please handle lead and these items very carefully and keep them away from children and pets. If at any point any lead shot becomes exposed or is dislodged, please handle it using protective gloves and ensure that it is not inhaled or ingested. Always wash your hands after touching lead (even if gloves are used) and do not smoke, drink or eat until you have done so. If you are in any doubt, please consult the Health & Safety Executive's guidance on working with lead. If you think that you may have ingested or inhaled lead, please speak with a doctor immediately or, if you're in the UK, call 111 for assistance. 

Disclaimer

We can accept no liability or responsibility for any damage or injury occurring from the installation and use of our upgrade kits. Installation may require disassembly, modifications and the use of tools, some or all of which has the potential to damage you and/or you models, as well as other components and equipment. Users must not commence work unless they are confident that they have the skills and experience necessary to complete it successfully, and install these kits and undertake work to their models at their own risk. Any images included with this listing of Flangeway snowplough models are provided for information only: this kit does not include a snowplough model. These kits are assembled by hand and whilst we aim for 70g in total across both weights, the total weight may be a few grams higher or lower. This can be down to the amount of glue used to secure the ballast as well as minor variations in the precise amount of ballast used.