GN15 - Pneumatic EIMCO kit - with driver using a Lima chassis

Feast your eyes on our fantastic Eimco Pneumatic Loco model, designed specifically for GN15 layouts. This beauty can be effortlessly powered by a Lima D2785 diesel shunter Loco, which is a cost-effective and straightforward way to get your locomotive up and running in no time.

Check out our high-quality images to see this stunning model in all its glory. It even comes complete with a driver and laser-cut acrylic for the gauge on the main tank, as well as brass rod for crafting the handles on the tank.

The kit is printed using high detail resin in the UK and the sale is for the chassis, body and sundry dress up items only. It comes unpainted and is supplied without the Lima chassis which is shown here for information only. Mining wagons shown are available seperately in our shop.

The Eimco Pneumatic Loco is a type of locomotive that was designed for underground mining operations. It was first introduced in the mid-20th century by Eimco Mining Machinery, a company that specialized in producing mining equipment.

The Eimco Pneumatic Loco is powered by compressed air, which is stored in a tank on the locomotive. The air is released through a series of valves and pistons, which drive the locomotive's wheels and allow it to move through the tunnels and passageways of the mine.

One of the advantages of the Eimco Pneumatic Loco is that it produces no exhaust fumes, which can be a serious safety hazard in underground mines. It is also relatively quiet and produces less heat than traditional diesel-powered locomotives.

The Eimco Pneumatic Loco comes in a range of sizes and configurations, depending on the specific needs of the mine. Some models are designed to carry passengers or equipment, while others are used to haul ore or other materials.

Overall, the Eimco Pneumatic Loco is a reliable and efficient option for transporting people and materials in underground mining operations. Its pneumatic power system offers several advantages over traditional locomotives, making it a popular choice in the mining industry.

Eimco Pneumatic Loco GN15 Kit – Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is included in this Eimco Pneumatic Loco GN15 kit?

The kit includes the resin-printed chassis body shell (wrap-around chassis to clip onto a Lima chassis), air tank, air tank end piece, seat, seated driver figure, gauge with clear “glass”, control valve, charging port, name plate, two coupling blocks, and brass rod for the tank handles. All parts are supplied unassembled (where applicable), unprimed and unpainted.

What scale and gauge is this model designed for?

This model is designed for GN15 layouts, which is narrow gauge G-scale: 1:22.5 scale running on 16.5 mm gauge track.

Does the kit include a working chassis or motor?

No. The sale is for the printed chassis body and dress-up parts only. The Lima D2785 diesel shunter chassis shown in some images is for illustration and is not included.

What material is the kit made from?

The kit is printed in high-detail resin in the UK. All items are cleaned and cured by hand before dispatch, with supports removed. Some light sanding and filling may still be required before painting.

Is the model based on a real locomotive?

Yes. It is based on the Eimco Pneumatic Loco used in underground mining operations. The prototype was powered by compressed air stored in a tank, making it ideal for mines because it produced no exhaust fumes and relatively little heat and noise.

How is the kit shipped and packaged?

The kit is dispatched by Royal Mail within the UK. Packaging is eco-friendly: the outer packaging is partly made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the internal packing is acid-free and made from approximately 99% recycled pulp fibres.

How does this kit attach to the Lima D2785 chassis?

The kit includes a wrap-around chassis shell designed to clip onto a Lima D2785 diesel shunter chassis. You simply remove any incompatible bodywork from the Lima model and carefully clip the printed wrap-around chassis over the Lima chassis, checking the fit as you go. Take your time and do not force the resin parts, as they can be delicate.

What glue should I use to assemble the kit?

Thin or medium superglue (cyanoacrylate) is recommended for assembling the resin parts. Putty is suggested for blending in the air tank end piece. Avoid solvent cements intended for styrene plastic, as they do not bond resin effectively.

Do I need to do any preparation before priming and painting?

Yes. Although the parts are cleaned, cured, and support marks are largely removed, it is wise to:

• Inspect all parts for any remaining support nubs.
• Gently sand and fill small imperfections where needed.
• Wash the parts in mild soapy water, rinse, and let them dry fully.
• Use a suitable primer for resin before applying your main colours.

Is the driver figure included?

Yes. A seated driver figure is included in the kit and is designed to fit the supplied seat on the locomotive.

Are the mining wagons shown in some images included?

No. Any mining wagons shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are available separately in the shop.

Is the gauge detail included, and does it have clear “glass”?

Yes. The kit includes a gauge and a clear element to represent the glass, allowing you to create a nicely detailed main tank gauge once painted and installed.

My parts arrived with small marks or faint lines where supports were removed. Is this normal?

Yes, that is normal for high-detail resin printing. Support marks are minimised before dispatch, but some fine sanding and a little filler may still be required. A few minutes with fine wet-and-dry paper and modelling putty will usually make them disappear under primer.

The wrap-around chassis feels tight on my Lima D2785. What should I do?

Do not force it. Instead:

• Test-fit the body gently and note any tight spots.
• Lightly sand or scrape the inside of the wrap-around chassis where it is binding.
• Check that there are no moulding flash or leftover supports on either the Lima chassis or the printed body.
• Keep test-fitting until it clips on snugly without stressing the resin.

One of the resin parts arrived broken. Can it be replaced?

If a part has clearly been damaged in the post, take clear photos of the damage and the packaging and contact the seller. While breakages after arrival cannot be covered, postal damage will be assessed and the seller will see what can be done to help.

The brass rod for the handles does not seem to stay in place. Any tips?

Check that the holes for the handles are clear and deep enough, then:

• Gently open or deepen the holes with a fine drill bit if necessary.
• Lightly roughen the ends of the brass rod with fine sandpaper for better grip.
• Use a tiny drop of superglue in each hole and hold the rod in place until it sets.

My parts seem slightly warped or out of shape. Can I fix this?

Mild resin flex can often be corrected by very gently warming the part in hand-hot (not boiling) water, carefully bending it back to shape, and holding it in position while it cools. Always test on a small, non-critical piece first and avoid excessive heat, which can damage the detail.

How should I assemble the main components of the locomotive?

A typical sequence is:

• Clean and test-fit all parts.
• Fit the wrap-around chassis to the Lima chassis (without glue) to confirm alignment.
• Glue the air tank and air tank end piece together, using putty to blend the join.
• Add the seat, driver, control valve, charging port, gauge, and name plate.
• Fit the coupling blocks and brass handle rods.
• Remove the body for priming and painting, then refit to the Lima chassis once finished.

What type of primer and paints work best on this resin kit?

Use a primer formulated for resin or mixed-media miniatures (aerosol or airbrush). Once primed, most hobby acrylics and enamels work well. Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy coat to preserve the fine detail.

Any suggestions for painting the gauge and small details?

Paint the gauge face first in a light colour, then carefully pick out the dial and markings with a fine brush or technical pen. Once dry, add the clear “glass” piece. For valves, handles, and the name plate, a dark base coat followed by gentle dry-brushing of metallic or lighter tones helps bring out the detail.

How can I protect the finished model during use on the layout?

After painting and weathering, apply a clear varnish (matte, satin, or gloss to taste) to seal your work. Handle the model by the chassis rather than fine details, and avoid dropping or knocking it, as resin is more brittle than traditional injected plastic.

Do I need to do any special surface preparation before weathering?

Once the model is primed and base-coated, ensure the paint is fully cured. A light satin or matte varnish coat can help weathering powders, washes, and dry-brushing behave predictably and prevents them from staining bare resin or lifting the base colours.