Back in Time - 517 class
In my very first post in this blog, I mentioned converting an old K's 14xx to a fair representation of a 517 class. Since the 517 was a very variable class, it's impossible to select a 'typical' version - they vary from the earliest tiny saddle tanks, with a short wheelbase, to the final re-builds, which were very similar to Collett's 14xx series. Nevertheless, there were significant differences between even the latest of these engines and the 14xx - most obviously in the cab but also the 14xx has a higher-pitched boiler and longer smokebox. That's why I said a 'fair' representation, since an accurate model would require a complete re-build!
Superimposing drawings of a late 517 and a 14xx, shows both the similarities and differences. In fact, if you 'scale up' the 517 drawing by about 6%, then they become very close indeed, so I comforted myself by thinking that a small difference of scale is hardly noticeable in a model!
The K's model is a simple white-metal body casting, which includes plates below the footplate, to carry dummy outside-bearings for the trailing wheels. As I wanted an inside-bearing model, it was simply a matter of removing these parts. The next 'removal' was more difficult, since the front toolboxes on the 14xx model are cast integrally with the front splashers. It needed careful work with a saw to separate these without damaging other parts of the model. Cutting away the cab was relatively simple, leading to the stage shown below.
I then made a new spectacle plate from styrene sheet and rear extensions to the tops of the side tanks, in the same way. I cut out part of the original cab sides and fixed them to the new tank tops and spectacle plates with superglue. A new cabroof completed the model -a pretty quick and easy conversion.
Since the original model had a Belpaire firebox, I needed to find a prototype 517 with both this type of firebox and inside-bearings on the trailing wheels. Fortunately, Russell's 'GW locomotives' contains a photo of No. 835 with these key features, so I numbered mine accordingly. With modeller's licence, I decided I also wanted smokebox 'wing plates', since these are a nice 'Victorian' feature and also disguised the drum-type smokebox. To shape these, I took a head-on photo of my model and then scaled and printed this as a template for cutting out styrene sheet.
I also needed new sand boxes so, as I have mentioned in another forum, I made these out of the ends of a couple of nylon cable-ties:
As I pointed out at the outset, there are plenty of detail errors but I think No.835 takes its place very well alongside my 'Stella' conversion.
Mike
addendum - since writing this post, I have started a thread covering the variations within the '517 class' at http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/92797-george-armstrongs-masterpiece/&do=findComment&comment=1668654
Edited by MikeOxon
Restore images
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