Another LNER Interloper on Carmarthen Junction

[RosiesBoss]

Many RMWeb regulars are aware that I have a large GWR/BR(W) collection and layout.

 

However, I have a soft spot for a few LNER designs and the collection also includes some passenger types from that area. Three of those run on live steam. For some time, I have owned the following A4s:

• 7 “Sir Nigel Gresley” – Hornby Dublo 3-rail model, purchased from the estate of an old friend
• 60030 “Golden Fleece” – Hornby Dublo 2-rail model, purchased from the estate of an old friend
• 2509 “Silver Link” – Hornby live steam
• 60008 “Dwight D Eisenhower” – Hornby live steam

In early Nov 2017, I was given a GBL static model of 4468 Mallard by a former workmate. As I don’t like just looking at models, but prefer to see them run, I decided to motorise her, as cost-effectively as I could.

 

I checked the dimensions and those of available donor model chassis and decided to acquire an old Hornby A3 from an upcoming “bring and buy” sale and use this as the basis. I did find one – an old R855 Tri-ang Hornby Flying Scotsman, which cost me A$15.00 (about GBP8.65).

 

Once I dismantled the GBL model, I realised that, for me, the simplest way to mobilise it would be to adapt both loco and tender chassis to the GBL superstructure. Minimal changes were required to the latter - mainly adapting the mounting points.

 

On the loco chassis, front bogie wheels were replaced with modern Hornby ones. Driving wheels were regauged to 14.3mm back-to back. A new hole was drilled in the front of the chassis to locate over (under?) the front mounting point of the body. A groove was filed in the rear of the chassis to allow for the rear mounting screw/washer. The old “firebox light” circuit was removed. The old tension-lock coupling was removed and discarded.

 

The tender chassis was re-wheeled with old plain-bearinged 14mm dia coach wheels. Internal side mounting points for the superstructure were ground off and a new tender-to-loco coupling fabricated from brass and installed under the chassis. The old large tension-lock coupling was replaced with a modern narrow Bachmann one. The superstructure was then glued to the chassis with “Uhu” impact cement.

 

All loco and tender wheels were then repainted with Humbol gloss maroon. Once dry, everything was reassembled.

 

Total time spent on this little diversion was about 6 hours, spread over a week or two.

 

Apart from the donor model, everything else came from my stock of bits and pieces.

 

Here is 4468, posing next to Carmarthen Junction Shed:

 

And here she is, with the other A4s in the collection – a kind of mini-Great Gathering:

 

Compared with some of my other GBL motorising projects, this one was a “doddle” – simple, quick, inexpensive and easy.

 

Those interested in these earlier efforts will find them here:

GBL City of Truro: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/96216-motorise-gbl-city-of-truro

GBL Caledonian Single: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/102076-motorisation-of-gbl-caledonian-single-and-upgrading-of-her-coaches/

GBL Stephenson’s Rocket: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/103776-motorise-gbl-stephensons-rocket/

GBL Britannia: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/108081-motorisation-of-gbl-britannia/

GBL County 4-6-0: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/119112-motorisation-of-gbl-county-4-6-0/

 

Happy modelling!

 

Regards,

 

Rob