The Nth Degree Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Hello, welcome to the Little Loco Company's corner of RM Web. The Little Loco Company will shortly release two 7mm scale loco kits; the BR Class 03 & Class 04 shunter locos, formerly available from Right Price Railway Company. Both are etched in quality nickel-silver with supplied lost-wax brass and white metal fittings. Currently under development and available soon are specially commissioned prototypically accurate wheels for both kits from Slaters Plastikard. In addition, a motor/gearbox package is currently being sourced and can be supplied with your kit. They build into reasonable models with plenty of scope for additional detailing and customisation (a few examples in this thread) but are perfectly acceptable as supplied. A previous Gauge 0 Guild review of the 'as-built' RPRC kit by Ken Wilkes is available here. Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but both kits will be in the 'budget' category, with incentives to purchase the wheels and motorising packages with your kit. You can keep updated about pricing, availability and any production milestones on our website. You can also register your interest or reserve a kit with absolutely no obligation to purchase. Please visit our website to find out more, and feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reservations on our blog section, or in this thread. Kind regards, Steve www.littleloco.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenton Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Steve, the website is a dead duck for those of us who cannot use javascript (its one of those blocked blog programs) I just get a blank page - can I request you keep this topic up to date and if possible provide an alternative contact details? Thanks Otherwise that is good news and rescue. Any likelihood of any of the others materialising? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Absolutely, I'll keep this thread updated too. The decision to use a blog was for financial reasons only – they're free! Apart from buying the rights to the kits (ouch!) I'm trying to keep the operation as wallet-friendly as possible as – I'm sure you can imagine – I'm not doing this for money! My only other outlay has been £2.99 for the domain name. I don't have an email address set up but, by all means PM me here or leave a message if access to the blog is restricted. I have one other prototype (in various guises) planned but I'm giving the 03 & 04 priority right now. Any developments in that regard will be posted here and on the website. I'm quite happy that I've preserved something from fading away – I feel 1:43 of what someone who preserves a real loco does! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Dava Posted February 25, 2014 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 25, 2014 Congratulations on the launch of this new venture & hope it succeeds - as it deserves. Dava Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Thanks David, I appreciate your gesture. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsme Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 Hi, Nth . I agree with Dava, well done for saving the range, are you going to aquire the 06 as well as I think that is a very nice model as well. I would certainly be interested in another 04 , the one I built was my first proper attempt in the senior scale & would like to build another with opening doors like my other three. Cheers Geoff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 26, 2014 Author Share Posted February 26, 2014 Thanks Geoff, appreciated. I was thinking of taking the 06 too, but there are already two 06 kits currently in production. For such a limited number prototype I didn't think it was worth it. You never know though! I really like your build 'signature' of open doors and windows – very smart! From feedback here and elsewhere, the 03 is overwhelmingly the most popular so I'm going to change the arrangement of the etch tool to take account of this. It's more expense but it won't leave me with a surplus of unsold 04 kits. I'd really like to see a build thread of the 04 when it's available, or maybe I'll get in touch beforehand and we'll come to some arrangement in exchange for you creating the build guide in the instructions? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
N15class Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 It all looks very interesting. Hopefully one day some one will want me to build one of these, lovely little diesels. Good luck with the new venture I wish you all the best. Do you know if the steam outline models have been sold? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 26, 2014 Author Share Posted February 26, 2014 Hello Peter, as far as I understand Malcolm is keeping the steam locos for a retirement project. Thanks for the good wishes! Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 27, 2014 Author Share Posted February 27, 2014 I've just been tidying up the website a bit to make it a bit more logical and easier to navigate, but it's still far from being finished. I've also created an email address so anyone can privately communicate instead of leaving messages on a blog. This has been requested. For those allergic to javascript the email address is littlelococompany@gmail.com I'll have a couple supplier announcements to make after Kettering this weekend so stay tuned! Cheers, Steve www.littleloco.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 Just a little update on Little Loco Co. I've now had over 2700 website views and several confirmed reservations for the 03 and 04 kits. Some good contacts were made at Kettering with one supplier agreeing to do all my white metal castings (two types of exhaust stack plus reservoir tanks) for a very reasonable price that would not make it worthwhile for me to buy the equipment necessary to do it myself. Several items which were supplied as white metal castings will now be supplied as lost-wax brass (air horn, 04 vac pipes, etc), plus some new parts in the offing for some items not originally supplied in the kit (fuel & rad filler caps, lower fuel filler pipe, etc). The aim of this careful supplier sourcing is to retain the 2006 basic kit price of £85, not including wheels, while increasing value. As the wheels have not been finalised yet I haven't received a formal price, but they will be included in the kit with a discount on RRP. The supply date of the end of April remains in place. Thanks very much for all the support given here, I really appreciate it. www.littleloco.co.uk littlelococompany@gmail.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 Two more suppliers added to the roster this week. Gladiator Models will supply quality lost-wax screw couplings, while Beechcast will supply a variety of other lost-wax castings. This reduces the white metal content to just the exhaust stacks and reservoir tanks. You can find out more information on the website in the Blog section. Steve www.littleloco.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Flashheart Posted March 7, 2014 Share Posted March 7, 2014 All coming together very nicely by the sounds of it then Steve, very much looking forward to seeing the 03 kit on my work bench. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted April 6, 2014 Author Share Posted April 6, 2014 A small update for those not following the blog; all the lost-wax brass castings are now in and packed ready for despatch when the remainder of parts arrive. Up first are the screw-link couplings from Gladiator: And also the castings sets for the 03 and 04 kits respectively. Each set includes buffers, vac pipes, lamps, horns and fuel filler pipes/caps: Still to come are the white metal castings for the reservoir tanks and exhaust stacks, plus off-the-shelf items, such as handrail knobs and grill mesh – and of course, the wheels. Feel free to visit the website for blog updates, or email if you have any queries or would like to make a reservation. Thanks, Steve www.littleloco.co.uk littlelococompany@gmail.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted April 28, 2014 Author Share Posted April 28, 2014 Another milestone passed this weekend, when I had a delivery of a production sample of the 03 wheels from Slaters. These, and a couple other supplies have been delayed, so my launch date of the end of this month is all but slipped passed. I'd make another date but don't want to tempt fate... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted May 30, 2014 Author Share Posted May 30, 2014 It's been a while, but some great news today. Grainge & Hodder have called to say the etches are ready to be shipped and a parcel from Slaters: The wheels for the Class 04 are ready. My bank account is going to be ripped open and bled dry paying for the etches and both sets of wheels, but it's getting closer to completion. You can ready a slightly more flowery version of this on the blog. Anyone who has already reserved a kit will be notified by email when they are ready for despatch. Thanks for hanging in there with me! Cheers, Steve www.littleloco.co.uk littlelococompany@gmail.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Apologies to those who are following this thread and not the blog. I've neglected it for a while. Long story short is that these kits are very near completion – I'm just waiting for the final few pewter castings. All kits have now been reserved, thank you. However, as is sometimes the case, due to any late cancellations I can still take any notes of interest (with no guarantee of fulfilment from this batch) on the 03 kit. The 04 kit is well oversubscribed already, so any cancellations will almost certainly be filled by the waiting list. A couple pics that I've already posted on the blog to whet your appetite: Cheers, Steve www.littleloco.co.uk littlelococompany@gmail.com Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 I'm happy to report that the final parts for the kits have now been delivered. It's been an epic journey with a considerable amount of learning and expense, but the kits will be ready to post out to all those whom have reserved one in January. They could be posted right now, but I'd be tempting fate with all that Christmas post flying around the sorting offices. Please have a look at the blog to see the new fly crank etchings (which are also separately available if you need them) and the details on postal dates. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and happy kit-building new year! Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delticfan Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 Wish I had seen this thread when you were taking orders. My hat goes off to you for doing this I hope you do a second run I would have an 03 and 04. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted December 20, 2014 Author Share Posted December 20, 2014 Wish I had seen this thread when you were taking orders. My hat goes off to you for doing this I hope you do a second run I would have an 03 and 04. Thanks very much, I appreciate the support. I've only just sent out the order emails, but if anyone decides not to take up their reservation I will let you know. I am planning to do another small run of each in Spring so keep looking here and the blog – and feel free to make a reservation! Cheers, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delticfan Posted December 20, 2014 Share Posted December 20, 2014 Thanks for the info I will get in touch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 After almost a year of often hair-pulling frustration, but with quite a lot of excitement and anticipation thrown in for good measure, the first batch of the first consignment were despatched today. I can't tell you the relief of that! Due to a small waiting list on both kits, I decided to bring my next order forward, so by the end of February I will have a limited supply of both kits available for reservation. As before, Slater's wheels will be included, in fact they will be the same spec as the current batch. Earlier this evening I read through my whole blog again. Quite amusing in hindsight (not at the time though!). Thanks, as always, for the support. Steve www.littleloco.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 A small update for a small trader. I have one kit of each the 03 and the 04 still available. As a reminder, they come with a full set of Slater's wheels and a set of parts to make a pretty good representation of the two prototypes. The cost is £175, which includes next day delivery. It's first come, first served on these last two kits. Thanks, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted February 24, 2015 Author Share Posted February 24, 2015 Now that all old kits have been sold, a new iteration of Little Loco Company is about to evolve. All current tooling and patterns will be destroyed during the next few weeks, making way for brand new, highly detailed kits and models. Currently on the drawing board is a series of brand new kits, still the same prototypes, but redesigned from the ground up, using some new techniques currently being tested. For example, the new kits will feature full and proper bonnet louvres – not half etched representatives. The tool to achieve this will be included on the etch, so no further purchase is necessary. If you wanted to, you could even build fully working servo-operated brakes. Export models will be accounted for so that Antipodean versions can be built to fit their narrower gauge. A new 40:1 motor/gearbox unit will be supplied in every kit, and will be compact enough to leave most of the bonnet space available for a good-sized DCC sound unit, while still providing plenty of power to pull heavy loads. And of course, either 3'3", 3'6" or 3'7" wheels will also still be included. To start with, all types of the Drewry shunter will be available, including the early East Anglian tram used at Yarmouth and the W&U, followed later by the Class 03. Also, as demand grows for fully built and painted, ready-to-run models, you will be able to order your choice of kit professionally built and painted in your choice of livery, from BR black to Dagenham blue. Kits will be ready for sale before the end of the year, but you can follow developments – including exclusive shots of the test etches and louvre tool on the blog at www.littleloco.co.uk in due course. Edited updates will appear here and on the G0G forum. I would kindly ask that all questions, enquiries and reservations be made at www.littleloco.co.uk or by email at littlelococompany@gmail.com so I can keep and maintain one central resource. No-obligation reservations can be made immediately. All previous purchasers of the 03 or 04 kits from Little Loco Company will be able to receive a significant discount on a replacement kit if they wish to upgrade. Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Nth Degree Posted April 19, 2015 Author Share Posted April 19, 2015 I've updated the Specials section of my website as I have a few odds and ends for sale, namely some fly crank etches, brass wire mesh and some Mashima motors. On the latter, I'll gladly entertain offers for quantity. I'm going to add some lost-wax castings later. The direct link is this: http://www.littleloco.co.uk/p/specials.html Thanks, Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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