Wenlock's Blog

I'm not clear on why the front splashers can't be fitted at an earlier stage.

Hi Miss P, with hindsight nor can I!  The instructions state (in section 8 footplate) "Solder the centre and rear splasher tops in place followed by the splasher backs"  there is no further mention of the splashers until section 10 (smokebox) of the instructions which states "Fit the front splasher tops and backs)  Sections 9 contains the instructions for building the boiler/firebox.  I think Mr Finney was concerned when he wrote the instructions that if the smoke box was not used as a reference point when fitting the splasher tops, it might not seat down properly.  Having said all that, as long as when you fit the front splashers you line them up with inside of the footplate then all should be well, whenever you fit them!  My smoke box is removable as it's only screwed in position and once I'd used it as a reference point to tack the splashers in position it was removed to make the rest of the soldering easier.

 

I hope this rather rambling explanation helps!

 

Dave

Yes, that's what I assumed. The same wording in the different sections is used in the instructions for the 4mm version, though the section numbers are different. From what I remember, everything fits so well in this kit that it could be done either way, though leaving the front splashers until later probably allows an even better fit around the base of the smokebox with minimal fettling.

 

Nick

Dave,

 

That is really coming along very nicely.  It really has the look of a Dean Goods, and I can't wait to see the next installment. 

 

One day I hope to build one in 2mm - a couple of kits have been promised for ages but nothing as yet is forthcoming.  The N Brass one is possibly nearer readiness but when I spoke to the guy on the stand at Railex it is waiting on a preformed tender (flaring of the tops of sides being pre done I think).  2mm locos are supposed to be bringing one out as a 3D printed affair, but I'd want to see one up close and personal before I parted with any readies ;-)  In both cases I suspect that I'd need to make my own boiler assembly anyway because I would expect any kit to come with a Belpaire firebox (not suitable for me either).

 

Ian

 From what I remember, everything fits so well in this kit that it could be done either way, though leaving the front splashers until later probably allows an even better fit around the base of the smokebox with minimal fettling.

 

Nick

Hi Nick, yes the fit of the parts is excellent.    This is the first Finney kit that I've built and I'm most impressed with it so far. 

 

Dave

Dave,

 

That is really coming along very nicely.  It really has the look of a Dean Goods, and I can't wait to see the next installment. 

 

One day I hope to build one in 2mm - a couple of kits have been promised for ages but nothing as yet is forthcoming.  The N Brass one is possibly nearer readiness but when I spoke to the guy on the stand at Railex it is waiting on a preformed tender (flaring of the tops of sides being pre done I think).  2mm locos are supposed to be bringing one out as a 3D printed affair, but I'd want to see one up close and personal before I parted with any readies ;-)  In both cases I suspect that I'd need to make my own boiler assembly anyway because I would expect any kit to come with a Belpaire firebox (not suitable for me either).

 

Ian

Thanks Ian, I'm glad you like it so far.  I'm amazed that there isn't a decent 2mm kit available, although with so many varients I guess it's hard for a manufacturer to know what would sell best!  I hope you do manage to get your hands on a kit soon, I'd love to see a 2mm Dean Goods in action pushing wagons into that goods shed of yours.

 

Dave

Looking lovely Dave. I have to admit it's made me a bit fidgety as it's one of those locos which doesn't fit in with my plans at all but is very desirable, especially as Finney kits go together so nicely...

 

Your build has revealed something I didn't know before - that the cab side sheets extended forward of the weatherboard.

Hi Adrian, yes they are rather lovely looking locos, funny how some engines just look right!    Re the weather board, I'm not sure why the cab side sheets extended forward, but both the kit instructions and prototype photos show this feature.

 

Dave

Hi Dave this is looking great, you are steaming through it. As others have said it is one of the locos to build, I have not had the fortune to build one as yet.

 

I think the side sheets are extended because the angle iron is on the outside rather than inside the cab.

..the cab side sheets extended forward of the weatherboard.

A classic feature of GWR cabs, pretty much the norm from when they were first introduced until the 1930s. The change to a simple right angle came with classes like the 2251, 64XX, 74XX, 2884, etc., though I'm not sure when it became normal on the 4-6-0s (Halls, perhaps?). One of those things that makes some of Collett's designs look a little blander than their predecessors.

 

Nick

Classic case of my looking but not seeing. Of course my Get out of Gaol Free card is that I've not built any GW locos with cabs... well, one, but that turned out to be a basket case.

Classic case of my looking but not seeing. Of course my Get out of Gaol Free card is that I've not built any GW locos with cabs... well, one, but that turned out to be a basket case.

I'm intrigued now, having seen your work a basket case seems most unlikely! What on earth happened?

 

Dave

.

 

I think the side sheets are extended because the angle iron is on the outside rather than inside the cab.

That makes complete sense to me, a length of angle iron would be a simple, effective way of holding two sheets of metal at 90 degrees to one another.

 

I've spent ages planning to do a Dean Goods and never got around to it. I must admit that now I have, I'm enjoying it immensely! Go on treat yourself, you know you want to!

 

Dave

I'm intrigued now, having seen your work a basket case seems most unlikely! What on earth happened?

 

There's a very long answer, and I may do a blog entry about it at some point rather than unravel it all here - but the kit (for a Holcroft saddle tank) was so irredeemably appalling that, without exaggeration, everything that could be wrong, was wrong, but instead of sweeping the lot into the bin at the start I stupidly persevered with it. After much frustration I  conceded defeat (the only time I have) and eventually did tip the lot - bar the smokebox door casting - into the bin and started again from scratch. That's not the end of the story, but is enough for now!

That must have been very frustrating! I remember having a similar experience back in my 4mm days. It's all to easy once you've made a start on a kit, even though you know it's rubbish, to try to make something of it. I guess knowing when to cut your losses is the trickiest bit!

I'd definitely be interested in reading about your experiences with this bad kit in your blog. I think naming and shaming poor kits and praising examples of good design is the best way of eradicating all the sub standard offerings on the market.

 

Dave