OK_WB - North British 225hp 0-4-0DH

Looks excellent Kenton, if you'll excuse the 'chaff' post

Thanks Jamie, no problem with chaff, as it at least says there is someone out there. I also welcome critcal comments and pointing out faults/errors, as sometimes one can look at something too close for too long and simply become blind to it.

 

The camera can sometimes be very cruel blowing up things out of all proportion to their actual size. but it is sometimes useful as I had not noticed the scratch on the cab roof, and a few other bits of stray solder that will require attacking with the scrapers.

Thanks Kenton for such a detailed blow-by-blow account. I've got one of these to do (there was one at Dumfries so it's just about on my patch) but I haven't got any further than admiring the etches so far ! It's been useful finding out where the tricky bits might be.

there was one at Dumfries so it's just about on my patch

you are in luck - there were three (D2731, D2738, D2761) all in 1966.

I've done a couple of white metal kits now Kenton and now comfortably solder up brass frames and associated parts. I would like to do a couple of these little shunters. Do you think one of these kits would be within my current skills range? I ask because it looks just a little fiddly in places.

 

Dave.

Hi Dave

 

I am often asked that question and it regularly comes up on RMWeb.

 

I have to warn at first, and it applies to all brass kits not just this or the JE kits in particular. Brass kit construction requires a different approach than white metal kits, the technique and the materials used are different. However, the confidence required is the same.

 

The JE kits are rarely suggested as first loco kits - the reason for that is, I think, the fact that they do not employ slot and tab design, and some of the parts are a bit obscure in the way they go together. The instructions, whilst far better than some, make many assumptions that you have other resources of information on the prototype, previous kit building experience and often lack the detail drawing just when you need it - and no exploded views.

 

However, I actually think that is not the full picture. The kits do come with the detailed CAD drawings (actual scale size), the parts nearly always are an absolutely perfect fit, requiring little or no further work. The instructions are detailed enough to make a reasonable attempt and, when asked, Michael Edge always seems happy to offer help and advice. Unlike some kit suppliers, he will have built it so has first hand knowledge. (even if his construction style is different to some - to quote his instructions: "The loco kits are designed to be built more in the manner of a full size loco than the usual modelling techniques"). When comparing value, the kits almost appear to be cheap by comparison to some of the, IMO, scratch aids sold at inflated prices by others, or what may be called the high end marketed kits. The range of kits is very good and still increasing, and where else do you get good shunter kits these days?

 

Fiddly, yes there are parts that are a bit mind blowing - almost microscopic, but often you don't have to put them on (as seen on the next blog page) but that is the nature of all kits including the good plastic ones.

 

I have built quite a few JE kits and this will certainly not be the last one. (I have another Sentinel and Taurus to do and will certainly get the other NBL at some point)

 

So why not go for it? Just don't rush it.