o gauge Connoisseur Kit's LNER J68 Part 1
So with the last parts of my degree finished, I can give myself a few weeks before I move to pastures new...
So it's worth mentioning what has happened too me since writing and planning for the Hattons A3, I had a sudden realization that getting something
such as a RTR A3 would actually cause more hassle than it would be practical. Of course the original intention for the A3 would be to operate at a friends garden railway.
Which is still very much the case, however, in the time since finishing my degree it has become very clear to myself that getting something smaller for a operational layout would
in fact be better, the cost of owning and running the A3 would in fact be harder as it would probably spend more time in the box rather than running, in addition it has allowed me to look
into investing my money into more rolling stock, as plans develop for a kit of an LNER Sundry Van or LNER Fruit Van.
So, much like previous projects where I have changed my mind, which I find myself fully entitled to do!
History
Briefly the J68's or GER C72 Class were built in 3 Batches of 10, producing a total of 30 engines, the first 10 were built for passenger services in mind ( Fitted with Screw link couplings, Screw reverser's, Vacuum and Air breaking) and the last 20 were build with shunting duties in mind. The first 10 are where my interest lie's, as the locomotives flexibility can allow the engine to pull small passenger & mixed freight trains.
The Kit
What has struck me is the ability to develop these kits, looking through the instructions it is very clear that a locomotive can in fact be modified to appear in multiple different forms,
in this case the locomotive can have Ross Poppet Safety Valves, Ramsbottom Safety Valves, Condensing gear and GER or LNER type Chimney's. It's very clear that attention to detail is key here,
although most modelers would take this kit to the next step in development by looking to purchase extra components to adapt the model to look and perhaps operate to a higher standard. For
those who follow my modelling and know my M.O. it was almost destined that I take the kit as it came and develop it further to become a better kit overall.
Replacement parts
This is where we begin with the first major parts that I am replacing between the kit and other small companies, in this case I have replaced the buffers from the white metal versions to
turned brass & sprung buffers by Markits for GER Tank Engine Locomotives. The next major change has come in the form of the couplings, as Connoisseur produce a basic coupling for show more than anything else, however I went to H&A models and got myself some working screw link couplings. The final major part which I have replaced is from Ragestone Models, in which case we have the replacement Ramsbottom Safety valves next to there counter part and the replacement reversing wheel, regulator & gland.
The only part not being used is the GE whistle which can be used for other project's in the future.
Frames
Any solid base for a model or even a real locomotive lie's in the frames, as per the instructions we will focus on the frames and get them to a good state before I even look at doing the body. surprisingly this was rather easy to sort out. However this being my first O gauge kit I thought right I'll take my time anyway. I am rather impressed how quickly the instructions move to get the frames together for the loco, after 4 major segments of the instructions I had the frames together and ready for major assembly. Swiftly moving to fitting the rest bar the brakes everything was rather straight forward.
Body
Following this the body was a pure joy to build nothing too complex other than the beading which fits into the cabsides and the smokebox but after stopping and thinking all came together rather easy. The tanks all fairly easy to put together. All in all it has been rather enjoyable to get the kit to this point.
The kit is very quick moving once you reach this point
Anyway that's all for part 1 I will produce part 2 tomorrow and bring you up to date as to how the locomotive looks right now...
Thanks
Tom
- 3
- 1
5 Comments
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now