Another 4mm Z class !

Pierview · November 3, 2021

In recent times on this forum there have been some superb examples of Z class builds from etched brass kits by DLT and others . By way of a comparison here is my attempt using the no longer available Millholme Z white metal kit. It is not in the same league as the excellent brass models but the kit is quite well designed and seems to me to capture the character of the prototype. Having followed DLT's etched kit construction I was on the point of ordering one for myself ,when, just after the first lock down, I saw an unmade Millholme kit on E Bay, and my bid for it was successful. I accepted that the kit was obviously inferior to the brass version but on the other hand it was £30 cheaper and this swayed the issue! The model is very much of it's time and it was quite nostalgic to re-acquaint myself with the construction techniques of the early 1980's. I didn't enjoy having to mark out and drill the heavy brass frames for brake shoes though and the cylinder castings were a nightmare. They also required drilling out for pistons and slidebars but had no accurate markings. I therefore had to resort to guesswork and bodging before I made the assemblies work. The cylinders also needed substantial packing away from the frames in order to provide adequate clearance. The frames were designed for the ubiquitous X04 motor and some heavy metal work was necessary to fill in the cut outs with triangular brass fillets soldered in place. The chassis was completed with a set of Markits drivers and a high Level gearbox fitted with a Mashima motor. The body was pretty straightforward and fortunately all parts save a couple of small bits were present. I added a small amount of extra and replacement detail and the paint shop now awaits.

Barry