Forward! Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 Hi all, I have a modest little layout based on the Fairford branch, currently stocked mainly with rtr stock to depict the branch in the '50s. As I build up my modelling skills, I'm beginning to work to backdate it to the 1920-30s era. As such I'll definitely need a Large Metro tank as these were the staple passenger motive power during this period. So... Any thoughts on what my options are for kitbuilding/ kit bashing one? Thanks! Will Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 I think you're down to scratchbuilding. As far as I know the only Metros available are the SE Finecast kit and the Roxey kit, which I believe are both Medium Metros (The SEF may be a Small, they are confusing). White metal or brass depending on preference. http://www.sefinecast.co.uk/Locomotives/New and Revised Loco Kits Page 5.htm https://www.roxeymouldings.co.uk/product/296/4l7-gwr-medium-metro-2-4-0t/ ISTR that Roxey planned a Large Metro but it never appeared. Jason Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 Just found this. No idea on quality or details. https://www.phoenix-paints.co.uk/products/deansidings/deansidings-gwrkits Jason 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 Hello Will, Whilst I am happy to be corrected I am not aware of any " Large" Metro Classes being used on the Fairford branch. I believe the GWR used a 517 Class or similar smaller tank engines. Unfortunately I don't have my book to hand so I can't refer. Do you have a specific loco / loco number for reference to help with your question ? The larger Metros were generally found around the London area to my knowledge. The link to a kit from Phoenix paints I think may well be the ex-Malcolm Mitchell range rebranded. If so then these kits were very good and with lots of variations for building them, if you enjoy soldering brass kits then you would be fine with these. Maybe a quick chat with Phoenix would be useful ? G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steamport Southport Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 2 hours ago, bgman said: Hello Will, Whilst I am happy to be corrected I am not aware of any " Large" Metro Classes being used on the Fairford branch. I believe the GWR used a 517 Class or similar smaller tank engines. Unfortunately I don't have my book to hand so I can't refer. Do you have a specific loco / loco number for reference to help with your question ? The larger Metros were generally found around the London area to my knowledge. The link to a kit from Phoenix paints I think may well be the ex-Malcolm Mitchell range rebranded. If so then these kits were very good and with lots of variations for building them, if you enjoy soldering brass kits then you would be fine with these. Maybe a quick chat with Phoenix would be useful ? G The Phoenix kits are resin with cast parts. They're the old Dean Sidings kits made to fit RTR chassis. I don't have any experience of them as my experiences with resin over the years wasn't good. However that was over thirty years ago and things have changed. Jason 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 3 minutes ago, Steamport Southport said: The Phoenix kits are resin with cast parts. They're the old Dean Sidings kits made to fit RTR chassis. I don't have any experience of them as my experiences with resin over the years wasn't good. However that was over thirty years ago and things have changed. Jason Thank you Jason I stand corrected very much obliged and helpful. G Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Prism Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 5 hours ago, bgman said: Whilst I am happy to be corrected I am not aware of any " Large" Metro Classes being used on the Fairford branch. I believe the GWR used a 517 Class or similar smaller tank engines. Unfortunately I don't have my book to hand so I can't refer. http://www.fairfordbranch.co.uk/Locomotives.htm 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forward! Posted December 28, 2021 Author Share Posted December 28, 2021 Thanks for the suggestions. Confirms what I suspected! By the way, there's a few images of large Metros on the Fairford branch, they seem to have been there in the '30s and right up to the final withdrawals of the class early postwar. There's an excellent portrait of 3568 on the GWR "beginners guide" page here: http://www.gwr.org.uk/no4-coup-tanks.html Will 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach bogie Posted January 5, 2022 Share Posted January 5, 2022 Rod Neep produced a set of etches for the large metro. I have not seen a set second hand for some time though. Mike Wiltshire Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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