Craftsman models LMS 1P 0-4-4T in 4mm - built at last!

[Pierview]

Although I hadn't   intended to start another loco project for a few months, the poor weather in early May put paid to my intended garden work and gave me some unanticipated extra modelling time. The subject that finally worked its way up the priority list was my Craftsman LMS 1P kit that I purchased back in 2010 at the height of my Somerset and Dorset phase. Although I purchased the wheels and some other components I never got round to starting the build, probably because of lack of confidence with a largely etched construction. However, a dozen or so years later, with a few etched kits under my belt, I was ready to have a go. The Craftsman kit is something of an old stager now although it is very well thought out. The biggest drawback for the present day modeller though is the fact that the chassis is designed for an X04 type motor which intrudes into the cab. My original thought was to modify the chassis frames and upgrade with a High Level gearbox and a more modern motor but in the end I made use of a spare Anchoridge D11 motor which arrived with a DJH 1366 kit last year and a Branchlines RU gearbox which I had to hand. With no fixing holes for the motor I merely soldered the gearbox front in place and to my delight it ran very sweetly. This is one of the many tips that I have picked up from others on this forum. The smaller motor is no where near so intrusive in the cab and is barely noticed with a crew in place.

 

   

 

 

I will not go into detail on the actual construction as I am aware that this kit has been covered in the past by more skilled modellers than myself and that it has been the subject of some refinements. Mine I am afraid is more bog standard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn't find the need to add much extra detail but the push pull gear was not provided in the kit. I therefore cobbled up a representation from scrap bits and pieces. Needless to say, the smokebox needed to be packed with plenty of scrap white metal to achieve the correct balance, but on the whole the loco runs tolerably well.

 

 

 

 

The prototype that I chose was 58086, which was the last survivor on the S&D. It also had the advantage of being in unlined BR black rather than the lined livery carried by other class members.

 

Barry