Background

Ive always been a big fan of the 4700 class, whats not to like about a big 2-8-0 that looks like an express engine?  So it was always a matter of time until I got one.  I had a pre order in place for the Heljan model in this livery (if I remember rightly also as 4707 out the box), but spotting a PDK kit complete with wheels and motor for less than the price Hattons were charging for the Heljan one I snapped it up. 

The build was enjoyable (and is detailed on my Steam Workbench blog over several posts), although I did fail in my original aim of having it finished before the Heljan model hit the shelves.  The model has been built as per the instructions, finished in G crest W green livery (unlined) and is now undergoing final commissioning.  There are a couple of features I am less keen on, the resin boiler no doubt makes the kit easier to build.  But it’s a swine to get enough weight in there, despite adding lead I have only managed to get the weight up to 280g  (just under that of a Hornby 38xx out of the box, while the Heljan model weighs in at 488g!)   In addition the Markits wheels included with the kit were only insulated on one side (and had standard Romford crank pins).  Not ideal for a DCC loco. 

It has been finished in quite a dirty condition, as befitting something that mainly came out at night.  There was quite a lot of work with Vallejo colours to get the basic effect, before cleaning up the sides with IPA.  The clean sides were then given a going over with the Tamiya powders to blend it all into a single dirty mess.

Work Remaining

Once happy with the running it will need a decoder fitting, this needs to be small and come with an idiot proof warrenty (given it will be located between the brass tender frames.  While the tender wheels are fully isolated, the loco to tender drawbar is connected to the live loco frames (and goes through the brass of the tender).  The plan is to isolate as well as possible with tape…

As well as a complicated DCC install, the loco also needs a crew, glazing the front windows, lamps and rear coupling changing (it is currently fitted with a screw coupling).  

Usage

Suprisingly 4707 is quite a useful engine, with potential running on the milk, at least one freight service specifically calls for a 47xx.  In addition it can also be used on passenger turns.  The only limiting factor is going to be the lack of weight, and any associated impact on haulage.