RosiesBoss

G'day, The Johnster, Thank you for your kind words about my build. I like your ideas about your miners' train. As for the 3D print, I first downloaded the files from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4716947. These provided separate files for coach body and coach chassis. Printed as received, they looked like this: Here is the model assembled and finished: I have used it in my breakdown train. I measured the wheelbase and found it too short for the scale 19 ft required, so made a new stl file by importing the downloaded chassis file into my printer's software and expanded its length only by about 20% and made a new test print. I think I had a couple of goes (different expansion factors) until the print came out ok. Much tension and stress over the roughly 4 hours while this took place. I guess this is fine for someone with their own printer, but could be expensive for others. For the T34, it was a simple matter to remove the centre axleguards and complete the chassis. I hope this is of some help. Regards, Rob

Introduction The GWR was a great use of standardised components, within a wide range of carriage designs. Perusal of Ref.2 reveals that many 4- and 6-wheeled coaches shared a 19 ft wheelbase and therefore very similar chassis. Compartment sizes for each class were also very similar among 4-, 6- and 8-wheeled coaches. Many GWR modellers have been using these features to adapt venerable Tri-ang and Hornby short clerestory coaches to other designs of coach. Inspired by Refs.1 and 2, I’ve been expanding my collection of early 20th century coaches, as described in Refs. 5, 6 and 7. This article summarises yet another project to create a model of a design not available RTR or as a kit. Parts List · 3D-printed chassis (Ref.3) · Offcuts from Tri-ang clerestory brake 3rd · 14mm Hornby coach wheels · Romford/Markits plain brass 2mm dia. bearings · 8BA screws & nuts · Hornby steel tension lock couplings (X141) · 200 gsm card – for roof & partitions · Flat-head nails – for roof ventilators · Evergreen 0.25 x 0.75 mm polystyrene strips for rainstrips · Buffers – MT378 GWR 4-wheeled coach from Wizard Models · Footsteps – scrap brass strip reinforcing Evergreen L-section rod · Preiser figures · 5 X 5 mm square-section balsa rod – for seat squabs · Filler: finely ground sodium bicarbonate plus cyanoacrylate cement · Stainless steel strips from discarded windscreen wipers – to reinforce coach body Paint & Transfers · Tamiya XF69 NATO black · Humbrol 135 satin clear · Humbrol RC424 acrylic coach cream · Humbrol 98 matt chocolate · Humbrol 133 brown · Humbrol 20 gloss crimson · Rustoleum 2X Ultracover Ultra Matt charcoal primer · HMRS Pressfix GWR coach transfers · Black paint pen: Uni Posca 24 black, 0.7mm Construction Construction followed the pattern of that described in detail in Ref.6. 19ft wheelbase chassis as printed: Chassis trimmed: Converted to 4-wheels; wheels and couplings fitted: Steps and underframe details added: Tri-ang coach offcuts: Coach reduced to kit of body parts: Trial reassembly, using masking tape: Glued together, strengthened by stainless steel strips: Body on chassis: Basic painting and lining complete: Glazed, seats, passengers & partitions installed: Roof added, handles & grabirons highlighted: Transfers fitted and model varnished: Results Readers may have noticed that slim-line tension-lock couplings, installed early in the build, were replaced by wider steel tension-locks. This followed extensive running trials on sharp and reverse curves with other, similar coaches in my collection. (These have similarly been retrofitted.) My models don’t have to just look ok, they must be able to run reliably without derailing. Here is the coach, seen here with ex-ADR 680, U20 luggage composite 6889 and T38 brake 3rd 1532, awaiting departure from (fictional) Gennigael: References 1. Russell, J.H.: “A Pictorial Record of Great Western Coaches including the brown vehicles: Part 1 (1838-1913)”, Oxford Publishing, 1972 2. http://www.gwrcoaches.org.uk/ 3. http://www.gwr.org.uk/project.html 4. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4716947 5. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/180805-gwr-ex-cambrian-railways-45ft-bogie-3rd-coach/ 6. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/176459-gwr-t38-6-wheeled-brake-3rd-from-tri-ang-clerestory-coach/ 7. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/176974-u20-6-wheeled-luggage-composite/

G'day, Ross74H, The offcuts appear to total about 197mm overall (measured over their buffer beams), as seen here against a 1cm square grid: I hope this helps. I plan to select sections of these for my version of a T34: There will be lots of fun slicing and dicing here! Regards, Rob

Thanks for the comment. I'm ahead of you, though, as I've begun using the offcuts to make a T34 4-wheeled brake 2nd. (Diagram here: http://www.gwrcoaches.org.uk/) Watch this space! Regards, Rob

Disclaimer Rivet counters beware! This project has adapted available RTR parts to make a representation of the chosen coach. It does not pretend that it is accurate in all respects. Rather, it aims to create a model that looks acceptable when seen in motion at normal viewing distances. Introduction Having an interest in ex-Cambrian Railways parts of the GWR, it has been a challenge to find images, drawings or sketches of relevant coaches. I’ve built a few from images in Ref.2 and recently an observation car from drawings in MRC. (Ref .3) I was delighted to find sketches of a lot of pre-grouping GWR absorbed coaches in Ref.1. This blog describes the construction of one of them – GWR 4128. Parts · 2 Tri-ang clerestory brake 3rds (R333) · Hornby GWR coach bogies · Hornby 14mm coach wheels · Comet C38 coach buffers · Ken Line shell roof vents & bases · 200 gsm card for roof and compartment partitions · 5 X 5 mm balsa rod for seat squabs · Evergreen 0.25 x 0.75 mm polystyrene strips for rainstrips · 0.45mm phosphor bronze wire for handrails · Bachmann long slimline tension-lock couplings · 8 BA screws & nuts Paint & transfers · Tamiya XF69 NATO black · Humbrol 135 satin clear · Humbrol 98 matt chocolate · Humbrol 20 gloss crimson · Rustoleum 2X Ultracover Ultra Matt charcoal primer · HMRS Pressfix GWR coach transfers Construction Typical donor coach: Bodies stripped: Sliced and ready to assemble, GWR grab-irons removed: Re-joined: The choice of suitable bogies was limited to what was on hand. Three types were considered: · Ancient Tri-ang bogies from short Mk1 coaches. These looked the part and could have been modified with stepboards, but their wheelbase was too long. · Hornby Dublo coach bogies. These made the coach sit too high, even with 12mm dia wheels. · Hornby GWR bogies as currently used under their Railroad GWR Collett coaches. These had about the right wheelbase and could be disguised with stepboards. This was the chosen design. Bogies and underframe added, cracks filled and buffers added: Basic painting complete; glazing, partitions & seats added: Passengers added and roof attached; handrails, transfers & varnish: References and Further Reading 1. Hugh Longworth: “British Railways Pre-Nationalisation Coaching Stock Vol.1 GWR & LNER” (Crecy Publishing, 2018) 2. C.C.Green: “Cambrian Railways Album – 2” (Ian Allen, 1981) https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/180331-another-cambrian-railways-observation-car

Introduction A recent post from Prometheus (https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/179012-ex-cambrian-railways-observation-saloon/#comment-5160848) as well as his account here: https://srmg.org.uk/cambrian-railways-6wheel-observation-car have encouraged me to make something similar to run with other ex-Cambrian Railways GWR stock. Modelling here in Oz, the cost of kitbashing two autocoaches into one observation car was prohibitive to this retiree. Instead, the plan was to make the body from card, with a polystyrene floor and brass solebars, to sit on a Cleminson chassis. The idea of a card body was one based on the experience of construction of several Alphagraphics buildings, repair of a PC coach with new sides and the kitbashing of a Blue Pullman kitchen car. In each case, the card was reinforced with glazing material. Parts list: · 6-wheeled chassis – Brassmasters Cleminson · Axleboxes & springs - MRC007: MR Oil Axleboxes with 7′ Spring & Short J Hangers (pack of 12) from Wizard Models · 14mm wheels: Hornby R8218 · Couplings: Hornby R8099 · 10BA screws, washers & nuts to attach couplers · Buffers – MT378 GWR 4-wheeled coach from Wizard Models · Footsteps – scrap brass strip and rod · 200 gsm card for sides, ends and seat backs · Slater’s and Prieser figures · Balsa and C-section brass channel for solebars & buffer beams · 6mm square cross-section fine grained hardwood for seats · Pre-loved roof from Tri-ang CK · Craft matches – to reinforce body corners · Glazing material · Roof vents – adapted from small flat-head nails · Polystyrene rod – for beading · 0.45mm brass wire – for handrails & door handles · Springside tail light Paint & transfers · Tamiya XF69 NATO black · Humbrol 135 sarin clear · Humbrol 98 matt chocolate · Humbrol 20 gloss crimson · White Knight Squirts gloss cream · Motor Tech grey primer · HMRS Pressfix GWR coach transfers Construction 1. Body Plan printed onto 200 gsm card at 4mm scale, then parts cut out. Glued together: Beading applied: Primed with aerosol cream: Droplights painted, then body glazed: Seats & passengers: Roof – modified Triang CK: 2. Chassis Plastic floor, with solebars & buffer beams (shown upside-down): Cleminson kit assembled and added: (Tension-lock couplers added to facilitate on-track testing) Dummy springs & axleboxes added: Footboards fabricated and fitted: Buffers & scale couplings added: Body and chassis painted, then dry assembled: Door handles, handrails & transfers added, then varnished: In service, passing train hauled by “Stella” class 3515: Reflections How does it run? Superbly! It copes well with curves – even 1st radius ones, as well as uneven track, points, etc. It rolls away on the slightest gradient. Was it difficult? Not really, but it was a bit fiddly to fret out from card. Until reinforced with glazing material and beading, the body was very flimsy. Once assembled, it was strong enough. The Brassmasters kit was a joy to assemble. What a wonderful design! How long did it take to make? Just on a month. References & Further Reading 1. Model Railway Constructor, Nov 1964 2. C.C.Green: “Cambrian Railways Album – 2” (Ian Allen, 1981) 3. J.H. Russell: “Great Western Coaches Appendix Vol. 2” (Oxford Publishing, 1984)

G'day, Penrhos1920, Thank you for your interest. I'm afraid this chassis was one of three similar ones I bought at a second-hand stall run by one of Sydney's model railway club. It had come from a deceased estate with no other information. I did illustrate it in the post I uploaded in July 2021, but that, article, like so many others, has lost its pictures. I did, however, keep a Word copy and have converted it to a pdf which I have attached.GWR 1358 Project.pdf So that you don't have to trawl through the pdf, here is the chassis as received: I hope this is of some help. Second-hand H0 chassis do come in handy for kitbashing and semi-scratchbuilding, as shown in my first post (above). I wish you good hunting! Regards, Rob

Carmarthen Junction is a fictional location modelled in 00 scale, inspired by the railways of South and Mid-Wales. It features many models of locos and rolling stock as they might have appeared in the period 1925-1935. Some are of standard GWR designs, many of which are available RTR or as kits. Since I first learned of the variety of locos absorbed into the GWR at Grouping, I have wanted to model as many of them as I could with the skills and resources I had at the time. Like Topsy, this collection has grown over many years – especially in respect of those locos that worked in South Wales. What a variety could be seen in the late 1920s! Most of the models are largely scratchbuilt from whatever I had to hand at the time. Ten years ago, I published an account on this forum describing some of these locos. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/70468-gwr-absorbed-locos-on-carmarthen-junction/ Unfortunately, the images have disappeared from that blog, so here is a brief update. Welsh Absorbed Tank Engines 3 – ex-Barry Railway Class G 0-4-4T - modified etched brass Craftsman kit of LSWR T1 class (Model built 2016) 83 – ex-Rhymney Railway Class P Stephenson 0-6-2T - rebuilt from a Dublo N2. (Model built 2017) 136 – ex Rhymney Railway Class K as rebuilt with pannier tanks – scratchbuilt body and chassis (Model built 2023 - https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/179596-rhymney-railway-class-k-0-6-2pt/#comment-5189064) 152 – ex-Cardiff Railway Kitson 0-6-2T – scratchbuilt body and chassis (Model built 2018) 411 – ex-Taff Vale Railway Class O3 0-6-2T – modified Wills U1 kit on scratchbuilt chassis (Model built 2014) 680 – ex-Alexandra Docks 0-6-0ST – scratchbuilt body on modified H0 chassis (Model built 2020) 682 – ex-Cardiff Railway 0-6-0ST – scratchbuilt body on K’s J65 chassis (Model built 2021) 968 – ex-Swansea Harbour Trust Peckett 0-4-0ST – 3D printed body on Hornby L&Y pug chassis (Model built 2020) 1346 – ex Alexandra Docks 0-6-4T – Scratchbuilt body and chassis (Model built 2020) 1358 – ex-Pt Talbot Railway 0-8-2T – scratchbuilt body on modified H0 chassis (Model built 2021) 1670 – ex-Brecon & Merthyr Railway Stephenson 0-6-2T – modified Dublo body on scratchbuilt chassis (Model built 2010) 2161 – ex-Brecon & Merthyr Railway 0-6-0T – Centre Models whitemetal kit (Model built 1987) 2195 “Cwm Mawr” – ex-Burry Port & Gwendraeth Valley Railway 0-6-0ST – mix of scratchbuilt and Hornby body parts on H0 chassis (Model built 2019) Other Absorbed Locomotives 5 “Portishead” – Ex-Weston Cleveland & Portishead Rly 0-6-0ST – K’s whitemetal kit (Model built 1968) 23 – Ex- Midland & South West Junction Railway 0-4-4T – rebuilt from Tri-ang 3F (Model built 2012) 28 – Ex- Cleobury Mortimer & Ditton Priors Light Rly 0-6-0ST – scratchbuilt body with some Tri-ang bits on Bachmann H0 chassis (Model built 2021) 885 - Ex- Cambrian Railways Large Goods 0-6-0 – Scratchbuilt body using Mainline boiler on Wills 1854 class 0-6-0PT chassis; Bachmann/Tri-ang tender (Model built 2014) 908 – Ex- Cambrian Railways Sharp Stewart 0-6-0 – Scratchbuilt body on Lima H0 3F chassis; Mainline powered tender (Model built 2009) 1043 - Ex- Cambrian Railways Large Belpaire 4-4-0 – scratchbuilt body & chassis; Bachmann/Tri-ang tender (Model built 2017) 1196 – Ex- Cambrian Railways 2-4-0T – scratchbuilt body & chassis (Model built 2000) 1331 – Ex-Whitland & Cardigan Rly 0-6-0ST - "Toby" chassis; "Smoky Joe" footplate, tank & smokebox. (Model built 2013) 1376 – Ex Bristol & Exeter Rly 0-6-0T – scratchbuilt body on Hornby Terrier chassis (Model built 2013) 3026 – Ex-ROD 2-8-0 – K’s whitemetal kit (Model built 1977) What fun there has been researching and making these models!

G'day everyone, Just a short note to let you know of the latest addition to the loco stock of my Carmarthen Junction layout; No 136. Build details are here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/179596-rhymney-railway-class-k-0-6-2pt/#comment-5189064 Happy modelling to all. Regards, Rob

Introduction This project was planned to make use of existing bits and pieces in my scrapbox wherever possible, to minimise costs. The design chosen this time is the Rhymney Railway Class K, as reconstructed by the GWR as a pannier tank. References 1 to 4 were useful here, as were images published from time to time on eBay and in Ref.5. I chose to model GWR 136, for which several images were available. This design, of course, has the complication and challenge of double frames – always fascinating to watch when in motion. No kits or RTR models seem to be available for this design. For this project, drawings of the frames, cab and bunker were sourced from Ref.4. The rest was gleaned from photos. Construction – Chassis The wheelbase for this loco was 7’1”+8’2”+5’9”. I could find no RTR chassis with those dimensions, so everything had to be scratchbuilt. A simple inner chassis was marked up on 12mm square brass tube. Driving axle holes were drilled and then adjusted with soldered washers until they were square and in line. The chassis was then trimmed front and rear, using the rear offcut to make a simple pony truck. Romford and Gibson wheels were fitted temporarily to facilitate fine adjustments and ensure reliable running. Outside cranks were fabricated from brass strip and 12 BA screws, using a Romford one as a pattern: Gibson universal coupling rods were then fitted: Holes were opened over and under the front axle for the gearbox, which was then fitted and connected to the motor with a short piece of silicone rubber tube. After checking that everything ran sweetly and that motor polarity was correct, the motor was fixed to the chassis with silicone bathroom sealant. This technique acoustically isolates the motor from the frames to eliminate the “tuning fork” effect that makes some models very noisy. Pickups were then fitted and adjusted until the chassis ran sweetly A tension-lock coupling was fitted later to the pony truck. Construction – Body The footplate was fretted out of .015” copper sheet, with provision for attachment to the chassis including an 8BA bolt for the front tension-lock coupling. Buffer beams were prepared and attached. Paper templates were cut from a 4mm scale drawing of the loco (Ref.4) and glued to copper sheet. Once the glue had set, the copper was roughly cut to size: Once all parts were accurately trimmed, they were soldered to the footplate: Wheel splashers, steps, cab rear shelf and bunker back were cut from thin brass and soldered into place. The pannier tanks are a challenge to model convincingly on many GWR classes – and this was no exception. I had wanted to re-purpose the tanks of an old Hornby 8750 class loco, but these turned out to be nearly 2mm too wide overall when offered up to the copper/brass body made to the drawings. A suitable alternative was found in a free 3D modelling file for a 1:48 model (Ref.6). The tank/boiler file was re-sized to 1:76 scale and printed. Cleaned up and assembled, it didn’t look too bad and was ready for the firebox, lower smokebox and other details to be added. Loose assembled on footplate after injectors had been added: Springs were recovered from a redundant Hornby Ivatt 2-6-0 tender frame: Simple axleboxes were prepared from polystyrene sheet. The bunker extension and buffers were then added. Dry-assembled with tanks and chassis: Cab beading, backhead, reversing lever, splashers, springs, handbrake added: Smokebox dart, scale couplings, sandboxes, handrails, brass chimney and injector pipes added: Final details: Cab roof, inc. whistles & vent; handrails on top, front of tanks; steps on front of tanks; brackets; vac pipes, including those under footplate: Finishing I chose to finish the model unlettered, in GWR green, inspired by the image of 136 in Ref 3. Results Here is 136 again, doing what she was made for, with 152 passing, doing the same: Parts List · 3D printed 57XX class pannier tank body (Ref.6) · 3D printed injectors · Tender frames from Hornby Ivatt 2MT– for springs · Hornby backhead (L5436) · Romford 18mm dia driving wheels · Romford extended axles · Home-made outside cranks · Gibson 14mm trailing wheels · Gibson coupling rod kit · Brass & copper sheet · Evergreen polystyrene sheet and strips · Handrail knobs – Commercial brass from Casula Hobbies · 0.4mm phosphor bronze wire for handrails and pickups · Motor: Hornby Type 7 Mabuchi · NWSL 142-6 gearbox · Silicone rubber tubing to couple motor to gearbox · Whistles – Peter’s Spares · Cast brass chimney – from scrapbox · Square-section brass tube for inner chassis · Buffers – H0 NSWGR from Casula Hobbies · Couplings · Guitar E string for vac pipes · Staples for lamp brackets · Printed circuit board for pickups · Misc BA screws and nuts References & Further Reading 1. RCTS “The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway – Part 10 – Absorbed Engines1922-1947 (RCTS, 1966) 2. J.H.Russell: “A Pictorial Record of Great Western Absorbed Engines” (OPC, 1978) 3. Mike Romans et al.: “Locomotives Illustrated 66: Great Western 0-6-2Ts” (Ian Allen, Jul-Aug 1989) 4. Railway Modeller, Oct 1991 5. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/blogs/entry/25015-rhymney-railway-k-class-0-6-2st0-6-2pt/ 6. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3828506

Hello, PM sent with instructions for mine: Regards, Rob

Details of this conversion may be found here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/176974-u20-6-wheeled-luggage-composite/ This took about 3 weeks to complete - from bits and pieces in my scrapbox. Happy days! Regards, Rob

Disclaimer This post describes the production of an approximation of a GWR U20 coach, in 1922-27 livery. Photographs and plans of the chosen coach are scarce, so numerous assumptions have been made. The resulting model is not meant to be seen in a glass case. Rather, it is intended for use in a rake of assorted coaches as seen on Central Wales branches in the mid to late 1920s (Ref.3). Introduction I recently completed a conversion of an old Tri-ang bogie clerestory brake 3rd to a 6-wheeled T38 brake 3rd, as described here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/176459-gwr-t38-6-wheeled-brake-3rd-from-tri-ang-clerestory-coach/ This post describes a similar-themed conversion, from a Tri-ang bogie clerestory 2nd to a U20 6-wheeled luggage composite coach. Construction steps for this project were the same as for the earlier one, so may be followed by the images. (See Ref. 2 for a drawing.) Construction Donor coach: Stripped back to shell: Dismantled, with extra doors recovered from offcuts from earlier projects: Wheeled 3D-printed chassis (Ref.5): Body parts assembled: Holes filled, centre grab-irons made & fitted, body repainted: Body fitted to chassis; glazing installed; partitions & seats installed; painting complete: Figures added: Results Transfers added and varnished; roof attached: Now in late 1920s period Central Wales train comprised of rebuilds from Tri-ang clerestories (T38, U20, C10, V5), hauled by “Stella” class 3515: Parts List · Tri-ang clerestory 2nd (R332) · 3D-printed 6-wheeled chassis · Hornby 14mm dia wheels (R8218) · No-name brass 14mm dia wheels on plain axles (from scrapbox) · Coach buffers from scrapbox · Tension-lock couplings (Hornby R8099) · Card for roof & partitions · 2.5mm x 2.5mm L-section polystyrene strip · 2mm flat brass strip (to reinforce both body and steps) · 0.45mm brass wire for new grab irons · Balsa for seats · Flat-head nails for roof vents · 0.020” dia polystyrene rod for roof gutter · Filler: Finely-ground sodium bicarbonate, applied dry, then mixed in situ with super glue · Humbrol enamels: 98 (Matt brown), 16 (gold), 133 (bauxite), 135 (satin clear) · Humbrol RC424 acrylic GWR cream · Gloy LNER teak enamel – for coach interior · Phoenix PR108 BR maroon – for coach seats · Black paint pen: Uni Posca 24 black, 0.7mm · British Paints grey spray primer – for roof · Clear packaging sheet for glazing · PC Methfix & HMRS Pressfix transfers References & Further Reading 1. Russell, J.H.: “A Pictorial Record of Great Western Coaches including the brown vehicles: Part 1 (1838-1913)”, Oxford Publishing, 1972 2. http://www.gwrcoaches.org.uk/ 3. C.C.Green: “Cambrian Railways Album – 2” (Ian Allan, 1981) 4. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/134586-gwr-stella-2-4-0-kitbash/ 5. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4716947

Disclaimer This post describes the production of an approximation of a GWR T38 coach, in 1922-27 livery. Photographs and plans of the chosen coach are scarce, so numerous assumptions have been made. The resulting model is not meant to be seen in a glass case. Rather, it is intended for use in a rake of assorted coaches as seen on Central Wales branches in the mid to late 1920s (Ref.6). Introduction Over many modelling years, I have converted some commercially available models into different designs, to suit the train formations I was interested in at the time. The Bachmann Emily coaches have been useful to make 6-wheeled coaches for my Stirling single: One has also been remade into a GWR U9 coach: The venerable Tri-ang clerestories have been rebuilt into a variety of designs: GNR 6-wheeled 3rd: GWR C10: GWR C23: GWR V5: Ex-Cambrian Railways bogie compo: Ex-MSWJR brake 3rd: Hornby toy 4-wheelers have been rebuilt to an ex-Cambrian Railways 6-wheeled 3rd: Recently, I came across a free download file to make a 3D printed model of a nondescript 6-wheeled brake 3rd. I downloaded it from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4716947 and made it up, finishing it as a workmen’s coach: The files came in two parts – body and chassis. The wheelbase was a little shorter than the standard GWR wheelbase (19ft), so I went back to the chassis file and stretched to to conform. It was then a perfect fit overall for a T38 4-compartment 6-wheeled brake 3rd. (See Ref. 2 for a drawing.) I had a spare Tri-ang clerestory brake 3rd which could contribute all the body sections. Wheels, bearings, couplings and buffers were all in my spares bins. Construction – Chassis The stretched chassis was printed, axleboxes were all drilled 2mm and plain Romford brass bearings fitted to the outer axleboxes. Hornby 14mm dia disc wheels were then fitted to them, making any necessary adjustments to give them clearance from under the floor. Old Peco Mansell wheels were used for the centre axle, leaving them plenty of sideways movement. Tests showed the chassis could cope with 1st radius curves. The flange on each side of the top of the floor was ground flat to permit the body sides to sit properly on the chassis. Scale buffers and tension-lock couplings were then fitted. Construction – Body An old Tri-ang clerestory brake 3rd – much loved since arriving for Christmas in 1966 – was taken in hand. It was dismantled, with all surplus parts set aside in the scrapbox. The underframe mouldings were ground smoothly off the body and the floor was cut away, leaving an open box: The donor body was then sliced into the parts needed for the T38 – ready to be reassembled like one of my wife’s quilts. Reassembled: Body on chassis, with luggage windows blanked off: From this point, painting was done as stages were completed and while access was available to the inside. Holes in ends filled and lower steps attached. Glazing, seats, partitions and passengers added: Roof made and fitted - awaiting transfers: Results Here is T38 No.1532 in a typical Central Wales train from the late 1920s, comprised of ex Cambrian Railways 4-4-0 1043, T38 brake 3rd 1532, U9 compo 6283, ex Cambrian 3rd 4069 and T31 brake 3rd 301. The model is not as accurate or as well detailed as an etched brass kit, but none seem to be available for this design. Nor do they appear to be available commercially as 3D printed models. Neither the Hattons Genesis nor Hornby generic 6-wheelers include something similar to the T38. Hence, this project has produced something otherwise unobtainable. As for cost, nothing was bought in especially for this project – everything was already on hand. Had all components been purchased locally, the cost would have still been under A$50. At the time of writing Hornby generic 6-wheelers (non-GWR variants) can be bought in Oz for A$70-100 (plus post). I’m happy with what has resulted from my quilted model. Parts List · Tri-ang clerestory brake 3rd (R333) · 3D-printed 6-wheeled chassis · Hornby 14mm dia wheels (R8218) · Peco Mansell wheels (PR13) · Coach buffers from scrapbox · Tension-lock couplings (Hornby R8099) · Card for roof & partitions · 2mm x 2mm L-section brass strip · Balsa for seats · Flat-head nails for roof vents · 0.020” dia polystyrene rod for roof gutter · Filler: Finely-ground sodium bicarbonate, applied dry, then mixed in situ with super glue · Humbrol enamels: 98 (Matt brown), 16 (gold), 135 (satin clear) · Humbrol RC424 acrylic GWR cream · Gloy LNER teak enamel – for coach interior · Phoenix PR108 BR maroon – for coach seats · Black paint pen: Uni Posca 24 black, 0.7mm · British Paints grey spray primer – for roof · Clear packaging sheet for glazing · PC Methfix & HMRS Pressfix transfers References & Further Reading 1. Russell, J.H.: “A Pictorial Record of Great Western Coaches including the brown vehicles: Part 1 (1838-1913)”, Oxford Publishing, 1972 2. http://www.gwrcoaches.org.uk/ 3. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/159541-cheap-and-cheerful-6-wheeled-gwr-coach/ 4. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/138426-gwr-diag-u9-composite-coach/ 5. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91150-cheap-cheerful-cambrian-railways-composite-coach/ 6. C.C.Green: “Cambrian Railways Album – 2” (Ian Allan, 1981) 7. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/126196-gwr-ex-cambrian-railways-large-belpaire-passenger-4-4-0-94-class/

Thanks for the suggestion, Il Grifone. Carmarthen Junction MPD has just had an open day as you have described. Here are No.1 (Kitmaster/Tri-ang), LoI (Tri-ang), City of Truro (Kitmaster/Tri-ang) on shed, with a demonstration train hauled by CR 123 (GBL/Tri-ang) passing: Later in the day, another demonstration train passed, hauled by Rocket (GBL/Athern): What fun! Regards, Rob

G'day all, RJS1977 asked how I motorised the Stirling Single. I published my work here in Jan 2013, but all of the images are now lost. Fortunately, I kept the draft text and have attached it as a pdf.Motorising a Kitmaster Sterling Single.pdf I hope this is of some interest. Regards, Rob

G'day, Halvarras, This project did use part of a Tri-ang saddle tank: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/167158-gwr-28-“cleobury”-–-ex-cmdplr/ Unfortunately, like many other submissions, the images are gone, but here is the unpainted model: And here it is, finished: For those not wanting to scroll through my earlier article, here is the major parts list: Chassis from Bachmann AT&SF H0 2-6-0 Smokebox from Tri-ang “Polly” Saddle tank from Tri-ang clockwork 0-6-0ST Tank filler from Tri-ang “Polly” Lost wax cast dummy leaf springs (very old stock from scrapbox) Lost wax cast chimney (Mansfield Models H0 scale NSWGR D50 class chimney) Misc. copper and aluminium sheet Tri-ang buffers Lost wax cast Ramsbottom safety valves (Mansfield Models H0 scale) Whitemetal whistle & pipes (from scrapbox) Handrail knobs 0.4mm dia phos bronze wire Clear glazing plastic Cost of project: A$20. For those wondering, this was a model of a little engine taken over from the Cleobury Mortimer & Ditton Priors Light Railway. Similar engines served also in private industry, such as that shown here: https://www.warwickshirerailways.com/misc/misc_coll-locos053.htm Happy days! Regards, Rob

It is based on a real engine - this one:

G'day, all, Is this a Jintystein? I have enjoyed modifying Tri-ang/Hornby models for a long time, as detailed in my contribution on 19 Sep 2022 here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/174446-tri-ang-locomotives/#comment-4945475 This model has been assembled from parts of many scrapped models including: · Tri-ang Jinty: Diecast main frame · Tri-ang Dean Single: Chimney, dome, outside bearings & springs for leading wheels · Mainline Dean Goods: tender body plastic mouldings · Tri-ang Nellie: coupling rods · Hornby Dublo Castle: Driving wheels · Airfix 14XX: Safety valve cover · Hornby 2721 class 0-6-0PT: Smokebox door Before painting and lettering: After finishing: So, is it a Jintystein? Details of the project may be found here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/175034-gwr-3232-class-2-4-0-kitbash/ Happy modelling! Regards, Rob

Disclaimer This project is one that includes more than a few compromises! It didn’t produce a fine-scale model, accurate in all respects. Rather, it was just an amusing diversion. Rivet-counters beware! Introduction Introduction The GWR 3232 class 2-4-0s were the last all new main-line 2-4-0s constructed by the GWR – in 1892-3. Pretty locos, with their graceful curves, the last of them was withdrawn in 1930. A kit for a 4mm scale model is available from Brassmasters (See Ref. 9). A 7mm scale model kit is available from Martin Finney, via Brassmasters (Ref.10). Drawings downloaded from that site, reduced to 4mm scale were very useful for this project. Images of this class may be found in Refs. 1 to 6. Given that I have a well-stocked scrapbox and a good number of assorted spares accumulated over the last 60+ years, I chose to kitbash a model using what I had to hand. I considered four ways of motorising the model: a. Purchasing a small motor and gearbox to fit inside the boiler/firebox. This would have cost over A$100 and the model would not have been heavy enough to provide the traction needed. b. Using an existing Mainline tender drive unit from an old Dean Goods. This was worn out and unreliable, so the mechanism was set aside. c. Using an existing K’s tender drive unit to push along the loco. Not very realistic and only a stopgap solution. d. Mount a motor in the tender, driving a gearbox in the loco via a flexible drive system, as used in my models of GWR 3515 (Ref.11) and NSWGR 1915. This would provide an opportunity to install suitable ballast in the loco for the required traction. Parts List · Chassis block from Tri-ang 0-6-0, designed for Magnadhesion & Synchrosmoke · Driving wheels from Hornby-Dublo Castle class (replaced by Romfords in 1969) · Romford 1/8” I.D. axle bearings · 2mm I.D brass axle bearings (brand unknown) · Romford 40:1 gear set · 16mm dia. tender wheels for Hornby Grange (Part X9359) · Coupling rods from scrapped Tri-ang “Nellie” · Metal 16mm dia tender wheels (probably Romford) · Body mouldings from Mainline Dean Goods tender (loco body used for parts for Stella class) · Dome, chimney, springs and dummy front bearings from scrapped Tri-ang Dean Single (bought as a wreck in 2005 – chassis block used for Kitmaster Stirling Single – Ref.10) · Smokebox door from Hornby 2721 class 0-6-0PT body · Safety valve from Airfix 14XX · Mansfield Models NSWGR buffers · Markits early GWR whistles · Backhead for Belpaire firebox – probably Hornby spare · 3D-printed sand boxes · Fine silver wire · Rectangular-section brass tube · 0.015” & 0.010” brass sheet · Copper pipe · Misc. copper and brass sheet · 2mm dia. steel rod · Cheap can motor · Silicone rubber tube (designed for model aircraft fuel) · Silicone adhesive/filler · Drive shaft from scrapped Bachmann Jupiter 4-4-0 (loco chassis used for Stella class) · Misc. BA screws, washers & nuts · Scale coupling (plastic, left over from old kit) · Tension-lock couplings · 0.4mm brass wire for handrails · Commercial handrail knobs · Electrical insulation tape - for boiler bands Loco Chassis Construction Before doing any bodywork on the loco or tender, I explored the preparation of the loco chassis. The prototype loco’s wheelbase was 8’0”+ 8’6”. The Tri-ang 0-6-0 wheelbase is (scale) 7’9”+8’3”. I chose to use this, using only the 2nd & 3rd axles – near enough for my purposes. (The old Tri-ang “Nellie” chassis would have worked also, but needed an extension to the front of the chassis.) The Magnadhesion magnet was removed and the upper surface of the chassis ground flat. This was to become the underside of the model. Romford 1/8” axle bearings were fitted to the 2nd & 3rd axle positions, followed by Dublo Castle class wheels and a Romford gear. A simple gearbox was assembled using a Romford worm, silicone rubber tubing spacers, 8BA washers, brass strip and 2mm dia steel rod. It worked first time! The insulated driving wheel plastic inserts were tapped 10BA so the coupling rods could be attached. The uninsulated drivers were tapped 8BA for the same purpose. Old “Nellie” coupling rods were then fitted. A 3mm wide slot was cut in the front of the chassis for the leading wheelset. A 2mm i.d. brass tube was superglued in place as the bearing for this axle. Tender Construction The Mainline tender body and external underframe were in good order. A simple inner frame was made from rectangular section brass tube, drilled with 2mm dia holes for the axles. 2mm I.D. brass bearings were soldered over the holes and adjusted until they were square to the chassis and in line with each other and with the dummy external axle boxes. Romford metal tender wheels were selected and, on one side of each wheelset, shorted out using fine silver wire wrapped around the wheel and axle. In this way, each wheelset was shorted to the chassis as one of two sets of pickups. The dummy tender frame was then screwed to the inner frame. An inexpensive 3-12V can motor was attached to the inner frame with silicone adhesive/filler and connected to loco and tender chassis. The motor was mechanically connected to the gearbox with an old Bachmann drive shaft, using silicone rubber tubing as flexible joints. A simple copper sheet coupling took the place of the original Mainline fitting to join tender to loco. The assembly was tested to confirm it could negotiate 1st radius curves and also that the pickups worked. Following trials, the front of the chassis was trimmed to increase sideways movement of the leading wheels. Loco Body Construction The footplate was cut from 0.015” brass sheet and openings fretted out for gearbox and wheels, adjusting as necessary to provide clearance around all moving parts. The buffer beam & dragbox were made from brass and copper. Holes were drilled for buffers and scale coupling, as well as for the rear fixing screw. A 1/16” dia hole was drilled in the front of the footplate and tapped 8BA for the front fixing bolt – to be used also for the front tension-lock coupling. The bolt was soldered in place and the top of the footplate ground smooth. A paper template for the footplate valences was prepared and used to mark out some 0.010” brass sheet. Two valences were then cut out and soldered to the footplate. Early trials revealed that the leading wheels just touched the footplate, so tiny wheel splashers (as on the prototype) were impressed from below the footplate by hammering a steel washer (edge-on) while holding the footplate against a softwood dolly. Using another paper template, splasher sides were cut from 0.015”” brass sheet and soldered to the footplate. Splasher tops were cut from 0.005” brass sheet, curved to shape and soldered in place. Coupling rod splashers were made from offcuts of the same brass sheet and fitted. Cab sides and front were cut from 0.015” brass and copper sheet, with the aid of paper templates and soldered into place. The inner wheel splashers in the cab were then cut from 0.010” brass sheet and fitted. The boiler, smokebox & firebox were roughed-out from copper pipe and brass sheet, ensuring there would be clearance for the gearbox. The boiler/smokebox assembly was then test-fitted to the body and parts of the wheel splashers ground away until it fitted. (Just as seen in ¾ images of the prototype) This assembly was then epoxy-glued to the footplate and any remaining gaps filled with automotive filler. The cab roof was cut from copper sheet and soldered on, followed by beading around the cab and steps to the cab. Tests showed that the model was nose-heavy, so lead ballast was glued into the firebox and any other available space near the cab. The smokebox door was adapted from one recovered from the Hornby 2721 class body used for my 2021 class project (Ref.9) and then glued into position. Small front steps were folded up from scrap brass and soldered to the rear of the front wheel frame. The following details were then glued into position: springs, sandboxes, dummy front bearings, buffers, vacuum pipe, backhead, handrails and knobs, screw reverser, vac pipe and scale coupling. Boiler bands, chimney, spring dampers and lamp brackets were fitted. Whistles, dome chimney cap and safety valve cover were loosely placed on the model: Finishing I chose to paint and letter the model generally as it would have appeared approaching withdrawal. However, in my alternative reality, the local shed staff have “tarted her up” for an enthusiasts’ charter train, with all brass work gleaming. My inspiration for this was the appearance of NSWGR 3085 in regular service in Sydney in mid-1971. Another example is the appearance of GWR 6018 on her final tour in April 1963, as seen here: https://railphotoprints.uk/p254437496/h9DE044CA#h9de044ca Here is 3251, primed in “works grey”: The model was brush-painted with two coats of the following (mainly enamels): · Revell 93 Copper · Humbrol 16 Gold · Humbrol 33 Matt black · Humbrol 60 Matt red · Humbrol 85 Satin black · Humbrol 191 Chrome silver · Humbrol RC405 GWR green Once the paint had cured, the chimney cap, dome, safety valve cover and whistles were glued into place. Buffer beam numbers were HMRS Pressfix transfers. Cabside numbers were 2mm high waterslide gold transfers bought many years ago for some H0 model tram projects. Once the transfers had cured, they were varnished with Humbrol 135 Satin clear. Results 3251 runs very smoothly and quietly. She is able to haul about six heavy Hornby long clerestory coaches, both at express speeds and while shunting. Reflections This project occupied a lot of spare time between 15 August and 23 October 2022. It proved to be a great one to stimulate creative solutions for the challenges in design and construction. It did fulfil the low-cost criterion, as nothing needed to be purchased especially for this model. Rather, it was satisfying to make good use of existing components, some of which had been in stock for over 40 years. It does pay off to accumulate potential spares as and when they become available. References & Further Reading 1. RCTS “The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway – Part 4 – Six-Wheeled Tender Engines (RCTS, 1956) 2. Jim Champ: “An Introduction to Great Western Locomotive Development” (Pen & Sword Transport, 2018) 3. GWR Locomotive Allocations 1921, Wild Swan 4. Great Western Portrait 1913, 1921, OPC 5. Great Western Album Number 2, Ian Allan 6. Cambrian Railways Album - 2, Ian Allan 7. https://www.brassmasters.co.uk/gwr_3232_2-4-0.htm 8. http://www.finney7.co.uk/gwr-3232.html 9. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/171558-gwr-2021-class-project/#comment-4798397 10. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/67037-motorising-a-kitmaster-stirling-single/ 11. http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/134586-gwr-stella-2-4-0-kitbash/

G'day, Cypherman, Thanks for your query. The modifications were detailed here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/129669-br-class-3mt-2-6-2t-makeover/#comment-2982999, but the images have been lost. To help you, I've appended a pdf of the text and images. (I always keep copies of my major submissions, just in case!) BR Class 3MT 2-6-2T makeover.pdf Regards, Rob

G'day, everyone, My railway modelling adventure started with a Tri-ang Princess train set for Christmas 1955. I started to customise/improve my Tri-ang models from about 1966, when I began to use Shinohara Code 100 points and track. This required severe filing-down of the steamroller wheels of early Tri-ang stock and regauging to 14.3mm back-to-back. I did minor improvements to my first two locos (6201 and 15104), involving mainly repainting and relettering. They both still run. Later upgrades included rewheeling with Romford wheels, where necessary. My Dean Singles now have pickups on the tender wheels and use Bullfrog Snot applied to the insulated drivers. Each can now comfortably handle 8 long Hornby clerestory coaches Other projects used body parts from Kitmaster, Airfix, Dapol and GBL static models. Experience from these polished my skills to the point where I can now scratchbuild quite complex prototypes. Here are some locos from my collection: 6201 Princess Elizabeth: 15104: Tich (re-worked Dock Shunter): NBL 0-4-0 shunter: 2953 Titley Court – rebuilt from Hall class: 3011 Greyhound: 3046 Lord of the Isles: 4908 Broome Hall: 6435 (minor re-work of 8751 class): 70018 Flying Dutchman: 78005 – rebuilt from 2MT using Crownline kit: 82004 (which uses Hornby Fowler 2-6-4T cylinders & motion): Projects using “Nellie” chassis: 3265 Tre Pol & Pen: 3297 Earl Cawdor: 3440 City of Truro (Motorised Kitmaster): 3713 City of Chester (Motorised GBL): 3814 County of Chester: Projects using Dean Single chassis: GNR No.1 (Motorised Kitmaster): Caledonian 123 (Motorised GBR body): Projects using 0-6-0 chassis: 23 – rebuilt from Jinty 0-6-0T: 2251: 6401 (motorised GBL): Current Project: GWR 3232 class 2-4-0, using Jinty chassis, with a Mainline tender and a few Dean Single body parts: I've been working with Tri-ang/Hornby models for a good while, so far, but it's still a lot of fun! Regards, Rob

G'day, Amanda, I also enjoy modelling GWR locos and rolling stock. In particular, I like to produce models of locos for which there are no kits in my chosen scale: 4mm/ft. For many years, I have been inspired by F.J.Roche & G.G.Templar: "Building Model Locomotives" (Ian Allen, 1968), as well as the writings of Guy Williams. Other references include Jim Russell's "Great Western Absorbed Locomotives" and the 13 volumes of the RCTS "Locomotives of the Great Western Railway", which provides some essential dimensions. My bookshelves groan under the weight of lots of published albums of contemporary photos. Other images regularly appear on eBay. Using a mix of weight diagrams, sketches published in modelling magazines and photos, I've built many models of obscure types, such as GWR 28, 1043, 1358 and 1376, all of which I have described in these pages from time to time. I live in Sydney, Australia and am very aware of the high cost of importing kits and components from the UK, so choose to make as much of each model as I can myself or use parts found on models scrapped or discarded by others. My lathe and 3D printer come in very handy. Good luck with your projects. I look forward to seeing what you create. Regards, Rob

Disclaimer This project is one that includes more than a few compromises! It didn’t produce a fine-scale model, accurate in all respects. Rather, it was just an amusing diversion. Rivet-counters beware! Introduction What does one do with bits and pieces leftover from a lifetime of construction projects? Certainly not throw them away! Browsing through my bits and pieces recently, these items surfaced: · A dismantled Budgie 0-6-0T acquired around 1967 (see Ref 1.): · Hornby 2721 body bought at a “bring and buy” stall (just in case) around 2018: · Wheels from two Hornby Smokey Joes whose bodies were used for 1331 and 2195: · Tri-ang X04 motor and gears from the Nellie chassis used for 3814: The wheelbase of the Budgie chassis was almost exactly what was needed for a 4mm scale model of a GWR 2021 pannier tank. This little loco would fill a hole in my collection which already has a 64XX, 1076, 2721 and 1854 class examples. Wheels from two redundant Smokey Joe chassis would provide the 16mm dia wheels needed. (I could not afford to import Markits wheels to Oz due to exorbitant Royal Mail charges.) Locos that are relevant to Central Wales in the 1930s (a focus of my collection) were 2032 and 2068. These had no top feed but had enclosed cabs and enlarged bunkers. I chose to ignore the oversize bunker provided by the Hornby donor body. (Close observers may note a few other compromises.) 4mm scale drawings were prepared from Refs. 5, 6 and 7. Construction – Chassis The axle holes in the Budgie chassis were opened up until the Smokey Joe driving wheel axles were a good fit. The plastic Smokey Joe gear was replaced with the brass gear from the scrapped Nellie. (Lower gear ratio – less frantic top speed.) The ex-Nellie X04 motor and worm were fitted to the chassis and adjusted until the gears meshed silently. The Smokey Joe connecting rods were cut and re-soldered together to provide the correct length between each wheelset, with two rods for each side, pivoting on the centre axle. The wheels were then refitted and quartered, making adjustments until everything rolled smoothly. Pickups were made in the usual way with 0.4mm dia phos bronze wire soldered to printed circuit board screwed to the base of the chassis. Construction – Body The body was dismantled. The separate handrails were set aside for later use. All cuts were marked onto the body before any modifications. The changes included: · Reduce height of pannier tanks, cab and bunker by ~3mm · Reduce length of footplate and pannier tanks: vertical cut in front of cab to remove 5mm The first surgical cut was a vertical one, just in front of the cab. The front portion (lower half of pannier tank and footplate) were ground back to the mark. The cab was then cut from the footplate and ground back to its mark. The rear part of the footplate was smoothed off on its upper surface and its length trimmed until, when mated with the front portion, the overall length matched the drawings. The front and rear parts were glued together and reinforced with scraps of square-section brass rod. A piece of scrap copper sheet was trimmed to fit underneath the bunker and fitted with an 8 BA bolt to attach the body to the chassis, then glued into place. Using a jeweller’s saw fitted with a spiral toothed blade, the smokebox door was removed and stored as a future spare. The bottom half of the pannier tanks was ground back to the mark and filed smooth. The flange under the top half of the pannier tank was ground off. Top and bottom halves were glued together with 5-minute Araldite. The height of the bunker was reduced by grinding back the lower surface. The cab front was smoothed off and its height trimmed to the mark. They were test-fitted and adjusted until they fitted well, then glued together with polystyrene cement. The front mount to chassis was made from scrap brass and an 8BA screw, then glued to the body. New buffer beams – higher than existing ones - were cut from thin brass, drilled for the buffers and couplings, then glued into place. The cab/bunker assembly was glued into position. A new cab roof and back were made from brass and copper sheet and soldered together, but not fixed in place yet. A new pannier tank front was cut (oversize) from thin polystyrene sheet and glued to the front of the tanks. It was then trimmed to size and a new smokebox door installed. New front steps were then cut and shaped from thin brass sheet and superglued into position. Buffers and scale couplings were then attached and the body test-fitted to the chassis. Hornby slim tension-lock couplings were fitted to the chassis. Vacuum brake pipes were made from an old guitar E string and glued to the buffer beams. 3D printed injectors were fitted. The original handrails were adjusted to size and refitted. New tank vents were made from steel panel pins and fitted. Lamp brackets were made from office staples and installed. The original whistles were fitted to the new roof. The model was painted with a mix of suitable Humbrol and Tamiya colours. It was finished with HMRS Pressfix transfers and home-printed numberplates. Coal and crew finished the model. Results Parts list summary · Budgie Jinty toy · Hornby 2721 body · Motor and gears from Tri-ang Nellie · Wheels and connecting rods from two Hornby Smokey Joes · Spare smokebox door from Hornby 14XX (Part No.X8071) · 0.4mm dia phos bronze wire for pickups and handrails · PC board for pickups · 8BA screws & nuts · 0.010” brass sheet for cab back, pannier tank front and buffer beams · 0.015” copper sheet for cab roof · ERG sprung buffers (ancient old stock) · Scale couplings (H0 NSWGR Lost-wax castings ) · Hornby tension-lock couplings (Part No.X9072) · Pewter H0 loco crew (Kerroby) Reflections 2068 fits in well with other models in the collection. Here she is, posing with her cousins on shed: She runs very smoothly through all speed ranges and has adequate power. Despite having all wheels flanged, she runs happily through 1st radius curves. She also looks well hauling a branch-line train: How much did I spend on this project? Nothing! It all came from the spares box! To the best of my knowledge, no 00 scale kit is readily available for this class. The later 64XX class is available RTR from Bachmann for around GBP140 – around A$248, not including post from the UK to Oz. The end result was worth the effort. References and Further Reading 1. https://www.diecastvintagetoys.co.uk/budgie-224-railway-engine 2. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/72460-gwr-1331-ex-whitland-cardigan-0-6-0st-project/#comment-1058696 3. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/148059-gwr-2195-cwm-mawr-project/#comment-3690206 4. https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/107593-gwr-1076-class-double-framed-pannier-tank/#comment-2181188 5. Great Western Railway Journal, No 20, Autumn 1996 6. Sketch of 2021 class in http://www.gwr.org.uk/nopanniers.html 7. J.S.Holden: “The Watlington Branch” (Oxford Publishing, 1974)

G'day, DCB, Thanks for your interest. As mentioned in my construction article, the centre wheels are flangeless. The coach does manage to negotiate 1st radius curves (371mm), as found on my Gennigael layout. It is happier, though on my Carmarthen Junction layout, whose curves are around 3ft radius. Regards, Rob