tuppenced

I've now got hold of a copy of RM September 66 and can see the original dimensions and where Don's text and drawing differ from other sources. I'll put a ruler over the steamer and make a plan. Thanks everyone for all your help :-) David

To David Smith, After a long delay, Accucraft have just delivered their live-steam Victory in 3/8" Scale. They run very nicely out-of-the-box, and while they are a 'starter' locomotive (meaning not ever so detailed) the brass carcass is very reasonable for a cheap live-steamer. They've sensibly made the cab suit the six 'middle' locomotives of the ten - KS 3068 to 3073 - but I hate its squashed look: and am having remodelling thoughts like yours. The most straightforward option is to lift the roof back to the height of the first two engines KS 3066 & 3067, the latter being East Kent No.4. I could also follow your example and represent KS 3074 at Lambton, of which I attach a couple of RCTS thumbnails - one can buy bigger, unwatermarked copies from their website. But, being awkward, what I'd really like to do is model KS 3075 during it's stay with United Steel & Coal under the nameplate ROTHER VALE No 8. Like KS 3074, it is said to have started life with a 'wrap-over' cab. Do you - does anyone - have the slightest idea what the original 'wrap-over' cabs on KS 3074/5 have looked like, please? Have any photos survived, from ROD, from United Steel, or from Orgreave? (I've not found any online.) Or is there a similar contemporary KS that I could imitate? Might this similar engine help, also built in Stoke at about the same time, but by the Knotty: (It's a right nutcase of a shunter: rebuilt with four cylinders, hence the outside Walshaerts.) Thanks, David 1/2d

Ray, Here's Francis in red with Giesl David 1/2d

Simon D, Don't be taken in by Stephen's tea-stained artwork! No. 19 (like No.18) had a wrap-over cab roof distinct from the Minerva offering. I'd appreciate sight of a photo if anyone has one, please. Photos of No.18 tend to be as modified at Lambton :-( David 1/2d