Hi, Here again looking for assistance. I've been asked to correct and complete a build of this kit. Background: A colleague at my club purchased this partially built kit from the family of a late local modeller. Apparently it was one of two part-built kits. The Stanier 4000gal. tender is more or less complete. There are some errors in the previous build which can easily be corrected. Superstructure has been primed grey...type of paint unknown. Chassis apperas to be complet, primed and top-coated (paint unknown but some bare brass/N-S showing). Loco Body primed grey (again unknown paint type). There are many errors which need correcting. Loco Chassis. Wheels available but axles missing (Slaters...no problem). Valve gear partly built but not sure if it's correct (need to look further). Included are various Brass and Nickle-Silver etched frets, some of which appear to be from another kit. (I did say that this build is one of two part-built kits.) We are trying to get hold of the original instructions for this kit. Also, would there have been an illustration of the various frets? Unfortunately, the current custodian of the other kit (which may have the instructions and any possible fret illustration) works abroad and is not easy to contact. My request is: Does anyone have and be able to supply a copy of the construction instructions? Is there a copy available of illustrations of all the frets? Is there a contact link for the original owner of Javelin kits?...I know this kit shows ©1997 Many many thanks. All help would be greatly appreciated. Tom
Hello Tom, I don't know about the original owner, but Geoff Stratford (former owner of the Gladiator Range) owns the range now. He retained it when he sold Gladiator to David and Trishia Hill. Geoff Stratford Contact: Geoff Stratford Phone: 01455 291236 Mobile Phone: Address: United Kingdom Email: mailto:geoff14st@hotmail.com
I'm sure I have the same kit in my stash. I'll have a look when I get home ( currently on holiday in Prague ). If I am correct I will arrange a copy of the instructions for you and send them on. Cheers Toto
Further to my original request concerning this kit, I would like to extend my sicerest thanks to Mr TOTO (albeit somewhat balatedly) for supplying the relevenat instructions. I have decided to produce a blog to show the progress, along with other stuff, at this link: https://tom3dmr.blogspot.com/ Cheers Tom
Hi Tom, regarding some of the comments you've made on your blog, it looks like the primer on the body isn't sticking, it may be worth stripping it completely and using an acid etch primer first. Have you had a look at what Laurie Griffin Miniatures has in his parts catalogue? He has an online shop, as well as attending O gauge shows. Cheer's, Pete.
Hi Tom, What an interesting project you have going on your blog, my personal take if I was doing something like this would be to strip all paints away and clean down the brass / nickel surfaces to assess the condition and quality of soldering before anything else... that's for sure as there is little point adding replacement parts onto someone else's work until you are completely satisfies the foundations are good. Laurie Griffin will supply Stanier components made from lost wax which have a very high definition that I can vouch for but the list could stack up into a heavy cost, a white metal Black Five backhead can be had at a very reasonable cost from Graham at NMRS contact him on 01604 631977... I've just purchased one with regulator hand for an Ivatt tank engine for £9.50 which includes postage. A lost wax equivalent with add on detailing would have cost me £65 plus postage but you do get substantial detailing for that price, however for my tank engine the cost wasn't worth the investment. There is Ragstone and Premier Castings where you can purchase LMS loco fittings from and some folk prefer these castings but I haven't bought from these suppliers as they function on sending orders in by post and don't have on line shopping portals. cheers York Paul
Hi Jakesdad, Sorry to be so late in responding. Strange times we're living in. Yes, already decided to strip all the paint and start again, bit by bit, with a suitable acid etch primer. Waiting for the stuff to arrive. Looking at Laurie Griffin Miniatures. Seems very comprehensive. Must take time to study in detail. Cheers Tom