Big Jim's 4F kit is a cracker to build and I really should have done this one better justice a long time ago but like most things there always seems to be something else getting in the way. Anyway revisiting this lovely kit again with the addition of a few modifications of my own, namely fitting inside faces of the driving wheel splashers, drilling out the front boiler side washout plug recess and adding the axle box lubricator feeds and joints which are slung on the underside of the boiler... I'm currently on with the exhaust ejector pipework located on the other side then fit the roof and this will be another one over the line.
Also some of the white metal parts have been replaced with lost wax brass and turned brass parts, the safety valves, bonnet and vacuum pipes are by Laurie Griffin, brass buffers are by Markits, firebox wrapper cleats and the smokebox number plate are scratch made by myself. Draw bars and screw shackles from Slater's have yet to be fitted... I normally file the drawbar thickness down a little as Slaters drawbar design appears to be more akin to continental or airbrake stock coupling thicknesses.
Its been a long while coming but this 4F is now in primer and well on the way to being ticked off the list of jobs to do.
... and from the other side, when we see this loco again it will be as 44352 which was an Alsager (5E) allocation before being transfered to Stoke (5D) in 1963 where she lasted until 10/63 when withdrawn. This loco will be an ideal candidate on the new Leek layout.
Paul the F4 kit you have been building does look great, the white metal parts you added look great. The loco looks even better with primer added.
Thanks Mark, its been a long time in the making but then so are a few others of mine, normally I replace any weak white metal items with stronger lost wax brass ones, there is also a high element of scratch work on this kit so what you see is not necessarily what you would get in the box. York Paul
People who make these Brass locos always amaze me. The level of skill and detail is incredible. Well done.
And not a jott of any 3D printing! brilliant work Paul… we assume it’s a Henry Ford 4F? And won’t be appearing in Crimson or Brunswick.
you assume correctly Mr S... and its already been put into black and the gloss varnish has hardened ready for the transfers which are going on now.
Looking very nice Paul. What is the height of the smoke box door numbers ? and you may receive something in the post. Paul
Congrats on POTW, a great looking model, now it's had its grey primer shots for the press relief, when will it appear in black ? Paul
For those that are seeing Yorkie's build for the first time, the blow by blow account can be found here Yorkie's 4F build I suppose this means I should get back to finishing my one off as well Paul
Thanks for the nice comments Gents, Paul I'll check out the height and width of the smokebox numbers from the Severn Mill ones for the Standard 4 and get back to you.
It is already in black and sporting white cabside numbers... I'll do a picture of it when its varnished and glazed with backhead fitted out.