Golden Arrow Models BR/SR Class 01 kit build.

I started this model a few weeks ago during the times when I was unable to progress my "GT3" build for various reasons, so I must confess that the early stages of this build were not photographed! It was one of those "I'll just clean off the flash ready to start" moments which progressed to "I'll just try the wheels for fit" and onto "I'll just drill out and glue in the tender wheel bearings", and before I knew it, The tender was well on the way to completion, so apologies for the lack of pics during the early stage of the build......anyway, here we go. This is the loco moulding together with the "Jinty" chassis. The "Jinty" itself was bought new from "Kernow", DCC fitted for less than £30, less than many Ebay sellers are asking for 'used' ones. The decoder is of course a Hornby one, NOT my first choice, but as I don't plan on fitting any add-ons needing function switching, it will do the job for me. I got rid of the plastic clip etc that holds the decoder, shortening the wiring, binning the capacitor, plug and socket, and wiring in the decoder directly. Although I didn't need any extra space 'under the bonnet', it makes it a very easy slide-on fit of the loco body, less 'junk' to get in the way.

Attached files

 

The observant may have noticed that the cab end of the chassis is somewhat short. This is because the rear 12.5mm of chassis has to be removed, so out with the 'junior hacksaw', a clean-up with a file and all sorted ready for the body to drop on. Here you can see the decoder in it's new position, just held in place with Blu-tack, and first applications of filler to the body, filling the few blemishes/bubbles in the resin.

Attached files

 

This is a view from above showing how 'slim' the available space is in the body. Although there were no real problems with chassis parts being in the way preventing an easy body fit, I'm all for keeping things compact if possible.

Attached files

 

This is the tender body with upper and lower parts joined (lead weight added internally for stability), and the side frames Araldited into place.

Attached files

 

In this underside view, you can see that I've drilled out and glued in "top hat" tender wheel bearings. You have the choice of either doing this or using the visible slots to hold the wheels in place, no bearings being fitted. I'm not a fan of this idea, so the slots were widened so as not to rub on rotating axles. There is a useful amount of space in the underframe to allow the fitting of tender pickups which will help to ensure no cutting out on points etc.

Attached files

 

I happened to have 2 pairs of white metal buffers 'in stock', so fitted a set to the tender, followed by a first primer coat of grey paint.

Attached files

 

Now we jump on a bit to where top coat of black paint has been applied, Kadee coupling fitted, and I've made up a 'frame' from two small bits of "Veroboard" joined by two 'busbars' made from offcuts of brass wire. This is sized to fit between the frames, being Araldited in position so that the 'wipers' of Beryllium Copper wire will bear onto the backs of the tender wheels. It necessitates the tender being permanently attached to the loco (unless I chose to use a 2 pin plug......not bothered on this unit) but this isn't a problem, after all, many DMU/EMU's are best connected together 'off-track' as the connectors are often fiddly to say the least! You can see the leads which will go to join onto the loco pickups coming from the ends of the 'busbars'. Screw and 'Plasticard' will be glued on to form the tender drawbar attachment pin.

Attached files

 

With a temporary set of wheels in place and the pickup 'frame' now fixed into position, it's a close fit, but do-able.

Attached files

 

Having black painted the pickup 'frame', it blends in nicely and is not noticeable in use, but will be helpful when the loco crosses points etc. This is something I will have to spend time in the future 'retro-fitting' to various tender loco's in my stable, to avoid potential 'hiccups' over points and crossings. You may notice that I have added lamp brackets, tender filler handle etc to the tender body for extra detailing after studying photo's on the internet, always a useful reference. This is where I have now got up to on this project, further progress 'as it happens'.
Keith.

Attached files