Golden Arrow Models Class E1 kit build.

These kits are all resin moulded, so an easy build, utilising proprietary RTR chassis (mostly Hornby, but the odd Bachmann), and this kit is no exception, using the Hornby 2P tender drive chassis. I'm not a huge fan of tender drive models, but the saving grace is that not many others are either, and this is reflected in the price being asked. My example was 'ex-collectors display cabinet', and looking at motor, wheels etc, it didn't look like it had ever seen a set of rails,- running it on the rolling road, it was very smooth, and likely to be better still once it's been DCC converted, which will be done after completion of bodywork, just prior to fitting to the chassis. First job is to remove engine and tender bodies from the chassis as there is some cutting to be done. Here's the chassis together with the new resin bodies.

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The two individual tender weights need a small amount filed off each side. These weights are a soft alloy, so easy to file down, unlike the loco weight, which is a much harder alloy, needing attacking with the hacksaw to remove about 3mm from the top. As each weight is detachable from the chassis, the cutting and filing is easily done in the vice, so no risk of filings where you don't want them. In the meantime, I cleaned up the flash from the resin bodies ready for some 'drilling and filling'!

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Not being too thrilled with the moulded 'coal' in the tender, that was cut out, and a curved bit of Plasticard made to fit the gap. Real coal will be added after completion of paint/decals. As can be seen, the body fits nicely onto both loco and tender.

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Having now added in details like lamp brackets, handrails, piping, steps etc. we're about ready for primer spraying, but since I do this outside, I need the wind from 'Storm Brian' to abate somewhat. That will hopefully be tomorrow with any luck.

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Thanks Jeff, it's keeping me occupied and out of SWMBO's way too. Nothing too complicated about these kits, although I am considering Chris's "Leader" project loco as a 'Maybe' for the future. I know it's not really within my modelled era, but having said that, I do have a few loco's that (to my knowledge) never saw Southern metals. I like the 'different' or 'unusual' stuff, hence I have "Kestrel", "Lion", the "Deltic" prototype etc, but 'Rule1' applies, so who cares?
Keith.

 

I'm up in the loft, Paul (probably the nearest I'll get to heaven!!!), so extensions are unfortunately not possible. My layout is 16ft 6in x 12ft 6in and I've extended 3 times since starting out, but am now 'maxed out'. Our bungalow has a 'double hipped ' roof ( sloping at both ends), shame really, as I'd have had more space if it had been a double gable ended one ( flat both ends!) but it is what it is, at least being a 1920's build, the floor joists were sufficiently oversized that I didn't need extra strengthening when putting the floor in. As I incorporated a Velux roof window, and full insulation before plasterboarding it out, central heating and a dehumidifier, I have an 'all year round' train room, which I wouldn't have had with a shed. As long as I can stay fit enough to get up the loft ladder, I'll be ok, although if push comes to shove, I'll fit one of those electric engine hoists that Lidl have from time to time, put a sling on the hook and hoik myself up there rather than give up!

Keith.

 

Managed to get a bit further with this build, tender now painted and decals fixed, just got to fit a Kadee to it, and more work on the loco to do. As this is a tender drive unit, I've fitted the DCC decoder in the tender, just had to slightly slim down the front weight to give me enough room to fit it in.

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I finally got my long awaited delivery of detailing parts to enable me to finish this loco. It's been almost 3 weeks since I posted off the order to Markits, and I reckon if I hadn't phoned yesterday to ask where my order was, I'd still be waiting. I don't imagine I'm alone in being exasperated with suppliers long lead times, and I guess I should content myself in the knowledge that if they're busy, then they'll likely be still around in a few years time, but it's still frustrating, waiting for parts. Anyway, this is the completed loco.

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Whilst I was waiting for parts to arrive, I decided I'd get busy with the "Q" Class "Golden Arrow" kit I had in stock. I've not bothered with any build pics from this one as it's essentially pretty much the same build process as the E1 just completed. Anyway, here's the completed "Q" Class.

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I really must get around to a weathering session soon, as I'm getting quite a queue of loco's needing this attention. Having said that, I've just bought a "Made in China" Hornby "West Country" chassis for a future build of the "Golden Arrow" models version of a 'Spam can' "Merchant Navy", which oddly perhaps, uses a "W/C" chassis rather than the "M/N" one. I've not so far managed to find a long wheelbase M/N tender chassis at a reasonable price (body is part of the kit) so this is likely to be a 'scratch build' chassis now I have a better idea of what's required and some 0.3mm brass sheet in stock. I'll have to thank (or blame) Rob Pulham for his build threads in giving me the info and confidence to have a crack at this, nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess.Cheers, Rob.
Keith.