Steve Beattie NBL Class 29 locomotive

Thought I may as well have this as I never did get the version as promised in OO from Dapol. Pictures will be posted on arrival.

Cheers

Toto

 

Thinking about it with a 5 pole motor and flywheel on each bogie. Wonder if it would do a wheely

 

Arrived today. the main body etch is similar to the class 21. However there is one main difference. This one looks like it's been used as a football. Well, maybe not quite but both end sections are kept together via a couple of fine brass strips around the cab area and when I opened it up to check it, they were all bashed and bent in.

I straightened them out a little but possibly should not have bothered as I think I will be returning the kit. I will contact Steve first for some advice.

The kit is packaged well enough in quite a stout, strong box with no signs of damage. It looks like this damage has been sustained during storage or packing which would suggest to me that it should never have been sent in the first place.

Not too impressed but let's see what the Clayton is like as that has been delivered today also. Pictures later as usual.

Cheers

Toto

 

Had another look at this whilst I was photographing it. There is a cardboard separator stapled inside the main box to allow a compartment to store smaller pieces in bags. This has been made far too neat allowing no room at all for the main etch to move in transit. The slightest squeezing of the box would cause the main etch to buckle.

I think in trying to make the packaging secure, it's maybe been made ' too secure ' maybe a mm or two movement would have been better than having it packed so tight. It is a lovely kit otherwise. I note that the model has been taken off Steve's website. I'm hoping I've not got the last one and that there are replacements available.

These things happen. Unfortunate.

Cheers

Toto

 

The side panels are a little damaged but because they are substantial panels, any bends etc could be straightened out. The more delicate areas where the damage is covers part of the window frames and there are some small creases in the brass surrounds........ Not so easy to fix and may have an effect on how well the Windows fit when it comes to the final build. I'll post pictures up later. It maybe would not faze a more experienced modeller.

I wish I had photographed it as it had come out of the box prior to strings tending it out a bit as it did look pretty bad. A bit mangled.

I have emailed Steve so we'll see how I get on. Again, these things can happen so apart from being a little disappointed, I would not say it's reason to get too excited. It does not detract from the fact that these are really nice looking kits.

Cheers

Toto

 

Received a reply to my email from Steve Beattie. I'll be emailing him a couple of images if the effected part. It can simply be posted back and a replacement will be given. A bit of a pain but cant really ask for more. As I said these things can happen, its just unfortunate.
A very swift, helpful and polite response though.
Toto

 

OK .... the pictures .......
here is what we are aiming for ........ a Class 29, you either love them or hate them.


and as in all Steve's models ( that I am aware of anyway ) the instructions come on a CD ......


and there it is ......... Now .... to the main course and unfortunately in this case there was a bit of damage sustained in transit, however this is actively being rectified by Steve as we speak.


the twisted cab detail. I have actually straightened it out considerably but did not want to do any more as the window surrounds felt a bit weak so left it at that.


otherwise a nice bit of kit ........


there was a bit off a knock half way along the side as well but this had not creased and could have been reasonably easily teased back to the flat.


anyway, lets not dwell , bogie etches are next up ........


then we are on to white metal parts for the same ...... and also the cab fronts and strengtheners


and moving on to what looks like fuel tank and undercarriage detail parts.

and then cab seating and back walls etc.


and the drivers desk .........


and on to another shot of the same ......


and a roof etch .....


and then more of the same .....


and hoses and all sorts ......


and sprung buffers ....


and there is more ....... miscellaneous brass roof etches .... a few of these .....


and then the usual wire and misc parts ......


and last we have further etched panels etc which I did not open in case this is required to be returned .......

there we have it ......... another to join the queue for when my soldering skills have upped their game a bit ...... better get moving then .
cheers for now
toto

 

Hi Keith,
it is a shame to what is otherwise a very nice kit. I wouldn't let that put anyone off as Steve is a very approachable chap. He has emailed me and is very sympathetic and going all out to resolve things.
one thing that seems to be common with his kits is the sub-frames which I like. they look like they will give good strength to the kit as its built. Get the sub-frame right and I think it is a good basis for the body shell to sit nice and square. this may just be an amateurs view and dream so stay tuned and the build will either confirm this or otherwise.
beautiful kits.
cheers
toto

 

Had a very courteous email from Steve Beattie to say that the replacement main body etch is winging its way to me inside another kit I had ordered. Very pleased with the service.

Cheers

Toto

 

They could be a little while coming Scotty unless I farm one out. I would love to have one sooner rather than later but my own skills ain't up to that yet.

I have four in 4mm RTR ........ Terrific

Toto

 

The new body etch arrived today. I have checked it out initially and it's looking good. I'll do a more in depth check when I get home.

Toto

 

The replacement etch has been checked again and all is well .....


This time the vunerable cab end have been given a little extra protection having been wrapped in cardboard ....... much better.


a step well worth taking I'd say .....


job done .....
toto

 

Once I get my mini blow torch onto it, everything will be very combustible. you can actually buy engine kits as well. I' not sure if they would fit in the right place and be seen through the grilles or not.
They are very nice looking kits but from a buildability point of view have taken a bit of a slating. I think you have to make the best of what you can with them. So far,the threads I've read, there always seems to be a work around for any issues. That is the main thing. Any issue I've read about does not render the kit totally unbuildable.
They do look good when completed and painted. A nice shed scene full of green diesels ....... lovely.
Cheers
Toto

 

Hi Scotty,

There is a very high level of detail in the kits. I have viewed several finished items and they look terrific. I actually printed of the destructions ( kindly provided by Steve Beattie in PDF as I don't have a disc drive on my laptop )😢 And the hardest part is by far the construction of the bogies. I know there are a few modellers discontent with some other elements of the White metal fittings and a couple of other potential issues but work arounds have always seemed to have been found and excellent end results achieved. I hope so as I have eight of his kits stashed away now.

I think it may be the 22, the 29 or the 25 that will be attempted first. They all seem to have the same internal box internal framing design to take the outer shell and it looks reasonable to build. There is at least one issue with the spacing of the inner structural sections being visible through one of the radiators but fore warned as they say is fore armed. It can be moved to suit.

I would like an early class 47 but refuse to pay ( to date ) the £ 511.00 being asked for by DJH models. No wheels, motors or gearbox for that price either. Just seems a bit high to me. JLTRT are not much better. PMRMP do a version with everything included including Delrin drives for just a little over £300.00 which sounds nearer the mark but they only do the later versions. 47/4's and later. I want the early version with the head code numbers that ran in BR green.

Anyway ........ Glad you like the kit ....... Don't worry I'll fit prototypical water wings just for you.

Toto