James
Western Thunderer
This Christmas 7416 has joined 1420
I bought a Castle Models 74XX from Footplate Models Loco Works (demic) section for £100. Built, painted requiring a replacement cab roof and a motor. In theory this £100 project should have been straightforward but no!
If I was going to model a 74XX I wouldn't start from here!
On first inspection the rods struck the underside of the footplate, hmmm... Wrong wheels. The throw was too great.
Rods removed then wheels - screws wouldn't budge. Slitting disc to slot screws. No. No movement. I had to drill the screws out - I think the builder loctited them in place!
New wheels ordered from Slater's.
New rods from Premier Components
New motor and gearbox from Roxey.
Pretty bits ordered from Laurie Griffin.
I stripped it bare, a few bits fell off...
I made new steps all round, cab roof, whistle shield having reattached the splashers that had fallen off. Then putting everything back together.
It runs nicely too now
Repainted, glazing, Railtec numberplates, Modelu crew and weathered.
It's not perfect, far from it. The original builder didn't do a job. I suspect it was sold after the builder abandoned it, removing the motor for reuse. Now the loco is finished
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