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| A look at Kitsets |
| SEF K3 Although this photo doesn't show much in the way of detail it does show exactly what you will find in the box of a South Eastern Finecast "K3" kitset. The builder is confronted with a bunch of plastic bags filled with all the bits required and, in this case, a large set of very good instructions. I have to admit I found this kit a little daunting when I first opened the box, not because of any quality problems,this kit is first class in that respect, but there are just so many parts and options that can be taken eg. 4 different types of cab,2 tenders, fully working (including rocking shafts for centre cylinder) or simplified valve gear. This is whats generally known as a composite kit, whereby each part is made from the most suitable material, ie: boiler & running bords from white metal, cab sides from brass & chassis from nickel silver etc. As this kit covers all versions the first hurdle to overcome is which K3 to build, this means doing some research & finding a good photo of a K3 to work from, then sit down & locate the appropriate bits in the kit & get building. |
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| The basis of a successful kit build is the ability for the model to run well. This photo illustrates the chassis of my almost finished ABS "V4" kit. This particular kit is supplied with a heavy etched "fold up" type of chassis that was fairly easy to assemble accurately with no need for jigs. A few fun moments wer had assembling the valve gear but this is something you get used to when building models of Gresley designed locos. Drive is provided by a chunky little Mashima "Flat Can" motor and a Comet 2 stage gearbox and it rides on Romford wheels, I have settled on this arrangement for all my kit building now, as it provides good,quiet performance without damaging the bank account too much |
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| ABS V4 The ABS V4 is an older style of kit where everything apart from the chassis parts are cast white metal. I've assembled the kit using low melt solder and I would recomend this method for any white metal kit. Despite this being my first attempt at a this type of kit, I found it fairly easy to come to terms with soldering without causing any damage, the secret seems to lie in using the right temperature & plenty of flux. This particular kit went together without any major problems although a fair amount of work needed doing to clean up some of the castings, but in the main all the bits fitted. Performance from a kit built engine like this, given the right drive & careful construction, is excellent, the sheer weight of the engine means it will pull almost anything. The picture shows the V4 almost ready for painting but still awaiting the fitting of the smaller details such as buffers & hand rails. |
| Click on thumbnails for big image |
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| Under the bonnet Details of the Mashima 1624 motor & Comet 38/1 2 stage gearbox I now employ in most of my models. The gearbox comes as a kit and provide a sensible gearing that enables good response at slow speed as well as being suitable for express engines requiring high speeds. The Mashime motor is available in several sizes, I've settled on the 24mm long version simply because it worked well in one model so I've used it ever since. |