Prototype G1 Western

D1054

Western Thunderer
Just a quick update. I've now got the first 7 Westerns in 1/32nd scale underway, and as I'm building them I'm also preparing extra parts for the kits I am hoping to provide later this year. Photo of no's D1000, D1001, D1002, D1003, D1004, D1013 and D1062 on the "turntable". The other is in the works.20200625_220424 (1).jpg
 

D6356

Western Thunderer
good to see progress showing numbers does that mean you will only do 74 ! I look forward to ordering one - best to PM you ?
Robert
 

D1054

Western Thunderer
Quick update as the first test running has taken place with Fosworks R/C kit, linked to traction motors in both bogies, and the Fosworks/Legoman sound project. I'm happy with this progress and, as always, constructive criticism would be welcome. Obviously, the glazing isn't fixed and there's been no fine-tuning of the sound and DCC driven motors, but still some progress has been made, and another milestone reached.

 

D6356

Western Thunderer
Progress indeed. Makes my effort with Steve Goldings class 20/3 look very lame ! More power to your elbow .
Robert
 

David Halfpenny

Western Thunderer
Makes my effort with Steve Goldings class 20/3 look very lame ! Robert

Robert, it's not you - it's the evolution of Steve's kit.

I may be able to help - just not now, while I'm overwhelmed with multiple urgencies.

It's important to emphasise that Steve never intended to produce a scale model for production, just a generic Type 1 to display his own trains of the wagons he makes and sells. Then other people wanted them, and the model has been an unexpected commercial success.

Steve based it on a Wagon & Carriage Works kit, which itself is a mix of good and bad. The bogies and much of the hood weren't bad, but the complex cab was completely misunderstood, and the striking tapered nose simply ignored. Therefore Steve's resin masters didn't stand a chance, and the price-point didn't justify professional casting. Which is why Steve told me to buy a tub of Isopon to fix the bubbles, distortion, and misplaced windows.
Someone has tried to cheer up Steve by telling him it represents a rebuilt version of the Class 20, viz a new parallel hood and whole new cab, but despite seeking photos of every surviving Class 20 I've never come across one
On the plus side, because the model is oversize even for 10mm Scale, it can be patched and machined closer to Class 20 shape.
I've had reasonable success - that Steve seems pleased with - using templates made from BR drawings. It needed a surface plate, a good Square, a bandsaw, and a beefy linisher. Plus a lot of Isopon. Understandably though, Steve doesn't want all the ramifications of starting afresh with new masters, having already sold many kits.
Here's the machined superstructure ready for hand finishing:
20190417_175109.jpg

Straightening and re-proportioning has removed all the surface detail, which I shall have to make and apply separately.

The obvious way forward is simply to follow Steve's original intentions for himself: glue the kit together quickly, paint and letter it boldly, and view it from a distance so that it's the Livery that stands out rather than the shape. (If necessary tell people it's a rebuild.)

DSC_8354-2_d1000.JPG

Attempting a 1:32 version is doomed. It would be easier to machine one from solid blocks of Isopon.
But if you'd like a more Class 20 look in 10mm scale. I can offer drawings and profiles, machining suggestions and prototype photos.
But not for quite, a while as my entire life is in cardboard boxes in between houses.​

David 1/2d​
 

Podartist79

Western Thunderer
Fantastic thread Ian and I love your work (as you know ).

I feel a G1 ‘itch’ coming on !

Thanks again for the parts you’ve undertaken for me - brilliant!

Neil.
 

Thirtysecond

Western Thunderer
According the book "Diesels on the Southern" which includes inter-regional workings to the Southern Region, Class 52's did indeed come into Southern Region. Does anybody know any more about these incursions, in particular which ones?.
 

Keith Phillips

Western Thunderer
Purely speculation here, but I would expect weekend engineering diversions would be the same then as they are for me now. Closure of the line between Taunton and Exeter would mean a trip from Castle Cary to Yeovil Jct. and then along the Southern to Exeter. I would imagine that photographs of these trains might be hard to come by. I do know that Exeter men did sign the route up to Waterloo in diesel days. Now it is as far as Yeovil. This information I will have to check up on as there may be RA restrictions on Westerns on the Southern route.
 

AJC

Western Thunderer
Purely speculation here, but I would expect weekend engineering diversions would be the same then as they are for me now. Closure of the line between Taunton and Exeter would mean a trip from Castle Cary to Yeovil Jct. and then along the Southern to Exeter. I would imagine that photographs of these trains might be hard to come by. I do know that Exeter men did sign the route up to Waterloo in diesel days. Now it is as far as Yeovil. This information I will have to check up on as there may be RA restrictions on Westerns on the Southern route.

I reckon they'd have been ok - if they could fit between the platforms at Pen Mill (and they certainly can) then there's little reason they couldn't make it down the singled mainline to Exeter. Here's Western Emperor on a railtour at Feniton (recte Sidmouth Junction):

Western Emperor at Feniton. 29th Mach 1975

Photo stop at Feniton 29th March 1975

And another, Western Consort leaving Pen Mill with cement just taking the junction up the hill to Junction:

D1065 'Western Consort' at Yeovil Pen Mill on 6B22 19.07 Westbury - Exeter Central cement

D1065 'Western Consort' at Yeovil Pen Mill on 6B22 19.07 Westbury - Exeter Central cement

And another pair, again on a railtour, heading the other way:

Yeovil Junction Western farewell tour.

Adam
 
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