7mmMick
Western Thunderer
So whilst Hogwarts Castle is away for painting the next thing onto the bench is a prototype I have a huge love for. In addition I’ve always wanted to build this kit as for years I’ve heard good things about them. The kit is the original Piercy B1, with brass boiler and lucky old me gets to build two at the same time. Well one really as one has already been well built by the owner and just requires a rejig of the chassis. It was originally built with rocking beams and has not been as successful has hoped so a rebuild to sprung hornblocks are the order of the day. I have a number of pictures to work from and can post one here to whet appetites;
Here’s 61167 working an express on the Woodhead. The other loco (which is already mostly finished) is 61166.
So to the builds. 1166 was stripped right back down to access the hornblocks and set up the new ones. Unfortunately lots more parts than planned dropped off. No surprises really as a lot of the parts are white metal and the heat needed on the hornblocks just did away with the epoxy used, not to worry though, easily cleaned up and fitted again later. Here’s the two frames stripped right back. 1166 is nickel silver and 1167 is brass, not sure why, a different batch/production year maybe?
Hornblocks are from Finney7 and 12 were prepared, the coupling rods are premier and I’ve used the lovely Ragstone axle box springs, which are a great improvement on what the kit supplies
Both sets were fitted and all ran well with no binding. So onto brake gear. The kit cross beams and hanger brackets are lost wax cast and very nice indeed but the brake blocks are white metal. Not ideal so I’ve opted for Finney7 plastic brake blocks. The hangers are etched from David Andrews with the blocks removed and the plastic ones added. Much better, they can be fitted close to the tyre and no worries about shorting.
The brake gear is made removable as both models have the superb Harris wheels. The lost wax hanger brackets were tapped 10Ba and a bolt had its head removed and a slot cut to assist removal when required. Very discreet and will not be noticed when painted
And a close up of one fitted;
And some final shots of progress. 1166 is coming along nicely with 1167 not far behind;
Here’s 61167 working an express on the Woodhead. The other loco (which is already mostly finished) is 61166.
So to the builds. 1166 was stripped right back down to access the hornblocks and set up the new ones. Unfortunately lots more parts than planned dropped off. No surprises really as a lot of the parts are white metal and the heat needed on the hornblocks just did away with the epoxy used, not to worry though, easily cleaned up and fitted again later. Here’s the two frames stripped right back. 1166 is nickel silver and 1167 is brass, not sure why, a different batch/production year maybe?
Hornblocks are from Finney7 and 12 were prepared, the coupling rods are premier and I’ve used the lovely Ragstone axle box springs, which are a great improvement on what the kit supplies
Both sets were fitted and all ran well with no binding. So onto brake gear. The kit cross beams and hanger brackets are lost wax cast and very nice indeed but the brake blocks are white metal. Not ideal so I’ve opted for Finney7 plastic brake blocks. The hangers are etched from David Andrews with the blocks removed and the plastic ones added. Much better, they can be fitted close to the tyre and no worries about shorting.
The brake gear is made removable as both models have the superb Harris wheels. The lost wax hanger brackets were tapped 10Ba and a bolt had its head removed and a slot cut to assist removal when required. Very discreet and will not be noticed when painted
And a close up of one fitted;
And some final shots of progress. 1166 is coming along nicely with 1167 not far behind;
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