7mm JLTRT Crab

[7mmMick]

A long overdue update here. I’ve also just realised I didn’t post anything about the tender build This build has been very intermittent due to lots going on in the day job and general life stuff. Anyhow we’re now ready for paint and prior to final strip down I’ve taken a few photos;
Firstly having pondered on this issue for a while I decided I would attach the front steps to the cylinder assembly so that I could secure the cylinder taps to them as per the prototype. I also added the sandboxes as per advice from @Dikitriki the pipes are attached to the frames and the boxes remain on the cylinder assembly. Final details like slide bar steps and crosshead lubrication pipes and it’s finished;



I then fitted the exhaust and live steam injectors. I have to admit that these are a bit of a work of fiction, but that is what the kit supplied and they fill that void nicely;


Some shots of the tender chassis and completed loco frames. I’ve used Slaters insulated hornguides here for split axle current collection. It meant a lot of modifications to fit them but it’ll be worth it for reliability in pick up. The instructions are pants for the tender build so it required some research to get it something like;




A couple of the finished tender. The plastic insert saved some time but is a pain to fit right and then causes issue fitting parts later. I would have preferred an all brass affair really;

 

[7mmMick]

And just a few final shots of the finished loco, not as clean as usual but it will soon be covered in crimson lake and black so won’t matter

 

[Scale7JB]

That looks super smart!!

JB.

 

[SimonT]

Smashing!

 

[AJC]

Proper job! Worth the wait.

Adam

 

[dibateg]

Nice work Mick - what a beast!

 

[LarryG]

That model really captures the powerful and workmanlike appearance of the Hughes 'Crab'. Wakes week excursions, coal trains or general goods, I remember with fondness these machines as the workhorse of the North West around Lancs and Yorks. But as neat as LMS crimson lake looks on other locos, it's a fairground livery on a 'Crab'. Can't beat reet mucky BR lined black......in my opinion o' course!

 

[Dan Randall]

Nice job Mick and a great idea, attaching the front steps to the cylinder assembly.


Regards

Dan

 

[Dave Holt]

Yes, a great idea indeed. On my P4 model, the steps are on the body and the extended drain cock pipes fit into flat strip clips under the bottom step. Needless to say, I've forgotten to un-clip them on disassembly, with undesirable consequences. Yours is a far better arrangement.
Lovely looking model, but I agree with Larry about the livery. Still, it's not our model.
Dave.

 

[Ian@StEnochs]

Impressive build Mick. I agree with you about the tender, the resin brick may be quicker but I would have preferred all etch.

I only remember them in black and none too clean at that. I was very disappointed when I saw the preserved one at work on the East Lancs. It did the job ok with its shiny red coat but just didn’t look right to my eyes!

Ian.

 

[Podartist79]

Fantastic work as ever Mick! Superb build.
Neil.

 

[7mmMick]

Thanks for the kind comments all. I absolutely agree about the dirty black. BR mixed traffic livery would be my preference. One day I will build one for myself as I have a good picture of one at Southcoates, Hull, in typically dirty condition ! I’m looking forward to getting it back from Warren and getting it into one piece.

Cheers

Mick

 

[warren haywood]

 

[7mmMick]

A couple of final shots of 13000 with the backhead and final details added. Another top paint job by @warren haywood