G-Train Locomotive Works / Graeme King Joint Venture - GCR/LNER 4-6-0s - B3/1 & B7 available; B3/2 in progress

[Atlantic 3279]

Another time perhaps?

On the subject of eyesight, it was quite test of the naked eye to find any shortcomings in Atso's latest 3D N-gauge prints. Quite incredible quality given the (for me) unexpectedly low cost of his machine.

[LNER4479]

Well having seen the beastie in the flesh, I am absolutely thrilled at what is afoot.
Bring on the B7!

Glad some got to see the first build in the flesh at Warley. Latest update:

First production batch of B3 etches should be with me at the end of this week or early next week. I will do my best to process as many orders as I can this side of Xmas, postal service permitting.

Nick Easton is currently working on the B3/2 Caprotti version and B7 etches, with the intent of including test etches for the next etch run in the early New Year. The B3/2 hasn't had a mention before now. We don't expect to sell as many of those but thought it was worth doing to provide as full a range as possible. If any LNER era modellers are interested then please let us know through this thread or PM.

I will undertake a part test build of the B3/2 and full test build of the B7 prior to releasing these for sale.

Graham

[Horsetan]

....First production batch of B3 etches should be with me at the end of this week or early next week. I will do my best to process as many orders as I can this side of Xmas, postal service permitting.

Nick Easton is currently working on the B3/2 Caprotti version and B7 etches, with the intent of including test etches for the next etch run in the early New Year. The B3/2 hasn't had a mention before now. We don't expect to sell as many of those but thought it was worth doing to provide as full a range as possible. If any LNER era modellers are interested then please let us know through this thread or PM....

Yes please to a Caprotti as well

[LNER4479]

Yes please to a Caprotti as well

F.A.B.

Excitement reaching fever pitch now. This message from Nick (Easton) this morning:

"Just got the etches in the post and they should be with you on Monday.
Caprotti drawings are finished and am well on with B7 should be done in a few days."

[Horsetan]

Yes please to a Caprotti as well

F.A.B.....

One "standard" and one Caprotti should be interesting. Quite the "investment"

[Woodcock29]

Received the Markits driving wheels for the B7 yesterday from Andrew at Wizard - can't wait to get that kit.

Will probably use Romford 26mm 20 spoke wheels that I have in stock on the B3 unless I can get one pair of Romford 27mm 20 spoke wheels from someone as I have two pairs of those which would have gone on a D10 but I'd prefer them on the B3.

Keep up the good work Graham and Graeme.

Andrew

[LNER4479]

Well, the etches are with me and I have now got a supply of postal boxes big enough to fit the stuff in so, if you expressed an interest when we first announced this on here, then stand by for a message from me in the next day or so and I can hopefully get something out to you this side of Xmas.

In other news, a dedicated tender is being built for the prototype build, from a set of Mike Edge etches.

Meanwhile, the loco has been on its travels to a well-known location in the north west of England

[James Harrison]

Excellent news! (I know I expressed an interest on t'other side). Looking forward to it.

[Woodcock29]

Looking forward to hearing more shortly Graham. Excellent work.
Andrew

[Horsetan]

Got the message. Now going to decide which variant of the "standard" engine to try. It will be the side-window cab version for me, so that narrows the field a bit...

[LNER4479]

Well, the first six kits have been posted off today - you know who you are!

Be delighted to see the results of your labours in due course on this thread.

[Horsetan]

Turns out that nobody currently makes the correct style of driving wheel, so it's looking like a tossup between the Gresley 6'8" (20-spoke and non-flared spokes, but crankpin between spokes) or going a step down to 6'6" Midland 2P (20-spoke pin on spoke, flared but slightly shorter "throw")

[Atlantic 3279]

I'll be happy so long as I use round ones.

[Horsetan]

I'll be happy so long as I use round ones.

The agony of choice

[Woodcock29]

Horsetan
Although I'm not sure what make of wheels you're talking about above in reference to LNER 6'8" and Midland 6'6" you might note that Markits LNER 6'8" wheels are in fact only 26mm ie 6'6"(actually 25.9mm over rim measured with my digital callipers). Presumably this is because of the closeness on LNER pacifics and the overscale flanges.

As I said above I'll be using the old Romford 26mm 20 spoke drivers on my B3 even if they are 1mm too small in diameter - which is not that discernable on large diameter driving wheels. The number of spokes is more important to me than the precise diameter. I was really lucky a couple of years ago and was able to buy 3 sets of 6 of these for about 4 quid a set from a mate who was getting out of LNER and concentrating on his SR and GWR. What a bargain that was compared with Markits prices. I have however got Markits LNER 5'8" drivers for the B7.

Andrew