The LNER Encyclopedia

Hello,

Has anyone built a Dave Alexander K4 kit? I'm contemplating having a go at one, but the only photo I've seen of a built one is a rather small image on the manufacturers website. From what I can make out the front end looks too long and the cylinders look oversized. This could be beacause of the angle the photo was taken from. Any advice would be most welcome.

Many thanks

Martyn Harrison

Hi Martyn

I have one of the Alexander K4 kits and am slowly getting my way through it ~ but finding the time is the hardest part. The kit itself is fine - I am a total newcomer, and before this had only tried an ABS coal wagon kit, just to get the feel for soldering whitemetal.



I balanced the sub-assemblies together and took a couple of photos so you can see what is going on (excuse the wheels, they are masked for airbrushing), and also a shot from another builder on-line who has finished his.



I'm no Iain Rice, I'm afraid, but I also think the close ups are very harsh! (and having removed her from stortage, I can see some bent steps that need attention, too!)



I think the issues you see with the dimensions are because the ex-Alexander Works promo shot must use a wide-angle lens and distorts the front end.


There is not a lot of room for a motor inside - I am using a Mashima 1224 - but the backhead has nice detail, and I think the kit captures the character of the beasty quite well. Having said that, I live 12,000 miles away from it in Australia so have never set eyes on the real thing. Luckily, the on-line community is a godsend, and following The Great Marquess' return to service, I have had some very kind souls photograph the cab interior and a few other views to help me out in my progress.

If you do go forward I'd be happy to pass this reference material on.

Scott

Hello Scott,

Many thanks for posting a reply and showing some picture of your own model - it is coming along very nicely and will look good when it is finished. It has given me the enthusiasm to go ahead and obtain a kit. Your offer of reference material is most appreciated, I tried to take some photos last year when I got to travel behind the loco to Aviemore. It was a fantastic trip, but must have been one of the wettest days of the year.

Thanks again

Martyn Harrison