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

[LNER4479]

Whilst I'm on, a quick update.

First batch of (10) tender etches have arrived and immediately allocated to first loco+tender orders. First of these should be on their way shortly. Another order for tender etches has been placed.

The first test build for the etched version of the boiler has been completed as you can see here, placed into position on the B7 test build (which I am valiantly trying to complete for publicity purposes). Various visual and dimensional issues have been highlighted and revised version is now in the pipeline which will require a further test build (although it doesn't take long; quite a simple design). Amongst other things, this will contain an option for plain boiler and firebox parts without boiler bands etched on.

B3-2 drawings are in the same category as completing the B7 build(!)

Still working through the list of expressions of interest for the B7 so if you haven't been contacted yet then don't despair (although feel free to check if you're not sure whether you're on the list or not).

Graham

[Horsetan]

..... Another order for tender etches has been placed....

Excellent

[Chas Levin]

Looking excellent!

[LNER4479]

A little bit more of an update:

Here is the revised boiler etch following the first test build. To be made up as a further test but I'm hoping this one should be OK so we can then add it to the range. Changes include a plain half etch boiler and firebox wrap with boiler bands available separate. Also two versions of the smokebox wrap, one with rivets, as per pictures of some of the B7s towards the end of their lives.

Some further B7 and tender orders have been attended to and shipped, with further batches of etches and resin parts currently being supplied to satisfy the current remaining expressions of interest.

A bit of recent further work on my B7 build to try and get it completed.

Glacial progress on the B3/2 but not forgotten ...

[Horsetan]

.....Some further B7 and tender orders have been attended to and shipped, with further batches of etches and resin parts currently being supplied to satisfy the current remaining expressions of interest....

When will the tenders by themselves become available?

[LNER4479]

We're happy to sell tenders separately and I have a record of your expression of interest as stated on here previously - just waiting for another batch of etches to arrive then I can process another round of orders accordingly

[Rustynuts]

Same here, would be interested in another tender.

regards

Paul

[LNER4479]

Same here, would be interested in another tender.

regards

Paul

Note duly made!

[LNER4479]

Hi folks,

Just a quick update to say that, with fresh supplies in stock, I'm now able to follow up on all current outstanding orders.

If anyone thinks they're on the list and haven't been contacted over the last few days then please just give me a shout - either a gentle note on here or by PM.

I also have the revised etch for the boiler which I'm about to make up for the prototype B7 so I hope to post some info on that soon.

[Horsetan]

Hi folks,

Just a quick update to say that, with fresh supplies in stock, I'm now able to follow up on all current outstanding orders....

Excellent. I replied to your last e-mail

[LNER4479]

Well, for those patient folk waiting for the B3-2 (Caprotti) version, some progress to report in the form of an update.

After more hours than I care to mention, poring over every available photo of the four locos, I've completed a series of hand-drawn drawings as much as I can. This is a sort of GA for 6166/68 with the covers off. A similar drawing exists for 6164/67. For each principal component, there is then a more detailed, dimensioned drawing which I'm hoping will give Nick (the etch designer) enough information to update the existing etch design. The idea is that the etch will cover all 3 variants, ie 6166/68 with covers on; 6166/68 with covers off and 6164/6167 (which were always uncovered).

The etch will include the following parts:
- Fold up etch for the cambox (2 off) There was slight detail differences between 6166/68 and 6164/67 but one common one will have to do for the kit
- Cambox carrying cradle (2 off)
- Parts to make up reverser stand (different designs for 6166/68 versus 6164/67)
- Fold up etch for steam pipe (different designs for 6166/68 versus 6164/67) (2 off)
- LHS translation reverser stand (0.5mm difference between 6166/68 & 6164/67!)
- Reverser support (6164/6167 only - amid-ships RHS splasher)

In doing all this (which has actually been very interesting - honest), I've been continually trying to balance prototypicality versus buildability. Some of the parts are already quite small and I think you get to a limit in terms of what is practical for a kit, plus the paucity of pictures / drawings makes it difficult to be certain about size / shape - it's been a challenge enough as it is. If builders want to continue gilding the lily and adding further, smaller details well I hope at least the kit as provided will have given you a good start.

Happy to receive any comments from those interested in purchasing the kit for this variant. It'll probably be a week or two before getting the details to Nick so there's potential to add / modify (within reason) in that time.

Graham

[Chas Levin]

Exciting news - and interesting details

[Horsetan]

That's excellent!

[LNER4479]

B3/2 drawings now complete and sent off to Nick Easton ... who, having had a first look through, is currently lying down in a darkened room

[Atlantic 3279]

I wondered if he might...