Gauge of interest: GSWR 400 class

[GSR 800]

 

After the MGWR A class, I'm considering commissioning a 400 class. This would be the split footplate version, meaning 401 (after 1949) 403, 405, 407 and 409 could be modelled.

402 had a flush footplate and 500 cab, whereas 406 had caprotti valve gear. 401 also had this until fitted with walschearts in 1949. So these two would be the only two the model wouldn't cover in the 1950s. 401 survived until 1961.

In terms of chassis, I may look to see if the Hornby Royal Scot would work with these. Alternatives would probably be B17s or King Arthurs. The Scot would be ideal as Killian has the chassis block modelled for it. They can also still be found for under 100 quid.

You would receive the loco body and tender, and the smokebox door handle. Killian offers to print the buffers AFAIK. Killian supplied nuts and bolts to fit the shells to chassis. Handrail fittings, handrails, whistle, safety valves, would likely be separate parts though some of these could probably be printed if necessary.

My intention for these would be to purchase two, possibly three. To justify making Killian endure the torture of designing something absolutely littered with snaphead rivets again, I'd be looking for a minimal order of 8 before going ahead and commissioning these. 

With my two that'd be six other required before going ahead with these after the MGWR A class.

So if you're interested in a 400, do let us know!

 

"Those of us who saw the last agonies of steam felt deeply with Charlie Maguire, when, his voice breaking with emotion, bewailed the passing of many 'fine engines'

Charlie was thinking primarily of the 400 class, and of all engines I personally miss them the most."

Drew Donaldson, A Decade of Steam.

 

 

 

Edited June 30 by GSR 800

[leslie10646]

Hmm, mulling this over. Much more interesting than an 800 Class - at least there were ten of them! No.409 was a great favourite of Drew Donaldson's

Mind you rebuilt more time than the current UK Government's policies!

[Westcorkrailway]

You’d be suprised how much consider this there favourite loco….im tempted….

[Flying Snail]

It's a yes for me (one).

[DoctorPan]

Likewise, a yes for me.

[GSR 800]

1 hour ago, DoctorPan said:

Likewise, a yes for me.

2 hours ago, Flying Snail said:

It's a yes for me (one).

Four confirmed then with my two, halfway there.

[Ironroad]

I think you missed me. I confirmed an interest with Killian last Dec and have a D16 waiting.

[GSR 800]

3 hours ago, Ironroad said:

I think you missed me. I confirmed an interest with Killian last Dec and have a D16 waiting.

Hi Ironroad, not to worry, you haven't been forgotten!

The MGWR A class has been commissioned and is in the design stage. 

The A class require smaller Hornby Princess Royal 6'6 driving wheels, which I purchased off Peters Spares and slot easily into place. Initially, I tried B1 driving wheels, which were more accurate, but these caused slipping.

This is a thread to gauge interest on the 400s, which would come after the MGWR loco is completed.

 

 

 

[Horsetan]

It's not just the 400s, but also the 500 class 4-6-0s which maybe one day should also be considered for modelling - in some ways more versatile than the 400s, but there were only three.....

[GSR 800]

1 hour ago, Horsetan said:

It's not just the 400s, but also the 500 class 4-6-0s which maybe one day should also be considered for modelling - in some ways more versatile than the 400s, but there were only three.....

I've considered the 500s also, they're certainly something I'd like to commission sometime in the future.

Was a bit of a toss up between the 400s and 500s when considering this. Main advantages the 400s have was their numbers and longevity.

 

 

Edited Thursday at 12:24 by GSR 800

[Horsetan]

1 hour ago, GSR 800 said:

I've considered the 500s also, they're certainly something I'd like to commission sometime in the future.

Was a bit of a toss up between the 400s and 500s when considering this. Main advantages the 400s have was their numbers and longevity.

Whilst we're on the subject of the 400 3D-print, would it be possible to order just the tender on its own? Reason for asking is that I'd like one to be attached to my build of J15 no.186 to portray her preserved state.

[GSR 800]

49 minutes ago, Horsetan said:

Whilst we're on the subject of the 400 3D-print, would it be possible to order just the tender on its own? Reason for asking is that I'd like one to be attached to my build of J15 no.186 to portray her preserved state.

Yes should be possible, though the prints 'as is' are usually designed just being the tender body, attached to the donor locos tender chassis. I'm sure @Killian Keane could do a full tender if commissioned. Was it confirmed that 186 been hauling around a 400 tender? I often heard it said but never knew the truth of it!

[Horsetan]

9 minutes ago, GSR 800 said:

Yes should be possible, though the prints 'as is' are usually designed just being the tender body, attached to the donor locos tender chassis. I'm sure @Killian Keane could do a full tender if commissioned. Was it confirmed that 186 been hauling around a 400 tender? I often heard it said but never knew the truth of it!

It's a 3345-gallon tender which appears to be a very close resemblance to the type attached to 400/500 class. The RPSI do mention that they think it might be a 400-class tender; there don't seem to be any other types that fit the description.

[Killian Keane]

34 minutes ago, GSR 800 said:

Yes should be possible, though the prints 'as is' are usually designed just being the tender body, attached to the donor locos tender chassis. I'm sure @Killian Keane could do a full tender if commissioned. Was it confirmed that 186 been hauling around a 400 tender? I often heard it said but never knew the truth of it!

yes I can do full tenders, Ive done them in the past though not to my current standards, the WLWR goods will be getting one, the only thing is using a modern RTR chassis for the loco the wiring between loco and tender will have to be re-soldered in such a way as that the loco will run without being connected to the tender pickups

[Horsetan]

27 minutes ago, Killian Keane said:

yes I can do full tenders, Ive done them in the past though not to my current standards, the WLWR goods will be getting one, the only thing is using a modern RTR chassis for the loco the wiring between loco and tender will have to be re-soldered in such a way as that the loco will run without being connected to the tender pickups

In that case, Killian, would you consider printing a full 400-class tender for me?

[Killian Keane]

4 hours ago, Horsetan said:

In that case, Killian, would you consider printing a full 400-class tender for me?

certainly, the MGWR A class will be first but Ill be more than happy to get on with the 400s afterwards

[Mike 84C]

While we are talking MGWR locos how's about a J5?  I'm talking off the top of my head now but I'm sure I remember measuring the LNER J72 and the wheelbase is only 1mm out. Nice etched chassis available from Wizard Models.