28-May-2008 08:14

Back to Work in Abayance

Manufactured by: Slater's Plastikard Ltd., Royal Bank Buildings, Temple Road, Matlock Bath, MATLOCK, DE4 3PG. Tel: 0629 583993. slaters@slatersplastikard.com http://www.slatersplastikard.com/

I have long wanted a model of a GWR 2800 2-8-0, such majestic engines that exuded confident, unassuming power, were designed to move what was the life blood of the railway, goods.  Even though my projected railway is unlikely to have ever seen one, I will run one anyway (it is my railway after all!).

A chance remark from Philip Millard while in his shop one day recently (September 2006) that Slater's 2800 was originally produced by Malcolm Mitchell promoted me to order one on the spot.  I have since discovered from Malcolm himself that he had nothing at all to do with it.  So far as I can find out, a company called "Pilgrim Models" produced it.  Whoever produced it originally, there is now no trace of their involvement on the etches.

So with some trepidation I collected the kit from Home of 0 Gauge not knowing really anything about the kit's antecedents or quality.  Along with the kit they had also provided me with their security chip, a service I hope will be continued when the business changes hands.

So what comes in the box? - which is not, in my view, capable of protecting the finished model, too flimsy I am happy to say.  All such models belong in proper, wooden, carrying cases.

There is a great deal and most, if not all, of it appears to be of high quality.  For the engine there are several bags of castings, most of which are lost wax brass with a few in copper and nickel silver and others in white metal.  Numerous sheets of high quality etches.  Pre-rolled boiler parts and a set of white metal castings for the firebox.  This latter I shall investigate with interest.  Those of you who have read my rantings in the past will know my antipathy for white metal.

The etchings for the frames are suitably thick while things like half etched depressions for producing rivet and bolt heads are commendably tiny.  Parts to provide a sprung chassis are part and parcel of the piece too.

Parts for the tender include ready formed sides and what appears to be provision for compensation and/or springing for the chassis.  Finally, the instructions, which appear very comprehensive at first glance, have good isometric drawings and identifiable lists of parts.  I have added the AGH castings for the wheels however, as supplied, the kit normally would have a set of Slater's wheels plus their own motor/gearbox too.

I have decided that I will have a crack at making an entirely sprung chassis for this beast combined with the "American" method (one side of the engine and the opposite side of the tender) for electrical pick-up and DCC chips.  Do not expect any further action anytime soon though.  First I have to gather more prototype information about the early 2800's and, hopefully, pictures of some based at either Stafford Road or Tyseley in about 1905-6.  Secondly I have to clear the backlog from my work bench of the remaining outstanding jobs to which "Work in Progress" will attest, let alone the Cinderella's languishing in "Work in Abeyance".

To be continued, eventually.....

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