Garden Railway Forum

After some delays due to the current state of the postal system, my Christmas present arrived today.
First impressions are good and I look forward to building it but will do a proper look over it later.

Really interested to follow the build process on this one. Please let us know (with photos) how you progress.

Rik

Thanks Rik,
Usually terrible at remembering to take photos during the build rather than at the end but I'll make a conscious effort here. It will benefit me too as I'm hoping to pick up some construction tips for my ongoing B-class design and build.

I'll be watching too as I think these kits are good quality models at sensible prices. My own PDF Christmas present arrived early and was hidden away by my wife until the big day! Mine is the Baldwin 50HP petrol tractor, an ugly beast but lots of character and detailing potential.

Ooh, another 50HP Baldwin - we will be able to have a proper parade of these at a South West Wales group meeting, I think this will make a third - matching the number of Kerr Stuart 4415s in the group (at least once I finally finish painting my one!) Though we're probably a way off yet matching the number of quarry Hunslets! But I do like seeing these models together.



Looking forward to seeing the Single Fairlie build....

Thanks all,

I very nearly went for the Baldwin and it's definitely still on the list but the Fairlie just beat it in desirability.

I decided to have a better look over lunch and I remain impressed.



In contrast to the DeWinton I had previously built, it's nice to see the Slaters wheels which should really help the running (they do make up a good chunk of the price of the kit though). Likewise it's good to have metal gearing which should be much more durable than the plastic versions on the smaller locos



The printed parts seem to be of good quality for FDM prints though they will need a lot of elbow grease to get them smooth (I've become spoiled after getting into resin printing ) and the assembly methods have clearly been well thought out...it is interesting to compare this with the way I was planning to build my own printed locos. This kit was clearly designed by a modeller whereas I too often try to design things like an engineer which doesn't always work in smaller scales.



The separate bogie and stepped footplate means the parts are necessarily fairly chunky but not excessively so.



A very rough assembly shows that this will be quite an impressive machine when finished (and before anyone says, I do now realise the cab is on backwards )

My only real complaint is that, once assembled access to the (usefully cavernous) interior will be limited so I may make some mods to allow easier battery changing etc. There is enough space for a fairly decent size LiPo battery which should give very decent run lengths though.

So in summary, this looks like it has the potential to make a lovely model as long as I don't muck it up!

Nice as they are, I will continue any further Baldwin discussion on my own 'Time to build a railway..' thread and let Gareth keep us informed about his Single Fairlie build here. My intention was to promote the PDF brand, (as a satisfied customer), nothing more!

Great work so far. Impressed by the quality of the printing. Clearly a better quality printer than mine has been used.

Rik

Puzzled by the round spectacles on the cab front ... should they not be rectangular?

Yes they should! I just loosely put everything together and the cab is on back to front...Doh!

Garethep wrote: ↑Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:53 pmYes they should! I just loosely put everything together and the cab is on back to front...Doh!

Ah, yes!

The cab thing (whilst a silly mistake) does hint at the only real issue with this kit so far....mine came without instructions (I assumed a mistake) but I've had it confirmed that there are no written instructions.....there is an online video showing the construction of the power bogie but nothing for the body.....whilst it is generally straightforward there will be doubt be some trial and error figuring out the various fasteners etc.

Ill try and document the build as closely as I can and highlight any traps I find to help anyone who builds one of these in the future.

Yes, we do get there eventually!
[attachment=0]MR200802-001.jpg[/attachment]

That's a lovely job! I'd be happy if mine was anywhere near that good.

Excellent finish on both locos

Rik

Great photos of those lovely locos Rob.