CLASS 3F [0-6-0] (4mm) OO GAUGE - KIT [CRAFTSMAN MODELS]

"OO" GAUGE CLASS 3F 
CRAFTSMAN MODELS KIT 

0-6-0T LMS Black Livery No.7312

Long before my Dad started building wonderful O Gauge model kits he started out by putting together a few OO Gauge items too. This would have been one of his very early kits, an LMS tank engine from Craftsman Models. I cannot find these available now other than a handful of accessories on eBay while Hatton's have a few OO Gauge models / spares but nothing 'new' as such. Further research suggests that the company changed hands towards the end of 2015 and was run down ceasing new business about a year later. I believe this model would have been from the mid 1990s once I had left home and Dad claimed my room as his modelling den instead. Also interesting to see the range of LMS, Southern, LSWR locomotives and rolling stock that he had spent time building because as time went on his focus certainly shifted to the LNER. 

A bit of wear and tear on the original box, not bad given it's at least 30+ years old so that's not too bad really. I dearly wish I had more information about this and what chassis Dad used etc. But all that knowledge was sadly lost when he passed away. At least with the many models he created, some good, some less so, as well as many outstanding especially when he moved into O Gauge, I have a pleasing reminder of him and the quality work he put into every item big or small. 

Given it's lack of running and had probably been stored in it's box for a good number of years was pleased that it immediately came back to life on our small test track. Running nicely at low speed too and having been given a good clean up as well as some much needed tlc and lubrication this will give someone plenty of enjoyment as it's passed on. Really pleased with the outcome after such a long period of inactivity. 

LMS CLASS 3F BACKGROUND

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Fowler 3F is a tank engine which was built between 1924-1931 in considerably large numbers. The "Jinty" is considered to be one of the most popular, recognizable, and reliable types of tank engines built in Britain. Many were purchased by the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway, (LNER) and were soon reclassified, renumbered, and soon withdrawn in the late 1950's by British Railways (BR). The first of the Fowler 3F tanks were scrapped in 1959; the last were withdrawn in 1967 after a 40+ year career.

In Preservation
Thanks to their large numbers, renowned performance and late withdrawals, nine of these engines have been preserved, along with a spare set of frames and a boiler (from 47564). Many were restored within a few years of leaving the scrap heap, and most have a further working life ahead of them. All have steamed in preservation, with the exception of 47445.

One member of the class has operated on the main line in preservation. This was 7298/47298, which took part during the Rainhill celebrations in 1980 when it hauled a number of Steamport residents from the museum in Southport to Rainhill and also took part in the cavalcade. Owned by Ian Riley, in February 2017 it was undergoing its 'ten-yearly overhaul' and was expected to return to operation "in a couple of years".

Locations and condition are shown below
(current numbers shown in bold);