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were purchased by the London, Midland, and Scottish Railway, (LNER) and were soon reclassified, renumbered, and soon withdrawn in the late 1950's by British Railways (BR). The first of the Fowler 3F tanks were scrapped in 1959; the last were withdrawn in 1967 after a 40+ year career.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);

OO GAUGE SOUTHERN REGION MAUNSELL COACHES [LAWRENCE AND GODDARD]

As previously shown here briefly we've a boxed set of 6 SR Maunsell coaches made by David Lawrence and Larry Goddard. Now I only have this information garnished from the limited research available to me without Dad being here to enlighten me. However I am led to understand that Mr Lawrence might be responsible for most of the coaches build work and Mr Goddard is an expert painter and finisher ... though I think that comment understates both of their talents considerably and shall continue to try and find further reference and knowledge about both of these superb experts in their field.

Now I'm not the expert, sadly my late father was, so all I can provide is some basic information from what I can see and the limited research I have done so far, Am always open to comment and correction but please be constructive as I'm not trying to mislead anyone here.

Six Southern Region Maunsell Coaches
CORRIDOR COMPOSITE Class 1st / 3rd 
 - No.5662 + No.5648
CORRIDOR BRAKE THIRD (Luggage)
 - No.3740 + No.3799
CORRIDOR THIRD
 - No.783
DINING SALOON 
- No.7863 (pictured above)
GUV/CCT SR No.417
(the above GUV is included as part of this collection though I think it's just one Dad built himself to compliment the coaching stock). 
Remain boxed for safety and to preserve their quality, I will however aim to get them out and show the whole set at the next OO Gauge Test Track open day. More photo's and video clips if possible will hopefully follow. 

There is a 7th vehicle which appears to be a baggage car but origin is unlikely to match the others I think it was just kept together as a complete running set of rolling stock. 

Been in my late fathers collection for many years, probably about 20 given he moved onto larger scale modelling for the past couple of decades.

In wonderful condition for their age, signed by both David and Larry on the underside. Professionally valued at a dedicated model auction house, that regularly deals with vintage items, they estimated around £200-£250 each and was given a reserve as a complete set of £1250. The GUV / Baggage van being included in the set was being offered effectively free. 

Sorry have tried to get a decent close up of this signature to show you but my camera skills are poor and it just comes out blurred. Will keep trying though probably needs more light and a steady hand.

Here's a few more pictures taken including the GUV/CCT baggage car that I can only presume Dad added in afterwards as I had a couple of these which were Slaters Kits he made up to supplement some of his stock, sadly this item has lost one or two of it's 'windows' they probably lost their adhesive qualities while stored away. One of the coaches too has a loose roof but is otherwise intact again probably just a fresh application of superglue / resin or whatever is preferred.

HILLINGDON RAILWAY MODELLERS 2019 OPEN DAYS -- SATURDAY 19th OCTOBER

http://www.hillingdonrailwaymodellers.co.uk/

Welcome again, it's time for the fifth Open Day of this year at Hillingdon Railway Modellers, these regular events are very popular and the next one will be held on Saturday 19th October 2019.

While I have not been able to attend here for a little while this is a good opportunity to get myself over there and give a few of my Dads O Gauge models a bit of a run out since I've no room for a layout at home and I don't want them to live in boxes forever. I aim to hopefully get there for the afternoon with a few items in my bag to try out and also update a few pictures too. It's always a popular day and doors open to the public at 10:00am.

Click picture for YT video of test track

Address 

Yiewsley Baptist Church74 Colham Avenue

West Drayton  UB7 8HF

* the entrance is at the side of the church down a path and the doors at the end should be open, don't try and enter the main doors of the church. 

Club Events For 2019

Date	Description
12/13 October 2019	Grindley Brook - Great Electric Train Show
19 October	Test Track Open Day
14 December	Test Track Open Day

Owing to rental costs of the hall there is a cover charge of £5 but there will be two extensive O Gauge and OO Gauge Test Tracks available and have recently added a three track N Gauge circuit too (Pic Below) all up and running so if you have anything you wish to see get a good run do please come along.

N GAUGE TEST TRACK 

There are always plenty of refreshments available, Tea, Coffee and cold drinks for the youngster, in addition the freshly made bacon rolls are highly recommended. (just don't scoff them all before I get there!!)  It should be stressed that these ARE NOT exhibitions, so please bring your own locos and rolling stock to run. At busy times we may have to introduce time slots so that everyone can get a chance to operate their stock. Here's a short clip of one of the earlier open days YouTube LINK

Below and Left you can see a busy picture of their 8 road yard in O Gauge it's a very extensive track and will give your models a very good run. A few photo's taken from the previous open days are below, if you read back to some of the earlier postings in this blog I have tried to show the variety of excellent models on show, these guys are truly experts in their craft I only wish I had some of their talents and skills.

People will bring a wide variety of stock to run, nearly all are kit built though and the skills / detail is truly incredible.

Everyone will get their turn to run on each of the test tracks I  promise but it is popular and a queue system will usually operate.

I hope that these pictures give a good indication of the size of the O Gauge test track, you can give your models a really good work out here. This formation can also transform into an exhibition layout called Grindley Brook a scenic section replaces the long straight down the back.

This layout was shown at the Warley show at the NEC Birmingham in November 2017 and will have recently been making an appearance at the Wigan Show in October 2018 so well done to all concerned getting this large layout out there to be enjoyed by people far and wide.

Grindley Brook was recently seen at the Great Electric Train Show, over last weekend and has been featured in the October 2019 issue of the Hornby magazine which  has an article detailing how Grindley Brook was planned and constructed. 

GRINDLEY BROOK O GAUGE

Grindley Brook Station

A few more pictures from some of the previous Open Days, though they mostly focus on the O Gauge track there are also Test Tracks available for OO and N Gauge too. There are many society members on hand who are both extremely friendly and knowledgeable too so if you have any problems with modelling or questions they will be more than happy to try and help i am sure. 

Couple of Dads models (right) , Jersey and Caen simple looking Class B4 0-4-0 engines but plenty of detail and most of all I really like them both. There's a wide variety to be seen on these Open Days. 

THE BUSY OO GAUGE TEST TRACK

LONDON UNDERGROUND STOCK MAKE A WELCOME APPEARANCE

N GAUGE TEST TRACK

N GAUGE BRIGHTON BELLE
SOON TO RETURN TO MAINLINE HOPEFULLY

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you are Travelling by Car

Check here for Parking Options.

Nearest Railway Stations :

West Drayton [0.34 miles]

OO GAUGE WESTWARD 0-6-0 WHITE METAL KIT SOUTHERN CLASS 700

WESTWARD WHITE METAL KIT
4mm Scale "OO" GAUGE 
CLASS 700 -- 0-6-0 -- No. 688 
BUILT TO RUN ON THE SOUTHERN REGION

ONCE COMPLETED THE MODEL WAS PAINTED BLACK WITH A SOUTHERN GREEN LINING AND GOLD "SOUTHERN - No.688" ON THE TENDER. WHILE MANY MODELLERS I'M SURE WOULD PREFER TO WEATHER THEIR MODELS I DO ENJOY TO SEE THE DETAILED CAB INTERIOR INCLUDES DRIVER AND FIREMAN AND OTHER INTRICATE DETAILS WHICH WERE TYPICAL OF MY FATHERS WORK.

THE TENDER IS FULL OF COAL AND HAS HANDMADE TOOLS LAID OUT ON THE TOP TOO. 

PREDOMINATELY A FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVE THE 700 CLASS WAS BUILT IN GLASGOW FOR THE LSWR (SR), WOULD HAVE BEEN FOUND ON THE EXTENSIVE MARSHALLING YARDS OF EASTLEIGH AND FELTHAM (OUR HOMETOWN) AND THIS MODEL WAS THE FIRST OF THIS CLASS TO BE WITHDRAWN BY BR IN 1957 FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT AT STAINES.

"On 9 August 1957, locomotive No 30688 was in a head-on collision with a train formed of two electric multiple units at Staines, Middlesex after the latter departed against a danger signal". 

The locomotive was the first of it's class to be withdrawn a month after it's accident. Sadly none of the class were saved for preservation and while Hornby made a version of this loco it's not a patch on the WESTWARD KIT version Dad built. 

At this stage the model was in excellent condition despite being stored in its original box for the past 20+ years. I wish I could have kept them all he made some wonderful models and the lucky people who now have some of these I really hope they are enjoying them and giving them plenty of run time. 

HILLINGDON RAILWAY MODELLERS OPEN DAY -- SATURDAY 28th OCTOBER

http://www.hillingdonrailwaymodellers.co.uk/

Soon to be looking forward to the fifth open day of the year at Hillingdon Railway Modellers which will be held on Saturday 28th October 2017.

Feels like a long time since I paid them a visit so want to be bringing along a few of Dads models for a run, I will hopefully get there for the afternoon with a few items in my bag to try out and given them a run as it's always a popular day and doors open to the public at 10:00am. 

28 October	Test Track Open Day (confirmed)
16 December	Test Track Open Day (confirmed)
2018	Will be confirmed soon

Yiewsley Baptist Church
74 Colham Avenue
West Drayton
UB7 8HF

* the entrance is at the side of the church down a path and the doors at the end should be open, don't try and enter the main doors of the church. 

Owing to rental costs of the hall there is a cover charge of £4 but there will be two extensive O Gauge and OO Gauge Test Tracks available and have recently added a three track N Gauge circuit too (Pic Below) all up and running so if you have anything you wish to see get a good run do please come along.

N GAUGE TEST TRACK 

There are always plenty of refreshments available, Tea, Coffee and cold drinks for the youngster, in addition the freshly made bacon rolls are highly recommended. (just don't scoff them all before I get there!!)

It should be stressed that these ARE NOT exhibitions, so please bring your own locos and rolling stock to run. At busy times we may have to introduce time slots so that everyone can get a chance to operate their stock. Here's a short clip of one of the earlier open days YouTube LINK

Below you can see a busy picture of their 8 road yard in O Gauge it's a very extensive track and will give your models a very good run. A few photo's taken from the previous open days are below, if you read back to some of the earlier postings in this blog I have tried to show the variety of excellent models on show, these guys are truly experts in their craft I only wish I had some of their talents and skills.

People will bring a wide variety of stock to run, nearly all are kit built though and the skills / detail is incredible.

Everyone will get their turn I promise.

EXHIBITIONS

Confirmed Exhibition Bookings for Grindley Brook

Date	Location
25/26 November 2017	The Warley National Model Railway Exhibition 2017 - NEC Birmingham

This picture gives a good idea of the size of the O Gauge test track, you can give your models a really good work out here. This can also transform into an exhibition layout called Grindley Brook a scenic section replaces the long straight down the back.

This layout will be making an appearance at the NEC Birmingham as above. 

A few more pictures from some of last years Open Days, though they mostly focus on the O Gauge track there are also Test Tracks available for OO and N Gauge too. There are many society members on hand who are both extremely friendly and knowledgeable too so if you have any problems with modelling or questions they will be more than happy to try and help i am sure. 

THE BUSY OO GAUGE TEST TRACK

LONDON UNDERGROUND STOCK MAKE A WELCOME APPEARANCE

N GAUGE TEST TRACK

BRIGHTON BELLE IN "N". SOON TO REAPPEAR ON MAINLINE TOO

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you are Travelling by Car

Check here for Parking Options.

Nearest Railway Stations :

West Drayton [0.34 miles]