A model seven years in the making
This is one of the most ambitious models we have ever made, and it has taken some time to get right. We started the CAD for this way back in May 2019, with the original intention to make a small batch of ready-to-run models. However, as the project developed, the sheer scale of parts involved meant it would be uneconomical to produce. For the price, other features would also be necessary, and we had neither the expertise or capacity to overcome these issues.
Since we brought production 'in-house' three years ago, we've always had it in our mind to bring this model out as a kit. However, there have continued to be hurdles to overcome, in particular what was capable with the machines and resin we were using. This model has been on and off our design desk every year as we've tried to get it right. The final piece in this development has been our increasing use of a new resin that is able to do all the parts justice.
The design is that of a Baldwin Locomotive that could have been built in the 1920's. In fact, it is inspired by both 'No.1 Santa Teresa' and 'No.2' in operation on the Brecon Mountain Railway. The frames, cab and tender all taken from No.1, whilst the valve gear chassis is from No.2. The final model is also scaled to appear in the correct proportions on a Graham Farish 08 donor mechanism.
This model is now available to order via the Fourdees website, price £119.99. This locomotive has a sibling which has taken a similar amount of time to get ready, and we hope to unveil this kit later this month. In the meantime, we have another whopper of a locomotive arriving on the store next week...
