This is a detailed scale model kit for adult collectors. Not for children under 14 years old.
This model kit is based on the two locomotives built by Manning Wardle for the Avontuur Railway (Cape Government Railways), South Africa. They initial found work on the construction of the 2' gauge Avontuur Railway, which had some 170 miles of track in the South East of the country. Theses 2-6-4T locomotives were originally classified as Type A, and at nearly 35 tons were some of the largest tank locomotives ever produced to 2' gauge. The locos continued to operate the Avontuur Railway after its completion, but were withdrawn and scrapped in 1929
Original drawings have not been used in making this model, but the shape and style captures the character of the machines built by Manning Wardle. The model has the same general proportions, but has had minor some changes from the prototype. Most notably their is an additional trailing sandbox on top of the boiler. This is the largest tank locomotive currently produced by Fourdees Limited, and should not be operated on curves tighter than 12" radius.
This kit has been printed in new HD resin, which is darker in finish to the parts shown in the photographs.
This is an advance kit. The body is in a several pieces, with roof and cab interior to fit. The Graham Farish 08 chassis requires significant modification to complete, in this case replacing the frames and all the motion and flycranks. There is also valve gear, with several delicate pivoting components to assemble.