This locomotive kit represents the G.W.R. 2-6-0 43xx class. It will build numbers 4301 to 4320 with the tall cab, short roof and short cab side sheets. A kit is also available to build numbers 4321 to 5389 which had the tall cab with long roof and extended cab side sheets, please state which type is required when ordering.

This model locomotive kit is etched on 0.018" brass for the loco and tender body and 0.028" brass for the loco and tender chassis. The coupling rods, connecting rods, cylinder end plates and wrappers are etched on 0.018" nickel silver. The slide bars are cast in nickel silver along with the crossheads and piston rods. Separate cylinder release valves cast in nickel silver are also supplied.

The loco chassis has been designed to be soldered together using the slot and tab method with ample etched spacers and generous axle bearings. The cylinders are etched and have been designed for removal from the body for maintenance purposes. The slide bars are cast in nickel silver along with the crosshead and piston rod, this is much more durable than white metal and makes it easy to solder the slide bars to the etched cylinder plates. The valve rod, connecting link and rocker arm have all been designed so that they could be made to move by the builder. White metal casting's have been supplied for the cylinder end covers along with cast sand boxes which are attached to the frames by built in studs and nuts. Compensation is of course supplied in the kit for the two front axles on the loco. The tender chassis can also be compensated on the center axle, this allows the builder the choice of building a rigid or compensated chassis, all the parts being included. To finish the chassis, we have supplied etched balance weights for the driving wheels which could be glued in position.

The coupling rods are jointed to allow for any uneven track and making the locomotive suitable for use on indoor or outdoor layouts where it may have to hop over a gremlin or two. The pony truck, although of simple fold up design, is very robust and incorporates the guard irons.

The etched brake gear follows great western practice with separate cross beams and pull rods connected together with cranks. The brake gear is assembled by rivets, and can be adjusted for brake shoe clearance, it could be assembled with screws if you prefer. The brake arms are doubled giving detail on both sides and separate brake shoes and blocks are supplied. The etched springs are also doubled giving them extra thickness with detail on both side and designed for ease of assembly. An etched brake cylinder is included to give that little extra detail.

The body has ample rivet detail to be punched out by the builder, this means that the plate work is much more substantial and the rivet heads can be formed correctly which all makes for a much improved appearance to the model. The firebox has a strong inner frame which orientates the front and back plates precisely and centralizes the unit making the outer wrapper easier to form and fit. Parts are accurately made and can be assembled with 145 or 180 degree solder for the main parts, low melt solder being used for the smaller items. The etches have been designed with grooves, fold lines, slot and tabs to assist in locating some of the main parts assuring correct location. The smoke box is a brass tube cut to length for you with an overlay to give the rivet detail, a turned brass disk blanks off the front end onto which fits the cast white metal door with brass door handle. Using a tube ensures that the smokebox will remain circular and not get distorted by heat from the suns rays while working outside or left on display in a window.

The chimney is cast in white metal, while the safety valve is polished brass with a cast white metal top feed. The whistles are brass turnings but all other casting's are cast in white metal. The cab is furnished with a basic cast backhead with separate fittings. These include a fire door, site feed lubricator, drivers brake valve, water gauge and regulator handle. Etched inside window frames, etched seats and etched or cast reversing gear completes the inside of the cab.

A 3500 gallon tender is supplied with this kit, it is the same tender kit as supplied with our Saint and 49xx Hall loco kits. White metal casting's are supplied for the water dome, filler, vents and axle boxes. The tender is to the same standard as the loco being designed for ease of construction with strength. A sub chassis with etched brake gear makes it easy for the builder to remove for maintenance work. An etched brake cylinder is also supplied complete with the necessary rods and arms. Also water pick up gear is supplied for those who want that extra detail. This tender kit contains extra coal rails and side frames which allows for the construction of various forms of the 3500 gallon tender. In keeping with our other kits we of course supply the hand rail knobs, wire, tube, screws, nuts, along with a comprehensive set of assembly instructions compiled in the form of an A4 booklet. The kit is supplied in a box large enough to house the completed model