Resting on the approach to Magdalene Lane, is our kit built LNER B16 Locomotive
The B16 locomotive kit is one of DJH's older designs, but as far as we know, is the only kit in this scale for one of these fine mixed traffic locomotives. Constructionally, there are a number of hurdles for the modeller to overcome. The elderly chassis design consists of two heavy gauge brass sideframes, with a white metal extension to under the smokebox. The first problem encountered is that when assembled with the top hat bearings in place, it is not possible to get the wheels on the axles. The solution, as recommended in the instructions, is to file the bearing shoulders down; a remarkable amount of metal has to be removed in this process to get a rolling chassis. When this is achieved, the next problem is that the white metal chassis extension piece, on which the cylinder block needs to be mounted, is too long, so this has to be shortened by cutting it up and soldering it back together with a strengthening piece (a scrap of nickle silver was used). Finally, the front bogie is slightly too short; this was cut in half, and a insert soldered into place to make it the right length.
Being older tooling, the quality of the cast white metal components is perhaps not as crisp as more recent offerings from this manufacturer, but a little patience and time taken with a good quality model filler soon brought things up to scratch. The white metal buffers, safety valves, and whistles were all replaced with brass components from other manufacturers, and Smiths imitation screw couplings fitted.
Despite some reservations about the kit, overall this is the only way at the moment to acquire a B16 locomotive of this period, and with a little bit of extra work, patience, and time, the prototype can be convincingly modelled. The model still requires vacuum pipes and Westinghouse pipes to complete, plus a driver and fireman.
The B16 locomotive was a Raven design, first appearing in 1919 and classified S3 by the NER. A total of 70 of these powerful engines were built at Darlington, being re-classified as B16 by the LNER after grouping.
No. 1381 entered traffic on the 4th. December 1923. It was shedded at Darlington until 1943 when it was transfered to York, then finally in 1961 to Mirfield. No. 1381 entered Darlington works on 2nd. December 1963 - 2 days short of 40 years service, to be cut up.
This new addition to our stable will run on one of our two LNER layouts at a forthcoming exhibition in 2012. Being dual fitted, it will most likely be used for hauling fast fitted goods.
This is an Alexander Models J27 locomotive - LNER No. 1056.
The kit consists of a white metal body for both the locomotive and tender, with etched nickle silver chassis and many lost-wax brass components. Construction was mainly soldered, but a combination of superglue or epoxy was used for some of the smaller parts, or where a soldering iron couldn't reach. The motor is a DS10, with a simple worm and pinion gearbox (Romford). The wheels are also Romford, with etched wheelnut covers from Mainly Trains.
The original locomotive was built by Robert Stephenson & Co. and entered traffic in May 1909. Unusually, it spent all of its working life at Sunderland shed - apart from various excursions to Darlington and Gateshead for repairs. It was renumbered as 5833 in 1946, and then as 65833 by BR in 1948. It lasted almost to the end of steam, finally being condemned in May 1967 before being cut up at Choppington.
This project was built as a commission, so unfortunately it won't be appearing on any of our layouts.
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