Description
This 1/19 scale model is based on one of the eight side tank locomotives supplied by Sharp Stewart of Manchester to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for its opening in 1881. As soon as they were delivered it was realised that they weren’t powerful enough and the first of the famous “A class” locomotives were ordered. The side-tanks spent the next ten years pulling trains on the flat Siliguri to Sukna section of the line which had a weak river bridge. Once this bridge had been rebuilt the eight class one locos were sold to the North Western Railway in India where they ended their days at the Dandot Colliery in the Punjab.
The model is entirely 3D printed (with the exception of the laser cut cab floor). Most parts are printed in resin with rivet detail included. The prototype had a spark arresting chimney but the kit also includes a “stove pipe” chimney if you don’t want that colonial look. The boiler top and side tank tops are a single piece that are bolted in place to allow easy access to the main battery and RC compartment. The smoke box door is also hinged for easy access to a charging socket. Cab rails are steel rods for strength.
The 3D printed chassis comes pre-assembled with the steel wheels and cranks fitted and quartered. All the modeler has to do is assemble the connecting and coupling rods (preferably after painting). These parts are 3D printed in a tough, grey engineering grade nylon and are held in place by M2 bolts and metal bushes. The piston rods and slide bars are also metal for strength. Drive from the 6-volt motor is via brass gears to the rear axle.
A prototypical Darjeeling buffer and draw bar are included in the kit but may be omitted and your own choice of centre buffer bolted in place.
Ready to Run locomotives come fitted with Micron radio control, battery and charger.
This kit is also available in Ready-To-Run form here.
Kit Form
Price £250. Kit features :
- Prebuilt and tested working four wheel drive chassis (no soldering required).
- 3D resin printed cab and side tank components
- Choice of “ballon” and straight chimneys
- Over a dozen high quality “SLS” nylon motion and detailing components
- Ample space for batteries and radio control gear (not included in the kit)
