Thompson's A1/1 class 1945 rebuild of Gresley first A1 class pacific 'Great Northern'. This locomotive re-build project was completed in 2015 and she is now with her new owner.
We've never seen a BR blue one before, so we felt it time to put that right. Especially as it looked so good in that livery! It only ran in this livery for a very short period, between January 1950 and May 1951. Photo's are very rare in this livery, but we've included a couple here to prove it's authenticity.
This one originally came to us as a brand new build model just requiring the plumbing up of the lubricators and the odd other small job. It was particularly well machined, but had been sitting for a number of years since the builders passing away. We finished off the mechanical issues and steamed it to find that it ran very nicely, and warranted a full re-paint. The opportunity was taken during the re-paint to tidy up some of the plumbing, and tweak the odd little detail issue along the way.
Test steaming should happen next week, the transfers and numbers will be added and sealed before we finally photograph her fully finished and ready to go by the end of May.
The bottom end was subtly renovated, as it really didn't need much doing to it. The valve gear all came off to enable it to be thoroughly repainted, and we've timed up the three cylinders to run perfectly, right down to a very slow speed.
The boiler cladding in common with all the platework was stripped right back to bare metal, before etch priming and then the top coats of paint were applied.
Here are a few shots of the rest of the platework being sorted with the lining going on.
Next a few extra details made and added to the model.
The boiler bands get lined and added, plus an extra one to improve prototypical accuracy is made.
On the final straight now. The backhead fittings go on along with the plumbing.
All going back together,..... very nearly there now. Finished photos to be uploaded as soon as the numbers and transfers go on, and then of course a video clip of her running.
For any more information please don't hesitate to give us a bell on 07816 963463
