Steve Johnson Modelmaker
Back to BR Locomotives
|
Hunslet 7051 0-6-0DM
7051 was built in 1932 for the LMS, as an experimental locomotive to asses the use of diesel shunters. Powered by a MAN engine, later replaced by a McLaren-Ricardo unit, transmission was Hunslet's own design mechanical unit via a jackshaft. It was originally numbered 7401. The locomotive still survives and is at the Middleton Railway in Leeds.
The model made from a Judith Edge Kit and has gone together surprising quickly. No major issues were encountered. All that remains to do to complete this model is motorisation, a final tidy of the bodywork and painting.
7051 primed and ready for a final tidy up before painting black.
7051 painted black and awaiting Archer Rivet transfers
7051 chassis with a Mashima 1020 can motor coupled to a Branchlines 80:1 double reduction gearbox. A DCC Concepts decoder is neatly fitted under the footplate along with two strips of lead sheet to add weight. Lead shot was placed into the bonnet section for additional weight, being careful that the model was balanced about the centre axle. Archer rivet detail was added prior to a final waft of gloss black paint. Transfers were the next issue. It seems that 7051 had 10 inch gold shaded red LMS lettering and cream numbers. Unfortunately a look through the catalogues showed that no supplier makes this particular size! Modelmaster informed me that the lettering and numbering were hand painted. The available transfers were just too big to fit on the cabside, apart from looking wrong. I had a quote for custom made transfers, but they were just too expensive for six letters! Another look through the Fox Transfers general number and letter catalogue showed that Cheltenham Medium 3mm high letters were a very close approximation to the LMS font. As such, I bought a pack each of the gold, red and off white. I carefully applied the red LMS letters first allowing them to fully dry. I then carefully applied the gold letters on top, slightly offset, to produce the drop shadow effect. The numbers were then applied to line up with the lettering. As can be seen in the photograph of the completed model, it doesn't look too bad. A Narrow Planet worksplate was fitted below the numbers along with the Hunslet logo over the radiator. A final coat of satin varnish completed the body. Gibson sprung buffers and Exactoscale three link couplings were then fitted before finally adding the glazing and Alex Jackson couplings.
|