Sacre 2-4-0t (Class 12AT/AM)

Tentative proposals are in place  for a 7mm kit for this loco. Expressions of interest are sought.

If you are a member of the Gauge O Guild, please go to their Forum and look for a thread called "Slaters outside cranks and axles" in the Modelling Section. This is the place to express interest.

If you are not a member, but would like a kit, please leave your name in the comments below and I will try to pass on your expression of interest.

No guarantees at this time, but the greater the interest, the more likely it will

go ahead.

GCR 8N Class (LNER B6)

According to a post on the GCRS Yahoo Group, David Andrews is considering a kit for a GCR 8N (LNER B6) but needs more expressions of interest before proceeding.

David Andrews usually only produces kits in batches nowadays, so if you want an 8N this may be your one and only chance. Expressions of interest to David Andrews in the first instance.

There were only three of these attractive engines, so a very rare and unusual prototype.

Former GP Models kits

MBS have announced that they have taken over the former GP Models range. It is not yet clear whether all the models will be re-released, but it seems the Barnum coaches are high on the list of priorities. Given the dearth of available GC coach kits, this has to be good news.

Updates - important note

I have tried to update some of the outdated information relating to suppliers on this blog. However, I can only pass on what I glean from the model press and similar sources. Details such as addresses should always be carefully checked, especially if you are sending money.

There has been a great deal of change lately, and sadly most of it is in a negative direction as traders have retired/fallen ill or generally fallen by the wayside. Unfortunately this has not been matched by Dapol (or anyone else) bringing out RTR GCR items! This trend is likely to continue, so please support the remaining traders and buy what you can when you can.

If anyone has additional information, or wishes to correct errors or outdated data, please let me know. Similarly, if suppliers would like their products mentioned I am happy to oblige. I do not make any charge, as my objective is simply to help other modellers of the GC.

Finally, although I try to keep things factual and rarely offer criticism, I have quite likely made mistakes and do not accept responsibility for any difficulties or loss caused thereby. Or to put it another way please check for yourself that any product I mention is suitable for your needs, and is still available before dishing out any money.

Gladiator Loco Kits

Gladiator is now under new ownership. As I understand it, they will be slowly reintroducing the kits, and for the GC the Director is first in line. If you want to buy one, or one of the other GC kits, or if you want to 'encourage' the J10 that Geoff Stratford was working on before he retired, the best way forward is to contact the new owners with expressions of interest.

N4 (GCR 9A class)

The owner of Gladiator Models is retiring at the end of March 2015, and at the moment (sadly) it looks as if this valuable range of loco kits will vanish.

Some months ago I bought a kit for an N4/N5 class. After much pondering I decided I wanted to build it as an N4 (GCR class 9A) with a round top boiler. Essentially to make it as different as possible to the N5 I already own. This meant procuring a different cab front from Gladiator, which should be winging its way to me very shortly.

The main difference between an N4 and and N5 is that the former had Joy valve gear. This has made me think. Should I fit working Joy valve gear? Have I got the ability? Well, it would certainly be pushing the envelope a bit, let's put it that way. Building a Connoisseur models diagram 17 van is within my scope - but a locomotive with working inside valve gear? Possibly a bridge too far.

Well, we shall see. Truth is, I shall probably bottle it!

Premier Components

At the Bolton Show yesterday I managed to pick up the Premier Components Catalogue and I notice that they have several GC-related items.

Loco Frame kits including coupling rods and, for outside cylinder engines, connecting rods. LNER classes O4, B4 (Immingham), D10/11 (Director). The frames are made from 1.2mm profile milled brass and screw together. Requirements for pick up holes and plunger units should be given with your order.

Tender Frame kit: Robinson 4000 gallon tender.

Coupling rods (profile milled nickel-silver). LNER classes A5, D9, D10/11, B4, B5, B8, C4/5, O4. Normally these are supplied in rigid form, but can be provided jointed at extra cost.

Premier Components also supply excellent three-link and screw couplers. 'Excellent' in the sense they are robust and pre-assembled, not necessarily for extreme accuracy to prototype. These have become my standard fitting.

There are also various detail items in the catalogue that may be useful - Wakefield Lubricators for example.

Premier Components are at 14 Swanlow Avenue, Swanlow Park, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 1PB. Their trading arrangements are unusual. You just send for what you want and they send it back with an invoice for you to pay. I hope such trust is not abused.

New Link for Meteor Models

I have added a link to Meteor Models. This is the new home for the 9N/(LNER A5) 4-6-2t kit that used to be made by MSC.

New Wagon Kit

A new wagon kit is available for the LDEC 5 planker, a vehicle which ran on a steel frame. It comes from Furness Railway Wagon Co, 10 Duke Street, Dalton-in Furness, Cumbria LA15 8HH. A welcome addition.

I think I am right in saying that some of these were marked for coal traffic by the GC, others for goods traffic. However I'm too lazy to check right now.

The kit costs £30 plus £3 p&p. The first batch is sold out but Marc at Furness Railway Wagon Co says there should be some more in late January.

Meanwhile, Gladiator have announced a re-tooled 8K/04 kit for £275. While David Andrews offers his version of the same engine for £279 and promises an improved Director for £259.

I'm sure Mr Robinson would be gratified, though he might wonder at a market where some of his locos are duplicated while others are not offered at all... But that's a petty quibble, in loco matters at least GC modellers are blessed.

Updates

The source for these updates is the latest Gauge '0' Guild Gazette, so I'd better give them due credit. I'd also better state that if I've misinterpreted anything, it's my fault. I'll gladly correct anything that's wrong, just let me know. My mind-reading is really crap these days.

First a new supplier (as far as the GCR is concerned that is) Invertrain Models, is producing GCR 8ft bogies (their reference WMR032) at £25 each, including Peter Cowling cosmetic resin sides. Invertrain are at 33 Rose Gardens, Cairneyhill, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 8QS. Should be useful for anyone with the relevant Bill Bedford kits.

Meteor Models, 34 Coppice Drive, Parklands, Northampton NN3 6NE, now produce the GCR 9N kit (LNER A5) that used to be made by MSC.

David Andrews has introduced or is introducing kits for the GCR 8K (LNER O4) and the O4/7 rebuild, along with the improved Director, the Sam Fay and the LNER D9 - I am being careful here as the text says 11B whereas I think 11D is more likely. One for you to check. It's also stated that other GCR kits are to follow. It seems in many cases we shall have a choice between Andrews and Gladiator versions. Take your pick!

Connoisseur Models now have their own website and you should find their GCR diag 17 covered goods van on there. I have almost finished one of these and it's an excellent kit.

Er - that's all folks!

Gladiator Site

If anyone hasn't noticed, I've linked to the new Gladiator site which is a must for anyone wanting to model the GC in 7mm scale. Of particular interest is that the former North Star 2-4-2t and 0-6-2t kits are shown as 'coming soon', a most welcome re-introduction.

Also I see that Gladiator have taken over the former Newbold GC signal parts. (Now item GLET027.) I have adjusted the relevant section of the blog to cope with this.

GCR Loco kit suppliers

David Andrews, 20 Hillside Gardens, Woodmancote, Cheltenham, GL52 4QF. 01242 672744. Etched loco kits for "Faringdon" and the "Crab" 2-6-4 tank. According to a recent GOG Gazette feature, the 11B, 11D (D9) and Sam Fay classes are to be added to the range. Kits can be supplied in nickel silver at 10% extra cost. These kits have a high reputation. (Some, if not all, GC types no longer available.)

Gladiator, - supplier of a wide range of etched loco kits for the Great Central, with more to come! Some kits are listed on the Tower Models site and can be ordered from Tower Models as well as from Gladiator direct. (Now has new owner, gradually reintroducing range.)

GP Models, 44 Wolsey Way, Lincoln, LN2 4QH. Class 5A 0-6-0 tank engine (LNER J63). A loco kit for the 2/2A class (LNER D7) is promised, but is now long awaited. (No longer available, owner retired. 2/2A never materialised.)

Haywood Railway (Geoff Gill) 29 Litchfield Drive, Great Haywood, Staffordshire ST18 0SX produce a cheap kit for the N5 0-6-2t which I am told is very easy to build. This can also be bought via Tower Models. (The kit is not very accurate, as I am told.)

Leinster Models, 28 St Peter's Road, Phibsboro Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland - Leinster do quite a range of GC loco kits, I think it's fair to say that they are rather old-fashioned and basic, but startlingly cheap. I have seen some nice models built from these, but feel they are mainly for people who are not afraid to do some serious metalbashing and willing to make or buy many details. (No longer available)

MSC Models, Kit for 9N 4-6-2 tank (LNER A5 class). (EDIT - This model now with Meteor Models.) (Check availability.)