517 0-4-2 Tank body

Resin kit from Dean Sidings, intended for chassis from Dapol 14xx/48xx.

There are several potential problems with the body kit:

• Solid tank where doors should be cut
• Boiler bands far too prominent
  
• Body is about 2mm too short to fit on Association 14xx chassis (possible solution - replace resin buffer beams with etched brass ones)
• Handrail castings are rather crude (replace with scratchbuilt ones - etched/turned handrail knobs plus brass/nickel-silver wire)
  
• Lack of weight
  

Prototype

156 built between 1869 and 1883, last withdrawn 1947.

Used initially for suburban passenger work, later for light branch work, principally passenger.

Numerous variations, in particular:

• wheelbase increased gradually from 13'7" to 15'6" (by moving trailing axle)
• first 54 initially fitted with saddle tanks
• initially fitted with front spectacle plate only, then added rear (usually at rear of bunker, but sometimes at front), then front half-cab plus rear spectacle plate, finally full cab
• outside bearings on trailing axle for late builds/rebuilds
• bunker initially vertical, later extended
• some auto-fitted (from 1905 onwards)

Literature

A pictorial Record of Great Western Engines (Volume 1) by Jim Russell (Oxford Publishing Co), pp 120-125

Great Western Railway Journal No 74 and 75