88D Models GWR County Class 4-4-2 Tank kit
Reviewed by Mike Pollard - Gazette - August 2019
I have always thought about building a GWR County 4-4-2 tank as I like the general look of the locomotive and also remember a picture from a book that my grandmother bought for me when I was a teenager. Anyway, I was pleased to open my Gazette last summer and see an advert from 88D models for a County Tank kit. There followed a few emails and phone calls with Mike Morris and the kit was ordered and collected at Telford.
The etches are very nice, all in nickel silver which is a plus in my opinion, the castings are lost wax brass and then something new to me, 3D printed parts. The brake gear, chimney, cylinder covers and also the front of the firebox are all 3D printed along with a few other detail parts. I must admit I was unsure of these parts as I am used to more traditional methods of construction with all metal components
The instructions for the kit are well written with photographs along the way to aid construction. As usual I started with the chassis, the fit of parts is excellent. The front bogie went together very well and I also like the design for the rear trailing truck. If anyone has built a MOK kit the compensation and wheel bearing system is very similar and easy to construct. Slater’s wheels were used and with cylinders and motor/gearbox fitted, all worked well.
Next up was the body and again the fit of the etches is excellent. The alignment system for the boiler and smoke box worked really well. The smokebox door is 3D printed and this really impressed me. I rolled the boiler, central section and smokebox put the sections together and the 3D printed smokebox ring and door fitted perfectly with no need for any fettling. The running plate and tanks all made up easily, square and into a solid structure. The cab, firebox and bunker all went together well and this is where I was again very impressed with 3D printed parts for the front of the firebox and corners on the bunker. Once the etched parts were assembled, the 3D printed parts are slotted into position and have made some difficult shapes easier to form and produce in model form.
To sum up I have been very impressed with the kit, the fit of parts and also the combinations of different materials which have in my view made into a really nice locomotive. I have finished the loco in a fictitious livery which I think you will agree looks good, and this allows the engine to fit in with the rest of my stock.