Gazette - August 2017 (Vol 20 No.4)

For those who are unfamiliar with this range, it originated as a number of kits produced exclusively by DJH for Tower Models, hence the name, and has since been acquired by Ian Atkinson who is marketing them as professionally-built and painted, ready-to-run models. The 02 was always a beginner's budget kit, and this is reflected in both the specification and price of the current model. Unlike most of the range, the loco has a whitemetal body sitting on an etched brass chassis and has a direct worm and pinion drive in a fold-up gearbox, driven by a Mashima 1833 motor. This should be perfectly adequate for the sort of load that a diminutive loco of this sort would realistically haul. The sample ran smoothly and quietly out of the box on our test track. Having a whitemetal body has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it provides weight and at 1lb 14oz (862 g), slippage is unlikely to be a problem. On the down side however, on close examination the thickness of the metal is apparent around the cab windows which are not flush glazed. Having said that, the build quality and paint finish on the sample provided were both excellent and the lack of flush glazing is not so noticeable at normal layout viewing distances.

The standard buffers fitted are solid whitemetal as per the original kit, and prospective purchasers wishing to use the loco on a shunting layout might wish to upgrade these with sprung examples.

As with other models from The Tower Collection, the 02 has bright wheel rims, coupling rods and couplings which would benefit from being chemically blackened. The loco is supplied in a substantial cardboard box and is priced at £395. It is also available as a complete kit including wheels and motor at £240. Full details are available on The Tower Collection website at www.towercollections.com

Our thanks to The Tower Collection for providing the sample.