Stanier's Finest Hour’ LMS Streamlined Princess Coronation and BR Black 5 from The Tower Collection
Reviewed by Charles Oldroyd
Ian Atkinson at The Tower Collection has kindly provided two fine examples from his range for review. For those who are not aware of the origins of this range, it was a number of kits originally produced exclusively by DJH for Tower Models, hence the name, and has since been acquired by Ian who is marketing them not only as kits but also as professionally-built and painted, readyto- run models.
Both locos are in etched brass, with a mixture of whitemetal and lostwax brass fittings. The chassis is built without springing or compensation, but sprung buffers are provided. The motor/gearbox on the samples supplied is a standard Slaters GBR30M unit, which has a 30:1 ratio spur drive in a brass case and a Mashima 1833 motor. Wheels are also Slaters and the minimum recommended radius curve is 6 feet. However, Ian commented that sharper radius curves can be accommodated with some fettling to increase bogie clearances. A three-position drawbar is provided. Tenders have an internal frame with cosmetic axleboxes and empty coal bunkers, which allows the coal pusher to be seen on the Coronation.
The Tower Collection aims to hold a limited amount of stock which can be bought off the shelf. This will take the form of the most popular locos in the most popular liveries. However, commission builds are welcomed and the buyer can then specify their own choice of livery and identity, as well as such things as wheels and motor/gearbox with an appropriate price adjustment as necessary. In anticipation that some purchasers might wish to fit DCC sound, the tender tops of these locos unscrew so the decoder and speaker can be fitted easily.
It has to be said that the Princess Coronation is a big, big engine. Its bulk is formidable, as is the prototype, and the loco alone weighs in at 4lb 7oz (2.2kg). Its adhesive properties can be imagined but, whilst the standard motor supplied might be adequate for light use, I'd personally be happier with something more substantial from Canon or Maxon if it were to be regularly used on a large club or garden layout with a realistic load. This would, of course, affect the price. In any event, with the demise of the Mashima 1833 motor, an alternative will need to be sought anyway.
Finished as LMS 6225, Duchess of Gloucester, in LMS crimson lake with gold striping, the build quality and painting is first class and, although the striping on the streamliner is transfer-applied, it's absolutely spot-on. On our test rack, it ran smoothly and quietly out of the box and handled a train of 8 brass coaches.
Much of what has already been said applies equally to the Black 5 which was supplied in superbly lined BR black, mixed traffic livery as no 45406. Somewhat smaller and lighter, the loco weighs just short of 3lb (1.35Kg) and has the same build and power specification.
Much of what has already been said applies equally to the Black 5 which was supplied in superbly lined BR black, mixed traffic livery as no 45406. Somewhat smaller and lighter, the loco weighs just short of 3lb (1.35Kg) and has the same build and power specification. The wheel rims and coupling rods of both locos have been left in their bright finish as supplied and, whilst this might be appropriate for the Coronations as they left the erecting shop, I'd have preferred to see these parts chemically blackened. Similarly, couplings were seldom polished bright in real life. However, this is the work of a few minutes and certainly wouldn't put me off buying one. Driver's glazed fold-out screens are not fitted as standard as it is considered that they would be too delicate to survive handling, but can be provided on request for customers who only want a showcase model.
Both locos are priced at £1,695 and are supplied in a quality pine carrying case. Considering the quality of the build and finish, this must be regarded as a very attractive price and, whilst the locos don't feature full springing and allowing for my reservations regarding the choice of motor, they will address the needs of many purchasers. However, those wanting to upgrade the specification can do so, as previously mentioned. The locos are also still available as kits and full details of current stock and prices can be found on the Tower Collection website at: www.towercollections.com. Recommended.
