Finney7
This kit covers the Bulldog class locomotives built with curved frames Nos. 3300-3340. The boilers in the kit are the D2 and D3, so the Lot 118 and 120 locomotives cannot be modeled as built with the D0 boiler. Nos 3300-3320 were rebuilt from former Duke class locomotives and have differences from the new build curved frame Bulldogs, Nos. 3320-3340. From this kit any of the curved framed engines can be built from circa 1904 to 1948.
For a detailed history of this long-lived class of forty one engines, Part Seven of 'The Locomotives of the Great Western Railway' published by the RCTS is essential reading. Small Wheeled Double-Framed 4-4-0 Tender Locomotives by David Maidment is very useful. Other references are G.W.Engines Vol 2 by JH Russell, Standard Gauge G.W. 4-4-0's by OS Nock & Locomotives Illustrated 50, GWR double-framed 4-4-0's.
Outside Frames. Because the outside frames of the kit have the snap head rivets half etched, Lots 118 & 120 cannot be built in their original condition with flush frame rivets. The early Lots can of course be built in slightly later condition as they appear to have acquired frame strengthening plates and snap head rivets surprisingly quickly, probably during their first major shopping.
Boilers. Two boilers are provided in the kit the D2 half coned and the D3 three-quarter coned. This means that Lots 118 and 120 cannot be built in their original condition with the D0 parallel boiler. All D0 boilers were gone by 1913.
Beading. Much of the decorative beading from the splashers and bogies was removed during the Great War (c. 1914 - 1918).
Cab cut-out. The two sizes of cut-outs are provided.
Chimneys. Three different types are provided.
Bogies. Originally of the swing hanger type with shallow frames, splasher beading and the small lower splashers. Many were replaced with deeper frames. Some were rebuilt to 'De Glehn' type without swing hangers and fitted with strengthening patches.
Coupling rods. Originally fluted. Replacement rods from c.1908 onwards were of plain section.
Reverser. Originally steam reverse operated by a lever attached to the right hand cab side. Most were later rebuilt with screw reverse disclosed by the small casing at the front of the cab on the right side.
Superheating. Began in 1909. Disclosed by the lengthening of the smokebox by 9".
Top feed. In most cases top feed was fitted at the same time as superheating.
Smokebox saddle. Early flush rivets, later snap head rivets.
Cab roof. Early canvas covered wood, later two types of steel roof.
Cab spectacle windows. Plated over from 1926 onwards.
A.T.C. Equipment. Put on all but 3302/9/20/34 between 1928 and 1931.
Vacuum pipe. Originally tall - later a shorter pattern introduced.
When built the locomotives were fitted with standard Dean 2500 gallon or 3000 gallon tenders. Later many of the class acquired standard Churchward 3500 gallon tenders.
Wheels.
Driving wheels - 5’ 8", 18 spoke, 3/16" diameter axle (2) Slater's Ref. 78680/C
Extended axles with outside cranks (X720052G). These cranks do not fit but you need the axles.
Bogie wheels - 3' 8”, 10 spoke, 2mm extension axles (7319) Slater's Ref. 7843SWMF
Motor/Gearbox. A Canon motor with a SDMP 40L/15 gearbox (available from Finney7) or an alternative such as an ABC VML2 gearbox.
Crankpins. Heavy duty crankpins are available from Finney7.
Inside Motion. A separate kit is available from Finney7 to construct the working inside motion.
Name Plates. A range of name plates are available from Finney7. Please enquire.
To obtain a pdf copy of the instructions please click on the links below; the pdf will open in a new window. Unfortunately the A4 and A3 pages have to be in different files.