LMS 1831

This interesting locomotive was built by the LMS in 1932 using the frames of an 0-6-0 steam locomotive. It featured a hydrostatic drive, but was not a success and was withdrawn in 1939, subsequently being converted into a mobile power unit.

This is a Judith Edge kit and construction is straightforward to the usual methods. I have decided to try something a little different here. The bodyshell is covered in rivets and I didn't fancy punching all these out, which would have taken a long time. In addition, I would have ended up with some very curved sides! So, having scanned the sides so I have a record of rivet detail, I will use the Archer 3D rivet transfers as supplied by DCC Supplies. They look good on other models I have seen, but this will be the first time I have tried them.

The body is almost complete and attention is now on the chassis and motor.

Slow progress, but I have now sourced the correct Archer rivet detail pack and primed the body. Priming enables me to see any defects and put them right before spraying gloss black. The rivet transfers will then be added before a final thin coat of gloss black.

1831 now painted black and ready for the Archer Rivet transfers

The bodyshell with the Archer rivet transfers applied. These are waterslide transfers and after application, a waft of black paint brings out the detail. I found this quite effective and far easier than punching out all these rivets as well as not curving the panels all over the place!

The body and running plate just about complete and awaiting a varnish. The chassis still needs a motor and final completion.

The chassis complete and ready for fitting to body.

All that remains here is to fit a flywheel and a DCC decoder. A small brass flywheel obtained from Branchlines was fitted to the free end of the motor shaft. A DCC Concepts ZN8H decoder with 'Stay Alive' was fitted inbetween the chassis under the motor.