ED2

ED2-ED7 were another batch of Fowler 0-4-0DM locomotives built in 1949, except for ED7 which was built in 1940 but purchased by BR in 1955. Although they are a standard Fowler 150hp design, there are quite a few differences between different locomotives. ED2-ED6 have a shorter wheelbase and overall length to ED7. ED7 is of the type built for the ROF (Royal Ordnance Factories) but used by Fowler as a works shunter. Being of the ROF type, it is the longer version and similar to DS400 and DS600 on the Southern Region. ED7 also has the Exhaust Gas Conditioner on one side. This is not present on ED2-ED6.

Judith Edge produced a kit of the longer wheelbase type in October 2019 and I decided to have a go at one, building it as ED7.

ED7 under construction

It is constructed in Michaels usual fashion of separate chassis, footplate and body. Etched in Nickel silver with resin mouldings, the kit can produce various versions of the locomotive. Obviously, good photographic reference is essential to build the locomotive you want.

This is a small locomotive and the recommended drive train is a Mashima 1020 motor and High Level Roadrunner gearbox. The wheels are Alan Gibson.

Completed Chassis

The chassis went together quite well and reference to photographs showed a few items that needed attention. Although the brake cylinder and actuating arm are provided, the return spring assembly isn't. This was fabricated from bits of wire as can be seen in the photograph. The instructions show the motor mounted at an angle towards the cab. I couldn't make it fit this way, it fouled the body. Instead, I found that I could mount it vertically, as shown, and clear the body. Both the Fowler 80hp and 150hp locomotives have a very, very tight clearance between the coupling and connecting rods on the axle nearest the jackshaft. High Level Kits cure is to use their 'Illusodrive' system which works very well. However, this isn't possible with this kit, so, the coupling rod is held in place with a filed down down crankpin just clearing the inside face of the connecting rod, the connecting rod keeping it in place. This seems to work and I haven't had any problems so far.

After a thorough running in, I added a DCC Decoder, which can be seen nestling in between the frames above the jackshaft. In this case it is a Digitrax DN136P. The green and blue tails are for a working cab light.

ED7 in primer awaiting final painting

Having now finished adding the various boxes and other items relevant for ED7 (consultation of photographs is vital here), I tidied up the body and sprayed it with Halfords grey primer. I was pleased with the result and carried on to apply the main coats. These are Halfords Volkswagon Mars Red for the buffer beam and Halfords Gloss Black for the main body. The cab interior detailing is next. I have no idea how ED7 was painted inside, but other 150hp Fowlers seem to be black below the windows and cream above with black control desks.

ED7, Other Side

The numbers were from Fox Transfers and are the early diesel/electric style as they looked about right. The works plate is a custom made plate from Narrow Planet, highly recommended. The decoder needed some minor reprogramming to fettle the performance and alter the cab light switching.

An enjoyable project producing an unusual prototype. The other versions, DS400 and DS600 will be tackled later along with, hopefully, the shorter wheelebase ED2-ED6.