LNWR Superheated Precursor class 4-4-0 No. 2584 Velocipede

Velocipede

 

Velocipede
LNWR Whale Superheated Precursor class 4-4-0 No. 2584 Velocipede: This model has been built by myself on commission in 2017 and the build time took me just under 100 hours. The Javelin Models kit for a George the Fifth class was used, with Precursor conversion parts from David Andrews. In addition, the build also incorporated many superior parts from the Laurie Griffin range. In conclusion, the model has been expertly painted and lined, using a bow-pen by John Cockcroft. George Whale followed F.W.Webb as Locomotive Superintendent of the London and North Western Railway in 1903. His first loco design was the Precursor class, basically an enlarged version of Webb’s Precedent class. Built at Crewe in 1906 as a two cylinder saturated steam 4-4-0 with slide valves. Velocipede and many others of the class, were later rebuilt by Charles Bowen Cooke who had replaced Whale in 1909. He incorporated superheated boilers and piston valves to bring them into line with his more powerful George the Fifth class. Velocipede has here been modelled in that condition. The longer smokebox and smaller bogie wheels identify these locos from the unrebuilt members of the class. Follow this link for a comparison with one of these locos, Victor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LNWR Whale Precursor class 4-4-0 no. 1430 Victor

Precursor Victor

 

 

Precursor no.1430 Victor
LNWR Precursor class no. 1430 Victor. Built from the Javelin Models kit by Michael Edge of Carlton in 2003 and painted by Ian Rathbone. The wheels used in the build are finely cast, possibly by Alan Harris. The drivers having telescopic axles with a tapered pin to fix the quartering. Additionally, the model carries small nameplates of both the builder and the painter on the underside to give that provenance. George Whale followed F.W.Webb as Locomotive Superintendent of the London and North Western Railway in 1903. His first loco design was the Precursor class, basically an enlarged version of Webb’s Precedent class. Built at Crewe in 1905 as a two cylinder saturated steam 4-4-0 with slide valves, Victor has here been modelled in that condition. Many of the class were later rebuilt by Charles Bowen Cooke who replaced Whale in 1909. He incorporated superheated boilers and piston valves to bring them into line with his more powerful George the Fifth class. A longer smokebox and smaller bogie wheels identify these locos from the unrebuilt members of the class. I have built a model of one of the rebuilds, Velocipede. For a description and images of this loco follow this link. I was lucky enough, to firstly find and again to be able to buy, this very fine model at auction. But it was in less than good condition as it had rusting to all of the wheels. On the positive side however and very importantly, the paintwork was still in very good condition. After cleaning and lubrication, placing the model on the track and he was away. Non the worse for his spell in a location of damp atmosphere and change of ownership. It is now perfect motive power to my rake of Peter Cowling built London & North Western Railway and West Coast Joint Stock coaches.

For a further image of this loco follow this link