GWR Collett 2251 Class 0-6-0 No 3205

Heather Kay

Western Thunderer
I'm calling this loco done. It's been a protracted build, extended by my first attempt at shipping overseas!

The build thread is on this clicky link.

It's harder for me to build a "museum quality" model than a typical "working model". So many times in the latter form it's possible to cover over little problems or errors with a bit of judicious weathering. As the paint work got into its stride, the risk of damage at any stage increased, as did the blood pressure!

Anyway, here she is. 3205 as built, but with one of the tenders she runs with in preservation. The brass safety valve bonnet should be painted, but the client wanted it in brass. Who am I to argue?

I must thank @Brian Daniels for ready access to his forensic walk-around shots of the loco and tender, freely shared and immeasurably useful. Thank you, also, to all my WT friends with their advice and information during the build.

I would like to say I enjoyed making this model. I did most of the time, but the inside motion was nearly the death of me - and it's not even proper full-on gear! It is one of the reasons I am actively avoiding any new loco commissions when I can. I really don't enjoy the mechanics of making a working loco.

I am pleased with the overall finish, though as ever it could be so much better. The end result, I think, looks the part. It also, apparently, sounds the part, thanks to Tim's (@TheSnapper) expertise. Not having DCC here, I haven't been able to play with the loco to hear it at full chat. Alan Buttler's excellent crew figures set the cab off nicely, and Alan was incredibly kind and helpful when my chosen driver needed shrinking a little in order to fit without bashing his head.

Plates from Severn Mill Nameplates, transfers HMRS and Fox.

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