00/HO BR / GWR Ex-Rhymney Hudswell Clarke S-Class 0-6-0 No.608 / 93 Tank Engine Taper Boiler

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Drawn from technical illustrations in J.H.Russell's 'A Pictorial Record of Great Western Absorbed Engines' for 00 gauge. The S-class 0-6-0 locomotives were delivered by Hudswell Clark to the Rhymney Railway Co. in South Wales in 1908 in domed and parallel boiler form. The class were absorbed into the GWR roster in the grouping of 1923 and were rebuilt over time with standard GWR Swindon components but each locomotive varied slightly in details such as cab and bunker. Initially numbered 608-611, they were renumbered 93-96 by GWR in the late 40s and were transferred into British Railways stock after nationalisation, surviving into the 50's. The locomotive I have drawn here represents number 608 / 93 in rebuilt (and rather pretty) Swindon guise with it's potent Standard 10 taper boiler later used to great effect in the 15XX and 2251 class later. It is designed to fit onto the Hornby generic 0-6-0 chassis usually found under the LMS Jinty, The version I have used is the front axle driven version which packages comfortably under its body shell leaving space for a detailed cab. It is slightly overwheeled, the S-class has smaller wheels than the Jinty, but it is close enough for a reasonable approximation, and if anybody fancies making a specific printed or brass chassis, or just rewheeling the Hornby donor, then please let me know how you got on and let's see the pics! The version I have modelled so far as in early-BR black guise (still awaiting the brass side number plates, mind...) but I have included a smokebox door without a numberplate for running in GWR guise. Remember, there are detail differences that make this version unique, I may design a representation with other cab variants at a later date. There's quite a few parts to this one for best detail from an FDM printer and no single right way to assemble it, but start from the footplate (chassis) to ensure it fits you donor. Add the buffer housings first to the chassis, the front ones incorporate GWR-style lamp brackets. I then worked back to front starting with the cab and bunker which is a single component incorporating a boiler backhead. Once this is in place, next fit the side tanks which will help straighten and strengthen the footplate which initially will be a little flimsy, then drop the boiler tank top into place which also includes spectacle plate and whistle to set the side tanks square and adding a lot more strength into the superstructure. Now would be a good time to check you still have plenty of clearance around the motor when you offer up to the Hornby chassis (which in my case was still the aged Triang X03/4 type). Next, add the steamchest / smokebox saddle which also includes front splashers that should clear the donor wheels and sandboxes and on the right hand side a toolbox is also featured. Finally, install the smokebox and integral front boiler ring which should complete the superstructure, but ensure the footplate is straight and square before the glue sets! At this point, the remaining parts can be fit in any order and handrails with brass knobs will also be required (such as those from Nairnshire Modelling Supplies but others will supply these too). I would leave installing the roof until after painting so that you can detail your backhead and add a crew. The RH driver's door is modelled open as is the rear cab plate and the roof plate is left partially open for visual interest and so that you can see more. The real loco carried fire irons above the LH sidetank, mounts for these are incorporated into the LHS tank.