News
Remaining Castles available January 2025 January 02 2025
Remaining Castles available January 2025
Period 3. GWR 5077 Fairey Battle
Period 3. GWR 5081 Lockheed Hudson
Period 3. GWR 7001 Sir James Milne
Period 4. Early BR 5000 Launceston Castle
Period 4. Early BR 5063 Earl Baldwin
Period 5. Late BR 4079 Pendennis Castle
Period 5. Late BR 7027 Thornbury Castle (single chimney).
GWR 850 update December 18 2024
The main frames are now complete, next will be wheels, motion and gearboxes.
GWR 850 update December 09 2024
The CNC machined gearbox frames have arrived and look very good. Alignment is with steel pins. Next the motors and gears to complete.
There are still a small number of models left to for reservation.
GWR 850 update November 26 2024
Progress continues with frames being assembled.
There are still a small number of models available to reserve.
- Version 1. 2 available
- Version 2. 3 available
- Version 3. SOLD OUT
- Version 4. 2 available
- Price: £1750 inc. VAT | Deposit: £500 inc VAT
GWR 850 update November 08 2024
Work continues on construction of the frames. This includes the preparation of the lost wax brass castings. All takes time! These photos are sent to me so I can check not only progress but also quality and any possible mistakes. Once frames are assembled the factory will ship some examples for me to check and test run. Once happy then work can commence on the bodies. Checking Checking Checking!!
There is a limited number of models of each version still available to reserve.
frames and laminated and now have the hornguides soldered on.
inside cylinder rear plates
adding further details to the inside of the frames
castings being cleaned, these are the steam brake cylinders
base of the cylinders with the drain cocks being soldered
Weathered models by Neil Podbery November 05 2024
The pictures show the fine work done on one of our GWR Castles and one of our GWR 51xx models.
Neil Podbery, being a professional artist is certainly a worthy successor to Martyn Welch. Neil, as you can see has a subtle touch and uses his artistic sensibilities in his use of colour and texture. One of the few people who can add value and realism to your Lee Marsh model.
check out his website http://www.neilpodberyfineart.co.uk
GWR 850 October 29 2024
I'm now back from a successful visit to our builder. We covered many details for the build and it was good to see soldering under way.
pictures below show the assembly of the frames, production motor gearbox and the lost wax brass/nickel silver casting which are made in house to a high standard.
CNC machined gearbox specially made just for this project.
cutting castings from the sprues
motion plates etc cast on the day of my visit!
nickel silver castings before any cleaning up.
GWR 850 & BR 80xxx factory visit September 13 2024
My flights are booked to do a factory visit end of next month. As well as inspecting the work on the GWR 850 project, I will be spending time with the builder and his designer to go through the design requirements for BR 80xxx project.
It is always much easier to actually sit with the designer and builder and discuss exactly what I want with a project. Better than doing so by emails!
80043 is the subject for the pilot sample.
Production parts being cut out.
GWR 850 August 26 2024
Our builder has had test parts arrive from the laser cutting company. Laser cutting is used for plain parts that don't require punched rivets for example. It's faster and more accurate than etching. He is happy with these components and will now order the production quantities from the laser company.
Frames and tank formers above.
brake rods, frame spacers, motor mounts and parts to form the rear of the H spoke wheels.
GWR 850 August 13 2024
Axles, crank webs and horn blocks have now all been CNC Machined. Once the wheel centres are ready assembly can begin.
Crank webs are CNC machined from solid brass giving us a strong crank axle assembly
blocks have a rebate for the ball bearings to be fitted
the above axles are to become the crank axles, once assembled the thin portion will be removed
GWR 850 test run December 05 2023
Test running the GWR 850 sample on Bucks Hill. The model happily pulls this short mineral train!
Please note reservations for the 850 project end on 22/12/2023
GWR 850 March 20 2023
Work has begun on the production sample, with lost wax brass patterns being made. Wheels/crank axle/gearbox are also being made.
Tony Reynalds March 14 2023
Tony sadly passed away last week. He was a friend and mentor. He supported me in this business from the start, from helping with drawings to supportive feedback as well as collecting a number of models. He was always willing to share techniques and was a constant source of encouragement. I will miss our chats and visits. Malcolm Mitchell and I enjoyed many a good chin wag with Tone in the workshop after the Bristol show.
Tony in his workshop.
Castle test run February 24 2023
Double header filmed by Cliff.
Please note as per the project page, each customer will be contacted individually when their model is ready for shipping. Then final invoices will be issued and arrangement's made to ship by DHL.
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Castle test run January 22 2023
Thanks to Cliff Williams for a video showing a production model under test.
GWR K14 running on Bucks Hill December 30 2020
Kevin Wilson sent a short clip of his 1912 livery K14 running on his layout
GWR K14/15 at Snow Hill ! November 04 2020
Thanks to Michael Price for this picture of his newly delivered PBV’s on his Snow Hill diorama
