Hi Guys
I was just wondering if this kit is any good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276089701955?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20221115143451%26meid%3D74fd54fd668a4052a9aa16ce456951f6%26pid%3D101615%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D276089701955%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DWatchlistVariantWithMLR&_trksid=p4375194.c101615.m47999&_trkparms=parentrq%3A2ff4a14518b0acd845f39ca8fffdfeb4%7Cpageci%3A576e3ced-6ad3-11ee-a72a-c6ddc7002b7e%7Ciid%3A1%7Cvlpname%3Avlp_homepag
Thanks
Alan
Define 'good'...
In terms of fidelity to prototype they are hard to beat, having the correct outside frames unlike most of the other offerings available in cast metal (Chivers / Five 79) or as 3d prints designed for the Minitrix 2-6-2 chassis, though many of those can probably be adapted to use the outside frame Farish 08 and the conversion kit from RT Models (frame, valve gear and cylinders).
On the downside are the fact that these Backwoods (note, not Blackwood) Miniatures kits need a fair degree of skill to build, the knack being to read the instructions several times to get into the mindset of the designer (Pete McParlin) to work out what he is getting at. Quite often this results in a loco that runs, but is then very difficult to maintain should anything go wrong (like trying to get the motor out of the chassis) unless one does a lot of modifications during the build.
I also note that this particular kit comes without instructions, so I would not recommend purchasing unless one can get hold of a set. The motor is less of an issue as whilst it would have been designed with an out of production Mashima in mind there are plenty of equivalents available. I note that the gears are stated to be present but are not shown in the eBay photos, and without those finding replacements could be difficult.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/264/31947734322_ab2b7d2ec3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QF7uny)
Photo by Steve Mann, layout is Devil's Bridge by Eddie Fields.
These are a pair of the Backwoods kits, both professionally built by Francis Samish and owned by Tim Couling (green) and Miles Bevan (black), but knowing a bit about how Francis built them and my own experience with other Backwoods kits I'd suggest caution.
At just over £100 it might be worth a go if you don't get involved in frantic bidding (and it's better than the £200+ it was previously being started at!), but to be honest perhaps the main reason for buying this kit is for the challenge of building the kit.
If you wanted a V of R 2-6-2 that would be more achievable then you may be better off investing the money in a white metal kit or 3D print body to go with a Farish 08 and RT Models parts.
Alternatively, if you are prepared to wait then I'd suggest putting the cash to one side as the start of a pot for one of the forthcoming ready to run versions due to be coming out (2024) as a collaboration between Model Rail and (I think) Revolution trains.
Hello Alan,
Just to add to the previous post, I do have one of these kits in my stash so if you do make the purchase I would be happy to scan and send you a copy of the instructions!
A difficult kit to build.
If any of the gears are missing, you are going to find it hard to source replacements.
Also should be noted that it depicts the locos as they were before they had the higher cab roofs and taller chimneys fitted after the line was sold by BR.
(There ware some other detail changes, for example No.7 running as 'Owain Glyndŵr' in the 80's and up to 1997 had a riveted tank on the right hand side and a smooth wellded tank on the left hand side!!)