Help Needed with Centre Models Leek & Manifold Kitson

[Terry Maltman]

Hello, my first post here and I'm already asking for help  ::)

I have been given a part built Centre Models L&M Kitson 2-6-4T. My first hurdle is that there are no instructions. The big bits are fairly obvious where they go but there are a lot which aren't so clear. I am on the lookout for a set of instructions for the kit. Failing that the instructions for the Meridian version would at least help with the body.

My other problem is the chassis. It already has a reputation for being difficult but all that outside frame and walschaerts valve gear is way beyond my miniature blacksmith skills. Can anybody recommend a chassis building service (in the UK) who could turn my pile of scary bits into a running chassis? So far as I can tell it is all complete.

Thanks
Terry

[B.Meldon]

My other problem is the chassis. It already has a reputation for being difficult but all that outside frame and walschaerts valve gear is way beyond my miniature blacksmith skills. Can anybody recommend a chassis building service (in the UK) who could turn my pile of scary bits into a running chassis? So far as I can tell it is all complete.

Thanks
Terry

The chassis in the centre models kit will never run as it should as the rods are a different length to the wheelbase!

There was a new chassis kit that had reached the pre-production testing stage, using the Graham Farrish 08 chassis but sadly it did not go into production. That was back in 2019.

The body kit is still in occasional production with Mosskito and is available from stock from Dundas Models.

Brian Meldon

[Alan Feldon]

The best solution is to purchase a Grafar 08 for the chassis and cylinders/valve gear/chassis retention plate from RT models .Forget the w/m chassis no one seems to have got it running.
I will check to see if I still have the original centre Models instructions
Alan

[Terry Maltman]

The best solution is to purchase a Grafar 08 for the chassis and cylinders/valve gear/chassis retention plate from RT models .Forget the w/m chassis no one seems to have got it running.

I think I'm convinced to go down the Farish 08 route. Thanks for you input everybody.

Terry

[JulienW]

I've got a couple of the Meridian kits and would be happy to scan the instructions and email them (drop me an email to heritage@009society.com).

Given the reputation of the original Centre Models chassis (I wouldn't say it's impossible but I've only heard - not seen! - of a couple of examples that were got running) you would probably be better off with the RT models parts - it's certainly the way I'd go.

That being said if you do get the RT models parts and a Farish 08 I wouldn't chuck the Centre Models chassis parts in the bin, as if you get some original instructions you could still have a go at building it on the basis that if you do get it to work that will be a big feather in your cap (and some useful experience), and if it doesn't then you'll still have the RT/Farish option as a back up.