I have started to build a model Stanier 8F locomotive in 7mm scale, 33 mm gauge – Scale Seven.  It is a Modern Outline Kits model, and Dave Sharp, of MOK, is being very helpful: it is a kit made for “0-Gauge”, and he is making a special conversion kit, to allow construction in 33mm gauge (a prerequisite of S7) with widened frames (29mm outside width).

Frames in construction: the spacers between the frames have been soldered to one frame only.

So far, the kit seems extremely well thought-through.  The conversion kit works well so far, also.  Correct frame width in 7mm scale would be 30mm O/D, but in discussion with DS, he and I agreed that to do this would leave so little room for manoevre that it would make the kit very difficult if not impossible to make.  This kit appears to have the girders and plates between the frames made to scale as far as possible.

Frame, showing the compensation mechanism and the insulated driving wheel bearings (“hornblocks”).

There is an elaborate method of “compensation” – a mechanism to alow the axles a limited amount of up-and-down movement.

Frames together: if you look carefully you can see the blobs of solder on the nearer frame.

These are the frames put together, all “squared-up”, but so far with solder only on the one frame (just visible as blobs on the outside of the nearer frame – I will have carefully to flatten them after construction, and there will be only about as millimeter between the frame and the inside of the wheels.

The kit clearly has the potential to make a superb model of this freight locomotive.