I am pleased to publish below images of the first off Engineering Prototype (EP) samples for the now seven versions of the Kernow Model Centre Adams 0-4-4T O2 class locomotives (the 7th variation, of 207 in Maunsell lined green was announced here).
Isle of Wight version W24
These images are taken from the first main body parts tooling run are obviously far from complete, with little of the separately applied details such as pipework, brake gear and handrails etc added, but will give you an idea of the impressive amount of detail and variations that have been incorporated.
Mainland pull push fitted version
Just look at the shear number of holes in the body tooling to incorporate those details. The full list of the available variations, including both Isle of Wight and Mainland versions, and liveries that will be available can be found on the Kernow Model centre dedicated webpage here.
Rear 3/4 view
These being the first off Engineering Prototypes will therefore be subject to minor tweaks and correction where necessary. It has already been noted that some of the detail combinations of the EP’s produced do not reflect the final versions, but at this early stage are as much to test the tooling rather than to confirm each and every variation being produced.
The body only of the Mainland non PP fitted version
For example the Mainland Pull Push fitted version shown left has the side tank strengthening plate of the Calbourne version and also the Isle of White type Westinghouse pump fitted.
A view from the top
As regular readers of this blog will know I have been assisting the Kernow Model Centre with the development of these Adams O2 models, hence me being able to publish these pictures with their kind permission, and it’s nice to report this further progress.
The front face of the O2 in this case an IoW version
This 1st EP will be checked to highlight any corrections needed, and will be followed by a more complete and working sample for fuller appraisal. Once this has been complete and if there are no problems with the 1st EP, The model will then be progressed to a 2nd EP where all the rivets and finer detail will be added to the tool. For speed of development the 1st painted samples will also be provided to allow the project to then move apace ready for signing off and full production. Production should take, when authorised, around 4-6 weeks with roughly the same time to ship to Kernow Model Centre’s premises.
