A 3D printed bodykit to build a model of Avonside B4 0-6-0ST Mersey Docks and Harbour Board No.3.

It can also be adapted to produce a representation of ‘Cranford’ as preserved on the Appleby Frodingham Railway.

The B4 was built by Avonside of Bristol from 1915 until 1934 when the company closed. Earlier versions had a rounded tank and later ones gained the more angular version. It was Avonside’s standard six wheeled industrial design and was used in ports, coal mines, ironstone quarries and more.

This version represents works number 2005 of 1930, as used by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board. The loco featured flush sided tanks rather than the riveted version as seen on ‘St. Dunstan’ and others.

DOWNLOAD THE INSTRUCTIONS HERE

This kit was designed by Adam White to fit the Hornby Peckett B2 chassis and with a little modification can be altered to represent multiple members of the class.

The B4 is supplied in 3 main separate components to make sanding, paint preparation and detailing as easy as possible. This is because the 3D printing process, while being able to capture excellent detail, inevitably will have tiny layers on the surface which need to be sanded smooth wherever possible. We have found it easiest to paint all components separately and then glue together during final assembly.

Main Components:

Boiler and Saddle Tank, Cab, Running plate and bufferbeams

Separately fitted 3D printed accessories included:

Chimney, Dome/Safety Valve, Tank Filler Lid, Sandboxes, Buffers, Handbrake Column, Reverser, Firebox Backhead, Regulator

Separately fitted accessories included:

Handrail knobs x 11, .45mm Handrail Wire, Brass Smokebox Door Dart, Whitemetal Dummy Coupling Hooks x 2

We’ve tried to keep as many scale dimensions as possible, the main difference between this and the real thing is that the Peckett chassis has an offset wheelbase and slightly larger wheels than the Avonside, we have made the running board thicker for strength but kept the overall height of the loco the same. Hopefully these compromises are acceptable and the loco can become an asset to any industrial or heritage fleet!

Thanks to Andrew Plumtree for the photos of his model adapted to represent ‘Cranford’ as preserved.

Free postage to the UK

Please note this kit will require a Hornby Peckett B2 chassis