A 3D printed bodykit to build a model of the Avonside B4 0-6-0ST locomotives owned by Staveley Ironworks, available with an optional lining decal set.

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.

Staveley Ironworks operated 3 members of the B4 class, ‘Hartington’ (1869 of 1921), ‘Devonshire’ (1889 of 1921) and ‘No.3 Avonside’ (1919 of 1924).

The ironworks modified the locos to have ‘dogged’ smokebox doors rather than the traditional 2-handle ‘dart’ type. Some locos had both dart and dogs for a short time, which is possible with this kit as the hole for the dart can be drilled. The locos had dumb buffers and double bufferbeams with two sets of drawgear.

Ironstone and Steelworks locos led a hard life and these three locos were specified with reinforced frames, noticeable at the base of the smokebox.

The kit differs from our other ‘square tank’ B4s in having the reinforced frames, early-style sandboxes, large dumb buffers (instead of conventional buffers), a deeper bufferbeam with slot for an NEM coupling, taller chimney and dome, and a flush-riveted 3 part saddle tank.

A smokebox door handle is not included and the Staveley locos all had curved front handrails.

Strictly speaking this model represents ‘Hartington’ as it had 6 evenly spaced ‘dogs’ on the smokebox door, whereas the others had 5, but the difference is very small.

All 3 locos were later transferred to work elsewhere, losing their dumb buffers and lower coupling hooks in favour of normal sprung buffers. ‘No.3 Avonside’ was renamed ‘Cranford’ when it took over the duties and name from withdrawn classmate No.1918 of 1923. It is this loco which is now preserved with the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society at Scunthorpe Steelworks. The loco has been modified in preservation with a flush sided tank, ‘dart’ handled smokebox door, and rebuilt cab. It has lost its double bufferbeams but retained its second name, ‘Cranford’. As of 2020 it is the only operating late-style B4.

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, Dumb Buffers, Handbrake Column, Reverser, Firebox Backhead, Regulator

Separately fitted accessories included:

Handrail knobs x 11, .45mm Handrail Wire, 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!

Free postage to the UK

Please note this kit will require a Hornby Peckett B2 chassis