Time stood still

Time stood still

I bought “Ivor – 4546″, a 5” Scale, Freelance Prairie Tank Loco in 2021 from Polly Model Engineering as a 12-part kit.  By mid-2022, I had all the kits, but progress had stalled, life had caused priorities to change.  I have never built anything like this previously unless you count a technical Lego kit or two. 

Having completed kit 6, the valves and other item was so tight, I could not turn the wheels; this was where I lost interest in completing t

he model loco.  Fast forward to mid-2024, I decided to dismantle the loco, fettle all parts so they fit better, are not so tight.  Parts need to be tight, a sloppy fit would not be good either, but tight would lead to heat from friction and cause damage. 

I remembered the reason why I bought the kit in the first place, and why it is called “Ivor” No. 4546.  It named after me, Ivan, a child of the 70’s bought up watching “Ivor the Engine”.  Why 4546, well GWR Great Western Railway had had the Prairie Tank Loco, class 45, 46 was my age when I bought the kit. Ivor, 4546. 

I have also refreshed and redesigned this website.  I will continue the build and update this site.  I aim to have the loco complete and operational by early / mid 2025.  I will then aim to have it completed and painted by the end of 2025/26. Ready to run around my home club track, which I am yet to find. 

Need tools – tools I used are listed here…