Taff Vale Models release new V Class locomotive kit

Prototype information

The six locomotives that comprised the Taff V class were introduced in 1899 as replacements for earlier non-standard designs. Numbers 75, 80 and 90 were delivered in the May of that year, with 91, 99 and 100 following in the next month.

When new, they were fully lined out, with the saddle tank divided into two panels by the white, yellow and red livery, together with the cab sides and bunker. The splashers had brass beading around the circumference, but it is not known how long this elaborate livery would have been continued.

They remained unaltered up until the grouping, when they were renumbered 788-791, and 786, 787 respectively. In 1923 to 1925, three were fitted with new boilers, and two others given overhauled ones, and at the same time, a small portion of the front of the saddle tank was cut away to give better access for oiling the inside motion. Only 787 was left untouched, and was the first to be sold in 1926, the others were sold out of service between 1927 and 1930. No.791 was sold to Hatfield Main colliery and continued to work until 1963, when it was scrapped in the March of that year. The four other locos were sold to GKN Dowlais (786/787/788), and the Blaendare Co., Pontypool (789). No.790 did not find a buyer and was scrapped at Swindon sometime after 1928.

The Model

There are two versions of the kit available, one with original tanks, and the later option with cutaway tanks.

Chassis options for OO. EM & P4 are included on the etch.

Kit Contents

1 x nickel silver etch.

3D parts for saddle/boiler/smokebox door/backhead etc.

2 x 8BA screws

2 x 8BA nuts

500mm 0.45mm brass wire

250mm 0.7mm brass wire

Bearings/handrail knobs/smokebox dart/Dean pattern buffers

Soft enamelled copper wire for balance pipe

Soft copper wire for sand pipes