The front end kits comprised the front wheels, the axle and perch, and the smokebox.

The front wheels are a smaller and simpler version of the back wheels. Because the spokes are all the same length, I was able to create a single template and produce multiple stick-on stencils for the lines. It was a bit of a slog because there are ten spokes one each wheel, and both sides needed lining, as they are clearly visible.

The front axle was fairly straightforward. I enjoyed painting the lovely rich “Burrell Plum” colour. I drew out the lining to scale on AutoCad to get the sizing right, then masked it up with painter’s tape and the lining tapes. It came out really well.

I had a few problems with bearing bushes not being the right size: despite having produced this kit for some years, STW didn’t know there was a problem! They replaced the offending parts straight away.

The perch between the smokebox and the axle went together okay except I found the swivel needed grinding down by quite a bit or it clashed with the bottom of the smokebox. This was the first actual moving part going together, so I couldn’t help but twiddle it every time I went past!

The smokebox was fun to do, and went together quite nicely. Likewise the chimney. They are painted with satin black heat-resistant paint.

The name rings are castings with the lettering embossed. For painting the large ring, I used a very small brush for the primer and heat-resistant gloss black and just very carefully painted in the gaps between the letters and borders. The small ring has very fine lettering that’s not very high, so I just painted inside the borders, then carefully scraped the paint off the embossing. It came out really well.

Unfortunately, while the smokebox was sitting upside-down on the table, it’s door swung slowly open, and it fell onto the concrete floor. The metalwork was fine, but it chipped the paint in several places.

I assembled the front end as you can see, and bolted it to my wooden chest to keep it safe from being moved about and knocked.

KITS 1-3 Front End

1/3-scale burrell traction engine

Exit

I’m really pleased with how the front end looks. Attached to the tool chest it’s a talking point when customers and suppliers visit the factory.