Winson 1400 Price

[adethelathe]

Hi there

This is my first posting on this site.

I have been offered a Winson 1400 Kit, which I understand is complete. So far only the basic chassis is running. What is the going rate for one of these kits?

I will be reading through the postings on this site to see what the potential issues are.

I am currently 2/3 of the way through building a Simplex and thinking about my next project.

Regards

Adrian

[Deleted]

Hello chaps------------ ADRIAN, I can't help with the price etc. BUT would ask this of you }------ Do you intend to do a lot of passenger hauling with your finished locos ?? If YES, then the Simplex is an ideal, proven design that won't let you down.(Typically 5 to 10 adults on 2 club trucks ??)..The 14xx is a slightly different matter however...The full-sized ones were only a Branch line loco ----- remember the film Titchfield Thunderbolt ??----- with only 4, large diameter driving wheels....Now please don't get me wrong here.. The Winsons kit, when finished and fully sorted, is a lovely example of a GWR branch line loco..The trouble is that when let loose on a typical club track it's hard to maintain the "line speed" that the others are doing..and with a max. of maybe 5 adults it doesn't contribute much to the days passenger hauling.......... So, why not try a LARGER tank loco such as a GWR Prairie or maybe a 2-8-2T ??--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- However, if that initial answer was NO, then the 14xx is a smashing little loco with lots of on-line support for the "WINSON WRINKLES" that are inevitable.............................. 3rd option is to run the 14xx on non-passenger days (ie just you and your smile !!) with the Simplex doing the club-days' donkey work (Which they love !!) ......Personally I'd go with option 3...

[adethelathe]

Hi 4930 Hagley

I am having second thoughts about the Winson 1400, unless I can get it for a low price and even then I would not part with any cash untill the boiler had been tested.

My thoughts were that it would be quick to build although knowing that a good workshop is required.

Kind Regards

Adrian

[pault]

Hi
Some interesting comments there, I can’t comment on the 5” 14XX but we have a 14XX at the GCR (7 ¼”)which does not run very often, but when it does it has a fair turn of speed, and will manage 8/10 people in two coaches over our line which is fairly hilly. That said it is working at 100% quite a lot of the time and it is quite hard work keeping on top of it driving wise but rewarding when you get it right.
If this is your first loco there is something to be said for something a bit bigger, as you have more in reserve.

Regards
Paul