The Baldwin Wb and Wd project


These kits are now available at $600 each, including motor, gearbox and all-metal drivers.

There are only a few left and it is unlikely these will be rerun.  These are high spec kits consisting entirely of brass and nickel silver etchings with brass castings.  There is no whitemetal or pewter.  

Chassis is split frame and metal drivers are included.

Instructions are on a CD with many step-by-step colour  photographs.

If you are interested in one of these kits tell us now and we'll send you a copy of the instructions to whet your appetite.

The images below are taken from the instructions to the Wb, but compressed and reduced for fast loading.  Note that these images are of an actual model during construction.  In places you'll see some flux residue etc, but rest assured this will be cleaned up prior to painting.

 

Detail of the model nearing completion
Detail of internal valve gear.  The kit contains some parts for this, but operating motion requires some engineering on the part of the builder.
Frames and brake gear.  The frames are of bar type appearance as per the prototype.  Despite the complexity evident here, the frames are easily made up from 4 etched laminations that contain almost all the detail.
Cylinder assembly
Fabricated cow-catcher.  Because this is jigged, assembly is not difficult, but the result is worth the trouble!
It's entirely up to you whether you use the parts for cab detailing.  We think it is worth it.

You can also view pictures of the Wd pilot model

Follow the links below for more information:

Need Adobe Acrobat Reader? Get it for free at:

Visit Hugh McCracken's Baldwin site
(A site mainly dedicated to the NZR Wb and Wd classes)
Search National Library database for photos
(you'll need your imagination on search terms - try "Wd")