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E3 Billinton |
E3 Marsh (awaiting picture) |
When William Stroudley died in 1889, a prototype 0-6-2T locomotive was already being prepared at the Brighton works as a possible answer to the need for larger locomotives to haul increasingly heavy freight trains. Robert Billinton completed the loco, making some minor alterations to the original design. As these locomotives were built primarily as short to medium haul goods engines, all were fitted with a lever reverse.
The prototype (called “West Brighton”) proved a success, and subsequently fifteen further engines were built in 1894/95. The entire class was used on freight services, as their 4' 6" driving wheels made them of limited use on passenger trains. They were all fitted with the Westinghouse brake.
In 1908, E. Marsh reboilered seven of the class, the principal external differences being a different chimney, safety valves changed to a “Marsh” type, and the whistle placed on the roof. The smokebox was also extended, but the majority of the class was altered after the grouping in 1923.
All sixteen engines were taken into BR ownership, with the last one being withdrawn in 1959.
The MSC Models Kit
The kit represents the E3s in Billinton condition. The Marsh version can be made by replacing the boiler and fittings. The fittings are available from MSC Models at nominal cost.
The kits can be powered by a number of different motor units, but the MSC Models JH motor unit is particularly recommended.
Wheels have not been provided in the kit as there are a number of different standards available in O Gauge. Slaters Plastikard Ltd and Walsall Model Engineering wheels are recommended.