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4mm scale locomotives:  kits, super-detailing, conversions and scratch-built

Below are illustrations of 4mm scale kits, ready to run stock having received attention with detailing kits, conversions and scratch-built locomotives.  Details of how to contact manufacturers and suppliers can be found in our modelling contacts section.

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converted 20001 - click to view larger picture These models of Southern Electric locomotives 20001 (above) and 20002 (below) were built by David Smith, a well known Southern Electric modeller and former Modelling Secretary of the SEG.  They were both (heavily) converted from Lima Mk1 coaches and Peak locomotive chassis.
converted 20002 - click to view larger picture
DC Kits HA in green livery - click to view larger picture DC Kits HA in blue livery - click to view larger picture

Above are two pictures of built samples DC Kits' Class 71 kit, pictures supplied by DC Kits

Craftsman class 07 - click to view larger picture This Class 07 dock shunter started life as a Craftsman Kit
Silver Fox class 07 click to view larger picture Whilst this 07 is from Silver Fox Models, which was available both as a resin body kit to fit onto a modified Bachmann Class 03/04 chassis and also custom-built ready to run.  The model pictured was purchased ready to run.   If building from the kit its appearance can be improved by applying separate details such as wire handrails and airhorns having first removed the cast-on versions.
Lima 09 - click to view larger picture As also mentioned on our ready to run locomotives page, the Lima Class 09 model shows its origin as a 1970s' toy. However, with a little effort it can be made presentable. The sample left of 09 026 has been repainted into Network SouthEast blue, fitted with flushglazing, wire handrails, new buffers and MU hoses.
Lima class 33 repainted - click to view larger picture As also mentioned on our ready to run locomotives page, the Lima Class 33 model shows its origin as a 1970s' toy.   However, to mix a metaphor, it is possible to gild a sow's ear!  This model can be considerably improved using detailing parts.  The version of D6508 pictured top has merely had a re-paint. This improves its looks for starters.  The model in the middle picture of D6508 has been taken a lot further by having its mounting lugs removed and body holes filled in, flushglazing and windscreen wipers applied, separate wire handrails and lamp irons, buffers replaced and buffer beam detail fixed on one end. Finally D6536 pictured bottom has been super-detailed as D6508 plus converted to a push pull Crompton using a detailing kit. Two further improvements would be to fit Ultrascale replacement wheels and Modeltorque replacement motor armature (see contacts list).  By then not much of the original Lima model will be left!
Lima class 33 superdetailed - click to view larger picture
Lima class 33 super detailed - click to view larger picture
Lima class 73 superdetailed - click to view larger picture Also as mentioned on our ready to run electric and electro-diesel locomotives page the Lima Class 73 model is one of their better efforts. However, it is possible further to improve it as illustrated left by use of flushglazing and separately applied detailing parts, see-through grilles, engine  room "pipes", re-spray, etc.  This model has also had Ultrascale replacement wheels fitted but awaits a Modeltorque replacement motor armature (see contacts list).
Lima class 73 superdetailed - click to view larger picture