GWR "Penrhos Grange" (Designed by Neville Evans.)

Penrhos Grange is recognised as the model which significantly  changed the perception of model engineering in the 21st
Century.. In the past committed craftsmen have built some wonderful models but such models have been beyond the skill of an average model engineer. Present day aspirations are higher than ever, but skill levels may be more limited and this is reflected in the popularity of kit-built locos.

Penrhos Grange is not a kit loco, and may be built in a conventional manner with drawings and castings available. However, if required much more can be available, as shown in the list below. Drill marked laser cut frames and other parts help to quickly establish a square foundation for the loco.

The option of machined cylinders and wheels often appeals to builders with limited facilities, skills or time. The wide range of lost wax castings further reduce skill and machining effort required to realise a fine scale model. The simplifications of such things as drag beam construction are hard to discern from the finished model which bears a close resemblance to the prototype. The availability of CNC cut, drilled and formed platework appeals not just to Grange customers but to many other builders of GWR locomotives who realise how long it takes to get all the rivet holes in the right place and ensure the many parts of a tender or cab fit together correctly.

The model has been described in Model Engineer, but care must be taken as the designer’s first intent was to develop a Grange using available parts. The present design evolved during publication of the series.