Of all the designs which I regard to be “almost unattainable” in terms of LEGO modeling, those of Sir Nigel Gresley are perhaps at the top of the list. Probably one of the greatest locomotive designers of all time, Gresley is responsible for the legendary A3 and A4 pacific locomotives of England, not to mention numerous other successful designs.
Gresley was also responsible for the six P-class 2-8-2 ‘mikado” type locomotives used by the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER). These locomotives arose out of the need for more powerful engines to be used in passenger service between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. One locomotive was initially built, which sported three cylinders and an A3-style boiler with a longer firebox, double blastpipe, feedwater heater, and smoke deflectors. The result was delivered in May of 1934, numbered 2001 and named “Cock O’ The North”.
The following P2 locomotives were improved upon until the last one, 2006, was completed. Gresley died in 1941, and his successor, Edward Thompson, rebuilt all P2 locomotives into A2/2 pacifics.
Currently, there are two separate groups working to build new P2 locomotives. One is based in Darlington, and comprised of the same team responsible for the Peppercorn A1 class Tornado. Similar to Tornado, the P2 Locomotive Trust is building a new locomotive of the class, improving upon the advancements made decades before, instead of rebuilding a former member of the class. Once completed, this new engine will be numbered 2007 and named “Prince of Wales”. Several modern techniques are being used on the locomotive, like a new pilot truck design, and use of the Lentz/Franklin rotary cam valve gear. The other P2 group is recreating the original locomotive, 2001, in the classic Gresley streamlined style.
Sam, of Australia, who goes by his Flickr username British Bricks, has chosen Prince of Wales as his newest modeling endeavor.
From Sam’s photo on Flickr:
This model was, without a doubt, the most complicated engine I’ve built to date. There were so many factors that made it a real challenge to get it to look accurate and be functional. There are even two different tender connectors for this model! One is 3.5 studs long, which allows it to go around R40 curves and another which is three studs long which can around R56+ and minimises the gap between the cab and the tender.
A huge thanks go to Nick. This project has been pretty much a collab between the two of us. We originally planned to release our models together. However, I was fortunate enough to have a lot more free time during my break than Nick. Let’s all hope he finishes his soon 🙂 Also to Alexander for vinyl cutting the stickers for the wheels!
The lining will be added in the future, but that’s something that will take a lot more time and planning.
What immediately struck me about this great model is how well proportioned it is. It perfectly captures the presence and curvature of a P2 even in a medium so blocky as Lego. Once the “wow” moment has passed and the viewer starts to take a closer look, some amazing details become apparent.
The most noticeable of these is the smoke deflectors. Sam has really perfected this detail – even though he modified a couple curved slopes *wink*. In seriousness, this is one of the most characteristic details of the P2, and Sam nailed it. In the same area we see the steam pipe down the left side of the locomotive, ending with a warm gold fixture. Again with a cut-up part, but it adds to the model nicely.
The entire pilot area is very nicely done. Sam went to the trouble of modeling the curve in the frame over the pilot wheel, the frame supports on the pilot deck, and the piping underneath the cylinders too; all common features of locomotives from this era and location.
Along the boiler are black grab irons, which are modified antenna pieces clipped in with flex tube. This is a great way to reduce the bulkiness of flex tube as handrails if you don’t mind part modification. I think this was the right choice as flex tube would have looked far too bulky for this engine.
The rotary cam valve gear is represented simply and effectively with flex tube and a headlight clip. Wheels from Big Ben are used for the pilot and driving wheels, and printed wheels from Nate Brill’s store are used for the trailing truck and tender. The use of green decals on black XL drive wheels is particularly interesting, as it keeps the tire black but spoke and counterweight faces the correct color.
The cab and firebox is likely my favorite part overall. The P2 locomotives sported a V-shaped cab with the apex pointed towards the front of the locomotive. This, coupled with the angled firebox walls and running board below, make for one of the most difficult challenges in Lego train modeling. Sam has again perfectly captured the look while minimizing gaps between parts. The use of warm gold bucket handles for the front window lining accent the cab well.
The Gresley style tender is also very well modeled. The suspension detail on the outside frame is superb.
This is truly an outstanding model with an excellent connection to contemporary railroading. British Bricks has really outdone himself with this one, and I’m looking forward to his next project.
