LTM 51 in HO

Introduction - LTM 51

I always loved LTM 51. In fact in September 1974, so almost exactly 45 years ago an article appeared in De Modelbouwer which sparked my life long interest in articulated steam locomotives in general and my love for Garratts in particular.

It is a truly unique engine. The only ever Dutch Garratt , the only ever Garratt in the world to have inside cylinders only, and built to Dutch standards and practises for tramway locomotives.

I have always wanted to build a model of it. I published this intent on my website. I expected to have to build everything from scratch and over the years I have accumulated just about everything of what little documentation exists.

I was also aware that Harry Kaffa produced etches in the 1980s to build RTR models. An unknown number of etches came on the market as an "etch only" scratch building aid. I never succeeded to locate any of them, let alone persuade the owner to sell it. Finding it is a needle in a haystack.

This week I was spontaneously approached by a fellow builder who had read my intent to build a model on my website and offered me one of the two sets he owned. It changed hands for €170. Now one proudly resides on my desk. A very rare find indeed and I am much indebted to my fellow builder and incredibly happy with the sheer stroke of luck involved.

A photo of a RTR model

Status of the project

27 Januari 2021

In the Christmas period I completed the second power unit. Progress was hampered by erratic running. After installing a new motor all was fine and the locomotive was assembled for a first trial run

20 December 2020

With the Christmas holidays and the Covid lockdown progress is fine; second drive unit well underway.

18 December 2020

The first unit is motorised and runs well. Now I have found out which way to build this unit I have high hopes that the other unit can be finished quickly. In the meantime I have acquired the etches of an O-gauge version of the same loco.

4 July 2020

Work on the first of the drive units is well underway. I am ironing out all problems associated with an "etch only, no manual" kit. Progress is slow but I am enjoying it and learning every day.

21 June 2020, solstice northern hemisphere

The main construction of the boiler cradle has been completed. I got message from High Level Kits that the gearboxes are available at long last. So until then I will commence the main construction of the power units.

8 May 2020, VE Day

On the very day WW2 in Europe ceased, I made the first cut in the etches.

Most parts have been received by now, I am only waiting for the gearboxes to arrive.

2 August 2019

Today is a very special day: I collected a kit of LTM 51! With this part of my dream to build a model of this loco has come a major step closer. The kit has temporarily been stored. I intend to start working on it as soon as I have completed my current projects

NBDS 119 (stil a long way to go)
SBB C 5/6 (minor project, repair from zinc rot)
Fairlie Merddin Emrys (only painting and assembly)

I admit that might take some time, but it is essential to finish these first as otherwise I will never finish anything. Finished projects give me peace of mind and help me to concentrate on the project at hand.