SAR GMA/M (kit)

Inventory of the kit

Much to my surprise the kit did not come in the familiar DJH cover and insert hard box but rather a, probably cheaper, standard cardboard hinging lid box. Okay, is it important? No it works, yet my feeling for tradition was a bit hurt. Of course the kit was well packed and despite the other type of box the excitement of lifting the lid was no different.

The content of the box was well organised.

Front unit water tank

Rear unit coal bunker cum water tank

Boiler cradle running board

Well,.. errrm the boiler

Wheel sets, a single motor, axles and crankpins

Gearbox

I have read in multiple sources that providing a hefty machine like this with only one motor is not a good idea. Half the single motor's power is lost on dragging the locomotive proper along the track and it will struggle to pull a train of any length, let alone pull a serious train for which it was designed. The leading unit however carries only a minimal tank, so I will have think of a way to power both units, without violating the restricted space in the leading unit.

Various castings, among others the crossheads and cow-catchers

Cab sides, smokebox door, coal chute etc

Boiler cradle frame

Boiler backhead and tender parts

All sorts of fasteners

Drive and valve gear, some of it already riveted

Etched parts (two sides)