OO9/009 Side Tank Steam Locomotive to fit the Kato 11-109 motorised chassis

FAQ – Product FAQs

What exactly is included with this OO9 steam side tank loco kit?

The kit includes a high-detail resin body shell, a separate cab interior insert, and any kit chassis parts we supply for fitting to the Kato 11-109 motor bogie chassis. All parts are supplied unassembled (where applicable), unprimed, and unpainted. The Kato 11-109 chassis itself is not included and is shown in photos for information only.

Which chassis does this body fit?

This body is designed specifically to clip onto the Kato 11-109 motor bogie chassis. The Kato chassis clips into place and can be carefully removed again if you wish to reuse it on another model.

What scale and gauge is this model?

This is an OO9 narrow gauge steam side tank locomotive body. OO9 uses 9mm gauge track to represent narrow gauge in OO scale.

Is the model supplied painted like the photos?

No. The photos of the painted locomotive are for illustration only, to show how the model can look when finished. The kit is supplied unpainted and unprimed, ready for you to paint and finish yourself.

Where are these models produced and what material is used?

We print our own models here in the UK using high-detail resin. Each piece is cleaned, cured, and checked by hand before dispatch.

How durable is the resin, and how should I handle it?

The resin captures fine detail but can be quite delicate. Handle parts carefully, avoid dropping them, and take care when clipping the body onto the chassis. We cannot be responsible for breakages after delivery, but if an item arrives damaged in the post, please contact us with photos so we can see what we can do to help.

The Kato 11-109 chassis will not clip into the body properly. What should I do?

First, check that there are no bits of remaining support material or small resin burrs inside the body or around the chassis mounting points. Lightly clean these areas with a fine file or fine-grit sanding stick. Make sure the chassis is correctly oriented and fully seated in the locating areas before applying gentle pressure to clip it in. Do not force it; a small amount of careful fettling usually solves the issue.

The body feels too tight on the chassis. Can I adjust it?

Yes, but only very gently. You can:

• Test-fit the body without paint first to identify tight spots.
• Lightly sand or scrape the inside of the body where it contacts the chassis until it slides on snugly but without excessive force.
• Avoid removing too much material in one go; test fit frequently.

The cab interior piece does not seem to fit correctly. Any tips?

Ensure that any primer or paint on the mating surfaces is thin and even. If the interior feels tight, lightly sand the edges and test fit repeatedly until it sits flat and square inside the cab. Check that there is no cured resin residue in the corners where the interior is meant to sit.

I can see faint support marks or layer lines. How should I deal with them?

We do our best to remove support marks, but some fine sanding may still be needed. Use:

• Fine sanding sticks or 600–1000 grit wet-and-dry paper.
• Gentle, light strokes to avoid damaging surface detail.
• A quick rinse and dry before priming to remove dust.

My model arrived broken in the post. What should I do?

If your model is damaged on arrival, please take clear photos of the breakage and the packaging and contact us. We will review the images and see what we can do to help. We cannot, however, cover accidental damage that occurs after safe delivery.

How is the body designed to assemble with the chassis?

The body is a simple drop-fit onto the Kato 11-109 motor bogie chassis. Once aligned, it clips into place without the need for glue, allowing you to remove the chassis later if you wish. Always test fit before painting to familiarise yourself with how it locates and clips.

How should I approach painting this kit?

The kit is designed so you can paint the main body and the cab interior separately before final assembly. A typical workflow is:

• Gently clean and lightly sand any visible support marks.
• Wash parts in mild soapy water, rinse, and allow to dry fully.
• Apply a suitable primer for resin models.
• Paint the body and cab interior in your chosen colours.
• Allow paint to cure before clipping onto the chassis.

Do I need to prime the resin before painting?

Yes, priming is strongly recommended. A good quality primer suitable for resin will help paint adhere, reveal any remaining imperfections that may need a final sand, and provide an even base colour for your top coats.

When should I install the cab interior piece: before or after painting?

It is usually best to paint the cab interior separately, then install it after both the interior and the main body are painted and fully dry. This makes it easier to pick out cab details neatly without masking and reduces the risk of getting interior colours on the exterior finish.

Any tips to avoid damaging the paint when clipping the body onto the chassis?

Allow the paint and varnish coats to cure fully before final assembly. When fitting the body to the Kato chassis:

• Hold the model by solid areas rather than fine details.
• Gently ease the body over the chassis, checking that no paint build-up is causing tight spots.
• If it feels too tight, remove the body and lightly sand the internal contact points rather than forcing it.