GN15 - 'Lady Elsa' a side seat Diesel critter - requires tenshodo spud

Narrow Minded Railworks

Regular price $48.00

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πŸš‚ GN15 Diesel Critter Kit – Fits Tenshodo / Hanazono Chassis – Industrial Narrow Gauge Resin Model

Bring some industrial charm to your GN15 layout, workshop, or quarry scene with this detailed Diesel Critter locomotive kit.
Printed in high-detail resin in the UK, this kit includes everything you need to build a compact industrial loco with a sideways seating position for extra character.

It assembles easily using superglue, and the chassis tray includes pockets for lead shot or Liquid Gravity to improve traction.


βš™οΈ Features:

  • Designed for GN15 scale (1:22.5 on 16.5 mm track) β€” narrow gauge G-scale proportion

  • Compatible with Tenshodo Spud / Hanazono chassis (not included – shown for reference only)

  • Chassis can be weighted for improved traction

  • Perfect for industrial, quarry, or yard layouts

  • Easy to assemble and customise


πŸ“¦ Kit Contents:

  • Chassis (fits Tenshodo Spud / Hanazono, ideally 31 mm wheelbase / 10.5 mm wheels)

  • Diesel Critter body (side-opening type)

  • Instrument panel

  • Control handle

  • Brake column

  • Exhaust stack

  • Radiator cap

  • Seat

  • 2 Γ— coupling blocks

(Total of ten resin-printed pieces in grey – slight colour variation may occur.)


🎨 Finishing & Assembly:

  • All resin parts are cleaned and UV-cured by hand

  • Supplied unassembled and unpainted – ready for priming and painting

  • Use acrylic or enamel paints over a quality primer

  • Minor sanding or cleanup may be required

  • Resin is fragile – handle with care


🌍 Packaging & Shipping:

  • Eco-friendly packaging – recyclable exterior and 99% recycled, acid-free interior pulp fibre

  • Dispatched via Royal Mail (UK)

  • Condition: New, unassembled, unpainted

If your item arrives damaged in transit, please send clear photos and we’ll do our best to help.


GN15 Diesel Critter Kit – Frequently Asked Questions

What scale is this kit and what track does it run on?

This kit is designed for GN15 scale, which is approximately 1:22.5 running on standard 16.5 mm gauge track. It represents an industrial narrow gauge locomotive in a G-scale proportion on OO/HO track.

What type of chassis does this body fit?

The kit is designed to fit Tenshodo Spud or Hanazono motorised chassis units, ideally with a 31 mm wheelbase and 10.5 mm diameter wheels. The chassis itself is not included and is shown in photos for reference only.

What exactly comes in the box?

The kit includes ten grey resin-printed parts: chassis tray (to accept the motor bogie), Diesel Critter body, instrument panel, control handle, brake column, exhaust stack, radiator cap, seat, and two coupling blocks. All parts are supplied unassembled and unpainted.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Yes, the kit is designed to be easy to assemble and customise. If you are comfortable using superglue and basic modelling tools, you should be able to build it. Some minor sanding or cleanup of parts may be required.

Can I customise or kitbash this loco?

Yes, the resin body and separate detail parts make it straightforward to customise. You can add extra details, weathering, crew figures, or modify the paint scheme to suit industrial, quarry, or yard layouts.

How is the kit packaged and shipped?

The kit is packed in eco-friendly packaging with a recyclable exterior and a 99% recycled, acid-free interior pulp fibre insert. Orders are dispatched via Royal Mail within the UK.

Do I need to buy anything else to make it run?

Yes. You will need a compatible Tenshodo Spud or Hanazono chassis (ideally 31 mm wheelbase with 10.5 mm wheels), track, a controller, and any additional weights such as lead shot or Liquid Gravity if you wish to improve traction.

Is the loco body already painted or primed?

No. All parts are supplied unpainted and unprimed in grey resin. They are cleaned and UV-cured by hand, but you will need to apply your own primer and paint.

What glue should I use to assemble the kit?

The kit is designed to be assembled using superglue (cyanoacrylate). Apply small amounts and allow each joint to set fully before handling to avoid misalignment.

Can I add weight for better traction?

Yes. The chassis tray includes pockets specifically designed for adding weight such as lead shot or Liquid Gravity. Adding weight will help improve traction and running performance.

Is the resin strong enough for regular handling?

The resin is suitable for normal layout use but is inherently fragile, especially on fine details. Handle with care during assembly, painting, and operation, and avoid dropping or twisting thin parts.

What should I do if the kit arrives damaged?

If your item arrives damaged in transit, please take clear photos of the packaging and the affected parts and contact the seller. They will do their best to help resolve the issue.

The chassis does not seem to fit the tray properly. What should I check?

First, confirm that your Tenshodo or Hanazono chassis matches the recommended 31 mm wheelbase and 10.5 mm wheel size. Check for any small printing nubs or flash in the tray and gently remove them with a file or fine sandpaper. Do not force the chassis; adjust the fit gradually.

My loco is wobbling or sitting unevenly on the track.

Ensure the chassis is fully seated in the tray and that no resin sprue or debris is trapped underneath. Check that the added weights in the pockets are evenly distributed and secured, and that the body is not twisted when glued to the chassis tray.

The loco slips when pulling wagons. How can I improve traction?

Use the built-in weight pockets in the chassis tray to add lead shot or Liquid Gravity, fixing it in place with a suitable adhesive. Start with modest amounts and test on your layout, adding more weight if needed while keeping within the chassis motor’s capabilities.

Some parts look slightly warped or not perfectly flat.

Minor variation can occur with resin printing. For small warps, you can usually correct them by very gently bending the part by hand. Work slowly and avoid sudden force, as resin is fragile. If a part is severely distorted, contact the seller with photos.

The superglue joint has turned white or foggy.

This can happen if too much superglue is used or if fumes are trapped in enclosed areas. Use smaller amounts of glue, allow ventilation around the joint, and avoid gluing large enclosed areas in one go. Light sanding and repainting can usually tidy up any frosting.

Do I need to wash the parts before painting?

The parts are cleaned and UV-cured by hand, so heavy residue should not be present. However, many modellers prefer to give resin parts a quick wash in mild soapy water, rinse, and let them dry thoroughly before priming to ensure the best paint adhesion.

What type of primer should I use on the resin?

Use a quality primer that is suitable for plastic or resin. Both acrylic and enamel primers can be used. Apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat to preserve the fine detail on the model.

Which paints work best on this kit?

You can use either acrylic or enamel paints over a properly applied primer. Choose paints you are comfortable with and build up colour in thin layers. Weathering powders and washes can be added on top once the main colours are fully cured.

Do I need to sand the parts before assembly or painting?

Only minor sanding or cleanup should be necessary. Check for small support marks or edges that need smoothing, and use fine sandpaper or small files. Test-fit parts before gluing to see where any light sanding will help improve the fit.

How should I handle the model during painting and detailing?

Because the resin is fragile, hold the model by solid areas such as the chassis tray or main body panels rather than thin details like the exhaust stack or brake column. Using a temporary handle or jig while painting can help avoid accidental damage.