GN15 - Steam Loco - Huntsy Quarry - G-scale on 00 track using a Smokey Joe

This is a steam locomotive kit for your GN15 layout, suitable for quarry, dockyard, or industrial estate settings, in fact anywhere a reliable steam engine is needed. The kit requires simple assembly, which is very easy and comes with instructions. Superglue is recommended for assembling all the components. I use Simoniz primer and acrylic paints for finishing my models.

The kit is printed with high-detail resin in the UK and includes the chassis, body, driver, and relevant sundry dress-up items. It even comes with laser-cut plastic for the pressure gauge. These kits come unpainted and do not include the Smokey Joe chassis shown for reference; you will need to provide your own. Additionally, we offer an option with a replacement 5-pole motor for the Smokey Joe chassis. These 5-pole motors significantly improve the slow running of the Smokey Joe and are a simple clip-in replacement.

The photos of the painted steam locomotive are for reference purposes.

**GN15** is essentially narrow gauge G-Scale, modeled at 1/22.5 scale on 16.5mm gauge track.

Your kit includes:

1. - Chassis suitable for a Smokey Joe chassis
2. - Steam Huntsy Body 
3. - Control Handle
4. - Hand brake
5. - Whistle 
6. - Boiler Gauge
7. - Cab Back
8. - 3D Scanned Driver
9. - 2 x Optional Coupling Blocks (if not using the Hornby ones)
10. - Brass Rods for Handrails
11. - Brass Knobs for Water Tank Handrails
12. - Instructions

This listing is for these resin-printed pieces in grey, along with knobs and handrails.

 Finishing:

1. - All items are cleaned and cured by hand.
2. - They are unassembled and ready for you to prime and paint.
3. - We do our best to remove support marks, but some fine sanding may be required.
4. - All pieces come unprimed and unpainted with all supports removed.

The condition is new and dispatched by Royal Mail in the UK. Our packaging is eco-friendly: the exterior is partly made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the interior packing materials are acid-free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibers.

Please note that resin can be delicate, so avoid dropping your parts. We cannot be held responsible for breakages once your item has arrived. However, if the piece is broken in the post, please provide images, and we will do our best to assist you.

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is this kit?

This is a high-detail resin steam locomotive kit in GN15 scale, designed for use on 16.5mm gauge track. It’s ideal for quarry, dockyard, or general industrial layouts where a small, reliable steam engine would be at home. The kit provides the resin-printed body, chassis shell, driver figure, and detail parts for you to assemble, prime, and paint.

Does the kit include a working chassis?

No, the kit does not include the working Smokey Joe chassis shown in some photos. You will need to supply your own Smokey Joe chassis. The resin chassis supplied is designed to fit around that mechanism. There is also an option to add a replacement 5-pole motor for the Smokey Joe chassis, but the base kit itself does not include the running gear.

What scale and gauge is GN15?

GN15 is essentially narrow-gauge G-scale, modeled at 1:22.5 scale running on 16.5mm gauge track (the same track width as OO/HO). This gives you a chunky, characterful industrial locomotive that still fits on readily available track.

What parts are included in the kit?

The kit includes:

• Chassis shell suitable for a Smokey Joe chassis
• Steam locomotive body
• Control handle
• Hand brake
• Whistle
• Boiler gauge (with laser-cut plastic for the pressure gauge)
• Cab back
• 3D scanned driver figure
• Two optional coupling blocks (for use instead of Hornby couplings)
• Brass rods for handrails
• Brass knobs for water tank handrails
• Printed instructions

Is the kit pre-painted or pre-assembled?

No, all parts come unassembled, unprimed, and unpainted. They are cleaned and cured by hand, with supports removed, so you can go straight to any final sanding, priming, and painting in your own preferred style.

How is the kit packaged and shipped?

The kit is new and dispatched by Royal Mail within the UK. Packaging is eco-friendly: the outer packaging is partly made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, and the internal packing materials are acid-free and made from 99% recycled pulp fibres, helping protect both your model and the environment.

What glue should I use to assemble the kit?

Superglue (cyanoacrylate) is recommended for assembling all resin and brass components in this kit. Apply it sparingly, dry-fit parts first, and allow joints to fully cure before handling the model further.

What paints and primers work well on this resin?

The kit takes common hobby primers and acrylic paints very well. I personally use Simoniz primer followed by acrylic paints for the colour coats. Whatever brand you choose, make sure the parts are clean and dry before priming, and always use a primer suitable for plastic/resin.

Do I need to do any sanding or cleanup?

All items are cleaned, cured, and have their supports removed by hand before dispatch. However, some fine sanding may still be required to smooth minor support marks or seams. A gentle rub with fine wet-and-dry paper or sanding sticks is usually all that’s needed.

Can this locomotive be used on layouts other than quarry scenes?

Yes. While it’s perfect for quarry and industrial settings, it also suits dockyards, factory complexes, light railway lines, and any layout where a compact, hardworking steam locomotive would make sense. The final look is very much up to how you paint and weather it.

Is the kit suitable for beginners?

The kit is designed for simple assembly and comes with instructions, so it’s very approachable if you’re new to resin kits. Some basic modelling skills are helpful, such as handling superglue, light sanding, and brush or airbrush painting, but you don’t need specialist tools beyond standard hobby gear.

What should I do if parts arrive broken?

Resin can be delicate, and while everything is packed carefully, damage can occasionally occur in the post. If any parts arrive broken, please take clear photos of the damage and get in touch. We’ll do our best to assist you. We can’t be responsible for breakages after safe delivery, so handle the parts gently.

My parts don’t seem to fit the Smokey Joe chassis properly. What can I check?

First, make sure you are using the correct Smokey Joe chassis the kit was designed around. Check that there are no leftover resin nubs or sprue stubs inside the chassis shell, and ensure the Hornby chassis itself is free from flash or old glue. A light test-fit, followed by careful trimming or sanding of any tight spots, usually resolves fit issues.

The resin surface looks slightly rough in places. How can I smooth it out?

A little surface texture is normal where support marks have been removed. Use fine-grit sandpaper or sanding sticks (around 600–1000 grit) to gently smooth the area, then wash off dust and allow to dry before priming. The primer will help reveal any remaining spots that might need a final light sand.

The model feels fragile. How should I handle it?

Resin is more brittle than styrene, so treat the parts with care. Avoid dropping them, don’t force tight joints, and support thin details (like handrails and whistles) when handling or transporting the model. It’s best to work over a soft surface so that if anything slips, it’s less likely to break.

My superglue joint turned cloudy or frosty. What went wrong?

Clouding can happen when there’s excess superglue or poor ventilation. Use less glue, ensure the surfaces are clean and dry, and avoid trapping fumes in enclosed spaces (like the cab) while the glue cures. If frosting appears on a visible surface, you can usually sand it lightly and touch up with primer and paint.

The locomotive runs roughly at low speed. Can this kit help?

The resin kit itself doesn’t affect the running quality, as that depends on the Smokey Joe chassis and motor. However, there is an optional replacement 5-pole motor available for the Smokey Joe chassis. These 5-pole motors are a simple clip-in replacement and can significantly improve slow-speed running once fitted to your own chassis.

How do I start assembling the kit?

Begin by reading through the supplied instructions from start to finish. Then:

• Dry-fit the major components (chassis shell, body, cab back) to understand how they align.
• Once satisfied, glue the main body assemblies using small amounts of superglue.
• Add smaller details like the whistle, control handle, and hand brake after the main structure is solid.
• Test-fit the Smokey Joe chassis before finalising any permanent joins that affect clearances.

When should I install the brass handrails and knobs?

It’s usually easiest to drill any handrail holes and test-fit the brass rods and knobs before painting. Many modellers then remove them for painting and re-fit after the main colours are on, or carefully paint them in situ. The key is to plan ahead so you don’t have to force parts into painted holes.

How should I prepare the parts before painting?

After any sanding, gently wash the resin parts in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent, then rinse and let them dry completely. This removes any dust and handling oils. Once dry, apply a suitable primer (such as Simoniz primer) in light coats to give your acrylic paints a good surface to grip.

Can I copy the paint scheme from your photos?

The photos of the painted locomotive are for reference only, but you’re very welcome to use them as inspiration. You can follow a similar industrial scheme or create your own quarry or dockyard livery. The unpainted grey resin is a blank canvas for whatever colours and weathering you prefer.

Do you have any tips for painting the driver figure?

For the 3D scanned driver, start with a primer coat, then block in the main colours (skin, clothing, boots, cap) with acrylics. A thin wash in darker tones will pick out the folds and details, and a light dry-brush on raised areas brings everything to life. Painting the driver separately and fitting him after the cab is painted often gives the best result.