OO9/009 Andrew Barclay Douglas Steam Locomotive to fit a Kato chassis 11-109

FAQ – Product FAQs

What exactly is this OO9 Andrew Barclay steam loco kit?

This is a high-detail resin body kit representing an Andrew Barclay steam locomotive in OO9 narrow gauge. It is designed to clip directly onto a Kato 11-109 motor bogie chassis and includes a separate cab interior and 3D-scanned driver figure for added detail. The kit is supplied unpainted and unassembled (where applicable); the Kato chassis is shown for information only and is not included.

Which chassis does this body fit?

This body is designed specifically to clip onto the Kato 11-109 motor bogie chassis. It is a simple drop-fit arrangement so you can paint the body and interior before final assembly. There is also a different kit in the range for the Kato 110 chassis (the Douglas 110 kit), which is listed separately in the shop.

What comes in the kit and what do I need to supply?

The kit includes:

• Resin loco body
• Resin cab interior insert
• 3D-scanned driver figure

You will need to supply your own Kato 11-109 chassis, plus any paints, primer, glue (if you choose to fix parts permanently), and basic modelling tools such as files or fine sanding sticks.

Is the model already painted or primed?

No, all parts are supplied unprimed and unpainted. They are cleaned, cured, and have supports removed, but they are left bare so you can prime and paint them in your own livery.

Where are the models produced?

All models are printed in-house in the UK using high-detail resin. Each piece is cleaned and cured by hand before being packed for shipping.

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

The resin is detailed and therefore somewhat delicate. Handle the parts carefully, avoid dropping them, and don’t force any tight fits. Some fine sanding is acceptable, but take your time and support thin areas while working on them.

What should I do if the model arrives damaged in the post?

If your kit arrives damaged, please take clear photos of the damaged parts and the packaging and get in touch. While we can’t be responsible for breakages after delivery, we will do our best to help if damage has occurred in transit.

Can I remove the Kato 11-109 chassis after assembly?

Yes, the body is designed as a simple drop fit so that the Kato 11-109 chassis can be carefully removed later if you wish to reuse it in another model. Avoid using permanent glue on the chassis if you plan to remove it in the future.

Is this kit suitable for beginners to OO9 kit-building?

Yes, it is intended as an easy-to-build kit. The drop-on body and separate interior make painting and assembly straightforward. Some basic modelling skills, such as light sanding and careful handling, will still be helpful.

Does this kit include couplings or extra detailing parts?

The description covers the resin body, cab interior, and driver figure only. Any couplings, extra detailing parts, or layout-specific fittings will need to be sourced separately according to your own preferences.

Will this loco run on standard OO track?

This is an OO9 narrow gauge model, which uses 9mm track (the same gauge as N scale) to represent narrow gauge in 4mm/OO scale. It is not intended for standard OO gauge (16.5mm) track.

My body doesn’t seem to clip fully onto the Kato 11-109 chassis. What should I check?

First, make sure there are no bits of leftover resin or flash inside the body or on the chassis that might obstruct the fit. Check that the chassis is correctly oriented and seated level. If the fit is still tight, very lightly sand any high spots inside the body rather than forcing the chassis in place.

The loco rocks or sits unevenly on the track after fitting the body. How can I fix this?

Remove the body and check that the chassis sits flat on the track by itself. If it does, inspect the inside of the body for any areas pressing on the chassis, especially around the bogie area. Carefully relieve those spots with fine sanding until the body sits square without twisting the chassis.

The Kato 11-109 runs fine on its own, but slows down with the body fitted. Why?

This usually means something is rubbing. Check that:

• The body is not pressing down on the moving parts of the chassis.
• No resin is touching the wheels or gears.
• The interior piece is fully seated and not fouling the mechanism.

Gently remove a little material from any contact points until the chassis runs freely with the body installed.

The interior or driver doesn’t seem to fit properly inside the cab. What can I do?

Dry-fit the interior and driver before painting. If they feel tight, lightly sand the contact surfaces or the underside of the interior piece until it drops into place without force. Make sure any paint build-up around the cab opening is not restricting the fit.

The resin surface looks slightly rough in places. Is this normal?

Minor surface texture or faint support marks can occur with high-detail resin printing. These are usually easily smoothed with fine wet-and-dry paper or sanding sticks before priming. Work gently and avoid over-sanding sharp details.

How should I prepare the resin parts before painting?

Although the parts are cleaned and cured, it’s good practice to:

• Rinse the parts in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent.
• Gently scrub with a soft brush to remove any remaining residue.
• Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely.

Once dry, you can lightly sand any visible support marks, then proceed to priming.

What primer do you recommend for this kit?

Standard car primer or Tamiya primer both work very well as a base coat on this resin. Apply in light, even coats to avoid obscuring fine details, and allow the primer to cure fully before applying your colour coats.

What type of paint should I use for the top coats?

Acrylic paints are recommended for finishing the model. They adhere well over a good primer, dry quickly, and are easy to thin and clean up. You can use brush painting or airbrushing, depending on your preference and equipment.

Should I assemble the model before or after painting?

The kit is designed so that you can paint the body, interior, and driver separately before final assembly. This makes it much easier to reach all the interior details and get a clean finish on the cab and crew.

Do I need to glue the body to the Kato chassis?

No, the body is intended as a drop fit onto the Kato 11-109 chassis, so glue is not strictly necessary. Many modellers prefer to leave it unglued so the chassis can be removed later. If you do choose to glue, use a very small amount and avoid any contact with the moving parts of the chassis.