This model is based on 4701, as used up to its withdrawal from service, and until it was repainted by the Lachlan Valley Railway society in late 1996.

Prototype background:

• Builder - A. Goninan & Co. Pty. Ltd., Newcastle NSW
• Engine - Caterpillar D399TA
• Traction Power - 1125 horse power
• Length - 15.27m
• Width - 2.834m
• Height - 4.2m
• Total mass - 85.3 tonnes
• Axle load - 14.2 tonnes
• Axle arrangement - Co-Co
• Maximum speed - 113km/h
• 4701 date in service - 20 September 1920
• 4701 withdrawn from service - 20 July 1990
• Current status (2008) - Preserved, Lachlan Valley Railway, Cowra NSW

My model details: The whitemetal kit was purchased 4/11/95 for $89.95 at Berg's Hobbies, Parramatta. The K&M mechanism was another $140. This was my second whitemetal kit, and from memory, the only construction problem was the different lengths of the 2 halves of the footplate. I found away around this, and the loco sat in this unfinished state for some time before painting. The different colours were masked and painted, decals for the numbers and SRA "L7" logos were applied. It wasn't until 2008 that I weathered it, and also realised that some of the decals were not sealed properly after they dislodged. These were fixed, and some of the number-box numbers were never to be seen again. A test run with fellow kit loco 8204 which derailed, hooked itself onto the 47 and broke the handrails on one corner. The 82 is much bigger and more powerful than the little 47. I dug out my old plans for these and made a new set. They are yet to be repainted. I will also add LED lighting and then finally declare the model "finished" after about 13 years!

Repaired handrail from the altercation with 8204.