One of the most interesting models on show at the Bristol exhibition in 2009 was Ivan Law’s almost finished 1831, an Edgar T Westbury design from 1941. The design was published over a period of  years and was complex. A lot was left to the imagination of the constructor and few, if any, were completed.

This model was started in 1941 by Ivan’s father who did much of the early work. However, over time his input declined. Ivan has picked the project up from time to time in past decades to the point as shown in the photos where it is just about ready for painting.

Power unit is a 30cc four-stroke water-cooled petrol engine, slow running and designed for hard work. The Westbury design does not include the hydraulic transmission of the full-size engine.

No 1831 was an attempt by the LMS to produce a one-man operated diesel shunter. It was built as an experimental unit to gain experience with diesel engines and hydraulic transmission. The hydraulic system was not a success and the locomotive was converted into a mobile generating unit after just five years.

Photos of finished loco from Sandown Park later in the year.