jamiepage
Western Thunderer
A few years ago, someone came up with the splendid idea of using the tried and tested G1MRA 'Project' design as a basis for a small G3 loco. Specifically, the 0-4-4T layout was put forward as a straightforward concept.
The idea especially appealed, because the various G1 Projects I have seen operating all ran with great character- a crisp, sharp and quite loud beat, which is presumably a happy result of the single large bore cylinder plus the designed cutoff, blasting and smokebox acoustics.
Whilst accepting the limitations of a single cylinder set up, I did want to build at least one loco using this idea and attempt to capture that 'Project' character whilst running.
A model of a M&SWJR 0-4-4T, or rather, the M&SWJR 0-4-4T fitted the bill nicely, so armed with a copy of the BP works GA a start was made on the bogie.
It was joined by milled mainframes and buffer beams, then predictably put to one side and largely forgotten.
A recent burst of enthusiasm and a happy few hours on the mill and lathe saw a 'Project' cylinder, steamchest and covers machined from brass. Simple shapes but satisfying to do.
The cylinder block was machined to slide between frames spaced for G3, but otherwise was entirely to the G1 design. Some of the excess brass due to this extra width has already been machined away to reduce condensation problems, and drain cocks will also help.
A set of machined wheels had been purchased as a cheat from Walsall Model Industries; these plus the happy chance of finding a couple of forgotten stretchers (also previously put aside, but elsewhere), allowed a trial assembly and a quick push up and down through a 9ft radius turnout.
That's it for a bit. Should get on with one of the others, but it was a nice diversion machining some brass.
The idea especially appealed, because the various G1 Projects I have seen operating all ran with great character- a crisp, sharp and quite loud beat, which is presumably a happy result of the single large bore cylinder plus the designed cutoff, blasting and smokebox acoustics.
Whilst accepting the limitations of a single cylinder set up, I did want to build at least one loco using this idea and attempt to capture that 'Project' character whilst running.
A model of a M&SWJR 0-4-4T, or rather, the M&SWJR 0-4-4T fitted the bill nicely, so armed with a copy of the BP works GA a start was made on the bogie.
It was joined by milled mainframes and buffer beams, then predictably put to one side and largely forgotten.
A recent burst of enthusiasm and a happy few hours on the mill and lathe saw a 'Project' cylinder, steamchest and covers machined from brass. Simple shapes but satisfying to do.
The cylinder block was machined to slide between frames spaced for G3, but otherwise was entirely to the G1 design. Some of the excess brass due to this extra width has already been machined away to reduce condensation problems, and drain cocks will also help.
A set of machined wheels had been purchased as a cheat from Walsall Model Industries; these plus the happy chance of finding a couple of forgotten stretchers (also previously put aside, but elsewhere), allowed a trial assembly and a quick push up and down through a 9ft radius turnout.
That's it for a bit. Should get on with one of the others, but it was a nice diversion machining some brass.