G3 Clubroom

The Forum for Gauge 3 Model Trains

If you noticed I have been rather quiet of late, it is for a very good reason .... I have been working flat-out on a trio of "Bashers" (LNWR "Coal Tanks").
Known as "bashers" in consequence of their ineffective brakes but other nicknames included "Mourners" (attributable to their sombre black livery) and "Gadgets" (for some obscure reason).

The models are truly "multimedia", since they include brass, whitemetal castings, resin castings, 3D-printed parts and steel (including the the boilers which are sections of car exhaust pipe....brass or copper of the correct diameter was not available!).
They are extremely heavy but when test-run they performed very smoothly and could crawl at a snail's pace (fitted with Revo unit) but with a top speed that could embarrass an InterCity 125!

The three locos carry different detailing to reflect different periods.
No. 7709 is in early 1930's LMS condition, including the vacuum control regulator for motor train working (it is modelled from a 1932 photo .... in 1934 it was overhauled at Crewe and was further updated with alterations to buffers, safety valves and other "gadgets".

Indoor lighting conditions make it difficult to photograph,so I have taken just a couple of shots to show the "busy" front end of 7709.

All three locos will be ready for the paintshop within a few days.... just hoping it doesn't get too cold in the garage for spraying.

Regards,
John.

Very nice "busy" details.  Just what is that collection of tin and copperware on the smokebox right hand side? Will be the devil to paint.

John

John,
All that "jumble" is the vacuum controlled regulator as used by the LMS on motor-fitted(i.e. push-pull) locos.
It originated as a Midland Railway design and replaced the mechanical (cable and rods) control system hitherto fitted by the LNWR to "motor trains".
It can be seen on all LMS period "push-pull" locos (sometimes on left of smokebox) and is controlled (from the driving trailer) via the second vacuum hose fitted at both ends of loco.
Regards,
John.

was just looking at a stanier/lemon 7.25" gauge 0-4-4 tank today,which i suspect uses the same gear.

Yes, that is the same system.
In fact 7709 was running on the St Albans Abbey/Watford Junction branch when the photo I used as basis for model was taken.
Shortly afterwards it was replaced by a (then) new Stanier 2P 0-4-4T.
John.

After several years of on/off slog, the three Coal Tanks are in sight of the finishing post!
Each is different, so there are photos of each.

The chassis have already been partly painted, as have the cab interiors.
The next challenge is to protect the cab interior while spraying the exterior.

Ideally, the spraying would have been carried out before fitting the cab roofs but there is a weakness in the running plate at the cab entrance (the consequence of very shallow hanging bars when compared with locos of other companies).  This weakness demanded that the cab roof be robustly soldered to provide structural rigidity and that needed to be done before exterior painting.

7709 is the motor-fitted LMS version; 252 is the late 19th Century example; the third loco has no number as yet but represents a loco around 1905.

The cab interiors of each is different (taken from appropriate drawings) and reflects the varying external state of the locos.

I am hoping to have them painted by the end of next week but that will depend on how I am feeling after my third Covid jab (tomorrow)!

No.7709























No.252











No.? ? ?











Spot the differences!

John.

John
You have done an excellent job on these engines, building three locos together is no mean feet even if it's over a period of time.
I look forward to seeing the three complete.

Mike

Mike,
Not an experience I would wish to repeat!
A lot of time was spent in making patterns for the castings (brass, whitemetal and resin) and even more time spent on tracking down quite minor details which were not on the drawings and elusive in photos.
These locos are actually very narrow (by comparison with, for example, GWR tanks) and that produced its own set of problems with clearances.
I seem to remember someone building three Terriers in a matter of months, so my effort seems decidedly drawn-out by comparison!
Regards,
John.

Touché

First out of the paintshop is No.252.
Just a few adjustments to make and it will be on its way to a new home in Northants.
Dismal weather does nothing to improve the sombre appearance ....... "mourners" was an appropriate nickname for the class!
John.

Fresh out of the paintshop is the second of the LNWR period locos  (this, unlike 252, has vacuum brakes,cast iron brake blocks ,carriage heating , revised toolbox arrangement with coal rails and an additional lamp socket at each end). No number allocated as yet but will be going to Northants., along with 252.

At least the Sun is shining today but colder than yesterday.

That leaves LMS 7709 which is being masked, ready for spraying, later today.

John.

For someone in Northants who is a LNWR fan Christmas has come early.

Mike

Another gloomy and wet day but 7709 is compete except for a few minor adjustments.

The spraying of 7709 was completed very late on Sunday night, when the temperature in the garage was still (just) in double figures.
Monday it had dropped to 6 degrees.

If you thought the two LNWR locos were drab, then spare a thought for poor old 7709 .... the only thing polished (and not black) is the whistle!
At least the VCR adds a bit of additional interest on the RHS of the smokebox.

7709 is going nowhere .... it will soon be waving farewell to the other two, when they trundle off to their new home in Northants.
I now need a driving trailer plus a another coach to form the motor train (pull push unit).

A couple of days ago, received a message from David White (Slaters) to say the wheels for the GWR 29XX(Saint) will be in the post in a few days. I already have the frames (Model Engineers Laser) and a complete and painted Churchward 3500 gallon tender.

John.

John

Of the three tank engines I prefer the later one the extra bogie at the back makes it more graceful. Re painting and temperatures, after spraying I put the item in the airing cupboard where the boiler sits, a warm dust free area. Can I ask where do you get your screw couplings from?

A Saint in time for Christmas?

Mike

Mike,

Not clear on your comment about the "bogie", as all three models are 0-6-2 tanks.

After spraying in the garage, my models go into the airing cupboard, as soon as they are touch-dry (I use automotive paints ... custom mixed for colours other than black e'g. BS381C No.224 for GW loco green ... and they are dry enough to move after about 15 minutes).

The coupling is from Slaters.

QuoteA Saint in time for Christmas?

Would have been unlikely, even if things were normal but Carol fractured her ankle on Tuesday, so normal activities currently suspended.

Regards,
John.