Broad Gauge Rover class

[753]

The inner frame of the Rover, all fourteen wheels of the loco and tender where machined from 6mm ali plate the steel tyres where cut from solid bar stock, the large driver is 4.250in dia, a rather tedious task but no alternative.

Mike

[IanT]

Lovely work as usual Mike.

Regards,

IanT

[753]

Progress on the Rover with the outside frames and splashers. The beading for the splashers is 1mm halve round brass wire made by filing in a jig, annealing, tinning then forming, and soldering, while the top beading is 1.5mm with a grove milled along the length that sits on the top and side of the splashers.

Mike

[IanT]

More good work Mike!
(e.g. I like it!)  :-)

IanT

[753]

Further progress on the Rover boiler, firebox, cab and smokebox. The transition between the barrel and firebox was made by folding brass sheet over an ali former annealing as you go.
Mike

[753]

Further progress on the Rover class Broad gauge loco now named Sultan. There are bright details to be added after painting and the cab back head but it's starting to look the part.
Mike

[MikeWilliams]

Superb Mike.  Just superb.

Mike

[John Branch]

Wonderful!  Looks like no compromises have been made, anywhere!

John

[Nick]

Lovely work, Mike.

Thought you would be interested to see this O Gauge model that won 3rd place in the GOG Modelling Competition last year. Only third, you cry? Ah, but the winner was a quite stunning live steamer and from the outside you would never guess the source of power.

Nick

[753]

Thanks for the kind comments.

Nick that O gauge version is a work of art, do you know who built it?
I built an O gauge Dean Goods from a kit many years ago and decided to add inside motion which was as close to watch making as I wish to get.
The only other Rover class models I know of is a pair of 10.5 gauge live steam engines which one was sold at auction for many thousands of pounds.

Mike

[753]

Intrigued by the O gauge Rover model I did some searching and it turns out to be a Martin Finny kit built by Nick Dunhill, a fine model none the less and excellent paint job

Mike

[Nick]

Mike,

The loco was built and painted by Richard Lambert, who owns Finney7, from his own kit. Nick Dunhill is the GOG competition organiser, and is therefore debarred from entering the competition. I mention this only to set the record straight. If this were to start a rumour, there are unfortunately several people in the GOG who are quite capable of using it to cause trouble.

On a more pleasant topic, I too used to put working inside motion in my O gauge locos. I think I had sharper eyesight and steadier hands in those days.

Nick
Nick

[753]

Sultan is complete and looking splendid. I think the decision to build the engine to G3 scale is vindicated.
I would like the model to be a tribute to Brunel, that visionary engineer who conceived the Broad Gauge railway. His understanding that the wider the gauge the lower the centre of gravity thus allowing for a smoother ride for carriages and faster speeds for engines.
Although Brunel's railway was acknowledged as superior to the standard gauge, the practicality of integrating with the standard gauge that all the new railways had adopted meant it had no future.
The GWR's CME Denel Gooch designed the magnificent Rover class engines giving the Broad Gauge its last celebration
Mike
   

[richardgreen]

Wow o wow! It was still in its naked brass last weekend, what a lovely job you've made of it Mike.
Utterly amazed at how quickly you can turn out the engines from your workshop, Swindon would definitely approve!
A very very well done fella!

[Nick]

Very good, Mike. One to be proud of.

Nick