30368

I must say that the Brassmasters/Martin Finney Adams 3,300 gall tender kit is very well designed and relatively easy to assemble due to excellent slots and tab where it is needed to locate key components. It is full of detail that will need careful assembly. I built one of these kits about 10 years ago for my scratch built Adams 0395 0-6-0 for much the same reasons as this build, to save time. The three main assemblies. Kind regards, 30368

I could not agree more, quite incredible work! If only we could build affordable housing as well and as quickly as your work Peter! Kind regards, 30368

Tender chassis almoust complete, a couple of brake levers and sandpipes to fit and then we are ready for the body. fair bit to the compensated chassis brake gear etc. Pick-ups on trailing wheels only no real space around leading wheelset. Loco drivers have really no space to sqeeze in pickups although I have done so. Kind regards, 30368

I know that you know the pony wheel is off the track but this approach does improve route availability greatly. Buy the way, the ballast is modelled very well on your display board. Kind regards, 30368

I just love this hobby, the very rich variety of objective, technique, materials and results obtained are all inspirational. Just brilliant. Thanks all, 30368

I kind of got that - more Spamalot than Camelot? Kind regards, 30368

With the introduction of Hypercar category endurance racing has had a huge boost this year. I have enjoyed all the races I have watched this year, particularly Le Mans. With all the new manufactures entering next year it can only improve further. I hope the UK hosts a WEC race some time soon. The World Sportscar Cahmpionship races held in the 1960 and 70s in the UK were great. Thanks Invicta Informant for all the info this year - good job. Kind regards and enjoy Camelot while it lasts... 30368

Many thanks Simon and a really lovely picture of a 5XP, or what is left of it! It is an interesting subject - the real identitiy of a locomotive when so much was rotated at General Overhauls. Kind regards, Richard

I recall that Mercedes asked him to retire due to engine oil pressure problems meaning I guess, they wanted to avoid an on track engine auto dismantle situation. In addition, I think Verstappen was about to lap him. I guess all that telemetry data now avoids the "grenade" engines of yesteryear. Kind regards, 30368

Why ever not Phil? A classic late Victorian design I guess. Bogie seems to work ok as it turns out but I have a plan "B" if required. The big problem is going to be finishing the lining - I have ordered three sets of Fox generic curves (S,M,L) for the splashers amd I have an SR lining set for an M7 that can also help. I have also bought the Brassmaster tender kit for the T6 which has a compensated chassis - a bit OTT in my view. Kind regards, Richard

Watching the Bahrain 8 hours World Endurance Race at the moment and in between painting and lining the T9. This is going to be tricky. The boiler bands are the easy bit! Kind regards, 30368

As always Tony first class (illustrated) advice. As you suggest there are alternatives. I use Microscale Micro Sol (red bottle) solution. This is designed to soften decals so that they conform to raised surfaces such as rivet heads. Carefully apply a couple of coats and the number decal should just come away. This has the added benefit of not damaging the surface as you may with abbrasive techniques. Kind regards, 30368

Many thanks, that makes sense given Peter Denny modelled Victorian Great Central locomotives. One of the greats. Kind regards, 30368

Thanks Phil. I have a few plans for the bogie. The kit includes a second bogie frame and I am considering experimenting with a sort of 2-2-4-0 arrangement where the front bogie wheelset operates like a pony truck. The exisiting set up is not too bad but if my plans are succesful, the loco should have no trouble with fairly tight curves. Kind regards, Richard

I have not forgotten the T6, work continues apace: Brake gear was a sod to do, so flimsy. Kind regards, 30368

It is my birthday today and what a lovely sunny day it has been here in Buxton. One of my daughters 'phoned to tell me that a steam engine was running a train into Buxton today which was an extra birthday present. A few of my acclaimed crap pictures follow: So this loco is running as Alberta which as we know is in Sierra Leone..... Can't resist a few snaps intended to help modellers. Kind regards, 30368

I am no expert with any type of camera, a statement that I prove in spades on my threads. I beg to differ though Gilbert. I think the shine in both of these images looks rather good and to me, fairly typical of an ex works or recently cleaned locomotive, bravo! Kind regards, 30368

Thanks Michael. Bogie located with a centre pivot and coil spring. Plenty of clearance at the front. Kind regards, 30368

I could not agree more. We rented a cottage last summer in a nearby village (Rock) and the bookshop and its fab buffet is a must to visit. I may have mentioned, more than a few times, the excellent sausage sarny(s) when we visited. A real joy. What a great idea to model the branch but William, you must visit both Alnwick and Alnmouth as soon as the weather improves next year. The whole area is a delight. Don't worry about your soft southerner background, they are fairly civilised up there. Good luck. Kind regards, 30368

The loco body is fairly close to completion requireing buffers/buffer beam, coupling and vacuum hose. The lamp brackets are also required and lastly the two injectors mounted on the rear footsteps. Whoops! and handrails! I am now thinking about painting and have ordered some Maunsell Olive Green. The white lining is a problem and perhaps I should get someone to paint it for me? That will be a first. A closer look at some of the detail. The running plate mounted oiling cup is an Alan Gibson casting and very good it is too. The bogie has a long wheelbase and I can see no way to increase the clearance between trailing wheel and guidebars. This loco will only navigate gentle curves.... Kind regards, 30368

Cab is, with a little cleaning up, ready for painting. So I have moved towards the front of the loco body and started to add detail. I'm pleasantly surprised that I am enjoying building this Victorian locomotive as much as I am. It is outside the era that I model but because it is such an attractive design I guess it is charming me, if that is the right phrase. Tea "tray" in place... Some filler required around reverser cover on splasher. Kind regards, 30368

A good reminder Manna, I need to add the tea tray over the firebox door! Cab nearly done but then so am I.... I need a cuppa. The two axle bearings doubling as gauges will soon have a dab of filler to cover the hole. The reverser was trciky, I had assumed that Markits excellent SR/LNER screw reverser would do the job but thanks to Bryan's excellent cab pictures I decided to scratch build the reverser, the Markits version was more Drummond/Urie so would not do. Kind regards, 30368

Detailing continues, the cab and area around the whistles and safety valve is fairly complex. Fortunately Bryan Hardwick has taken the trouble to take a load of detailed pictures of the restored Adams T3 4-4-0 563 for me for which I am very grateful. They have clarified so much in this area. I know I am building a T6 but like Drummond and Urie, much of his fittings and detail arrangements were fairly standard. Such well balanced locomotives aesthetically. Firebox backplate is from Brassmasters. Still a lot to do. Kind regards, 30368

A "nice lady in the spotted dress" view of Ocean Swell then. I hope no smuts were depositied on the dress? Kind regards, 30368

Continueing with running in and adding detail to the loco body today. As others have mentioned, lots of scratch building with these kits. Whilst a brass disc is provided for the smokebox door, the hinges etc are scratch built. The smokebox dart is Alan Gibson as are the Adams style clack valves. The trailing driver wheel cab splashers take up most of the cab although they also provide a seat for the crewe. These are scratch built too. Running in continues. Kind regards, 30368