A 7/8ths 'Jack' Build - Series in Garden Rail Magazine

Steve Cook

Flying Squad
I know there are a few of us on here who are quite partial to the Hunslet models Jack and Waril, particularly when live steam powered and rambling around the garden. If you are unsure, just click and watch :)


Although I had started to work out what I was going to do to build my Jack, I've not really got very far. Reading up on the 7/8ths forum showed that Brian Wilson (author of a quality book) has started a sequence of articles in Garden Rail magazine chronicling the build of one of his Jack models, this time using Roundhouse components rather than the scratch building in the book.

The additional bit of good news is that Model Earth are gearing up to provide the castings, laser cut steel parts and etched brass parts which should cut down hugely on the tools, machines and effort required to produce a model. It might even work out that one can build a steam engine with a few basic hand tools on the kitchen table / dining room table / sofa etc.

The build has started in issue 250 and will run for 11 issues apparently. I've placed an order for a subscription and will report back things here of any interest.

I apologise in advance for any 'temptation' issues that may arise :)

Steve
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
I am settling down to enjoy watching your progress Steve. I fact, I have a copy of the first instalment and was quite taken with it. There does seem to have been some kind of 'accommodation' made around the bottom of the smokebox, presumably to cater for Roundhouse cylinders, but overall a very interesting project.
Jamie
 

Neil

Western Thunderer
One of my favourite, perhaps the favourite, garden railway videos. I'm going to have to pull out all the temptation resisting stops as the Sand Hutton has been one of my favourite railways for a long time. My great grandad was gamekeeper for the Sand Hutton estate.
 

mickoo

Western Thunderer
........ has started a sequence of articles in Garden Rail magazine chronicling the build of one of his Jack models, this time using Roundhouse components rather than the scratch building in the book.

Picked this up the other day, that was fatal! And then fell into the Roundhouse site, equally fatal, especially their home builder parts pages :eek:
 

Scale7JB

Western Thunderer
Truly magnificent that video.. Not much more to be said really..!

Thankfully I don't have a garden...

JB.
 

Steve Cook

Flying Squad
Part 2 of the serialised build landed on my doormat yesterday and it starts with modifying the standard Roundhouse main frames to get a more prototypical appearance. All fairly basic stuff - cutting off the standard springs and fitting them inboard of the frames, a few extra holes and a lowering of the top of the frames under the cab. The frames will have infill pieces added to them to increase their overall length, this is a good thing as the Roundhouse chassis is quite a lot shorter than it needs to be for a reasonable representation of Jack.

Perhaps of more interest to anybody tempted by the idea is that Chris Bird of Summerlands Chuffer fame is hosting a webpage with a lot of relevant information on it, including supplier details and parts costs. Those wishing not to be tempted by this project should not click here. Really don't click here either.

Steve
 

Steve Cook

Flying Squad
A bit (!) behind, but as a quick summary of where the series is up to:

Issue 250 - Introduction
Issue 251 - Roundhouse frame modifications
Issue 252 - Front and rear buffer beams, riveting technique, assembly, couplings, reverser and reach rod.
Issue 253 - Painting, front and rear footplates.
Issue 254 - Smokebox fabrication.

All of the above are to be read in conjunction with Roundhouse's instructions as the articles deal mainly with the revisions made.

I've accumulated a few bits and pieces to help me on my way - Model Engineers Laser providing all of the steel parts required.
First up we have the frame extension pieces, the front and rear buffer beams, front and rear footplates, the front frame extensions to go under the smokebox and the new reach rod.

Jack Footplate1.jpg

A mate of mine has managed to secure an assembled chassis from MEL - they have laser cut out new frame side meaning one doesn't need to add the extension pieces whilst all the other components are Tig welded into place to create one very nice little unit. I'll aim to grab a photo later this week to add in here.

Next up is the biggest timesaver of them all, the smokebox kit.

Jack Smokebox1.jpg

I chose the original assembly method where its all riveted together - MEL also offer a slot and tabbed construction version which requires silver soldering and grinding and there is also a fully cast version available from somewhere I can't remember :oops:

Prices for the two kits were £26.50 and £22.50 respectively.

I'm still planning on deviating to make my own frames, but using most of the MEL kit to save me time - the buffer beams are very nice and have saved lots of drilling effort which I can spend on said frames. I've also bought the raw materials to construct my own boiler to a smaller diameter which is crucial to the looks of thing in my opinion - I've just sorted out some solver soldering kit after a couple of years of procrastination - I'm also looking forward to winter in the garage (must do something about the heating!).

Further temptation and a description of the build process can be found at the Garden Railway Club where Chris Bird is getting on with it.

Steve
 

ceejaydee

Western Thunderer
....I've just sorted out some solver soldering kit after a couple of years of procrastination - I'm also looking forward to winter in the garage (must do something about the heating!)......

Steve

You are a very naughty person tempting us with all that live steam candy ;)

What equipment have you sorted out for your silver soldering Steve?
Back in the day I had oxyacetylene and whilst I still have all the kit, albeit stored away I wouldn't consider using that where I live now if I had the requirement for silver soldering.
 

Steve Cook

Flying Squad
You are a very naughty person tempting us with all that live steam candy ;)

Who, me, never....;)
What equipment have you sorted out for your silver soldering Steve?
Back in the day I had oxyacetylene and whilst I still have all the kit, albeit stored away I wouldn't consider using that where I live now if I had the requirement for silver soldering.

A fairly basic set to be honest Christopher - a Sievert torch with 7kw and 4kw nozzles, a small hearth, some flux powder, some 1mm silver solder (660degC) and a 13kg Propane bottle. Bar the gas, it all came from CuP Alloys when they were at the Midland engineering exhibition earlier this month. Picking up in person and at the show meant there was some wriggle room on the price so I got my kit for £150, around 15% off the online shop price. Should be good fun....
Steve
 
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