G3 0-4-4T 'Project' based

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.
IMG_0008.JPG
IMG_0013.JPG IMG_0009.JPG
IMG_0008.JPG
That's it for a bit. Should get on with one of the others, but it was a nice diversion machining some brass.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0008.JPG
    IMG_0008.JPG
    419 KB · Views: 12

geoff_nicholls

Western Thunderer
I'm pleased that you're building it to fit tighter radius curves. I think it reassures people who otherwise might be deterred from trying our scale. what is the width over the frames?
 

AndyB

Western Thunderer
Jamie,
Is it a trick of the light, or are the frames laminated with 'built-in' hornguides?
They look very thick.
I assume the springs will be under the axleboxes?

Edited with extra question.
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
Andy,
Yes, the front half of the frames are laminated with 2.5mm material overlaying the 1.5mm mainframes.
I was originally going to use inverted U shaped thickeners for individual horns but then thought it would be easier around the front horns, where the cylinder sits up close, to extend the thicker area under the cylinder as well. From that it was a further lurch of debatable logic to extend rearwards and capture the rear horns also.
There is a cosmetic advantage in that the original's smokebox waisted in severely just above the mainframes to allow overhung leafsprings for the front drivers, the subterfuge camouflaged by a shaped front smokebox plate.
On the model, the dummy leaf springs can be secured to the top of the thicker frames within the 4mm dimension, a narrow smokebox saddle can be bolted inside the frames, and the joint between saddle and smokebox drum will be hidden by splashers/ sandboxes.
Further back, the thicker frame sections are due to be hidden behind tanks and dummy cosmetic frames (set at the correct position) etc so won't be too apparent.
That's the theory anyway.

Actual springing will be with coil springs recessed into the frames acting on top of the 'boxes, although the front axle may well remain rigid.

Yours
Jamie
 
Last edited:

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
The running boards and footplate on this loco had no valencing, which means it will be a bit more difficult to hide away overscale fixings, and could give problems with strength and rigidity, especially with the side tanks full of water.
Fortunately, the loco had pipes running along both sides, under the tanks, vacuum pipe one side and steam heat the other. Both are inset from the outer footplate/ tank edge but could be used to give some stability.
The plan will be to fit a one piece rear bunker/ footplate, two tanks and two front running boards/ front splashers.
Thin extruded brass angle was checked for squareness and the vertical face cut away to leave only representations of the prototype's three brackets (or rather, the vertical angle of each bracket), plus a larger rectangle which will be hidden by sandboxes.
A 3mm lip was also left along the full length to keep some rigidity.
The horizontal face was cut around the wheels.
Overall length reached from rear bunker to just forward of front of tanks with a lip for front running boards to rest on. Triangular webs were soldered on to represent the prototype brackets and to give more support.
Representations of vac/ steam pipes were soldered on and once screwed in place with three screws on each mainframe have produced a rigid and stable support for the superstructure.
With the tanks oversailing these supports by iro a further 8mm, and with piping running along the outer edge, the extruded angle should be all but invisible. Countersunk screws will be fitted up from below, through the angle and into captive nuts in the tanks etc.

Not elegant, but ok I hope.

ps The small triangular items are part of the brake hanger brackets. They are orientated as the prototype- one pointing up, one down, for some reason.
IMG_0008.JPG IMG_0009.JPG
 

mswjr

Western Thunderer
More nice work,I hope your finish that in the future,And seeing your 7mm version has put voices in my head,I dare not start anything else (just yet) keep the photos coming Jamie i do like seeing good engineeing.
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
Thanks Richard, but oh how I wish I could take some credit. A paint job by Alan Brackenborough and weathering by Martyn Welch can make anything look good.

Garry,
I have a copy of Sharp Stewart's GA standing by.
 

mickoo

Western Thunderer
Like Richard, nice 7mm model, looks very much like a Robinson design always had a very soft spot for those 4-4-2T 9L and 9K but finding decent drawings is near impossible.

Have you got any more photos of it, the weathering and build does look lovely.

The rest is very nice too, as much as I'd like to do G3 I don't have the space or time at the moment.

MD
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
Thank you. One more snap of the S7 4-4-4T.
First scratchbuild in 7mm. The chimney and dome turned out ok, but it seems I've always managed to make any rivetting look clumsy and overscale. (And this loco was chosen as a first attempt solely because of its relative lack of them!).
M&SWJR number 18 ran with a spoke on its LH leading coupled wheel repaired with a splint either side, so couldn't resist incorporating it on the model. It is just visible I think, in the photo.(near 7 o' clock).
The tank side scroll was a rub down transfer given some embellishment and toning/ shading by Alan Brackenborough.
IMG_0001.JPG
 

mswjr

Western Thunderer
Jamie,I may take you up on that,but not just yet,I can see the spoke,nice touch,and as for a first scratch build you should be very proud,a very nice job,as is all your work most inspiring.
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
Some progress on this 'Project' 0-4-4T recently has concentrated on bringing the frames assembly up to the point where it can be given a unifying spray of primer and put aside.
This has meant plodding through the mostly cosmetic details such as vac. brake/ steam heat pipes, sanding gear, brake linkages, buffers, various nuts/ bolts/ rivets, and the firebox.

The firebox fills a large void and I was wondering whether to go to the bother of building up a more substantial assembly beyond just the side pieces fettled so far. With this in mind, it was all temporarily screwed together to see whether it really needed anything more and I took the opportunity to take these snaps.
They give a good idea of how it will look, albeit a bit scruffy at the moment.

The plan will be to complete this sub assembly, finish the cylinder/ valve gear, then address boiler and smokebox. A meths tank in the bunker leading to burners supported within the cosmetic firebox should complete the necessaries.

Hopefully then, a one piece front footplate, two sidetanks and a cab can all be separately built up and screwed onto the side angle pieces.

IMG_0008.JPG IMG_0009.JPG IMG_0008.JPG
 

mswjr

Western Thunderer
I have just been looking at full size loco pictures,and your standard of detail on that firebox end is top notch.
 

Mike W

Western Thunderer
Well, its a good strong engineering job, but I also like the subtle curves on the buffer housings, the delicate brake hanger flange plates and the firebox shaping and detail. Yes, its a proper Jamie job! Very nice indeed.

Just shows that a working live steam engine can look as good as the best electric models.

Mike
 

jamiepage

Western Thunderer
Enough detail has been built up and fitted to enable the sub assembly to be put aside for now.
A quick spray of primer will protect it while it spends time back on the shelf.

Brake gear will be a separate assembly, sprung into place. Rear sandpipes will be fitted later, into locating holes prepared under each sandboxIMG_0008.JPG .

There is no need for the frames to be disassembled again so the countersunk screws will be filled.
Cosmetic brackets etc will be fitted between mainframes and buffer beams, but that will probably be it for detail.


Nothing of particular note in the work so far. The detail is quite rudimentary, and certainly breaks no new ground.
It will however, hopefully be a simple, workmanlike steamer using the G1 'Project' single cylinder (which can be purchased ready machined) and ready assembled wheel sets from the trade.

Herewith some more snaps if of interest.
IMG_0010.JPG IMG_0011.JPG
Full disclosure compels me to point out that a recently discovered photo of an almost identical Wirral Railway loco shows the rear buffer beam rivetting to be entirely different to my guesses. Isn't that just the way.IMG_0008.JPG
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0009.JPG
    IMG_0009.JPG
    289 KB · Views: 4
Top