Minimum Gauge Tank Engine
This locomotive is suitable for commercial operations and large garden or estate railways.
See the latest on the Project Diary page....
I
am building a small batch of substantial 0-4-2T locomotive for 7¼” gauge
(and possibly 10¼” gauge).
I have designed the engines using modern design technology but relying
on my broad experience of small steam engines steam. This is a true 'minimum gauge' locomotive as the driver is seated on the loco
for maximum traction and operational flexibility. Using appropriate modern technology and recent developments in seam engine
design, this engine will provide maximum performance for prolonged
periods with minimum maintenance or servicing. The large coal and water
capacity, coupled with efficient steam use, give a substantial range and endurance.
Following many of Sir Arthur Heywood's principles, this is not a model
but a true narrow gauge locomotive designed for hard work on 7¼” gauge
railways.
This locomotive will have outstanding performance. I have designed and built the motion valve gear for Perseus which is running successfully at the Moors Valley Railway and is known to pull 11 loaded coaches around the 1 mile track. The valve gear has been exhaustively simulated to provide optimum performance and precision engineered to ensure the promise is delivered. Unlike Perseus, the new engine has been designed 'from the rails up' and will feature many enhancements. With careful attention to ease of maintenance and servicing the engines offer maximum performance with minimum attention.
The first batch of these engines is in production and will be complete early in 2008. No2 is a rather special 0-6-0 designed specifically to meet a clients particular requirements. Progress on the design and build can be seen on the Project Diary page.
Cylinders and motion
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3½ x 4¼ in fitted with Clupet piston rings |
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Walschaerts valve gear fitted with sealed ball bearing races. |
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Valve gear optimised for balanced performance in forward and reverse directions. |
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Multi-jet exhaust to combine excellent drafting and minimal back-pressure. |
Running gear
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Driving wheels 210mm (8.5in) to 7¼” Gauge Society NG profile. |
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Sealed ball bearing axleboxes. |
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Fully adjustable springing to allow optimum weight distribution for maximum traction. |
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Curves of 30ft radius can be negotiated. |
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Fully compensated brakes on leading and driving axles. |
Boiler
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Derived from the proven Thomas II design manufactured by Bell Boilers |
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Working pressure increased to 140psi. |
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Large capacity hopper ashpan, with primary air damper. |
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Twin injectors. |
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Twin water gauges. |
Dimensions
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Length 1800m (6ft) |
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Width 650mm( 2ft 3") |
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Height 1200mm (4ft) depending on cab options. |
Options
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Fully enclosed cab, fixed or removable. |
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Vacuum system for continuous brakes. |
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Steam brake. |
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10¼” gauge version.... yes - please call to discuss |
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Images from CAD model and some components awaiting assembly.
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