maxi-model
UK/US/ROW steam narrow gauge railways 1:1
For a long time I have admired the faux L&B (or is that L&M)County Gate 009 layout. The sheer ingenuity and genius creativity of its builder John de Frayssinet totaly bowled me over when I first saw it at the annual Warley show a while back. Take a look at the County Gate website if you can or catch it and many other L&B themed layouts at ths year's Warley show at the NEC.
Amongst his amazing "what if" creations, all to fit the then prevailing L&B loading guage, is a Manning Wardle on steroids styled Mallet. I had a good chuckle and fell in love with the idea behind it at first sight.
First I must admit I have lifted this image off the County Gate website, however, permission has been granted. Take a look here http://www.009.cd2.com/history/locos.htm loads more fantastic and inspirational stuff.
So why am I posting this here. Errr.......... Well after 3 years of dithering and planning I have decided to go ahead and build a 16mm scale version of this amazing bit of creativity in live steam ! I love to run before I walk.
Initial drawings have been done and conversations had with "person/s who should know" with regards to its feasability and construction. The plan is to use propriety parts as much as possible, e.g. modded Roundhouse chassis, etc', so that I might be able to accomplish as much of the construction myself as possible.
Spec' so far -
Chassis Modified Roundhouse Lady Anne x 2 with added trailing and leading pony trucks. Bespoke machined pivot. True Mallet as trailing set of motions is fixed.
Cylinders & valvegear Roundhouse simplified Walschaerts, oversized displacement lubricator, articulated ball steam coupling. It is not a compound.
Bespoke boiler (2 sets of motions to power !) with ceramic burner, twin safety valves & Roundhouse smoke box.
Bodywork self penned etched brass. Detailing parts probably from GRS/Roundhouse. Paintwork, where else - Lightlines. I will use my Roundhouse VoR as main inspiration for its layout and fit.
Spectrum radio gear, as on my other L&B locos. Initial idea is to pop the R/C gear in one side tank/bunker and the gas tank in the other.
Whistle ? Maybe.
Construction will not start till next year as funds must be raised (its not cloud cuckoo land stuff I reckon I need to budget £2,000). Another loco may have to go.
Excuse me now while I pop off and fall flat on my face as well as seek psychiatric advise.
Max.
Amongst his amazing "what if" creations, all to fit the then prevailing L&B loading guage, is a Manning Wardle on steroids styled Mallet. I had a good chuckle and fell in love with the idea behind it at first sight.
First I must admit I have lifted this image off the County Gate website, however, permission has been granted. Take a look here http://www.009.cd2.com/history/locos.htm loads more fantastic and inspirational stuff.
So why am I posting this here. Errr.......... Well after 3 years of dithering and planning I have decided to go ahead and build a 16mm scale version of this amazing bit of creativity in live steam ! I love to run before I walk.
Initial drawings have been done and conversations had with "person/s who should know" with regards to its feasability and construction. The plan is to use propriety parts as much as possible, e.g. modded Roundhouse chassis, etc', so that I might be able to accomplish as much of the construction myself as possible.
Spec' so far -
Chassis Modified Roundhouse Lady Anne x 2 with added trailing and leading pony trucks. Bespoke machined pivot. True Mallet as trailing set of motions is fixed.
Cylinders & valvegear Roundhouse simplified Walschaerts, oversized displacement lubricator, articulated ball steam coupling. It is not a compound.
Bespoke boiler (2 sets of motions to power !) with ceramic burner, twin safety valves & Roundhouse smoke box.
Bodywork self penned etched brass. Detailing parts probably from GRS/Roundhouse. Paintwork, where else - Lightlines. I will use my Roundhouse VoR as main inspiration for its layout and fit.
Spectrum radio gear, as on my other L&B locos. Initial idea is to pop the R/C gear in one side tank/bunker and the gas tank in the other.
Whistle ? Maybe.
Construction will not start till next year as funds must be raised (its not cloud cuckoo land stuff I reckon I need to budget £2,000). Another loco may have to go.
Excuse me now while I pop off and fall flat on my face as well as seek psychiatric advise.
Max.
