Merlin

[Elmtree Line]

During the past week the Elmtree Line fleet lost one loco and gained another. "James" the green engine (Lady Anne) left for new pastures, and to bring the fleet back up to strength "Dragon" arrived

"Dragon" is a Merlin Loco Works Major locomotive. works No:662
She joins "Hope" who is also a Major but a couple of years older, works No:361

"Hope" in Maroon, "Dragon" in dark Blue (note the change in motion)

 

[muns]

Nice pairing Keith.

 

[garrymartin]

A question, why the elaborate dome ? does it serve some purpose or is it purely ornamental ?

 

[steamtom1]

You may not recognize her, but she started life as a Merlin Mayflower...

 

[Elmtree Line]

A question, why the elaborate dome ? does it serve some purpose or is it purely ornamental ?

Hi Garry,

The dome actually works as the radio antenna for the 27mhz radio control

 

[funandtrains]

I have a similar loco which ran for the first time after many years at Railwayman198's open day during the summer. After I had ungunged all the parts it ran very well and is an easy and powerful loco to drive.

 

[steamtom1]

Here is a picture of Don Reilly's Merlin. I think it might be a Monarch, but I'm not sure. Either way, it did have a great plume...

 

[Elmtree Line]

I have a similar loco which ran for the first time after many years at Trainman's open day during the summer. After I had ungunged all the parts it ran very well and is an easy and powerful loco to drive.

Very nice, would fit in nicely here

 

[New Haven Neil 2]

Nice pair of locos Keith - I like the red one, how does her running compare to say, a Lady Anne??

 

[Elmtree Line]

Nice pair of locos Keith - I like the red one, how does her running compare to say, a Lady Anne??

Hi Neil. The Roundhouse design seems more plentiful in steam, the Merlin can get short after being worked hard, possibly more wasteful design on the Merlin, power is similar.

 

[ZingyOrange]

They look fantastic engines. I've always thought the Merlin engines were great lookers. They have a very "narrow gauge" look, if that doesn't sound too daft.

 

[Ferrysteam]

I envy anyone who has one of these,this is Paulys......

 

[funandtrains]

I dreamed of having one of these Merlin locos when I was a teenager but they were well beyond the limit that my pocket money and Saturday job in Waitrose would pay for. My Merlin was not a cheap buy but I'm pleased with it. The Merlin designs of the mid 80s were well ahead of Roundhouse although Roundhouse were more robust and I think still look more attractive than most of the current Roundhouse freelance designs.

 

[Chris Bird]

They are handsome locos indeed Keith - a fine pair as they say. Any mod's planned?
Cheers
Chris

 

[MRail]

They look fantastic engines. I've always thought the Merlin engines were great lookers. They have a very "narrow gauge" look, if that doesn't sound too daft.

The thing that "does it" for me is the smokebox - rather "Hunslet" and very NG.
The early Lady Anne was similar.

 

[railwayman198]

Just another pic of a Merlin in action....

 

[Elmtree Line]

I am on the lookout to boost the fleet in 2012, so anyone who wants to sell on a Merlin Major to a good home just drop me a line :callme: