At last a start on the Alco and what a good start! Just as a bit of background, the Alco (American Locomotive Corporation), was the 2-6-2 version of the rather more numerous 4-6-0 Baldwins that were built in America for use on the Western Front in the First World War. A slightly bigger loco alround and one for which no kit is available (as yet!), in 7mm scale. The origins of this project started with a chat with Trevor about maybe converting an unmade Wrightlines Baldwin kit I had into the Alco version. It soon became obvious that there were far more differances than were at first obvious (the main one being that they were outside framed), and that it would be far easier just to start from scratch. Being the kind and generous man he is there was soon an offer from Trevor to build the chassis for me as this is would have been a bit outside my capabilities at the moment. So, after a couple of dramatic interludes, I was presented with this rather fine creation;

Proper outside frames, and spilt wheel pick up with the correct hand made wheels to the 2'3'' diameter that defide any know OO wheel size. Altogether a lovely piece of work - now it is down to me to do it justice with a body!

Initial progress has been very quick and rewarding. I started off by making up a kit of basic shapes from 10 thou Nickle Silver with 15 thou for things like the floor and buffer beams;

It was all going well until I realised that the cab floor did not sit on the frames and was infact suspended above it by some means that was not at all obvious in the drawings (in the excellent Roy Link WDLR Album), or in my own photographs of suviving example in France. A litle bit of delving came up with this rather neat solution which, although maybe not 100% correct, certainly looks right;

Attention was then turned to the back of the cab and an evenings work came up with this;

Was then able to focus on the front of the cab and the side sheets which were soldered together as a pair to be split later so that even if the profile was not completely correct, at least they would be the same. It was very helpful here to cut out the shape from the copied plans and lay it over the metal. These were fretted out very nicely until I realised that I had not allowed for the beading on the cab edge and had to get the files out all over again;

A bit of fun was had with the cab spectecal covers as the shape that was needed resembled a broken off finger nail rather too much for comfort. Again these were done as a soldered pair to make sure they matched. Before long it was time to put the front cab assembly together. I am not going to fit the rear or the roof until the backhead is completed;

All in all a very good start using just basic tools and metalwork skills which if they are not beyond me, am sure most people could manage!