Wright writes.....

[ScRSG]

1 hour ago, Bucoops said:

 

Would these do the job?

 

https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/wheels/rm11/

 

 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Good afternoon Chas,

 

Try getting an A2 motion set from SE Finecast - the coupling rods are exactly the same length, and have holes suitable for normal Romford crankpins.

 

The connecting rod is shorter on the A2/2, and you could just bush the big end. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

Needless to say, about five minutes after i posted the question and having another look through the bits in the box, I found a strip of rather odd brass washers which turned out to be exactly the size of the bosses on the coupling rods etc., so it seems you are expected to solder these on and then use the rods as normal - might have fun centring  those though, so may have to check out the Finecast alternative. Thanks also to Bucoops, I may have some of those so will check that too. 

Thanks again.

Chas

[Tony Wright]

1 hour ago, 30368 said:

Tony,

 

I have just sourced a Crownline A1/1 kit to build as something completely different from my usual SR stuff. I am fully aware of the controversy surrounding this locomotive (Peter Coster's books on the LNER Pacifics are just superb) but I must confess a liking for its somewhat ungainly and unique appearance although this admiration does not run to the original attempt at a cab!

 

I seem to remember that you built one of these a while back but can't find a link. It seems a good idea to learn from your experiences and avoid any pitfalls. Can you point me in the right direction if there is a blogg? Many thanks.

 

Kind regards,

 

Richard B

 

PS - I do tend to agree with you that the A1/A10/A3 pacific was (is) perhaps the most graceful ever built.

Good afternoon Richard,

 

The rebuilt GREAT NORTHERN must rank as one of the most controversial locos of all time.

 

 

The original was the pioneer Gresley Pacific. Seen on The Gresley Beat, it's one of the most elegant loco classes ever made, and looks lovely in model form (Hornby).

 

 

The A1s are marvellous in O Gauge in particular. This beautiful pair was built/painted by Steve Barnfield. 

 

And so to the solitary A1/1.

 

I did build my example from a Crownline kit, and its construction was written up in an issue of Modelling Railways Illustrated in the mid-'90s (does anyone know which issue, please?). 

 

It replaced one I scratch-built in the mid-'70s. 

 

 

It was built originally for Stoke Summit. 

 

The painting is Ian Rathbone's work.

 

She now performs regular work on Little Bytham......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I used to trainspot at Retford, if it were out of shops, I saw it every day; usually on a Doncaster-Kings Cross principal stations service. Fairly heavy, but not tightly-timed. 

 

I must admit, I paid it little heed, wishing it out of the way so that a 'Streak' might appear! 

 

History will probably condemn it forever. The irony is, the costly rebuilding (actually a new loco apart from the wheel centres) could have been avoided and GREAT NORTHERN would have been converted to an A3 and eventually receive a Kylchap double pot. As such, it would have been a far better loco than as an A1/1, particularly in terms of reliability. 

 

However, the deed was done, and every latter day steam period ECML layout must have a model of it, particularly the southern section.

 

Did I have any problems with the Crownline kit? Only the resin boiler, which was very poor. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[Tony Wright]

35 minutes ago, davidw said:

Terrific Photos

Not mine, of course, David,

 

But they're just how I saw these magnificent locos.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[davidw]

46 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Not mine, of course, David,

 

But they're just how I saw these magnificent locos.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

I've seen many,  but not all in Keith Pirt albums.

Edited May 10, 2020 by davidw

[30368]

Many thanks Tony, very helpful. Your loco looks very, very fine and Mr Rathbone's painting is first class. Something to aspire to certainly.

 

My recollections of ex LNER pacifics was centred around Kings Cross and watching those wonderous (to us Southerners they were) eight wheeled tenders backing out of the tunnels into the station and trying to guess which class was attached. Is it a streak, an A1 or an A3 or (rarely) an A2? Tender identification came a little later. We did "bunk" KX shed once and that was tricky over the coal staves. Perhaps there was an easier route? All a bit risky really but it was all great fun and as Mr Coster would say ..."its all a long time ago now..."

 

Kind regards,

 

Richard B

 

PS I have a DJH A2/3 to build too so maybe a tandum build?

[t-b-g]

I have been modelling the GCR fr many years now and I have always found it hard to get the smokebox front looking just right. It is very much the face of the loco and has some very subtle shapes that are difficult to capture. Most kits don't get it quite right as in particular, the hinge is very difficult and making it solid without the gaps just doesn't quite work.

 

So here is the latest effort, on Valour. It is my best try yet and I don't think I will do a better one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[45609]

Tony, you are so right. That’s one of the best looking GCR faces in model form I have ever seen. Well done. Just the top handrail and lamp iron to do now....

 

cheers...Morgan

Edited May 10, 2020 by 45609

[Clem]

Good afternoon Tony and all. I hope everyone is safe and well.

 

I've been dipping in and out of my DJH WD construction and I have made a little progress but I must confess to being a little stuck on the valve gear and would welcome any advice. Usually, if building a loco with outside Walschaerts valve gear set in mid-gear (as most do), the radius rod is usually fixed at both ends, the front end to eliminate any up and down movement initiated by the movement of the combination lever. Having looked at the instructions, I can't see how this is done. Have I got this completely wrong? Do I need to drill out the valves and add a valve spinal?  Any suggestions?

 

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[65179]

One of the things that makes the front of the big GC locos tricky is that they look quite different depending on the period of their 'lives' you see them in.

 

New B3 Valour:

 

 

Vs late life B7, a burnt smokebox distorting the apparent shape of the door is shown in this view of a B7 on Mike Morant's site:

 

 

 

Simon

[Tony Wright]

9 minutes ago, Clem said:

Good afternoon Tony and all. I hope everyone is safe and well.

 

I've been dipping in and out of my DJH WD construction and I have made a little progress but I must confess to being a little stuck on the valve gear and would welcome any advice. Usually, if building a loco with outside Walschaerts valve gear set in mid-gear (as most do), the radius rod is usually fixed at both ends, the front end to eliminate any up and down movement initiated by the movement of the combination lever. Having looked at the instructions, I can't see how this is done. Have I got this completely wrong? Do I need to drill out the valves and add a valve spinal?  Any suggestions?

 

Thanks in anticipation.

 

I'll have a look, Clem,

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[t-b-g]

21 minutes ago, 65179 said:

One of the things that makes the front of the big GC locos tricky is that they look quite different depending on the period of their 'lives' you see them in.

 

New B3 Valour:

 

 

Vs late life B7, a burnt smokebox distorting the apparent shape of the door is shown in this view of a B7 on Mike Morant's site:

 

 

 

Simon

 

I know which version I prefer!

 

Edit to add, just spotted the thread has passed another milestone. 45,000 comments and rising! Well done to all who have had their say.

Edited May 10, 2020 by t-b-g
To add content

[65179]

13 minutes ago, t-b-g said:

 

I know which version I prefer!

 

The latter is certainly characterful, and the only real option for a British Railways B7. 61711 with a full set of snap head rivets on the smoke box, lopped off guard irons and the same daubed on black paint across the bottom of the smoke box door looked even sadder!

 

Simon

 

Edited May 10, 2020 by 65179

[Tony Wright]

Austerity valve gear........

 

 

I didn't fix the front ends of the radius rods (omitting the valve rods, which can't be seen, anyway). 

 

There's an extension just ahead of the pivot for the expansion link, and I soldered this to the (white metal) motion support bracket. This anchored the radius rods just fine. 

 

 

 

I think the DJH WD makes-up very well. 

 

The little extension can just be seen in this view.

 

 

Typical workaday condition? 

 

 

Ian Wilson's Pacific Models' front numberplate just finished it off (prior to weathering). 

[Clem]

13 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Austerity valve gear........

 

 

I didn't fix the front ends of the radius rods (omitting the valve rods, which can't be seen, anyway). 

 

There's an extension just ahead of the pivot for the expansion link, and I soldered this to the (white metal) motion support bracket. This anchored the radius rods just fine. 

 

 

 

I think the DJH WD makes-up very well. 

 

The little extension can just be seen in this view.

 

 

Typical workaday condition? 

 

 

Ian Wilson's Pacific Models' front numberplate just finished it off (prior to weathering). 

Thank you, Tony. That never occurred to me....  And what a brilliant way to answer a question!  With superb illustrations which couldn't be more clear. Right, I'll give that a go. I've made one or two bloopers on the kit so far but I suppose you only make progress by learning from mistakes. Anyway, best wishes to you and Mo.

Clem.

[landscapes]

1 hour ago, Tony Wright said:

Austerity valve gear........

 

 

I didn't fix the front ends of the radius rods (omitting the valve rods, which can't be seen, anyway). 

 

There's an extension just ahead of the pivot for the expansion link, and I soldered this to the (white metal) motion support bracket. This anchored the radius rods just fine. 

 

 

 

I think the DJH WD makes-up very well. 

 

The little extension can just be seen in this view.

 

 

Typical workaday condition? 

 

 

Ian Wilson's Pacific Models' front numberplate just finished it off (prior to weathering). 

Fabulous Model

 

David

[Tony Wright]

3 minutes ago, landscapes said:

Fabulous Model

 

David

Thanks David,

 

But you want to see Tony Geary's O Gauge WD to witness a 'fabulous' model.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[t-b-g]

7 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks David,

 

But you want to see Tony Geary's O Gauge WD to witness a 'fabulous' model.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

I know you tend to be quite modest about your modelling Tony but any 4mm model that can look like that blown up on a big screen many times life size and look that good qualifies as fabulous in my book. Some models just seem to have a "presence" that is very hard to define or describe.

 

That Austerity has it!

[Tony Wright]

33 minutes ago, t-b-g said:

 

I know you tend to be quite modest about your modelling Tony but any 4mm model that can look like that blown up on a big screen many times life size and look that good qualifies as fabulous in my book. Some models just seem to have a "presence" that is very hard to define or describe.

 

That Austerity has it!

Thanks Tony, 

 

Someone once said to me that modesty was not one of his failings. An amusing turn of phrase. 

 

I've said before that it's been my privilege to photograph some of the finest railway models ever made, so I'm always aware of these when I look at what I make; and comment accordingly.

 

I'm wary of observations which are over-effusive. We've had 'masterpiece' used of late, which I'd use as an adjective for very few models. Perhaps Hursley from a few years back might qualify, layout-wise. Or, the more-recent Semley. And, Geoff Kent's Black Lion Crossing is well on the way to that status. The Gravett's work is truly that of a master (and mistress?). 

 

I'd certainly call Buckingham the work of an 'old master'.

 

What really appeals to me are those creations where the owner has done most (if not all) of the work by him/herself. 'Masterpieces' have been created by the power of the pen and chequebook, but many lack the personal touch.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[polybear]

5 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

And so to the solitary A1/1.

 

I did build my example from a Crownline kit, and its construction was written up in an issue of Modelling Railways Illustrated in the mid-'90s (does anyone know which issue, please?). 

 

It replaced one I scratch-built in the mid-'70s. 

 

 

Did I have any problems with the Crownline kit? Only the resin boiler, which was very poor. 

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

 

Hi Tony,

The Crownline A1/1 Review was in Morrill Volume 4 No. 2, dated October 1996 - page 7 onwards.  An excellent nine page kit review article - those were the days....

(Morril was, in my view perhaps the best finescale Model Railway Magazine - an MRJ without the "Rivet Counting".  In all fairness, MRJ is vastly improved compared to those days - and the only magazine I subscribe to; the other excellent magazine is S4 News, which comes with Scalefour Society membership (even though I don't model in P4).   Sadly Morrill is no more - it went very downhill in the last couple of issues and shut down soon afterwards

 

Incidentally, when Dave King (Crownline) was invited to respond to your review he wrote:

"We like resin boilers.  It saves us a lot of work (and therefore cost) and also saves some builders a lot of mistakes.  Maybe they can be better and I'm sure they will be; it's early days yet.  Remember that the wheel didn't have spokes at first, but they soon caught on - who'd be without them now?  Sorry Tony:  resin is in and getting stronger by the day - just put on a brave face!"

 

Dave King wrote that 23 years ago.  Does that make resin boilers the "Marmite" of loco kits?

 

2 hours ago, Tony Wright said:

Austerity valve gear........

 

 

I didn't fix the front ends of the radius rods (omitting the valve rods, which can't be seen, anyway). 

 

There's an extension just ahead of the pivot for the expansion link, and I soldered this to the (white metal) motion support bracket. This anchored the radius rods just fine. 

 

 

 

I think the DJH WD makes-up very well. 

 

The little extension can just be seen in this view.

 

 

Typical workaday condition? 

 

 

Ian Wilson's Pacific Models' front numberplate just finished it off (prior to weathering). 

 

 

I'm unable to open any of the jpg attachments - is anyone else having the same problem?

[johndon]

5 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

 

I'm unable to open any of the jpg attachments - is anyone else having the same problem?

 

Same here, they aren't appearing at all.

[James Fitzjames]

15 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

Hi Tony,

The Crownline A1/1 Review was in Morrill Volume 4 No. 2, dated October 1996 - page 7 onwards.  An excellent nine page kit review article - those were the days....

(Morril was, in my view perhaps the best finescale Model Railway Magazine - an MRJ without the "Rivet Counting".  In all fairness, MRJ is vastly improved compared to those days - and the only magazine I subscribe to; the other excellent magazine is S4 News, which comes with Scalefour Society membership (even though I don't model in P4).   Sadly Morrill is no more - it went very downhill in the last couple of issues and shut down soon afterwards

 

Incidentally, when Dave King (Crownline) was invited to respond to your review he wrote:

"We like resin boilers.  It saves us a lot of work (and therefore cost) and also saves some builders a lot of mistakes.  Maybe they can be better and I'm sure they will be; it's early days yet.  Remember that the wheel didn't have spokes at first, but they soon caught on - who'd be without them now?  Sorry Tony:  resin is in and getting stronger by the day - just put on a brave face!"

 

Dave King wrote that 23 years ago.  Does that make resin boilers the "Marmite" of loco kits?

 

 

 

I'm unable to open any of the jpg attachments - is anyone else having the same problem?

Yup, same here

[Tony Wright]

Regarding the inability to open jpegs, I don't think it's my fault. 

 

They're put on in exactly the same way. 

 

Perhaps the moderators can investigate?

 

Anyway, a bit more progress on the SEF A3......

 

 

 

It should all be finished by mid-week.......

 

 

[Tony Wright]

23 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

Hi Tony,

The Crownline A1/1 Review was in Morrill Volume 4 No. 2, dated October 1996 - page 7 onwards.  An excellent nine page kit review article - those were the days....

(Morril was, in my view perhaps the best finescale Model Railway Magazine - an MRJ without the "Rivet Counting".  In all fairness, MRJ is vastly improved compared to those days - and the only magazine I subscribe to; the other excellent magazine is S4 News, which comes with Scalefour Society membership (even though I don't model in P4).   Sadly Morrill is no more - it went very downhill in the last couple of issues and shut down soon afterwards

 

Incidentally, when Dave King (Crownline) was invited to respond to your review he wrote:

"We like resin boilers.  It saves us a lot of work (and therefore cost) and also saves some builders a lot of mistakes.  Maybe they can be better and I'm sure they will be; it's early days yet.  Remember that the wheel didn't have spokes at first, but they soon caught on - who'd be without them now?  Sorry Tony:  resin is in and getting stronger by the day - just put on a brave face!"

 

Dave King wrote that 23 years ago.  Does that make resin boilers the "Marmite" of loco kits?

 

 

 

I'm unable to open any of the jpg attachments - is anyone else having the same problem?

Thanks Brian,

 

I do have a copy, but where??????

 

It's a pity MORILL disappeared, but that's the way it goes. After Iain Rice left, Jim Woods tried his best but it was not to be.

 

I have no idea why the jpegs don't open. I'm doing nothing different.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

[landscapes]

11 minutes ago, Tony Wright said:

Thanks Brian,

 

I do have a copy, but where??????

 

It's a pity MORILL disappeared, but that's the way it goes. After Iain Rice left, Jim Woods tried his best but it was not to be.

 

I have no idea why the jpegs don't open. I'm doing nothing different.

 

Regards,

 

Tony. 

Hi Tony

 

Your Jpeg photos were available to see when I looked at them about an hour ago showing the WD Valve gear construction, but not any more, could be an RMWeb issue?

 

Regards

 

David

[t-b-g]

5 hours ago, 45609 said:

Tony, you are so right. That’s one of the best looking GCR faces in model form I have ever seen. Well done. Just the top handrail and lamp iron to do now....

 

cheers...Morgan

 

Thanks Morgan. Coming from somebody with your skills and abilities, that means a lot to me.