Rudititanic

To also give two other updates, Locomotion No. 1 is also advancing steadily as shown in the below test-assembly, and while Invicta requires some minor digital tweaking before release, it too is looking promising.

Delighted to announce the release of my latest locomotive design - Richard Trevithick's Coalbrookdale Engine of 1802. Three versions are now available, comprising 00 kit (able to be built either static or working), N Gauge static-only and N Gauge working. Yes, a 3cm long micro-model with working gears! As with all models in the range these are available from https://www.shapeways.com/shops/newman-miniatures, while a second video is also on our YouTube channel detailing construction tips.

One unusual update - I'm delighted to have featured in the latest N Gauge Now magazine with a full article written about my 3D models... https://www.ngaugemodelling.co.uk/

Good to see, though can inform that it's 36002 & 03 at New Cross - very similar images are in K Robertson's final leader book.

Spot on! This is the N Gauge version, hence somewhat chunky/basic, but a 00 version will be started shortly.

One of my latest designs is now ready for test-printing, and is the first to come with a supporting parts set. This means builders can choose to scratch-build their own fine detail or use the ready-to-fit components for simpler construction. It even comes with its own period-clothed crew! The question is, can anyone guess the prototype engine...?

In case of interest, Thunderbolt and Dan's coach (on flatbed and as a grounded body) are now available in N and 00 via my shapeways page: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/newman-miniatures

Very interesting reading on this thread and plainly the benefits (intended and realised) vs limitations (most certainly realised!) of Leader have been very thoroughly considered. From an engineering perspective the principals of the project were certainly feasible (double-ended, bogies, air-smoothed, reduced prep/maintenance etc), but this deviated to such a degree by the completion of 36001 that its design had too many hostages to fortune. Remove some of those (valves, weight etc - many moderately simple to redesign if reworking from scratch) and it could certainly have worked. Whether the end result of this could be considered a 'Leader' is another thing. As to the socio-economic standpoint, the question stands whether the above would have been feasible even if it worked perfectly. Between pro-diesel agendas, desires to look more modern, reducing tolerance for steam working conditions, contracting financial outlay etc etc these draw many doubts over the project that have little bearing on the engineering alone. In my mind there are comparisons with the British airship R101: pushed ahead technologically and politically, the inquiry into its disastrous end literally stated '...originality and courage in design are not to be depreciated, but there is an obvious danger in giving too many separate hostages to fortune at one time.' Regarding one tiny element of the original post not covered thereafter, that of Leader as a modelling project, I can also report that it is now available as a kit in N Gauge (and scratch aid in O Gauge) in pieces via Shapeways. https://www.shapeways.com/product/NKY8K7HSX/n-gauge-bulleid-leader-scratch-aid-body

I suggest we all move forward now and let this lie. Plenty of new projects to concentrate on!

Thanks; she's only weeny but proves what can be done.

So I couldn't resist...:

Commercial wheels are used; those depicted are simply to ensure clearance.

One and the same. The current intention is to provide in the usual N and 00 scales, but with alternatives showing the engine both in its rebuilt condition and as originally built complete with two-wheel tender. NB the render below is very early days with much to add (and no doubt modify). Fun times ahead!

Looking great. With the modified Derwent complete, a new engine is now in the workshop under construction - something that has made news recently for moving to a new home...

Well Gazelle is certainly shorter in height (and I suspect lighter)!

Albyn, thanks for the feedback. The overlay was an experimental commission but as it plainly has limitations (largely from printing tolerances) I'll look into this more. I'll also email you the pdf immediately. Good to know re the planking as well thanks and interesting to see the coach. Killian - I scratchbuilt Gazelle in N a while back, and had the pleasure of clambering over the prototype. She's a tiny little wonder!

Two updates: several new items have been added to my broad gauge range which can be found at https://www.shapeways.com/shops/newman-miniatures?section=N+Broad+Gauge&s=0 Matching locomotive(s) to follow at some point soon! Secondly, in a first for me I present a diesel engine - Hunslet shunter 'Sweet Pea' (also known as 'Courage'). Now preserved, it is believed to be Britain's smallest standard-gauge diesel, and is tiny! https://www.shapeways.com/product/TN42PFQ2H/n-gauge-hunslet-diesel-sweet-pea-aka-courage

I shall do my best in the time I have available.

Never let it be said that I am not receptive to feedback. While I stand by my past explanation, if you, Edwardian, are prepared to purchase a FUD/FED version (which will not be cheap, even though I do similar to Sem in having minimal markup) and in the knowledge that there is no guarantee whatsoever that the detail will necessarily successfully print/remain visible after sanding/painting, I am prepared to re-engineer the model with finer boiler slats/bands and reduced relief planking. Usually such work would entail a commission fee – it being somewhat lengthy to undertake, will delay the release of other items and as noted has questionable economic viability – but as an experiment which I can learn from I am equally prepared to waive this fee in this instance. As I have very little free time at present it will take a while to complete, but I cannot say fairer. If you agree to this I would like to know if you want strict scale relief or a relative compromise such as the dimensions of my N Gauge models transposed to 00.

Turbosnail: thanks, but mine's virtually done now so no worries. Edwardian: As already stated, WSF has coarser tolerances so some finer detail is not feasible, and as many use filler primer to smooth these out that would reduce the relief as a consequence. I should note that the boiler planking in particular was significantly reduced from the enlarged N dimensions as it is. The only alternative would be to produce it in FED/FUD, which effectively quadruples the price and puts it beyond what most appear prepared to generally pay. Should these tolerances change then things will be different, but as it stands I would rather have it basic but included (which of course modellers can alter as they see fit, such as planking over the top - much finer & more bespoke than 3D) rather than finescale that after sanding/priming could disappear outright from the model.

Albyn: thanks for the photos - good to see! Glad you're pleased and let me know if I can be of any help with construction. Turbosnail: Indeed it is. I'm planning on mine being solely in N Gauge as yours is already complete and available for 00 (and looks great!).

"A d-d-Diesel, Sir?"

Of course! Albyn: Sem's alright & knows my sense of humour. 'Eccentric' is a term I rather like! Delighted to hear your appreciation of my work, and thanks for the support (both modelling & re the comment).

But of course. Should have done it in N broad gauge - more space!

Albyn, very interesting to see thanks. Hope you enjoy Derwent too. As for the Bury Haystack, I built one of these some years back using traditional scratchbuilding. As an experiment, I fitted it with working inside motion...!