Recommend a first engine

[paul]

While I was browsing some of the engines here...

www.sidestreetbannerworks.com/locos/intro.html

SWMBO declared that it would nice to have a small scale live steam garden railway.

After I'd recovered consciousness and managed to bring my lower jaw into something approximating it's usual position I set about finding the simplest possible design for a Gauge 1 engine.

I've got plans for 'cracker' as built in modified form by Havoc, a couple of De Winton engines (thanks John), 'Myrtle' (posted by Matt on this forum) and LBSC's 'Small Bass' (cheers Brian).

The latter is favourite except I'd probably need more hand-holding than the original magazine article provides (especially as I'd need to change to metric. Possibly!).

I also like the look of LBSC's Chingford Express on the above site but have no other details.

I'm not averse to building a tram engine or even a 'foreigner' (http://www.sidestreetbannerworks.com/locos/loco81.html for example) but favourite would be something with an industrial bent, ideally powered by simple oscillator(s) or some simple valve mechanism.

I'd prefer not to have to deal with and sort of gearing if possible (as I'm utterly ignorant in that department), simplicity being paramount.

Any suggestions, links, drawings, advice, pictures etc etc welcome!

PS A silly question: is G1 track usually bought or made (making it must be pretty tedious I'd think?)

[Tel]

It can be either bought or made Paul - but you wanna be richer than me to buy it. I'm making mine from code 250 al. rail and sleepers ripped from pallet boards.

[steam4ian]

G'day Paul

You could try an Edwin, Tel is building one. Edwin's design with "words and music" was published in AEM and the design is available in book form. It started with Walschearts valve gear but a slip eccentric option is available. A casting set costs about AUD120; wouldn't cost much to ship.

A cheap and simple option might be a Mamod clone, this is effectively what I am doing.

IMHO the Small Bass is a very bulky looking loco.

Regards,
Ian

[havoc]

Are you lucky to have to obey to such orders!

I understand your reluctance for gears, but those can be bought. And for an oscillator gears are a blessing since normal con-rod drive oscillators tend to be hard to control.

I do have plans for Mona around. Bit like Chingford Express but 1B config British outline. Also to be found on the net:

A Kerr Stuart industrial engine in 0 gauge: www.geocities.com/minidampf/brazil_uk/contents.html

Here you can find an autorail (huge, oscillator) and a Decauville (huge and complicated) both in Gauge 1: jpduval.free.fr/

I bought my rails. Not cheap, but not that expensive either. And you can buy second hand.

[paul]

Cheers Tel. I was reading a site where it suggested using brass as it weathers nicely and blends in with the garden .... kerching, kerching, kerching .... I'd have burglars in me garden in ten minutes with the price of brass these days!

Ian, sorry I should have said I'd want to build using bar stock rather than castings. The Mamod clone sounds reasonable but I don't have one to copy and they're not cheap are they?

Havoc: I've not heard of Mona (I've only just started looking really) - got any images or links? That Brazil one looks pretty good - I'll read up on it later. The Decauville model looks very complicated and my technical French is not good!

Thanks for the input chaps!

[havoc]

Here is a link to the 3.5" version: members.chello.nl/e.stroetinga/Mona.htm The book describes the 3.5" version but the 45mm is in it as well but with less detail. Cylinder is feasable from bar. I was wrong however, it isn't a 1B, its a C1. But it isn't metric either.

This is a series on the 45mm version: plsntcov.8m.com/Mona.htm But he changed at least the boiler and burner! The boiler in the original is an alcohol fired Smithies. The gas fired one has put in looks simpler.

The autorail on the french site is simpler than the Decauville. But the boiler is more complicated than needed I think. And it is a very large engine.

[spamcanman]

Hi,
I am a member of G1MRA a society only for Gauge1 the first loco nearly all new members build is called a 'Project' it's an 0-6-0 tender loco with single inside cylinder and slip eccentrics. I very comprehensive book with step by step drawings guides you through the build, also there are parts to speed up the build like boilers and wheels made by some shops.
Google 'Building a Project' to find a shop selling the book or check out this web site. www.gaugeone.org/index.htm

Tony

[abby]

Hi Paul , where abouts are you ? we all live in the creative county.

[paul]

Coven near Penkridge

[abby]

Ah I know Coven - used to live in Telford and work in Wednesbury , so I would sometimes pass through . I may be able to help you with a G1 loco - PM me.