Simplex (Longer!)

[baggo]

Have finally made a start on my version of Simplex. Having seen the 0-6-2 version (Alice) in ME 1997, I've decided to follow similar lines, although slightly longer still. The loco will be 34" over the buffer beams as against 29½" for the standard Simplex.

The longer frames will allow for a decent sized water tank at the back and also make room for a redesigned boiler. This has been designed following the late Jim Ewins's formulae as an experiment to see how his theories hold up in practice ;D

The grate area has been increased by 35% to 22 sq. inches along with an increase in tube area to 4 superheater flues and 16 fire tubes.

The rear truck will be a radial type rather than a ordinary pony truck as this would require the pivot point to be under the firebox making fitting the grate and ash pan a bit tricky.

As I already have the cylinder castings I will be sticking to slide valves but I hope to make them balanced to reduce the load on the valve gear.

All in all it should be an interesting project

Here's a GA of the loco to show what the finished item will look like (although this may change as I go along!)



John

[Steve M. W]

Hi John
have you any details on how you are going to do your radial rear wheels, we are looking to do a similar mod to our 7¼ Romulus and have the same problem if we fit a pony truck we can’t drop the fire.
Any info appreciated. ;D

Steve

[baggo]

Hi Steve,

Haven't finalised the design of the radial truck yet but I'll gladly let you have some details when I have

Basically the axleboxes will move sideways in a full width curved horn which will act as a frame stretcher as well. I'm making the boxes in two parts so that the sideways movement and the vertical springing movement are separate. That way the curved boxes can be a good fit in the horns as they won't have to tilt as well. Using a one piece box means the box has to be a very sloppy fit in the horns to prevent it jamming. I'll be describing it all on the website when I get there.

Giles has got some details of radial trucks on his website that may be of help:

www.gilesfavell.seriouslyinternet.com/Construction%20information.htm

John

[Steve M. W]

Thanks John

Useful link loads of info on all sorts.

Steve

[dscott]

At last it is starting to look like a full size engine, but then again our interest is all about having fun at the track and anything that runs is enjoyed.

David