Post by Myford Matt on Nov 22, 2006 21:51:57 GMT
I'm currently on my first serious loco and I chose according to four criteria.
First, I wanted a popular loco - one which a lot of people had made, the mistakes had been ironed out and which now received good feedback as a reliable steamer and fun to make.
Second, I had to have a genuine interest in the design/history of the loco. (I like GWR)
Third, and possibly most important of all there had to be a book or magazine serialisation describing its manufacture.
Fourth, I opted for 5" gauge. Small enough for my Myford, but big enough to not be too fiddly.
I settled for LBSC's 5” GWR 0-6-0 Pansy (I assume its name is one of LBSC's fairly awful punning names on 'pannier' - it is of course a GWR pannier tank.). It was serialised in ME in the fifties and with a bit of hunting around I have got all the issues. Some of LBSC's other locos, Maisie and Speedy, have appeared in book form. Evans' Rob Roy and William can also be bought as a single book. I cannot imagine building without the designer's guiding hand and perhaps you should start from that position. So, ask yourself:
1) What well-established locos with examples at exhibitions are there?
2) Is there a good guide to its construction?
3) What gauge do I want?
4) Can I get the boiler made for it? (This is often recommended for newbies)
5) With tender or not
6) Cost
7) Do I like its appearance, is its history interesting?
All the best
Matt
First, I wanted a popular loco - one which a lot of people had made, the mistakes had been ironed out and which now received good feedback as a reliable steamer and fun to make.
Second, I had to have a genuine interest in the design/history of the loco. (I like GWR)
Third, and possibly most important of all there had to be a book or magazine serialisation describing its manufacture.
Fourth, I opted for 5" gauge. Small enough for my Myford, but big enough to not be too fiddly.
I settled for LBSC's 5” GWR 0-6-0 Pansy (I assume its name is one of LBSC's fairly awful punning names on 'pannier' - it is of course a GWR pannier tank.). It was serialised in ME in the fifties and with a bit of hunting around I have got all the issues. Some of LBSC's other locos, Maisie and Speedy, have appeared in book form. Evans' Rob Roy and William can also be bought as a single book. I cannot imagine building without the designer's guiding hand and perhaps you should start from that position. So, ask yourself:
1) What well-established locos with examples at exhibitions are there?
2) Is there a good guide to its construction?
3) What gauge do I want?
4) Can I get the boiler made for it? (This is often recommended for newbies)
5) With tender or not
6) Cost
7) Do I like its appearance, is its history interesting?
All the best
Matt