Midland
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Post by Midland on Jul 13, 2012 8:46:23 GMT
Hi All
Dramatic developments in my railway life, I have a Compound albeit a Maid of Kent flavoured one that will need a little Midlandising.
This lead me to get out my drawings of the 5"gauge 3 cylinder compound made by and drawn by Michael W Smart in 1975 and which he numbered 1184.
I just wondered if anyone had ever seen this engine and where it might be today?
Cheers David
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Midland
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,875
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Post by Midland on Jul 19, 2012 18:16:31 GMT
157 looks and no-one can find her!!
Cheers D
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Post by Boadicea on Jul 20, 2012 12:41:13 GMT
I cannot help with your original query but Maid of Kent with inside cylinders and Midland Compound with outside cylinders might need more than the usual amount of "Midlandising." No doubt you are aware of this. Anyway - I wish you well with your project. |
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Post by ilvaporista on Jul 20, 2012 13:28:47 GMT
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Midland
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,875
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Post by Midland on Jul 20, 2012 15:20:03 GMT
Hi to Boadicea and Adrian My 'new' Compound is a bit curious in that it looks bloody good with the cab roof off but awful with it on. The cab sides however are a work of art and very Deeley. My work list includes a major reshaping of the top of the cab, front guard irons, pipes to the cyclinder blow downs, vacuum connections, engine brakes, hide the injectors, power class on the cab side, builders and shed plates and that sort of thing. Much of it is more cometic than fundamental. The tender is pretty sparten and the numbers are too far apart. A couple of tool boxes and filler vents would help. OK - got brave enough to show you a picture!  www.freeimagehosting.net/hw8c2This was doing a hydraulic test last Sunday, passed fine. Injectors need cleaning though. Adrian, I think you will see from the pic that the loco does look quite good if you ignore the cab. Since I have the 'Smart' drawings, they will be a useful guide and since I now have a Compound to play with I might actually build the proper one over the next twenty years or so. The question is 5" or 7 1/4"!!!!! Even so, I would love to actually see the one Michael Smart made and to see it run. I saw somewhere that it did an IMLEC and did not do that well. Cheers David |
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Post by Jim on Jul 22, 2012 0:45:55 GMT
Hi David, I've been sitting looking at your latest loco with my copy of Midland Locos Vol 2 in my hand and your loco looks pure Midland, that's an unbiased view of course  Maybe it's the camera angle but it's hard to see the problem with the cab other than it may be too high above the fire box. All you need is a rake of clerestory coaches and off you go heading the Bristol Bradford Express. Bliss! A very nice acquisition David. Jim. |
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Post by eightpot on Jul 22, 2012 22:19:33 GMT
Curiously, since 'Maid of Kent' is essentially based on a Southern rather than a Midland design, I have been 'Southerizing' an outside cylindered version that was built 'Midlandised', but with an awful looking cab. Now got a Maunsell-style 'King Arthur' one fitted. Been doing it for a friend. If someone can tell me how to do it, I'll try and post a photo.
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Post by Boadicea on Jul 23, 2012 8:40:53 GMT
If someone can tell me how to do it, I'll try and post a photo. Eightpot - easy these days.... Click "Reply" at top of thread "Attachment" is second down Click on "Browse" on the right of this Select your photo on your computer and open it Post All done. N.B. Only one photo per post and file size is limited to 1MB. Now we can all see your loco  Midland - OK, I was not aware of the outside cylinder Maid of Kent. Looks nice. Still no sign of 1184 though. Are you sure it is not just you who finds the cab unattractive? |
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Post by eightpot on Jul 23, 2012 10:36:54 GMT
If it works, not the greatest photo, but gives an idea. The original cab had a very shallow radius to the roof to clear the steam manifold (since modified) and also because of this was far too long. I've managed to shorten it by 3/4" in length. The original also had horribly over width heavy brass cab front and side window frames as well. The owner didn't like the original either, and so far the replacement has met with approval from those who have seen it. Attachments:
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Post by Jim on Jul 23, 2012 22:30:15 GMT
I'm totally confused now...old age and too many soothing ales probably...but is this a 'before' photo of the loco in the first photo? Jim  |
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Post by eightpot on Jul 24, 2012 10:41:34 GMT
I'm totally confused now...old age and too many soothing ales probably...but is this a 'before' photo of the loco in the first photo? Jim No, it is an after photo of the loco referred to in my posting as Reply No. 6. |
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Post by Jim on Jul 24, 2012 10:44:27 GMT
Thanks for that. I think I'd best get back on my medication. ;D
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Post by ilvaporista on Jul 24, 2012 14:53:07 GMT
David,
That is a very nice looking loco you have there, I agree that the front spectacle plate might not be perfect but at least it's a Midland coloured engine and that's a good start!
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Midland
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,875
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Post by Midland on Jul 26, 2012 10:26:42 GMT
Thanks Adrian
I agree, all I need to do is get rid of the droopy Mansell cab roof!! Eight!!!fancy a swop!
Short message as on a canal boat!
Cheers David
PS Over 500 views and till no 1184, where is she? Somewhere in Gloucesteshire I think!
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Post by noggin on Jul 26, 2012 16:06:12 GMT
Mike smart, Im pretty sure Mike still has his compound, he now is doing drgs for polly models, check out there web site,ask them they might be able to put you in touch with him, Garry
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pault
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Posts: 1,500
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Post by pault on Jul 26, 2012 20:39:46 GMT
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Post by Jim on Jul 26, 2012 22:36:51 GMT
That's a great photo Paul, wouldn't it be great to see 1000 in steam again? They really made beautifully detailed and elegant locomotives in those days. Fully lined out the compounds were really something.  Jim |
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Post by Boadicea on Jul 27, 2012 11:30:02 GMT
I might have missed something, but it seems to me it would be a good idea to look at the real thing. It appears to be on loan to Scotland here. |
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Midland
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,875
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Post by Midland on Jul 28, 2012 20:11:42 GMT
Dear All
I am back from the canals and have read your replies and agree with much of your comments buit I think the penny has DROPPED!
Is the Mike Smart of Polly really the Michael G Smart who did my drawings in 1975? Yes I think he must be! On the phone Monday, this is as good as meeting Deeley!!!
I have created templates from my drawings and the eves of my cab are about 3/4 too low so the cab looks Southern, not Midland. I happen to think the Southern locos are gorgeous, particularly the Arthurs but we are on the Compound now. Mine will become 1008 probably but the great thing is that you have answered my question! Many thanks to all. I will keep you appraised of alterations, and Jim come up from Oz and join us at Gilling. You can double head a Spinner with a Compound and choose your engine!!!
Cheers David
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Post by Jim on Jul 29, 2012 3:42:42 GMT
That's a very generous offer David though I think the responsibility would be overwhelming, I'd be a bundle of nerves. Best I remained lineside taking photos of your two lovely Midland engines.  Our daughter lived in Otley but has since moved down the road to Meanwood (Leeds). During a visit in March last year we actually went to Gilling, had lunch and a mandatory soothing ale at the Fairfax Arms then up the road to the club where a group of members were doing some maintenance work. They made me very welcome indeed, I even caught up with a fellow Britannia builder. It was a simply magic day.  Jim |
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