|
Post by AndrewP on Apr 7, 2007 18:23:04 GMT
I have had the most excellent day! Popped along to the local club track after meeting the chaps for the first time last Thursday when I joined and I got a drive! Not with passengers I hasten to add but I am completely sold on this idea. Here's a pic of the loco - 5in gauge, not a Simplex but similar, I forget. So if you haven't been to see a local club yet do so, I met a right friendly bunch of chaps and am even more convinced now that I am not as mad as my family think, and even if I am then I'm in good company. Going back on Monday that's for sure! Andy (beginner driver)
|
|
JohnP
Hi-poster
Posts: 186
|
Post by JohnP on Apr 7, 2007 20:00:10 GMT
Andy,
It's good to hear that you've met up with a friendly crowd who'll let you have a go. If you decide to build your own loco, it's these kinds of thing which keep the enthusiasm going when the job "stalls".
As for the loco, that backward facing lifting arm reminds me of "Achilles", but I'm prepared to be wrong!
Enjoy the hobby!
JohnP
|
|
|
Post by steamjohn248 on Apr 7, 2007 20:21:10 GMT
It looks like a Dick Simmonds "Hercules" only with another axle. Reeves do a three axle version of "Hercules" (pages 123/123 of their cat. 24th Edition) called a "Hermes" but the back of the cab is different, so I think its a three axle "Hercules". (We've just finished one that was started in about 1963!).
Welcome to the club(s).
Steamjohn
|
|
|
Post by Steve M. W on Apr 7, 2007 21:00:14 GMT
I think JohnP is right is a 5" Achilles, I learnt to drive one at our club thanks to a friendly member who now puts me right on all my mistakes. Hercules & Herms are 7ΒΌ. And yes a drive now and then is a great boost to your enthusiasm.
Steve
|
|
|
Post by Shawki Shlemon on Apr 8, 2007 11:14:51 GMT
I got introduced to this hobby 26 years ago and never looked back . May be I am eccentric of some kind but happy .Who cares what others think? Do your own thing . It is a great hobby .
|
|
|
Post by AndrewP on Apr 9, 2007 19:02:19 GMT
Achilles it is, well spotted to those that did, note to self:- put a bigger gauge on anything I build, can't see a thing on that one!
Andy with soot in his hair and a big grin on his face.
|
|
|
Post by Steve M. W on Apr 10, 2007 9:13:50 GMT
Andy Next step get a hat. a hot cinder on you head is not only painful but the pain seems to last for days, aside from the distraction when it happens that could be potentially dangerous when driving. We need to keep that grin on your face ;Dnot the look of pain. Steve
|
|
|
Post by AndrewP on May 7, 2007 22:18:57 GMT
Bad form to reply to one's own post I know but.... First driver training session today on the club Achilles, started properly with lubrication and safety checks, firelighting (charcoal and firelighters) and raising steam. This loco has a small grate but a deep firebox (like a mineshaft according to one) and with the fan on and a half full boiler 30 pounds was on the gauge within 10 minutes, removing the fan and opening the blower was most impressive! pressure came up quickly and we moved off the steaming bay onto the running line and picked up 2 carriages. Driving with instructor I was pleasantly surprised how much actual driving was needed, the regulator needing almost constant attention as well as bypass and blower. Coaling every couple of laps with a handful down the shoot (does anybody actually use those pretty shovels?) and refilling water tanks I was deemed safe and left to it. Passengers materialised occasionally and it was interesting how the loco performed differently with a load, working hard on some of our grades and sounding really good. The heavens opened long before I'd had enough and passengers vanished, fire dropped mounted on carrier and in the car still with 40 pounds on the gauge. The invitation to our open day should now read "keen qualified(just) driver/gofer available" Cheers, Andy
|
|