I've always had a fascination for railways. Large-scale model locomotives are, for me, a natural progression from the days of what I call the "electric mice"! Although I still run my small scale equipment from time to time for a change of pace.

Like most model engineers, I find it difficult to stick with the same project for too long. A 5" gauge locomotive can take 2000 to 3000 hours, or even more for the ambitious projects! It's good too have something else going to provide a relief once in a while. My first completed locomotive, "Perserverance" took too long! Although I spent the 2000 hours, it was spread over thirteen years... hence the name.

Locomotive number 1 - "Perserverance"

Based on a 1912 vintage 2ft gauge French designed 0-4-0T from the Decauville works. Several cosmetic changes have been made to the model to give it an indvidual flavour.

Gauge: 5".
Scale: 2-1/2" = 1 foot.
Cylinders: 1-5/8" bore x 2" stroke.
Valve gear: Hackworth.
Tractive Force: 119 lbs.
Boiler: Steel Briggs type, 6"nb tube operating at 700 kPa (100psi)

Locomotive number 2 - 42218

This was a slightly different project, because I was part of a team (Myself, Barry Glover, Neil Graham and Neville Levin). The locomotive was 42218; a battery-electric model of a NSWSRA locomotive on 5" gauge to 1-1/8" to the foot scale, for a construction series in the Australian Model Engineering Magazine. I was responsible for the chassis and chain drive mechanism. The end result of the team effort was a delightful model and a successful project for the magazine.

The completed 42218

Locomotive number 3 - "Tich"

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of number 3 as yet. I was at one of the Australian Association of Live Steamers Conventions where it was necessary to fly to the location because of distance and time constraints. This meant I was without a locomotive. When I returned home, I thought one of the basic locos might be a good project that could be taken on a plane as cabin baggage for just such an occasion. So I started working on a 3-1/2" gauge 0-4-0 locomotive called "Tich". I am up to the rolling chassis stage, but I'm not sure if it will get past this point for some time as the need for a "portable loco" is no longer present.

Locomotive number 4 - SR&RL No.23

This is a project in the embryonic stage. However, unlike the "Tich", there is a need for a larger locomotive that can comfortably handle a fully loaded 6-car passenger train that my club thrives on. The following Baldwin Locomotive Works photo will give you an idea of what I'm proposing to build for 5" gauge at 2-1/2" to the foot scale. It's a Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Locomotive 2-6-2 Number 23.