Sold August 2003 Back to Archive

Part-built tank locomotive, size large!

I can't identify this engine, it was possibly being built as a large freelance design. Work to date comprises:

Frames, iron horns and axleboxes
Iron wheels, press-fitted to axles
Connecting and coupling rods
Cylinders complete with guidebars, motion brackets, crossheads, draincocks with linkage completed and working back to cab
Inside valve chests machined and fitted complete with covers and valve rods
Four eccentric sheaves fitted to axle, expansion links, die nuts and lifting links
Reversing lever
Smokebox assembly with locking bar, door handles and dart, hinges and part-fabricated door
Platework for cab back, sides, spectacle plate, early stage tanks (no tops or bottoms)

The machining and fitting done so far is good, the engine pushes along easily without binding. By making a pair of slide valves and two pairs of eccentric straps and rods the chassis could be got running on air in short order. One wheel has a small chip out of the flange.

Length 56 inches
Width 18 inches
Wheels 8 1/2 inch diameter over flange
Weight approximately 200 pounds currently, estimated at 450-500 pounds when complete
Bore approx 2 1/2 inch
Stroke 4 inch