Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

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Adirondack
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Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Adirondack »

Hi folks. Does anyone recognize this 3 1/2" gauge engine? I was offered it for 400 pounds. It’s old, that’s all we know.

I like it, but I’m not going to try and finish it without plans. My 5 plank wagons need some company, and this would get me on the rails relatively quickly.

It was found in the shed of the original seller. The copper boiler went to the scrap man for a tenner and he was going to send the rest to the tip. A friend in the UK rescued it, and it may be making its way across the pond if we can identify it.

Thanks

Chris
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Mike Walsh
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Mike Walsh »

I'm inclined to think it's the PV Baker. PV Baker has square counterweights and the axle spacing seems a little better.

https://www.glrkennions.co.uk/model-eng ... baker.html
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Adirondack
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Adirondack »

I’m not sure either one is correct. The drivers are the key. I appreciate your help. :)

The search continues!

Chris
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A little locomotive with 4 wheels on the track is a lot more fun
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Mike Walsh
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Mike Walsh »

I goofed. Somehow overlooked the outside valve gear of the PV compared to the original. I wonder if it's a Molly, with drivers swapped?
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baggo
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by baggo »

Molly has the valves underneath the cylinders whereas this has the valves vertically between them. If you look carefully, what looks like one valve rod in the centre of the valvechest is actually two half round rods side by side, one for each of the valves.

It's not a design that I am familiar with. It could be a freelance.

John
Secretary of The National 2½" Gauge Association
Member of North West Liecestershire SME

http://www.modeng.johnbaguley.info
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Adirondack
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Adirondack »

baggo wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2020 6:42 pm Molly has the valves underneath the cylinders whereas this has the valves vertically between them. If you look carefully, what looks like one valve rod in the centre of the valvechest is actually two half round rods side by side, one for each of the valves.

It's not a design that I am familiar with. It could be a freelance.

John
Thanks john. I was actually going to email you, so thank you.

Chris
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A little locomotive with 4 wheels on the track is a lot more fun
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FKreider
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by FKreider »

I would post this on the UK model engineering Facebook page and the 3 1/2" enthusiast pages. Someone will know.
-Frank K.
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Adirondack
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Adirondack »

FKreider wrote: Wed Jul 29, 2020 5:18 pm I would post this on the UK model engineering Facebook page and the 3 1/2" enthusiast pages. Someone will know.
Surprisingly, no. That’s where I found it for sale.

C.
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

Does it run on air? If so, then what exactly will need to be rebuilt on it , other than a new boiler, and likely a few bushings here and there? If all the pieces to the chassis are there, it works, and you only lack the boiler and smoke box, then I wouldn't be too hung up on having all the drawings with it. You can build a boiler and smoke box that will fit it based off of a similar design. Would be a unique locomotive. Just my thoughts on it.
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Adirondack
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Adirondack »

Pontiacguy1 wrote: Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:35 am Does it run on air? If so, then what exactly will need to be rebuilt on it , other than a new boiler, and likely a few bushings here and there? If all the pieces to the chassis are there, it works, and you only lack the boiler and smoke box, then I wouldn't be too hung up on having all the drawings with it. You can build a boiler and smoke box that will fit it based off of a similar design. Would be a unique locomotive. Just my thoughts on it.
A very valid point. I’m not sure about the pricing though. I always think it’s too expensive. Lol

Thanks

Chris
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Pontiacguy1
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Re: Elderly steam engine. Anyone recognize it?

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

I’m not sure about the pricing though. I always think it’s too expensive. Lol
Add up all the costs for the castings to build a similar 0-6-0 in 3 1/2" gauge, like the LBSC Molly. I bet that your plans and castings would be equal to or greater than what is being asked for the chassis. I would ask for it to be tested on air. If it works, then it should be worth what a set of the castings to make it or a similar locomotive would cost. In your case, if it is a running chassis, then it might be worth pursuing. If it doesn't run or has parts missing, then I would probably skip it without some drawings being available.

You might also make them an offer, and they might accept! You never know. I know a lot of people who purposely over-price their for-sale items in the hope that someone will take it at that price, but figuring that they will have to take 20-30% less in the end. Their attitude is " you won't get it if you don't ask". Should be the same attitude for buyers.
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