Thread: GNR Stirling Locomotive

Originally Posted by htl

Just a thought would it pay to put something soft over the brake shoe to keep from buggering up the wheels paint job?
And love all that's been done so far.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do have something that I could place between the shoe and the wheel and does look like brake lining. Will also have a look at the original prototype. Thanks

Regards

Keith

Regards

Hi All,

I have been working on the trailing brake assembly. It is connected to the main drive wheel brake assembly. Quite a bit of threading of bar and then tapping the main support pieces so I can easily assemble and dismantle along the way. I am using all metric taps and dies.

Now onto the other side for the main drive wheel and trailing wheel brakes.

One thing that I have found which may be of interest to other Forum users is that the tap and die set I got (many years ago) has taps that have different thread pitches. Also when you buy metric screws from Bunnings - they don't have the thread pitch on the little cartons. I have made up a thread gauge that I use to screw the screws / bolts into so I know that I am using the correct pitch tap or die. The taps and dies are marked with the respective pitches.
This way you can be sure you are tapping or threading to the screw or nut you have purchased - Just a suggestion

Regards

Keith

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I like your pitch test plate. I normally get caught trying to fit a bolt into an existing thread only to find I do not have the correct bolt.

While I am not sure, I would not be surprised if the leading two axles of the Stirling are on a bogie; and the driving and trailing wheels on the fixed frame. The brake rigging would go with this theory. Another reason is that four axles on a rigid frame would cause problems on curves unless the flanges are reduced or removed.

As always, frame is looking good as another one of the fleet is built.

Agree about the bogie. However with this locomotive the bogie will not be able to be seen as an independent item as it will be hidden by the special covers that were an integral part of the decor of the loco.
Thanks for your comments and expertise Kevin - always appreciated

Regards

Keith

Hi All,

Well I have finally got the Stirling out into the sunlight.

View of the Driver and Fireman's side of the loco chasis. I progressed as far as I can with both lots of the wheel brakes. I think they have come up almost the same on both sides. Beer can for a bit of indication of size although a bit deceiving because it is in the foreground. The loco looks a bit small at this stage, but when it gets a tender on it - it will be longer than the tank loco.

Next step will be making and installing the chasis cross members.

Regards

Keith

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Hi all,

Been working on the chasis - along with playing lawn bowls.

Had to get my boiler dimension in place so the cross members of the chasis would be able to be cut to actually support the boiler. So I have the basic boiler now sitting in place. This allows me to cross reference back to photos and YouTube clips to get the components in the correct position.

I think one of the biggest uncertainties is what component to build next so you can get the loco build proceeding to the next step and still make the parts removable in the longer term.
You can see on the left of the table I have started making the main drive piston cylinders. These are laminated 19mm pine turned in the woodlathe. They are approximately 100mm long and will be secured to the main chasis with side brackets and bolts.

Regards

Keith

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Keith, Great progress, you certainly haven't been idle this past week & a bit, while I've been enjoying a family holiday in God's own country of Queensland catching up with my mum, brother & his wife.
Ten of us stayed in this huge renovated old house [Queenslander Style with a pool] on a headland overlooking Moreton Bay at Scarborough, simply beautiful with verandahs all around to catch the sea breeze.
Only down-side about the trip was the car that Mr Thrifty gave me....yep you got it, one of those!!

Anyways, back on track with trains and your first class craftsmanship...
I try to always got to the local "Engineers Suppliers" for proper nuts & bolts and the like; Dallas maybe able to help you out with an informal introduction to one??

Keep up the good work, Cheers, Peter

Glad you had a good and safe holiday Peter. Bet the Thrifty wasn't a Ford

Enjoying this loco

Regards

Keith

Originally Posted by Keith_1

Glad you had a good and safe holiday Peter. Bet the Thrifty wasn't a Ford

Enjoying this loco

Regards

Keith

Got it in one.....

Love the beer can to get an idea of the size and man it's going to be big but a great size for the details.
Those monster drive wheels are really going to make this one out standing train.

Originally Posted by crowie

Got it in one.....

Hope Dallas (Treecycle) is taking note

Originally Posted by Keith_1

Hope Dallas (Treecycle) is taking note

I'll sent Dallas an email with some comments on that vehicle!!!

Hi All,

Wondering if anyone can help me ? Looking to fin the details and information on the valves on the Stirling that are operated by the 2 red levers / arms that are situated just in front of the cabin as indicated in attached photo

Regards

Keith

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Originally Posted by Keith_1

Glad you had a good and safe holiday Peter. Bet the Thrifty wasn't a Ford

Crowie asked for a car that had class, power and would keep him feeling young. Thrifty got their experts on to it and that was what they came up with. They said it was an easy decision.