Geoff

Rob Roy was serialized in M.E. 1961 if you have access to back issues or a book was published. Try club library if you belong to one or Ebay.

Paul

Having built a few locos the most important thing is that the one you select inspires you as there are times in all loco builds when you feel like giving up, it is a long hard road for most people. Boiler making is not the bugbear it is often made out to be but it does require investment in some kit.

I would give serious thought as to what your goal is, if you want a loco to be able to pull your family around your local club track go for a 5" gauge. They are far easier to manage. 35 years ago I started building a Tich, 3.5 0-4-0 shutter, I did get as far as running it once on the club track, took it apart to paint it and there it remains to this day. I currently run a 5" Jinty to Martin Evans design, it will pull at least 8 adults, has done much public passenger hauling at the club and doesn't break the bank to build.

I suggest you get to your local track and see what is running there.

Michael

Hello Geoff,

What to build? well what a question, you'll no doubt get many designs suggested, but much depends on your skill level, available machinery, depth of pocket etc. My first advice would be to join a local model engineering society if you haven't already done so, perhaps look a a couple, go and have a chin wag in the steaming bays. Then there is always the question to build in either 3½" or 5" gauge, you could go away and build a 5" gauge Britannia, Duchess A4 etc, only it'll take that much longer and the bits are that much larger and importantly, heavier. Personally I'd try and take on a design, the construction of which has been described in the past. but I'd steer clear of the smaller 3½" gauge tank locomotives, their performance on the track although reasonable also leaves a lot to be desired considering all the work that has gone into the build. Of the 3½ designs I'd suggest LBSC's Masie, it has a great build manual, hundreds have been built and they do what it says on the tin! Some of the smaller 5" gauge designs are worth a look, Don Young's Glen is a straight forward excellent design and you've got a tender to put you cup of tea on! Take a look on line at the various supplier's cataloguers, if only for inspiration and gulp at the prices some are asking.

Here's wishing you every success with your chosen design,

Regards,

Bob

Greetings,

I am a bit reluctant to enter into this post, because it takes a long time to build a loco, and it is important to pick a design that you like & will enjoy working on for some time.

In 3.5 inch gauge, I would recommend Martin Evan's Stanier 2 6 4 tank rather than Rob Roy for several reasons, and yes, I have built 2 of both, so feel able to comment sensibly.

Firstly, the out side walsharts valve gear is much easier to make, set up and get working correctly, with all the bits easily accessable, whereas Rob Roy is inside, very fiddly, and needs a fair bit of dismantling to get it running sweetly.

Secondly, although a larger locomotive, there are several sub asemblies, such as pony truck, bogie, etc on which you can "cut your teeth" so to speak, and have the pleasure of a definite sub project finished.

Finally, in my opinion, the Stanier design runs better, notches up better, and will pull more passengers.

Yes it will be a little more expensive to buy the bits, and the boiler is somewhat more complicated, but with help from club members should be OK. It was the first boiler I ever built, and still have the first loco after 37 years, where as I sold both Rob Roys fairly soon after finishing them.

As a final argument for this design's consideration, I am about to start building a 71/4 doubled up Stanier 2-6-4 tank.

Most of all, study the designs, try to pick a modern one, but pick one you like.

Good luck with your build.

regards

Brian

Edited By Brian Baker 1 on 06/08/2017 17:51:28