Clarkson L1

[Derek DroverParticipant @derekdrover32802]

Hello there.

As a fairly new "model engineer", currently finishing off my first build simplex, my thoughts have been turning to my next project.. and I'd like to build a loco which interests me, unfortunately I'm unable to find plans/castings for these. My preferences would be either the Thompson L1 or Fowler 4P (both parallel boilered 2-6-4 twin cylinder tank engines), in 5" gauge.

Whilst browsing through a bunch of old ME magazies which I'd been handed, I came across an IMLEC article from 2000 (magazine August 2000), and there was a picture of Mr Chris Summersall with an LNER L1.. reading the article it was created from Clarkson drawings and castings. I'm aware that Clarkson no longer trade, but does anyone know if its possible to still obtain information of their drawings.. or does anyone have a set they'd be able to copy??? and would anyone happen to have these castings sitting under a bench somewhere?

Failing the Clarkson L1 route.. would anyone know if someone has ever created plans for a 5" Fowler 4P ?

If anyone has any information, i'd be very grateful to hear from them.

Cheers.

Del

[Derek DroverParticipant @derekdrover32802]

[Brian Baker 2Participant @brianbaker2]

Hi Del, Matin Evans designed a Stanier 2-6-4 tank loco in 3.5 inch gauge, which could also be built as the Fowler version.

in that design, known as "Jubliee", write up he gave guidence on producing a 5" gauge version, and I think Malcolm High (Model Engineers Laser) does produce some parts for this loco.

regards

Brian

Edited By Brian Baker 1 on 14/12/2012 17:37:32

[Derek DroverParticipant @derekdrover32802]

Hi Brian.

I'm familiar with the Jubilee, but wanted to go 5 inch, which write-ups are you referring, the ME ones or is there a book on building it (like with Simplex), which details going 5" ???

thnx

del.

[Brian Baker 2Participant @brianbaker2]

Hi del, Martin's comments are contained within his write up & description for the 3.5 in gauge loco.

I seem to remember he also designed a 5 in gauge boiler for the tapered boiler version of the loco

sadly, no book of this loco has ever been produced.

regards

Brian

[61962Participant @61962]

Derek,

You should go back to the 1973 IMLEC when Pat Killian, IMLEC's first lady driver won the event with her father, Bill Longstaff's L1, built to Clarkson's drawings.

Clarkson's L1 is a very good design although it is slide valve which isn't the choice of many 'true to prototype' modellers these days.

I'm sure there will be someone out there with a set of drawings that they will sell or allow you to copy, but be warned that Harry Clarkson was not into minute detail and left a lot for the builder to work out for himself. When people complained he usually told them that we've built a lot here (in the factory at Layerthorpe) and we haven't had any problems!

A lot of his most popular designs were built ( I did his A4 in 3 1/2" gauge) and it is unfortunate that the patterns and drawings disappeared, because for the most part they were of excellent quality in terms of their fidelity to prototype.

If you are really keen to build the L1 and are prepared to do some drawing work, then I would guess that most of the castings for Don Young's K1 2-6-0 will be of use, and the drawings could be modified for the L1 since it was effectively the tank engine version of the K1 which Clarkson also did drwings for.

The boiler is probably identical and I would guess the bogie is close to that of a B1 or A3, both of which are available from suppliers. I think Reeves have all of Don Young's locos in their catalogue.

I don't know that you will get such an easy start with the 4P, I can't say that it is often modelled.

Which ever loco you decide to build I hope you are successful and find the work fulfilling.

Regards

Eddie

Edited By 61962 on 21/12/2012 22:53:57

Edited By 61962 on 21/12/2012 22:54:37

[Derek DroverParticipant @derekdrover32802]

For anyone interested, I've just received an email from BlackGates, who confirm that THEY now have the plans and patterns for all of Clarksons old stuff !!!

Bloody marvellous !!

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