LSWR Adams 415 class tank locos (Radial tanks)

[John RothwellParticipant @johnrothwell]

I am currently building an Adams 415 tank to the late Kelvin Moonie design. I have just finished the trailing wheels, which are a prominent feature on this loco, perhaps because they are mounted on the axle from which the class takes its nickname.

 

I was surprised to discover, after the event, that the drawings and castings appear to have the incorrect number of spokes – 9 instead of 10. It never occurred to me to check before working on the castings! As far as I can tell the class were originally built with 3ft dia trailing wheels which did have 9 spokes but for the majority of the class these were changed to 3ft 6inch dia wheels which had 10 spokes. The castings and drawings are for the 3ft 6inch wheels – but with only 9 spokes.

 

Does anyone have any contrary information? I would also be interested to hear any views about whether spoke counting is in the same category as rivet counting. My own view is that whilst I accept that the innards of this design are not strictly to the prototype I was expecting the external appearance to be a fair representation.

 

If anyone has actually built this design I would really like to hear from them. 

[John RothwellParticipant @johnrothwell]

[61962Participant @61962]

I’ve just had a look at a couple of photos of the last of the 415’s 30583 has 9 spokes and 584 has 10. The answer is to decide which engine you are building and when, and find some photos. The bogie wheels were nine spoke. My own Adams (Not to Kelvin’s design) has 10 spoke wheels and few people notice. 

[John RothwellParticipant @johnrothwell]

Thank you for your input, Eddie. The Moonie drawings are based upon the Dubbs engine LSWR 520/SR 3520/BR 30584.

 

I have photocopies of a very good article from the September 1977 issue of “Model Railways”. This has a drawing by the late J.N. Maskelyne and a photo of 520 in LSWR days with the larger trailing wheels and, you guessed it, 10 spokes.

 

I too have pictures of 30583 with 9 spoke trailing wheels but unless my eyes decieve me this locomotive seems to have retained the smaller size wheels even into BR days.

 

I suppose I could pick one of the many locos that were scrapped early in the century, rather than one of the Lyme Regis three and then work on the basis that nobody can say either way!

 

No problem with the 9 spoke bogie wheels and I have checked the driving and coupled wheels – both the latter correct at 18 spokes.

[WearyParticipant @weary]

I’m assuming that you got your castings form GLR. 

If so, and you do want 10 spokes I see that Reeves 2000 have some 5″ gauge, 10 spoke, 3’6″ bogie wheels in their catalogue, maybe one of the patterns (i.e. hub/rim sizes) that they have available will suit?

[Bruno TaylorParticipant @brunotaylor21701]

Hi John,

I know its a few years ago but did you complete the loco?

I am thinking of the LSWR 4-4-0 Salisbury by the same designer as my next (2nd) loco.

Do you have any advice? Was it a straightforward build, any particular difficulties, good design and drawings etc.

I am presuming the engine is inside Stepensons motion with slide valves.

Many thanks.

Bruno

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