Where do Buffer Nuts Go?

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Inside or outside? Challenge the accepted wisdom!

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

It pays to check. Read any ME series about making a model loco and when you get to the buffers you will almost certainly get to the bit where it says that "in prototypical practice the nuts on the stock fixings are always on the outside of the buffer beams".

I came across this statement again today, then later I noted I made my shunter with the nut on the inside. Reviewing pictures of Hudswell Clarke diesel shunters, every example I can find (where you can tell) the nuts are on the inside.

In the picture above the loco at left is a Hudswell Clarke, I don't know what loco it is up against, but the latter has the buffer nuts inside – and less than a turn of thread visible.

I propose a nationwide survey of prototype locos – what percentage have the nuts on the inside, and is it consistent by maker?

Neil

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Other interesting features in this picture:

The buffer beam is two (slightly mismatched) plates.

The buffer head has a pad riveted to it. This is probably either leather or rubber as the engine is one modified to work in a zero-spark environment (oil refinery).

Both nice little details guaranteed to lose marks in a competition

Talking to myself…

Neil

[David HaynesParticipant @davidhaynes53962]

This is the buffer detail on L&HR Barclay 2333 "David". Nuts on the outside and lock nuts for good measure!

 

But this is the detail on the LHR Hunslet Austerity 'Cumbria', with bolt heads on the outside…

 

 

 

Some more for Neil's survey,

only another 493 to go… 

 

Dave

 

Edited By David Haynes on 27/10/2013 00:05:27

Edited By David Haynes on 27/10/2013 00:12:27

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Some years back,wandering around loco shed @ Bluebell Rly, Sheffield Park. I was looking for very obvious small details like holes in driving axles, presumably to save weight. Locos originating from different companies/diff. types like 0-4-0/0-6-0/4-6-0 had none or diff. dia through holes in axles. But every axle driving or otherwise that had no hole had what looked like a freshly turned centre for mounting between centres on a wheel lathe. Bet that was done in Bluebells works as that feature was common to and identical on all makes of loco.However, I bet they were all originally slightly different.
John

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

All the various railway works would have machined and fitted just about every part differently but to imitate on your model is likely to become harder in future if preservation groups/ museums make their own small changes to suit their methods.
John.

Edited By DMB on 27/10/2013 00:40:56

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Neil, something that I've never really took any notice of, but heres a couple.

This is GER E4.

This is the New Tornado.

Both have the nuts outside.

Regards Nick.

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Thanks folks. I suspect the main determinant is the accessibility at the back of the buffer beam.

I was once watching a GWR loco, probably a Manor, on the West Somerset Railway against the sky and though I was seeing things until I realised it had hollow driving axles! Until then I always thought they were solid, I have never seen them as tubes on a model.

Neil

[DMBParticipant @dmb]

Seems like a good idea to me – poke bolts in from back then you can easily see to screw nuts on @ the front. If a nut works loose (unlikely, but suppose could happen) then much more easily noticed @ front rather than hidden under running board + behind buffer beam.

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

Im guessing it was all down to who held the spanner on the day! (unless design dictated orientation).

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