Sold August 2006 Back to Archive

A well-engineered example of the Filby/Live Steam Models 4 inch scale Burrell DCC road locomotive, based on "Simplicity", built in 1930.

This project was started many years ago by a professional mechanic, now retired. A good machinist and turner in his own right, he also had extensive contacts in the trade, allowing him to put out all the large machined jobs to professionals - this included the one-piece machined crankshaft, all gearing, cylinder block and the tyres which are all vulcanised to the rims.

Work to date comprises:

• Steel boiler by Holt, expanded steel tubes, fusible plug, complete with all paperwork, welding certificates and initial hydraulic test at 420psi for working pressure of up to 210psi
• Parallel action firehole door fitted
• Cylinder block bored, machined to fit boiler, all ports cut, liners fitted.
• Wheels, steel with riveted spokes, rims all machined to ensure precise concentricity with hub before rubber tyres were vulcanised on
• One-piece steel crankshaft, complete with connecting rods with split big ends
• Complete set of gearing machined and fitted, including differential and steering gears
• All transmission shafts machined and fitted
• Smokebox with front ring and chimney base, perch bracket and front axle fitted.

In addition there is a box of machined and part-machined components including:

• Weighshaft bracket machined and valve rod bushes fitted
• HP & LP pistons, piston rings, rods and crossheads
• Crankshaft balance weights
• Set of slide bars
• Set of four eccentric straps and sheaves
• Set of four eccentric rods complete with bases, to be welded/brazed

There are unmachined castings for:

• Flywheel
• Rear hub plates
• Tender steps
• Tender brake hangers and operating lever
• Flywheel brake

Major work to complete comprises:

• "Tinwork" - tender, belly tanks and gear guards
• Motionwork - expansion link, lifting links, weighshaft, reversing lever
• Boiler fittings
• Assembly of steering gear, chainshaft and chains, shackles for front axle
• Completion of cylinder block assembly - safety valves, governor, valve chest covers
• Gear selector assembly

There is a complete set of drawings, most clean although the crankshaft drawing has obviously had a serious few hours in the workshop. Parts and castings are available from Live Steam Models - there is a full specification of the engine and parts listing on their website.

Weight when finished will be a little under a ton depending on specification. I've had both Showmans and Road Locomotive versions of this design (and had a great deal of pleasure from both - the Showmans engine was with me for nearly two years, the blue road locomotive only recently sold).