Open day at our local Model Club

Just had another successful Open Day at our local club, SMET in Pertshire. Families come along for train rides (mostly) but we have built a track around a raised railway line and take kids for runs behind our wagons. I think I can have a claim for the first conversion of a Foden SWB to a "roller" (see first pic).





All in all a good fun way to raise funds for the club.

Regards

Tom

Looking good Tom havent touched mine for months now must try harder and get it finished, I assume the posible problem Craig flagged up with the rear axel bearings never happened so hows it been.

Ian

Hi Ian
The rear axle hasn't been a problem, although the modified brake band scored the brake drum, had to get countersunk bolts to solve it (supplied by STW). The front tow hitch broke off the saddle and had to be welded (by STW), the original was brazed and there was not enough brass on it. Apart from that it is going well, been to a few shows and got lots of comments (mostly positive). I have kept a record of the hours steamed and it is now 84 hours so I am still learning how to manage the coal steam and water.
I will not be in steam for a few weeks as I am off on holiday and unfortunately leaving the engine behind.

All the best

Tom

Sounds good Tom, yes I remember you did tell me about the bit that snapped off but I thought it was something on the front spring or one of the suspention parts long time ago.

I'm sure STW supplied me with brass C/S bolts with the origional brake band so I'll just re-use them I guess I should take advantage of the warm weather to get the spraying done as this was the reason I stopped the build last year.

Ian

Hi Ian
Yes the front spring broke at a weld last year (forgotten about that), again this was replaced very quickly by STW.
The original brake band didn't have screws, the ends of the band were just curled round, the modification was to bolt the "curl" to the band. These new bolts (5mm) are the ones that caused the trouble.

All the best with the build

Tom

Ah I see I thought you meant the ones that held the lining on, silly me.

Ian

Nice to see an engine in gainful employment Tom, I know I have asked this before but do you have any idea of the turning circle on full lock? I altered my brake band by brazing split sleeves onto the curled ends. That should stop them opening-up even with heavy boots like mine.

Mike

Hi Mike
Sorry I have never measured the turning circle but I know that it is very manoeuvrable. I will be away from the wagon for a couple of months but I will definitely check it out first chance I get.
Awra very best
Tom

Thanks Tom

I need to work out how many point turns I will need to change ends in my driveway.

Mike