Fowler 2-6-4t in O gauge (Signature Models)

[SimonME30]

I’ve returned to working on this loco after a year or so break, so thought I’d share some progress pics/reminders for when I do the second loco. These kits are now offered by Gladiator, but this is a an original Signature Models, issued by John Firminger, who I understand has recently passed.

This round of work saw a fair bit of fettling of the chassis, which I finally got to run smoothly. Having watched a Tony Wright DVD, I elected to follow his guidance and not complete the outside valve gear immediately.

The footplate soldered up OK, the frames were slightly overlong and needed some shortening by 1mm or so either end.

I followed the instructions (which jump around a bit) and built up the bunker rear and cab rear assembly, the instructions suggested holding off on soldering the cab rear into place, but I tacked it in.

I then offered up the sides before doing the cab floor and cab front - good job I did as they cab front and rear slots appeared to be too far forward and aft respectively, and would have lined up with the front/rear of the cab sheets with no overhang. I reviewed pics, cut off the tabs and soldered them to suit the side sheets. Hopefully I’ve got them correct.

I’m using a kitchen ‘Crème Brûlée’ style torch for the soldering, with flux and tiny pellets of solder. Seems to be going ok so far. The final superstructure shots are before cleanup.

 

[Genghis]

I would advise against fitting the firebox bands as they will make box too wide and will interfere with the tank tops.
David

 

[SimonME30]

I would advise against fitting the firebox bands as they will make box too wide and will interfere with the tank tops.
David

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

 

[Genghis]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated!

Can be fitted later of course.

 

[Genghis]

Another suggestion is to add some weight to the front pony truck. It’s a bit light.
Also: extend the slot in the rear bogie by 1-2mm. As etched it’s just ok for 6’ curves provided the track is perfect but if not it will act as if it is a long wheelbase 2-10-0 and have problems.

 

[P A D]

Hi Simon,
How are things progressing with the Fowler 4P? I've got the 'limousine' cab version from Gladiator to do (also designed by John Firminger). I'm sure the kits will have much in common so it would be good to see more of your build.
Cheers,
Peter

 

[SimonME30]

Hi Simon,
How are things progressing with the Fowler 4P? I've got the 'limousine' cab version from Gladiator to do (also designed by John Firminger). I'm sure the kits will have much in common so it would be good to see more of your build.
Cheers,
Peter

Thanks for the prompt, Peter.

no further progress, but I'm hoping to get back into it shortly - rolling bars have been sourced for the boiler/smokebox etc.

 

[SimonME30]

A little bit of progress..

I fitted the front and rear cab plates to match the cab sides. Which meant I skipped the cab floor. I started putting it together as a complete unit. That was dumb, I couldn’t get it into place past the turn ins of the cab roof.

So I cut off the bit that went into the coal space, and shortened it by about 1mm.

I then added the two bunkers, I really liked the way john half etched the parts to accept the curved covers. The splasher tops were too narrow, so I cut off some scrap etch and soldered them from below. Then the splasher sides. A bit of a hodge, but it won’t be seen in the darkness of the cab.

The blackhead is too wide between the splashers, so I filed it down. I might use magnets to attach it (and the cab roof).

 

[daifly]

Simon

Please post images full-size. It's an unnecessary PITA for every reader of this thread to have to expand them. If you edit your original posts, you will see that there's an option to post 'Full' on each thumbnail. Put the cursor where you want the photo to go then click 'full'. Reposition cursor, then click 'Full' on the next photo and repeat.

Cheers (and thanks!)

Dave

 

[adrian]

A little bit of progress..

...

The blackhead is too wide between the splashers, so I filed it down. I might use magnets to attach it (and the cab roof).

As a Scale7 modeller I would argue that it is the splashers that are too wide for the backhead! As Dave mentions - full sized images are easy to insert and it doesn't make any difference to the space used on the forum

 

[SimonME30]

Simon

Please post images full-size. It's an unnecessary PITA for every reader of this thread to have to expand them. If you edit your original posts, you will see that there's an option to post 'Full' on each thumbnail. Put the cursor where you want the photo to go then click 'full'. Reposition cursor, then click 'Full' on the next photo and repeat.

Cheers (and thanks!)

Dave

My apologies, I've attempted to fix them, and will look out for the full size option on future posts.

And yes, Adrian, the splashers are too wide and the frames too narrow for the backhead!