Metropolitan Class C OO gauge

[Jarmstro]

This is the last loco I need to complete my collection. (Then I'll probably start again and try to be better next time because it's been such fun! )




Originally I think they had condensing pipes but they must have been removed. Also the dome is different in the print below but I'll file it down. I think I have some Ramsbottom safety valves somewhere.

Just wondering what to do about the chassis. Even If I was prepared to accept the sacrificial cost I don't think that the Rapido E chassis will fit even though the wheels and wheelbase are identical. With regard to scratch building it I am horrified by the cost of a small 0.4mm nickel silver sheet at around £23!! (It's the principle of it not the cost.) I am minded to use this Comet chassis suitably modified. I think it might do?





Fret should be the other way round.

 

[Captain Kernow]

HI John,

If the wheelbase matches, then why not use that chassis. What will you use for the bogie? You'll need some nickel silver or brass to extend the frames at the rear, though!

I don't think you can get Rapido chassis separately, even assuming that the body on that model splits nicely from a separate chassis. Some of these modern RTR locos have the chassis integrated into the body components to a greater or lesser extent, making a simple chassis swap (as in most Bachmann locos, for example) much, much more difficult.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

I don't think you can get Rapido chassis separately, even assuming that the body on that model splits nicely from a separate chassis. Some of these modern RTR locos have the chassis integrated into the body components to a greater or lesser extent, making a simple chassis swap (as in most Bachmann locos, for example) much, much more difficult.

The problem with either using the Rapido Met E or Hornby SECR H chassis is the higher boiler pitch and their mechanisms would have been designed to fill this space. The Met C (SER/SECR Q) has a lower boiler pitch.

 

[Jarmstro]

HI John,

If the wheelbase matches, then why not use that chassis. What will you use for the bogie? You'll need some nickel silver or brass to extend the frames at the rear, though!

I don't think you can get Rapido chassis separately, even assuming that the body on that model splits nicely from a separate chassis. Some of these modern RTR locos have the chassis integrated into the body components to a greater or lesser extent, making a simple chassis swap (as in most Bachmann locos, for example) much, much more difficult.

The wheelbase is spot on and luckily I have some old Romford 5'6" drivers. If the massive flanges cause problems I have Markits 21mm as a replacement. ( So sad that Markits is no more) . I don't anticipate a problem with the bogie. Either Comet or Gibson are sure to do something suitable. I've plenty of offcuts to extend the chassis which won't be a problem. Much headscratching required on how to mount the bogie though...probably best in this case fixed with some lateral movement so it can bear some weight. Or I could weight the boiler to hell and mount it like a pony truck?

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Originally I think they had condensing pipes but they must have been removed. Also the dome is different in the print below but I'll file it down. I think I have some Ramsbottom safety valves somewhere.

They were originally fitted with condensing pipes. This photo (for illustrative purposes) is from the Alon Siton collection here Rail Album - Metropolitan Railway Steam Locomotives which has other Metropolitan stuff as well.

I think they may have lost their condensing apparatus when the class were fitted with larger boilers in 1901-03. If not, possibly in 1905 when they were displaced by the electrification of the lines from Baker Street to Harrow and Uxbridge.

 

[Jarmstro]

 

[david bigcheeseplant]

Here is a C class with condensing pipes stovepipe chimney and Salter safety valves. Other side of the same loco at the same period at Aylesbury.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Originally I think they had condensing pipes but they must have been removed. Also the dome is different in the print below but I'll file it down. I think I have some Ramsbottom safety valves somewhere.

It appears your model body shell is as originally built, albeit without the condensing apparatus.

When they received the larger boilers they also received the Ramsbottom safety valves.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Here is a C class with condensing pipes stovepipe chimney and Salter safety valves.

Nice photo - my first guess was Aylesbury. Then I hovered the cursor over the picture .

 

[Jarmstro]

I can't understand why the Met persisted for so long with locos with condensers? There was no benefit?

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Prior to electrification condensing locos were almost mandatory for operating in the tunnels. The steam exhaust was re-routed to the cold water tanks to reduce air pollution in the tunnels and at the same time extend the loco range as they did not have to stop for water as often.

 

[Jarmstro]

Prior to electrification condensing locos were almost mandatory for operating in the tunnels. The steam exhaust was re-routed to the cold water tanks to reduce air pollution in the tunnels and at the same time extend the loco range as they did not have to stop for water as often.

Yes, but until the water reached boiling point in the tanks.....

 

[cctransuk]

Yes, but until the water reached boiling point in the tanks.....

...... when there was the facility to empty the tanks and refill them with cold water.

John Isherwood.