The book on CD-Rom ' Building Pixie to 1 1/2" scale " for 5"Gauge track

The following is the Foreword to the book written by the long time, and highly regarded, Editor of ' Model Engineer '

I published the book on 3 1/2" floppy disks in the mid 90's, and later transferred to CD-Rom.

The book is not a ' How to do it book ', but rather a 'How it can be done ' book! All the techniques described, from survey to first firing, being applicable to model loco, included are detail photographs of the prototype, fixtures fittings etc. ( Taken with the kind permission of the Controller of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway ) there are also sketches of suggested construction methods, but not scale drawings.

If you are interested in the book mail me for details at:- jaygee@johnsmodelmadness.co.uk

 

This is the Foreword to the book kindly written by Mr Ted Jolliffe at the time, and for many years Editor of Nexus publication ' Model Enginer ', something of a ' Bible '. It always seemed to me that Ted lived and slept model engineering !

FOREWORD

I have, over the last few years, had the pleasure of watching Pixie grow, from a design concept through to a finished locomotive. this has been thanks to occasional personal contact, and largely through the occasional articles submitted to MODEL ENGINEER magazine detailing progress to the latest stage.

The author is a meticulous craftsman, with a well developed and organised workshop, each feature being installed as a result of considerable thought. That he has chosen to set out this account of his activities, revealing both the triumphs and difficulties encountered in the construction, is a tribute to his meticulous recording of his work.

Of all the books that I have read concerning the building of small locomotives, this one adopts a novel approach, taking as a starting point the actual workroom or other premises which are to be used for the work. Very often this is a facet of locomotive building which is neglected; leading to considerable problems later.

I like the attention to detail, the account of the research needed to bring the product to fruition, the novel approach to pattern making, and the authors somewhat novel approach to gleaning much of the material needed.

This is a very readable account of the building of a well detailed locomotive and, as importantly, the many hints and tips of a practical nature passed for the benefit of other constructors by the author.

One can only applaud his industry in making the volume available in this fashion, I for one wish the volume every success.

Ted Jolliffe.

Editor Model Engineer Magazine. Hemel Hempstead.

2nd November 1994

 

Sample chapters from the book on how 'Pixie ' was built.

Sorry about the expanse of text but it is after all sections fom a book !

 

CHAPTER TWO

Establishing detail. Research. Manufacturers drawings. Commercially available designs. Value of the model press, exhibitions and club membership.

ESTABLISHING DETAIL

The amount of research required will depend upon whether the modeller chooses to produce an accurate scale model, or a near scale model. In the former case a massive amount of detail will be necessary, to the point of the sometimes derided ' rivet counting' exercise '. To embark on a scale model of a locomotive from 'scratch' is to commit oneself to many months and perhaps years of work. For the scale modeller every detail has significance, every modification to the original design has be faithfully reproduced and incorporated into the model. The problem here is that the components may prove to be too delicate to stand up to service on the track and there has to be a temptation towards some judicious beefing-up of parts. Fortunately if the choice is a narrow-gauge model on 5 inch gauge track the various components will work up to be quite substantial and durable in use. . The near scale modeller whilst perhaps taking a more relaxed approach to detail has nevertheless to convey the atmosphere of prototype through the parts that he does include. He is fortunate in having the opportunity to make parts a little more solidly than they would be in true scale and thus a little less vulnerable to damage on the track. As we have said before modelling is a very personal process. Whatever the degree of scale accuracy is decided upon, careful research is required. The word ' Research ' sounds quite impressive. In fact it really describes a process that every enthusiast follows naturally in the course of enjoying his hobby, that of ferreting out detail on a topic which he finds interesting. The sources of information are many and varied, ranging from contact with individuals having personal knowledge of the topic, manufacturers, museum archives, libraries, railway sites, Model Engineering Societies and Preservation Societies. Once one's mind is set on a particular prototype there seems no end to the sources of information. The only problem is that in the back of one's mind there is always always the feeling that some source is being overlooked. The modeller may rest assured however, if there is some inaccuracy or anachronism, someone with expert knowledge will probably put him right at time of the models first public appearance!

MANUFACTURERS DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

We may be fortunate enough to have a sight of manufacturers drawings, if not directly, at second hand. Many of the books on narrow-gauge railways shew illustrations of these drawings which can be worked-up for use as detail in constructing a model. Photographs of locomotives in the outshopped state are an institution. No manufacturer ' worthy of his salt' would have outshopped a locomotive and sent it away to his customer without having it photographed in its pristine state. These photographs are worth their weight in gold to the enthusiastic model engineer who can enlarge detail and glean useful information for model making purposes. Failing works drawings or manufacturers photographs, the authors of many of the series of construction articles published in the model press base their work and the drawings accompanying the text on detail taken from manufacturers drawings.

Some books such as those on narrow-gauge lines noted in the bibliography include, as appendices, quite detailed drawings of the locomotives and stock of the lines they describe. When supplemented by detail derived from the photographic illustrations, these small scale drawings can provide sufficient detail for the model engineer wishing to produce a near scale model. Typical of these, and on the face of things an unlikely source book i s ' Narrow Gauge Railway Modelling ' by D A Boreham. Intended for workers in 7mm scale this book includes nicely produced general assembly drawings of such locomotives as Locomotives 1 & 2 of the Festiniog Railway and 'Mary' by W. G. Bagnall as worked by Cliffe Hill Granite Company. The book ' The Lynton and Barnstable Railway 1895-1935' by L.T. Catchpole includes works line drawings of the three Manning and Wardle locomotives and the Baldwin which reveal essential detail for the modelmaker.

Over the years some excellent, and generally quite accurate, outline drawings have been published in the model railway press devoted to 4mm and similar scale modelling. These drawings provide a basis for an excellent model when used in conjunction with standard details of parts gleaned from the pages of MODEL ENGINEERING and ENGINEERING IN MINIATURE and such standard works as LBSCs ' Shop Shed and Road ' and Martin Evans ' Manual of Model Steam Locomotive Construction '. Whilst, in the main, these books cater for the modeller working on standard gauge, mechanical principles do not vary from those of the narrower gauge. As discussed earlier much of narrow-gauge mechanical engineering sre of simpler design than that of the big stuff but there is no reason why, hidden within the ' innards ' of a narrow gauge locomotive, one should not employ more advanced methods.

RESEARCH

A visit to the local library will reveal a wealth of publications touching upon the subject of narrow-gauge railway operations, locomotives and rolling stock. A brief perusal of the advertisements in the model press will serve to remind us of the considerable number of books available for purchase. A search of the stock on the bookstall at the next model railway exhibition will yield a surprising amount of information which is specific to narrow gauge. In the run-up to commencing a model, it is worthwhile copying or noting for reference material likely to be useful when the work begins. Often one encounters photographs showing useful detail in the most unlikely places. Newspapers, magazines, guide books and holiday advertisements have all yielded useful data in their time. The writer with his interest in sketching and drawing decided to measure from the prototype, meanwhile enjoying the visits to the line and contact with the volunteers working on the stock there. This may not be a feasible approach for many and other means of establishing detail become imperative. Brochures, postcards, and some posters for the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway provided photographs, which were of immense value in confirming detail achieved from survey. The modeller will do well to seek out similar details of his projected prototype.

Researching a model can be tremendous fun. Recent research took the writer to an industrial museum in the Midlands to meet a voluntary archivist. Working in the bowels of the museum this gentleman, a volunteer with years of experience within the engineering industry, specific to locomotive design and construction behind him, spends his time cataloguing works drawings saved from destruction at the time of the demise of an internationally known manufacturer. He has become known to many enthusiasts and is constantly called upon to supply information on requests from correspondents all over the the world. In fact, so busy are he and a colleague, that they cannot publicise their facilities in case excess demand should bring their activities to a halt! Perhaps in the course of research the reader will be fortunate enough to meet similar kind folk.

COMMERCIAL DESIGNS

During the past 20 years there have been many series of articles on the construction of narrow-gauge locomotives, notable are those on the construction of CONWAY, a freelance narrow-gauge 0-4-0 Saddle Tank locomotive for 3 1/2 inch gauge by Martin Evans, in MODEL ENGINEER of 1980. Other practical designs are the freelance model ' SWEET PEA ' mentioned earlier in this book and described in a series of articles in ENGINEERING IN MINIATURE. Whilst such designs are initially prepared for the benefit of the readers of the journal, commercial concerns soon set themselves up to provide the necessary materials and particularly castings for featured locomotives. In this way the modeller gains the advantage of an economic supply of raw materials and is, should he so wish, relieved of the work of producing his own patterns

The model engineer should not overlook designs for which part, or fully machined, sets of parts are available, particularly as these models have been built in large numbers and have proved themselves as runners on tracks throughout the world. Kits of ready machined parts such as those available from Messrs MAXITRACK have served to introduce many modellers to the delights of model engineering. Once having assembled a model from a set of parts, production and assembly of ones own parts seems just a small step to take.

THE MODEL PRESS, PUBLICATIONS, EXHIBITIONS AND CLUB MEMBERSHIP

As will be evidenced by the frequent references in this book, the writer is an avid reader of a number of model engineering publications. These range from MODEL ENGINEER and ENGINEERING IN MINIATURE to the excellent series of publications by such firms as ARGUS BOOKS and THE OAKWOOD PRESS. Magazines devoted to specialised topics such as small scale railway modelling have information to offer. It is well worth taking time to note articles which contain detail which can prove useful at some later date, a note of the magazine or source made in the diary or logbook can save hours of searching later.

Most of the existing narrow gauge railways have a bookshop at the main depot as do industrial museums up and down the country. Stocks within these shops often contain valuable information for the would-be modeller, most for example have some write-up of the history of the line and its equipment, or in the case of museums a description of a specific locomotive exhibit, containing valuable illustrations. Picture postcards and posters are another source of information and with care can be used to supplement surveys and drawings.

National and Local Exhibitions provide an opportunity for contact with trade suppliers, and other enthusiasts who can provide leads on sources of information. The models exhibited often reveal useful detail, and contact with the producer can assist in extending ones knowledge of methods and techniques. There is often a stand where known experts give demonstrations and provide advice on problems. Bookstalls at exhibitions can provide a useful source of information, on occasions it has been possible to pick up a years back numbers of journals for quite reasonable sums, reasonable when one considers the wealth of information contained therein.

Club membership has a great deal to offer, particularly where the newcomer to model engineering is concerned. There is never any shortage of know-how or advice. Frequently one or other of the members is specialist in or has specific knowledge of a particular railway, having perhaps worked on the line or more recently done voluntary work in preservation. Club membership may well present other advantages such as access to machines and services and sometimes discounted prices on materials from a local supplier. Local club programmes often include talks and demonstrations by visiting speakers, specialist in some branch of model making such as boilermaking, painting and so on, these events are particularly beneficial to the beginner.

 

The following is a 'Tongue in cheek ' commentary which I hope will ring bells with those who, like myself, endeavour to make and build things large or small !

Model engineer's nostrums (? Nostra )

By John, with apologies to an anonymous Greek philosopher!

STANDARDS

Establish an acceptable standard, and work to it. It is better to finish a working model than to find yourself endlessly remaking parts to meet your improving standards.

Do not shrink from scrapping a substandard part which will affect the PERFORMANCE of the finished model.

Try to avoid the ' last finishing touch ' that sometimes spoils the job !

RESEARCH ( and survey for scratch building )

Your local reference library is a mine of information, the librarian will help in locating sources. You can photocopy items of interest for use in the workshop. The ' Web ' is of course the ultimate source, good browsing and search techniqueis essential however.

Always have a program in mind for site survey visits, this will save time and ensure that you get the information you need

Pre-prepare sketches where possible these save time and act as a reminder to ensure that the key dimensions are taken during your visit.

Take every opportunity that presents itself for listening to ' real engineers '

Beware the local ' expert ', helpful as he may be, often he only remembers what is important to him, always try to get authentication from an additional source.

Take photographs and make sketches, these supplement dimensions which have to be interpreted back in the workshop.

Include a measuring tape, rule or coin in your close-up photographs this will assist in determining sizes later.

Make notes to accompany your sketches.

Maintain a source file, include web addresses, press cuttings and photographs. Note down details of articles of interest in journals, it is often necessary to check on some specific technique, temperatures, clearances and suchlike information. It takes a long time to thumb through 20 years back numbers of MODEL ENGINEER !

WORKSHOP

Ventilation and lighting ( particularly local to machines ) are essential considerations in the workshop. Many hundreds of hours will be spent there.

Heating, even minimal to raise the dew point is a great asset, whatever the fabric of the shop.

Try always to have a clear idea of the sequence of operations which you intend to employ. Once that chucking piece has been cut away concentricity may be lost. Once a special set-up has been broken down it will be difficult to replicate

Remember to install important items such as solid axleboxes onto axles before final fixing of wheel sets.

Remember right and left ' handing ' of components, it's easy to make two identical fittings, only to discover that one should be of the opposite hand to the other !

Observe the same safety practices as you would in an industrial workshop, use eye and ear protection.

Always secure work carefully before milling and drilling, use vices, clamps etc. to avoid hand and finger damage.

Swarf spinning on a drill is nearly invisible, take care, it can strip your flesh to the bone or at least cause a bad cut.

Avoid the use of scrim or rag adjacent to revolving materials, they are easily caught-up and can drag a finger, or hand, into the ' works '

After cutting lengths from stock materials remove burrs before returning offcuts to stock. Ensure that your workplace is well lit, warm, and well ventilated. You are going to spend many hours of your life there if you intend to make a model locomotive !

Check the fixity of jigs, templates and the workpiece after initial cuts, and in the course of the work especially when intermittent cuts are being made.

Vary your work pattern. Changes improve your interest level and aid concentration, never force yourself to work on your model if there are distractions, if you are tired, out of sorts or otherwise not really keen to do so.

Clear up the workshop after each session, you'll be more inclined to want to go back there and can make greater progress in the next visit.

Cover down the lathe bed when machining aggressive materials, dusts combine with oil to make an efficient grinding paste !

If you visualise a problem ahead, put it to the back of your mind and busy yourself with some other aspect of the model, the subconscious mind is a powerful tool and works wonders, even whilst you \par sleep !

Try not to finish a spell of work on a ' downer ' , if something has gone wrong try to correct it before you leave the workshop, or you may never go back to it!

Make the best use of odd spare moments in the workshop. Whilst you may feel compelled to press on with some major part there are always tools which will benefit from sharpening or nuts, olives or other small parts to be made. Sometimes it is nice to just sit in the workshop and think about the next move,often we don't do enough of this!

Keep a notebook. Note detail changes, record thread sizes and sequence of erection. Your model may take some years to build and such detail is easily forgotten. Hopefully the model will be passed into other hands eventually and records will then prove invaluable.

Never allow a small child to venture into the workshop unacompanied, they are always inquisitive and little hands go everywhere !

TOOLS

Buy the best tools that you can afford, and buy them now. They are bound to get more expensive as time goes on.

If you store tools in the same place between each use, you will find them quickly when you need them, especially important in emergency, when you need one in a hurry !

Keep workshop tools in the workshop, try to avoid having some parts of your kit in the car or the garage, in these cases they are rarely where you actually need them for the work in hand.

If you mislay a tool within the workshop, start to clear up, the tool will soon emerge from its hiding place, under something or behind something else !

Make a note of loans. With the best of intentions, friends and acquaintances often forget the source of a loan and tools get lost forever that way.

Always sharpen tools after use, that way they will be ready for use when next needed.

MATERIALS

Store materials methodically, they will be easier to locate and shopping lists become easier to prepare when available stock is visible.

Maintain a ' shopping list ' it is easy to forget some stock requirement when surrounded by all the interesting items at your stockist's emporium !\

Visit your model engineering materials supplier other than at peak periods. The man behind the counter has seen it all before. He hears accounts of success and failure, knows of the effectiveness of various techniques and can advise on materials applications.

You will find that the supplier knows his stocks and can advise on alternatives, particularly such items as near -size castings which with some small modification can be adapted for use in your particular model.

Where funds allow, buy additional pieces of frequently used standard materials, the offcuts will always prove useful.

Keep aggressive materials, acids, chemicals etc. in a locked metal cabinet.

Always mark containers to indicate the contents, unmarked containers are dangerous. Maintain a well ordered scrap box, view materials with an eye to alternative uses to which they can be applied, a scrap radio, TV set or even a video cassette can yield endless numbers of useful screws, brackets and so on. The older, timber TV cabinets can be transformed into storage shelving, or the material which will be well seasoned can provide mounts or bases for models.

Save those chucking pieces, they can provide the material for a valve gland or some other small part

OK! So it all sounds like the 'Counsel of perfection', but we do manage to achieve some of the recommendations !

Take care, and enjoy your model engineering.

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