Loco Progress

The basic loco frames for the J52 are now ready to be profiled before assembly. I decided to make the rear buffer beam from 6 thou nickel sandwiching a wooden beam, an equivalent construction to that on the prototype. This concludes the basic kit of parts, excluding smaller items such as steps and splashers. Once the frames and spacers have been assembled , and the temporary top hat bearings have been soldered in, the coupling rods can be made to fit the jig axles.

A kit of parts for the J52

While making frames for the J52, I also made a set for a loco project dormant for nearly ten years, and ultimately destined for the St Donats 1963 diorama.

The GWR Hall project re-started

Both the J52 and the Hall will have twin-beam compensation on the middle and trailing drivers, with a rocking axle leading. The Hall frames also need profiling before assembly.