Great Central Railway Class 5A Tank Engine - LNER/BR J63

Thanks Paul,

I will check but I would be surprised if that was an issue. The first thing that I do with plunger pickups is to file the point of them. I have done this ever since having a nightmare of a time when I first used plungers.

To be honest now that it's adequately weighted it runs as sweet as a nut on the rolling road.

Re the lathe, it sure has.

Last night I modified my form tool by re-grinding it using a cone shaped diamond grindstone designed to fit a dremel type tool. I fitted that to a collet in the lathe and then put the form tool in the tool post sideways on and at the angle that I wanted. This allowed me to grind quite precisely.

To test it I made a second whistle of a slightly smaller diameter (2mm) and the parts only needed the slightest touch with with Emery cloth to remove the burrs.

If it's of interest I will set it up again and take photos.- The grinding of the tool that is.

 

I had a long morning finishing of some fencing at the back of the house yesterday so modelling took a back seat. I did however manage to do some test running of the Class 5A on my rather rough and ready test track which it passed with flying colours.

I took a video of the slow running. It's only just over a minute don't fall asleep.

 

Mike has just sent through some photos of the chimney castings. They look excellent. Posted here with Mike’s kind permission.













I am looking forward to getting my hands on it.

 

I received the chimney from Mike last week but the good weather meant that outdoor jobs took precedence. However, some modelling time yesterday afternoon and evening, saw the final touches to added the loco. I am now going to sit and look at it for a few days before arranging painting with Warren. Just in case I spot something that I haven’t noticed…

 

You have no idea how much hassle the chimney for this loco has caused. This is the original chimney fitted to these locos. The one in the kit is the later version. Either would do for this loco in GCR livery.

 

Thanks Pete,

I am quite pleased at how it's turned out in the end despite a few trials along the way.

I am now looking forward to seeing it resplendent in GCR lined black livery.

 

Warren Haywood has finished painting the Great Central Railway Class 5A Dock tank. He sent me a couple of photos of what it looks like before it goes off to it's new owner.





It does look rather smart I have to say.