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Inside information Peter

John published a serialised account of rebuilding his Dad's A1 'Flying Scotsman' in the G3S Newsletter a few years back….

Regards,

IanT

Not that I know of Peter – which was a pity from my point of view (not only because I'm building an A3 version of one) but also because I was the NL Editor at that time.

Interest in 2.5" Narrow Gauge seems to be growing, possibly since 'Toby' – Steve Eaton's N/G loco design. They do make nice compact locos.

Regards,

IanT

Hi Tony

This looks to be a good project, there are a surprising number of these B-L engines that turn up part finished or needing restoration, in fact there are lots of 2 1/2" gauge part finished's around, presumably started in the earlier years of the hobby, and abandoned when the larger gauges became more popular.

I'm rebuilding a part finished 2 1/2" gauge loco at present, and posted on here under " another president causing problems" , I can't help with the rebuild I'm afraid, but I have done some work on one of these in the past for a friend, so quite happy to give any advice i can if you PM me. Best recommendation I can give is to join the 2 1/2" gauge association, theres a wealth of knowledge and they are a friendly helpful bunch.

I think part of the criticism of the design comes about because they were not designed as passenger haulers, and were derided by model loco designer LBSC because of this,at the time he was building coal fired more powerful engines, but these make up into very good looking models with the right look.

The engine looks fairly complete and appears well built, if you do restore it yourself, take copious notes and photographs as you dismantle it, I put everything in such as screws and tiny parts in small envelopes and label them. Working on small sections at a time, say front bogie, or cylinders as assemblies helps to keep the work orderly. I have seen loco's where everything has been dismantled and chucked in a box, by the well intentioned restorer, tragically it found its way to the dustbin next. Good luck with it, it is a very worthwhile project.

Dave

Tony – Just to re-state that your engine was basically not designed for passenger/driver hauling – which is essentially the difference between the N2.5GA (who driver haul) and the Gauge '3' Society (who don't).

I am a member of both the N2.5GA and the G3S but would suggest that your engine is essentially a vintage Gauge '3' locomotive and is best considered as such. The G3S have their own Boiler Inspectors (I am one) who would be very happy to test your G3 engine's boiler without any pre-conditions or charge. We are very keen to keep these vintage models in running condition (and use) whenever possible.

The Gauge '3' Society normally holds Get Togethers (GTGs) throughout the warmer months and I'm very sure that there will be members at some of those events who both own and operate Basset-Lowke (meths-fired) FS engines who would be delighted to meet you and offer advice. Hopefully, GTGs will restart before too long…

Without wanting to cause any furore, you might also find that the BI's in some MES will be reluctant to test your boiler without at least your joining their Society and perhaps showing a degree of 'active' membership. This is understandable given that their services can be abused by people looking to 'trade' an old engine on eBay (preferably with a boiler certificate) and who have no intention of actually participating in the Society activities.

However, I do think that your decision on how best to 'restore' your engine should be (at least partially) guided by the condition of the boiler – so I'd suggest that this should be your priority.

You can find our more about the Gauge '3' Society here:

The Gauge '3' Society

But please feel free to PM me – I'd be happy to discuss this further with you offline.

Regards,

IanT