5″g Tom Rolt

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I’ve just inherited a part built one. Anyone know what it will weigh when complete, even better how much on each axle. The reason for asking is the existing springs are very stiff indeed, and need replacing.

Anyone got a set of drawings surplus to requirements?

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I’ve put the same query on ProBoards

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

The Reeves 2000 website quotes a total weight of approx. 175lb. No axle breakdown though. I’d expect that the trailing axle load is quite small.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Thanks, however, doing some more googling it looks as tho the frame is wrong, I think the real thing has a cradle frame at the back to let the firebox drop in between the sideplates. This doesn’t. The firebox outer is far too wide, even the inside dimension of the box id wider than the gap twixt the side plates. Anyone recognise this?

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

The boiler with the model is round top,, original Belplaire. I think when this was last sold it should have been described as a ‘pup’. Looks like considerable redesign and modification is needed. Nothing has been done to it since it was bought many years ago. Perhaps I’ve found out why

 

[DurhambuilderParticipant @durhambuilder]

Are you sure it’s meant to be a Tom Rolt? Looks nothing like the frames of the 5” part built on Station Road Steam’s website that I now have.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

It was sold as Tom Rolt about 16 years ago, the recipient did nothing with it. I’m beginning to see why. I’ll post some pictures of the boiler later on.

With my Sweet Pea I actually sawed the back end of the frames off and fitted a cradle frame to take a loco boiler. Might be a repeat performance. Get the boiler certified first I think.

.

[Martin Johnson 1Participant @martinjohnson1]

The chassis looks like a Kerr Stuart Brazil or Tattoo class.  That would be an Edward Thomas (Tallylyn) or Excelsior (Whipsnade or others at SKLR).

The only published design AFAIK is Edward Thomas.  I am building a KS Baretto class, same principle but 0-6-2 in 5″ gauge.

Martin

[Martin Johnson 1Participant @martinjohnson1]

Just realised Duncan is the OP.  If it is what I think, the boiler should have a dome over the firebox and a barrell quite a bit smaller then the firebox wrapper.

The firebox on ET sits on the frames, I think.  On the Tattoo class it sits down between the frames.  If still a problem, widen the frames.  KS made a lot of variants with wheels inside or outside the frames, so ot would not be without precedent.

Martin

[Nigel BennettParticipant @nigelbennett69913]

+1 for it being an Edward Thomas to the Ross Harrison design. Definitely not a Tom Rolt – I’ve built both these locos, but the Tom Rolt is only 3.1/2″G so can’t help with the springing. Blackgates sell drawings and castings for ET.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Hmm, several people reckon it’s Edward Thomas, and I’ve been offered the loan of a drawing. In the meantime here’s a photo of the boiler. It agrees with Martin’s post. As I said, next step get it tested. Thanks to all who have responded

[John PurdyParticipant @johnpurdy78347]

Duncan

Edward Thomas construction by Ross Harisson was serialized in EIM starting Sep.1982.  I’ve just checked my copies and the frame drawings look identical to the frames you have as does the boiler. So I think you defineatly have a Edward Thomas not a Tom Rolt. The frame dimensions are:  28″, or 29 5/8″ for the modified version,( not sure what that entails)between insides of buffer beams by 3 3/4″ deep.  Buffer beams 3 3/4″ deep by 11 1/2″ long, 1/8″ thick. There is a angle riveted along the full length of the top of the frames.

John

 

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