August update

The tink platework is now done and the first lot has gone to the sprayer for him to do his magic. Once that paint has hardened I can start the job of lining her. Her smokebox has been fitted out (blast pipe and cap, spark arrestor, blower feed, elbow for ejector exhaust etc.) and then painted, and I've also painted the frames and buffer beams.

I have also decided to abandon my plan of having the big chime whistle on the front of one of the fairlie tanks (in place of the drivers side sandpot) and so have got more lumps of aluminium to make a second sandpot from.

I have nearly completed the firehole doors for both locos, frames from 25x25x3 angle.

Tinkerbell progress

The tinkerbell I am building for a client has progressed a lot recently. I have welded up the tanks, bunker and cab roof (in two section so he can remove the rear one). I still have to make up the coal rails for the bunker, and do some filling here and there, but she's nearly ready for paint.

Fairlie too . . .

The Fairlie's coming on too. I have also welded up her tanks, which are a complex shape to mimic her big sister.

 

Tinkerbell progress

The Tinkerbell I am building for a friend is coming along well. I gave made, and fixed the chimney in place. This week I have started to weld up the tanks. Because his railway is quite long, I have maximised their capacity be extending them forwards, backwards and sideways.

customer's tink with its face on

It's been a long time. . . .

A good friend reminded me that it'd been a long time since I updated this blog, so here's a little of what's been going on.

The tink I'm completing for a friend is coming on well, the smokebox and door are now built, the chimney cap and base have been machined, all that remains is to turn up the tube and press the lot together. The laser cutter's been busy with that loco too, I have now got the cab, tanks and bunker cut all ready to weld up.

The fairlie's been coming on too, I replaced the smokebox handwheel because I felt it was too weedy, and I have also made up the chimney ready to fit. After visiting Moors Valley Railway amd having a chat with Jim Haylock, I've decided to make the trailing bogie side frames wider to improve the look of them, so work is on going with that. yesterday, I got the cab roof rolled so the tanks etc. will doubtlessly get welded up with the ones for the tink (above).

I'll try to get some photos late this week to post and also promise to try and update this a little more foten in future!!

Tink rolling chassis

I've just finished a Tink rolling chassis for a customer, and it's due to leave tomorrow. He's already made the rear pony truck, and will also receive the smokebox door, brake blocks and chimney base and top castings with the chassis.