5" Thompson L1 to Clarkson designs

Hello there.

Well for Xmas the dear wife bought me a set of plans from Blackgates for the Thompson L1. I'd been looking at making this my next project for some time since having completed my Simplex.

Now I'm not a novice, but I'm not an expert either, and these plans are turning my hair even greyer than they were before Xmas. I'm resorting to recreating the whole affair on 2D CAD just to ensure that I can create dimensions which don't exist on the plans.. BUT (and its a big one).. there are so many items not drawn that I'm at a loss as to what to do.. i.e. regulator, saddle, valve timing bracket, reverser and quite probably a lot more that I haven't come across... yet !

So what I'm really looking for (apart from a crystal ball), is if there are any people out there who have either built one of these, maybe have one they own but didn't build.. or who has knowledge of the design & construction to get in touch so that if (when) I get stuck I have someone who's brains I might be able to pick or share pictures etc..

Many thanks.

del.

Looking at Thompson L1s at the moment and just interested to know if this project progressed beyond the rather troublesome drawings!

Regards John

Derek hasn't dropped in for some timer, but if you click the number of forum posts under his name you will find some of his past comments on the L1.

Neil

So far frames and stretchers done but to ME std widths not the plans, wheels quartered, axleboxes to my own design with roller bearings. Cylinders machined and fitted. Buffer beams thicker than on plans and buffers unscrew to aid lifting. Boiler is on order.. Oh... Smoke box is rough machined and saddle done BUT not using Blackgates casting as this is unsuitable. That's just about where I'm at.. All on hold this winter whilst I rebuild my Simplex. Del.

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