Building my first 5"Loco

Hi everyone i am looking to build a 5" Loco can anyone suggest brand / name of Loco for a project .

i will be looking at the show in September i have been around the web looking it is a minefield but cannot make my mind up i have looked at Blackgates & Reeves also Polly Models lists of locos.

i have always wanted to build a 5" but nothing to complicated for my first Loco any suggestions to help me going forward

Thanks Kevin

Difficult question, bit like how long is piece of string. Firstly you have to answer some questions.

First, what do want do with loco once you built, are going run it at a club or private track or is it going be a display model.

If you are going run it, are any issues about loading/unloading the loco. 5" locos tend to be heavy, unless very small models, will tend to weigh 50kg +, ie 2 man lift.

Depending on your engineering skills realistically you are looking at 5-10 year build, do you have any preferace of loco type, ie do want go for a protype design or a freelance design ?

Do you medical/physical problems, ie having a back problem might make driving a tender loco uncomfortable.

One piece of advice I can give is to join a club.

Hope this gives some food for thought.

Regards Luigi

Have a look at Martin Evans 5" Terrier Tank engine. Reeves and others do the castings.

The engine is close to scale and is only about 2ft long so is not too difficult to lift. There was a build series in ME many years ago and quite a number have been built so no nasty surprises.

I think that it is important to really like what you are going to build as youmay take several years doing it.

All the best with whatever you decide.

Kevin

when you say nothing too complicated they are all the same just some are smaller than others, what ever you fancy making go for it plenty of advice on here on problems you will come across, nearly all the models have been made by members on here. One thing I will say is how deep is your pocket the larger the loco the more it will cost to make, also the size of lathe will have a bearing on it.

All the best

Stan

Hi Kevin,

My advise would be to join a model club in your area and talk to their members. They are always willing to give advise and will probably take you for a ride or let you drive their engines.

As already said, how deep are your pockets. Bear in mind that the cost of tooling for a mill and lathe can cost almost as much as the machine.

Good luck with your model, Paul.

Hi Kevin,

There are a number of 5" gauge locomotives that are ideal for a first build. After spending a few months agonising over which locomotive to choose I eventually opted for the the Don Young designed Rail Motor No 1, the build was serialised in ME during 1968 & 1969, drawings and castings are available from Reeves.

You might find the following threads which discuss a number of beginners locos useful:

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Clive