What scale to make a Steam Wagon 3"? 4"?

Hi

I have copies of the factory drawings for a 1925 Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon delivered to the Lyttelton Borough Council in New Zealand. The prototype is still fully operational in New Zealand, but no longer owned by the Council. I want to build a miniature version but I haven't decided on the scale.

I have the tools to build to a 4" scale so that isn't an issue.

Although there is a 33% increase in dimensions from 3" to 4", the weight difference would be an additional 77%. I would need a trailer for transport.

The cost difference is expected to be a similar ratio. That I can justify if the resale value is sufficient. I don't build models to sell, but at some point the model will be sold. My off-spring won't want it.

What is the most common scale for this type of model?

Dazz

As the owner of a 3” waggon I can say go for a 4”. I cannot leave my engine for more than 5-10 mins or the fire will die or water level will be too much or little. I get very jealous of the 4” wagons, where they can be left for a quite long period and even going to the bar to get a pint and the chip shop in one session without the danger of the above problems

trailer? Mine is 6’x 3’-6“ x 4’ high and is rammed full with kit , driving trolley, coal , tools , lighting up kit, dirty clothing etc. They are essential or you need a substantial van so that is not anything to consider

a lot of found components can be easily adapted for a 4”, diff, small car wheels etc. This depends on the level of accuracy you aspire towards.

3” in comparison are rather delicate and also it’s very difficult to clean in the cab as space is very very tight

edit.... in addition  you sit in a 4”, much more fun than sitting on the smaller 3”  go for . When I started building mine it was a big engine.  Now it’s the baby at almost all the rallies I go to

Edited By Zan on 22/11/2019 20:51:45

Edited By Zan on 22/11/2019 20:55:37

Hi

Just the sort of advice I was hoping for. The design of the 1925 versions of the wagon was highly refined. The easiest path is to simply down scale the factory drawings rather than convert the design for a model. I will only need to covert to metric fasteners and thicken the castings. Some of the full sized castings have a thickness of just 5/16". Too thin to cast to scale.

I don't plan to use found components except maybe tyre-saver wheels. They are quite close to period pneumatic tyres.

Dazz