4-4-2 inside cylinder loco

I've inherited a "rolling chassis" of a 4-4-2 Inside cylinder Loco. Unfortunately there are no plans or details of the design. Does anybody know if this was a common model probably from the 1930s or if it's likely to be a "special". If plans are available I'd like to continue the build. It's a 3.5" gauge. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Hello Bill and welcome.

I think this is one of those times that pictures would be worth a thousand words. I'm sure someone will recognise it promptly.

How to post pictures

Most of the 3.5" Atlantics I've seen are an LBSC Maisie, but that is outside cylinder. There were some 2.5" inside cylinder atlantics to the Aspinall design, but again, that doesn't fit the bill as the gauge is wrong! I'm sure we will work it out if you find some pictures. My knowledge on this subject is very patchy.

Thanks,

Jon

Edited By Jon Lawes on 10/01/2022 07:03:56

Jon Lawes - Of course you are totally correct. I'll take some photos tomorrow and get them posted.

Cheers

Bill.

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More info on my 4-4-2 rolling chassis. The overall length is 29". Drive wheel Dia is 4.875". 2 cylinders in very bad condition have a nominal bore of .816" So possibly originally .8125" Cylinder length (without endcaps is 2.125".In the box of bits is a copy of 'the Model Locomotive" published by Percival Marshall & Co. The book is in very poor condition, falling apart and with many pages missing, but Highlighted with a red pencil is a model Caledonian Railway Locomotive which is a 4-4-0 but has the inside cylinder layout. It's possible a decision was made to lengthen the model, possibly to look more impressive??

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Looking at the position of the reverser I should think this was going to be a tank engine.

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There was a series of articles on building a 31/2" gauge Caledonian Dunalastair in ME in the early years of the last century, There was also an article on rebuilding one in the 70's or 80's written by Geoff Cashmore. I think the original designer was called Pierce, I did try to buy a part completed one years ago at a club auction but was heavily outbid. Sadly that engine was scrapped by the buyer.

The Dunalastair articles long before LBSC were one of the very first detailed descriptions of a live steam model as we know today, of scale appearance with proper valve gear and coal fired. At one point the volumes containing it were reprinted in bound volumes, I borrowed them at one point from a friend as I always liked the Dunalastair's.

A part finished one came up on ebay around four years ago, I did bid but the auction finished early for some reason. You have a little piece of history there! Might be worth a request on the M.E proboards site as it is more locomotive based.

Dave

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Bill

The Dunalastair articles were in M.E in1901, Vol 4 issues 42,44,46,48,50 and Vol 5 issues 54,56,58 written by E.L. Pearce titled " Building a Dunalastair II" . I don't have the issues unfortunately although I'm sure copies could be obtained.

I was wrong in my last post the loco was spirit fired with a centre flue boiler, the articles may well apply to your chassis and could help with identification. The chassis shape does rather look like a Dunalastair with a bit on the back. found the above info on a google search.

Dave