5" GAUGE PRAIRIE TANK LOCOMOTIVE

I plan on building the 5" gauge Prairie tank locomotive from Reeves, and had some questions:

1. Do tank locomotives present any particular building challenges with respect to the metalwork for the tank-boiler combination? I plan on buying the full boiler kit from Reeves.

2.Can anyone who has built the 5" gauge Reeves Prairie tank locomotiveoffer any suggestions on anything related to the construction of the locomotive?

Thank you.

Hi,

She is a very complex engine to build with a problem from the start that is there are no laser cut parts ie the frames which would speed up the build time. These in turn require a double bend under the cab which again if Reeves offered this service would make life so much easier.

Yes I am building one, but slowly as it is an accurate model almost everything has been drawn, an exception being the vacuum pump but the one from Bulldog would fit. The other aspect is the large number of formers needed to shape the brackets and trays which every builder needs to make. Again the support from the modern suppliers such as Doug and Polly would see these items as cut out and pre formed. I am very interested in the re work of a 57XX pannier tank which is coming out.

David Scott.

The model engineering clearing house forum has a whole section devoted to building this model.

Rex

Hi John

There are a number of questions that I would like to raise firstly have you done any research into this loco or just fancied the pic in the Reeves Cat.
Side tank in my opinion for a starter is easier than a sadle tank.
Next the Boiler, Oh boy have you built a boiler before and is the kit going to be already flanged or just sheets of copper if so will they supply the flanging formers. I would reccomend you contact a boiler builder and get one professionally made, CE marked , try western steam and other companies who advertise in ME. A 5" boiler is LARGE and needs a lot of heat constantly while constructing it. It is a seriose no messing about build and you need to get your club boiler inspector to with all the tests. Please ask if you want advice.
Like David I do not know of anyone who is doing off the shelf laser cut frames, about 3 companies comes to mind but there will be a premium for a first of and proving the drawing is accurate. If you go the hsrd way that is a s*** load of metal cutting on a 5" frame.. The Reeves drawings are now very old and have never been updated so lot of errors.
There are many errors in the drawings, look on the ME workshop forum.
Bob

Edited By Springbok on 19/08/2012 21:58:40