Celebration!!!!!!!!!!

I've just come back from a visit to Burton MES and I'm on cloud 9!

My shunter worked first time, and performed exactly as I had hoped on their 3 1/2" raised track. At about 25% power it pulled me forwards up a slight gradient. It happily pulled me round at a brisk walking pace at between 50% and 100% depending on the grade. It also pulled a 15st club member around without complaint. We tried two-up for about 28 stone on the riding car - there was a fair bit of slipping due to the low adhesive weight, but once going it pulled the two of us so a 'Tich-like' performance is pretty much accurate.

More amazingly no burnt-out mosfet and no bits falling off!

Added bonus, I met Gordon Smith - the chap whose safety valve design I was emailed a couple of weeks ago!

Trouble is, I'm hooked now - how can I afford a steamy one...?

Neil

One can sense your elation in your post. Put a smile on my face too. Well done Stub. That's what the hobby is about.

Congratulations

Bob

Neil....did you perchance get to speak to Gordon about safety valves?

hi Neil

Congratulations on building a passenger hauling engine, I hope it gives you many hours of pleasure.

Stew

Hi Neil

Congratulations, you delight is obvious and contagious. Put a smile on my face too and brightened up a grey morning. Now just ENJOY.

Cheers

Martin

Thanks all,

I think I felt like NASA when their mars lander worked!

I still have a little work to do - attach the doors, fit the windows and fit the horn and brake solenoid. If I'm really brave then its line out and paint 'SOUTHAM' on each side too.

Gordon Smith's main concern was that the safety valve on my upright boiler had sufficient bore to pass all the steam.

Thanks to everyone who's given me advice & encouragement with this project - I'm already planning either a driving car, a 3 1/2" gauge tanker for it to pull (Royal Daylight or Power Petrol?) or the next engine...

Neil

Looking good Stub, I'll bet you're as pleased as punch! When do you break out the bubbly, and do we get a glass too?

Regards,

Andrew

Hi Neil , - lovely little shunter , do you have any plans/ sketches for it , just the sort of project I'm looking for . I'd love to make one myself . best of luck on your next mission !

Hello H,

I have nearly finished drawn up plans. I'm hoping to write it up for ME in the New Year.

Neil

Neil - looking forward to seeing it in print (and, possibly in person sometime)

John.

Thanks John,

After this DIY all gets done I plan to get back in the workshop and make a smaller drive gear and go back and conquer the1 in 10 track at Derby

If anyone would like a look at the plans as they are now (comments welcome) just send me a PM

Neil