easiest 5"g 2-6-2 tank loco to build

Hi, i am looking into building a steam tank loco 2-6-2 in 5g size and found three choices - Prairie / Enterprise & Firefly

can anyone advise which one of these three are the easiest ti build and why.

are there any other models in 2-6-2 layout

where's the best place to get the plans as i see on som e of the threads here that some of you have found errors in some plans

many thanks in advance of any responses

marcus

Good place to start, got to top right of this page, click on shop, clich on Model Engineer, and look down the list, and select ones that look interesting, then come back and ask about them. Don't know if there are any engines to your specs, my only reference is a copy of Reeves 10th anniversary catalogue, and I don't see any there, but that means little, good luck. Ian S C

For some reason the 2-6-2 tank is not very well supported in the Model Engineering world. I do wonder why as I personally think that a large tank would be an ideal club track loco.

Reeves have Trevor Shortlands highly detailed design for the GWR large prairie. This has a very good reputation but not really suitable for beginners.

Martin Evans GWR small prairie "Firefly" should be fairly straightforward but not very well supported by the castings suppliers. Most of Martin's designs are practical locos designed to be used rather than being scale models.

Enterprise is another Martin Evans design but is a three cylinder loco with the complications of an inside cylinder and a crank axle. It could be built as a two cylinder engine, I suppose, but this maybe goes against the grain.

One thought; you may like to consider Martin Evans "William" design for 31/2 inch gauge which is specifically designed to be relatively easy to build and is very well supported in the trade.

regards

Adrian

Given that the title of this thread includes the word "easiest" I would rule out any design like "Firefly" with a GWR/Churchward style boiler as I dont think that type can be called "easiest." Probably best to look for a round back firebox type, unless the boiler is being professionally made and because of the work involved/time taken, I bet the equivalent Belpaire fireboxed boiler works out more expensive.

John

many thanks Adrian and John for your prompt responseand advice.......certainly very appreciated and helps me plan what i will build.

cheers

marcus