Information required on 'ROBLIN' cylinder casting

I am overhauling an old 5 inch 0-6-0 model based loosely on LBSC Minx design. This has twin inside cast iron cylinders with 'ROBLIN' underneath. Internet searches for this maker so far fruitless, which indicates probably long gone. To help identify the age of my loco does nobody have info on their castings. The castings seem of very high quality, though this model has been built very much freelance with GWR outside frames and joy valve gear, but also has a bronze casting for the slide shafts.

thank you

Ieuan Lewis

In the December 24 1903 edition of the "Model Engineer and Electrician" magazine is an article entitled "An Enthusiastic Model Locomotive Maker", by Henry Greenly no less. In it, he describes the work of a Mr W.C.Roblin which includes an inch scale six-coupled goods locomotive with Joy valve gear. This does bear a resemblance to LBSC's "Minx" design.

Before the era of LBSC and readily available castings, Mr Roblin could have made his own patterns and may have decided to incorporate his name in the casting. The article mentions his work in the ironmongery trade and his use of commercial gas fittings, and one of his other models was a G.W.R. single express locomotive.

Chris.

Ieuan, could you post a photo of the loco for us to see, sounds as though you have a bit of Model Engineering history. Ian S C

Spot on Chris! How you knew that particular article is a wonder. Fundimentally my loco is close to the drawing. Recent history is that it was a running until dismantled for overhaul in the early 1980's and a new commercially made boiler was produced in 1984. It has remained dismantled ever since under a bench.

I have been assembling the parts, both to check what is missing and plan how to revive it. I am working on the basis that if it 'ain't broke do touch it'. Besides the Roblin cylinder casting it has the same valve gear slide casting as in Fig. 7. Not sure that this is model built by Roblin himself, as I assume in those days articles in ME were a way of publicising availability of products to other builders. As I mentioned before it has double frames rather like a GWR Armstrong goods, but the cab and side tanks are more LNWR as per drawing.

I have lent my camera to my daughter this weekend but will post photos early next week so Ian SC can comment. I guess the real next question is are there any other models to this design out there.

thanks again for the prompt feedback, Ieuan

Here is a photo of the jumble of parts roughly balanced together. Most dimensions as the ME article of 1903, has anybody seen n engine like this?

I doubt it's a Minx to the LBSC design as that wasn't published until 1948

Sounds like an engine with an interesting history, especially if its pedigree can be confirmed.

Neil