So with the body complete it was time to paint the boiler wrapper and fit it to the chassis for the last time and get going with all of the r/c equipment. I really wanted to steam the loco anyway!
I really do love the design and layout of this loco, it is so well compact and just works so very well. Some folk may shun it for not having an axle pump, but the proof is you don't actually need one! Here are a couple of images of the radio install.
R/c regulator, forward/reverse gear, dampener and whistle. Cleverly made linkages that operate from three servos.
What can I say? I was in a hurry to try the chassis? So the same evening that the radio was fitted and tested I fired her up! Note to self, don't fire up a coal engine inside! You'd be surprised how much soot comes out. :-/
At this point, when it comes to coal firing - I knew absolutely zero! I had collected the kit at the Peterborough show and watched a demonstration by Joep, making a video at the time, and stuck to that exactly. What I had in front of me was working and so well I could barely stop the safety valve lifting! Happy was a slight understatement! :-)
Painted the body in its base colour and took the loco out for its inaugural run.
As you can see I fitted some of Locoworks side running plates...
Swift Sixteen spectacles
Swift Sixteen round centre buffers and buffer beam overlays.
Call me biased, but I do think the double buffers look excellent. It just changes the whole look of the front view.
The first run at my local track with my first set of coaches, dating back to 1995.
All glowing well!
Apologies for the image quality, it was taken on my phone in a hurry! I was so pleased with how it was running other members at the club wanted to see how she coped with a heavy load. Who was I to spoil the fun?
30 axles on the drawbar with still plenty of steam to spare. I went home with a smile on my face that day!
Living with coal firing, since I built this loco nearly a year ago now I absolutely cannot get enough of it! The smell, the sound, the 'hands on' approach - even with r/c fitted. Children love the whistle! One thing that does confuse me is the comments I get. From this, either I am very good at firing this engine or the riverdale design makes a mockery of the whole coal firing experience. Very seldom does she need any attention, really very rarely! I set a timer on my transmitter for 15 minutes and then after this time, check the water. Maybe add some? Maybe not. At the same time of adding water I just poke the fire, top up the coal to the bottom of the firebox door and off we go again for another 15 minutes. I have seen 25 minutes without attention before! I have carried out runs of up to 3 hours, before my mind is exhausted. The engine could carry on!
This is without a doubt my 'go to' engine. Every time I want to play trains, this one comes with me!
This is the typical train I like to play with, enough interest and not all quite matching, playable enough to be a typical heavy narrow gauge train?
Now named 'Winston', not really sure what my inspiration was but it seems to fit! :-)
Here is a few clips put together from the first run to how Winston looks now.
Moving forward, Winston now bears the makers plates with serial and year on the tank sides. In terms of anything else? Maybe a few cosmetic changes over time.
For a beginner in coal firing this engine and conversion has taught me a lot. I understand the principle of coal firing and what to do and not do. I have learned to control the pressure so that the safety valve isn't constantly lifting or losing the fire. In terms of ease of use? Fantastic, would recommend this conversion to anyone. Very free steaming and easy to use. Go and order one!