Atlantic's works: Portable layout - Ground Signals Again

[Atlantic 3279]

In case anybody is interested, the P10 2-8-2T loco whose construction is covered in pages 8 to 13 of this thread is now up for grabs on eBay. As much as I might like it, I've really hardly used it since its construction, and I can certainly find things to do with the money if it sells for a decent price.

[earlswood nob]

Hello Atlantic
Perhaps your reason for selling the marvellous model of the P10 is the same reason why it was never built. There wouldn’t be enough work to keep it gainfully employed. Lack of braking capacity would limit it’s sphere of operation.
lovely looking loco though.
Earlswood Nob

[Atlantic 3279]

Coming soon, another RTR conversion that requires only a (bolt-on or plug-in?) boiler swap to create a different class (not just a sub-class). Okay. I'm being mysterious but I believe this one may be a genuine quick, cheap, simple job. Will it attract much interest? We'll see......

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's what I've been on with in the odd hour or two per evening for the last five days.
Take one spare Hornby B17 boiler

add some spare "stock" fittings, some work with the tools, a second-hand Bachmann K3 (the version with the strange half-finished LNER lined black livery) and produce one of these

Still in basic form and with admittedly slightly oversized wheels, but near enough a K4. I have a scheme for cutting down the tender to create a 3500 gallon version too. Much as I like the pretty green livery I may go for Loch Long, in pre-1941 lined black for the time being. At least that loco got to KX once, so I can bend the truth slightly and claim that it got borrowed for a few trial turns in Lincolnshire on either its trip up or its trip down.

I'll fill in the details of the conversion as I also complete the loco over the next few days.

[Atso]

Grrrrrr,

I've been trying to figure out what you've been up to for the last two days! Now you've shown the world it all seems so obvious!

Great piece of modelling there!

[will5210]

Superb! & a 'must do' loco for me. I'll watch with interest

[S.A.C. Martin]

Superb - how do you think of these conversions Graeme?

[Atlantic 3279]

Probably a result of spending too much time reading the RCTS books. The components of the K4 are clearly described therein as a small wheeled K3 with slightly lengthened rear frames, carrying a B17 firebox mated to a K2 barrel (which is of course externally much like the B17 barrel). From previous research into the possibility of doing a Thompson B2 from a Hornby B17 (definitely not the best way) I knew that the B17 boiler was a separate piece. It has been far easier (for this purpose) to use than the B1 boilers I've used in my O4/8 and O1 projects, there being no need to carve it out of the model first, and the Hornby plastic is MUCH easier to cut, file and bond than is the very rigid and almost "gritty" Bachmann stuff.

I've also become interested in the RCTS account of what the LNER considered for West Highland service before going for the K4 idea.

[will5210]

I've also become interested in the RCTS account of what the LNER considered for West Highland service before going for the K4 idea.

A 2-8-0 wasn't it? Another 'might-have-been' worth atempting?

[Atlantic 3279]

Yes, after the idea of K2 with higher boiler pressure and/or larger cylinders had been dropped, on the strength of low factor of adhesion, though when the K4s had BP uprated to 200psi they had an even lower factor, albeit aided by smooth 3 cylinder power application.

Another forum contributor and I have been playing with ideas regarding the possible 2-8-0 appearance, if based on LNER stock parts as far as possible - given the need for high tractive effort and the challenges of weight and length limits for West Highland service.

[drmditch]

Have just found this thread, having built am 04/8 in much the same way.
I attached the sanboxes usng the same self tapping screws that Bachmann fastened the cab with, just the other way up.

[earlswood nob]

Hi to all Gresley "Big Engine" fans
The K4 is looking the loco already. Its amazing what can be done with RTR models.
The mention of a 2-8-0 for the West Highland reminded me that it was noted in F A S Brown book on Nigel Gresley. Further bookworming late last night found in the RCTS green book, but only a note again.
If the 2-8-0 (O6??) had driving wheels close together like the P2 with only 4" between wheel rims the wheelbase would only be 16'6" which is less than the K4 at 16'9". So even allowing for an increased gap between the front drivers (same as O2) to allow for the motion, it could have ended up with a 17'6 wheelbase (6'6"+5'6"+5'6").
So could it have been another B17 boiler on a slightly lenghtened K3 chassis?
I must get on today, it's so busy being retired. I thought I'd have more spare time, but I seem to have less. However, I'm doing things I want to do. I hope to get to the Bluebell today or tomorrow as they have a G.N.R. coach that I want to look at.
Keep modelling
Earlswood Nob

[Atlantic 3279]

I should be able to add more notes and images regarding the K4 conversion fairly soon. I' sorted out all of the details, fittings and hole-filling for the body. Just some larger balance weights to add to to the wheels now.

[Atlantic 3279]

Here's the nearly-done K4:

And a couple more of the O4, firstly with chequer plating in front of smokebox hidden by a patch and top lamp iron back in GCR/first LNER position:

(smokebox door not yet repainted after paring off remains of other lamp iron)

Also a whistle on the cab roof, and this has opened up a whole new area of doubt for me, see bachmann-announce-o4-t2141s120.html

[will5210]

Hi,

can you tell me what fittings you've used, & in particular, who's handrail knobs you use & what size please?

Cheers

Will