Atomic Systems

Posted on behalf of Steve Myers who is having trouble uploading pix.

Steve has been busy building this little cutie. I *think* it's a quarry hunslett but don't know enough about the prototype to be certain. It has turned into a semi-commission job for my Carrick Island route, and he's named it after my daughter. But his plans are to do a series of them, named after WW2 RAF fighter pilots. Here is the partly textured state of play so far:


Click the image to zoom in


Click the image to zoom in


Click the image to zoom in

It certainly looks nice, however it can only be based on a Quarry Hunslet as it has outside valve gear, the originals had it hidden away decently between the frames. Also that cab is not an original fitment to a Hunslet, though many strange additions were made I can't recall one with such large windows.

David

I was cautious about claiming it's auhenticity. I am probably wrong and it's a freelance job.

I have to agree with David. It does look very nice and has a definite narrow gauge charm but I would consider reducing the size of the windows.

Cheers

Kevin

Many thanks, Martin, for posting those screens as I'm unable to do so at this time. The engine is free-lanced but based on a Manning-Wardle prototype (Woolwich). Free-lancing allows me to add modifications such as outside valve gear and a railroad-applied cab. The engine was inspired by the forthcoming Carrick Island, also free-lanced. It is not designed to represent a specific prototype. We've been free-lancing narrow gauge HO scale models (U.S.) for many years so the transition to MSTS seemed natural. Besides, try getting reference material on British narrow gauge in the States!

Thanks, All
SMyers

Hi Smyers,

I had not thought of the Woolich Arsnel engines, they were very similar to the little quarry Hunslets some even think that the designs simply went across Jack Lane from one drawing office to the other.

David

Hi

Looks good, but that boiler needs to be a LOT bigger, especially when you compare it with the driver

Chris

Yes definatley smaller spec plates, a bigger boiler and maybe also a thicker chimmney that one looks like it could be snapped off within seconds.... also maybe if you are aiming for a British outline, get rid of the overhang on the cab? It makes it look somewhat continental and although doesnt look bad makes it look a little odd.

Apart from that it looks excellent well done for such a super model.. it is little freelance engines like this that really add charm to a route. Thanks I shall definatley be downloading it.

Chris

I agree it does look a bit out of proportion but its still a nice looking model.

Tim
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Timothy_elsby@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. I'll see what I can do insofar as correcting some of her maladies. The spec plates are a bit tall and will strike some of the overpasses on the Talyllyn. That will make the boiler appear larger, as well.

Best Regards
SMyers

But isn't it refreshing to see a crew figure (even a 2D one?) and I just love the texturing on the frames and those lovely grimy smokebox rivets. Excellent work.

Steve, I wouldn't alter her too much at all. If she hits a talyllyn over bridge then it would be worth reducing the cab height and reducing the cab windows a bit will make her look a bit more british.

The boiler size and chimney aren't too far out. The picture below is of the locomotive "Trewithen" from the Pentewan Rly. Notice the very small boiler and tall chimney. Her sister engine had an even smaller boiler. Both these loco's were coincidentally built by Manning-Wardle.



I'm really looking forward to trying your engine out.

Cheers

Kevin

Strangely enough that loco has a very American looking cab. Looks to me like it's come straight off a Baldwin.

After checking her out in TSM, I found Megans' overall proportions to be quite close to the scanned drawings I have in the Manning-Wardel narrow gauge locos book I'm using for reference. Save for my "home-brew" spec plates! Even the stack (oops, chimney) appears rather slim in the photos. I envision the engine as having been updated over the years by the Carrick Island, and she now sports outside valve gear and other accoutrements. No doubt many would prefer the original configuration, but I find the Walscherts more interesting to watch. The joy of free-lancing!

Thanks, All
SMyers