Lady of Legend.

I refer you to my post above! But i'm just glad its being built in the first place!

 

A few notes about 2999 "Lady of Legend", the Saint Project at Didcot. The aim is a loco generally typical of one of the Lady series (2901-10) as running just prior to WW1. With straight frames, inside steampipe cylinders and final level Std No.1 boiler superheated with extended smokebox and top feed as standardised post 1911. To be suitable for operation as a 4-6-0 or 4-4-2, initially as a 4-6-0, although the additional Atlantic sub frames have already been made and trial fitted. We have photos of both types running with top feed. The Atlantics had all been converted to 4-6-0s by 1913New driving and bogie wheelsets and new cylinders have been made. The Hall frames have been reduced in height to compensate for the increased driving wheel dia., the boiler centre line remains at 8'-6" above rail level but the cylinder centre line is 2.5" offset from the wheelset centre line as the Ladies (other Saints, Halls,etc. were coincidental). Present situation: Boiler overhaul in progress with most of the steel side stays replaced and lap rivets being replaced. Inner firebox is good but the front tubeplate needs to come out due to lower area reduction, either a new one or refurbish existing. Frame modifications from Hall to Saint complete, lever reverse gear fitted (new), inside valve gear overhauled and fitted, much brake gear in place, valves and pistons assembled to cylinders and crossheads now being fitted. Tender (Churchward 3500G) needs a new tank and frame repairs, steel now on site for this. As 4942 was a Barry loco, all non ferrous fittings were missing, we have now had about 80% of the replacements made. Other bits made recently include Churchward taper buffers, lamp irons, tender vents and splasher beadings. No date for finishing - it will be finished when it's finished! Fitting of twin turbochargers and Harman Kardon sound system to loco subject to feasibility study.

 

Pink Dice! Dont forget the fluffy pink dice!
Thanks for updating us on this, and thanks also everyone who cleared up that about Top Feed and superheater. Clearly its going to be nigh impossible to tell this apart from an original.

Just an idle thought, how many steam locomotives still operate on the main with a lever reverser? Other than some of Tyseleys Panniers, I cant imagine it many. Not that it make much difference, but presumably its going to affect driver technique a bit.

 

Well, if you're going to keep up with the A1 boys you'll also have to fit pimp lighting, mobile 'phone chargers and disco lights! Oh! And don't forget the Christmas tree:

http://www.a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:december-21st-kent-circular-tours&catid=51:2009&Itemid=237

Foxy

 

Any up to date pics of progress?

 

Without wishing to (re)open a can of worms, haven't issues with 6023's boiler and people surrounding it held up other projects at Didcot as a result ?.

 

From what I've heard through a colleague at work it has not affected other projects

 

Just found a new website for the Project
Welcome to the Great Western Society Saint Project

 

A wonderful project that I look forward to seeing 'in the metal' - as I have previously noted on this thread.

A very silly idea came to me the other day - regarding Churchward's other express masterpiece, the 'Star'.

How much difference is there between a Star chassis and a Castle's? Just with 7027 Thornbury Castle not looking like anyone's going to get to work on it soon...I know that we have 4003 Lode Star, but I have inferred from general opinion and discussion that as a properly Swindon overhauled locomotive it is considered too valuable as an artefact by the NRM to steam again (a position which I agree with).

Could 7027's chassis and a Standard No.1 boiler be mated to create a Star? I'm not saying it should be done, just wondering if it could.

 

Not imposible, but would need some surgery to the front end frames at least. Saying that, it can't be any worse than some of the other projects going on.

 

Converting 7027 in to the Great Bear would be an interesting proposition.

 

Eurgh! Ugliest beast I've ever clapped eyes on, in my subjective opinion!

 

Eurgh! Ugliest beast I've ever clapped eyes on, in my subjective opinion!

.......... so converting it to The Great Bear wouldn't make it any worse!

 

d'oh!

 

Just make it into a streamlined castle.... that'll do me.

As for LoL, it is good to see this one progressing well and I hope I'll be able to see it when I next go to Didcot, even if it isn't finshed yet!

 

Typical GW loco :behindsofa:

 

Thornbury Castle -> Thornbury Abbey ought to require:

Certainly:
Cab, boiler & fittings, cylinders, shortened frames at rear

Probably:
Different or no external steam pipes
The frames at the front ought to be converted to be joggled to clear the leading bogie wheels rather than dished but its hardly a major feature. One Star did acquire dished frames, but only after she was converted to a Castle.

The Great Bear? Please no! Why reconstruct Churchwards most prominent mistake?

 

You are clearly not familiar with the 'Krugers' then..... uke:

Foxy

 

The Krugers weren't trying to look pretty - odd looking I agree but The Great Bear just looks out of proportion with itself, with that massive boiler, tiny cab and long tender.