Looks like my other two projects will be put on hold until I finish this one. This was one I could not pass up. Below is the story behind this project.
A few weeks back someone had a scratch built Climax for sale on FB swap page for $40. Of course I was too late in responding to it. But thanks to one of the swap member’s, who was also interested in the Climax, got me thinking where I saw a similar Climax like that one. After researching it, I found that it was sold as a kit by Northeast Narrow Gauge. Now that they no longer exist, I dug a little deeper and found plans for the exact Climax. It was part of the pullout plans that Garden Railways provided in the magazine. Since the plans are now digital, I was able to print it up. Also at about the same time I remembered a friend of mine had given me a partial kit to build a Climax. Not knowing anything about, it I decided to dig it out. After going through the bag and the directions, I noticed it was a partial Northeast Narrow Gauge Climax kit. That was a big surprise for me. It had the boiler assembly and water tank. The rest had to be built from the plans. The plans are fairly simple and most of it uses wood and common detailed parts you can get anywhere. After chatting with one of the swap member about my discovery he had asked if I would be willing to build him one. I think he was half joking. After going back and fourth in messenger I learned he had just got into G scale and did not know how to build anything yet. We ended up making a deal that I could not turn down.
Before I got started I had to figure out how to power the Climax. The drive that was meant to be used, was NWLS magic carpet drive. I was unable to find them for 45mm track. Seemed they only make them in O gauge (at one time they did make them in G). Even if they did make them the price was too high. The next appropriate drive would have been the Aristo center cab trucks and we all know that story. So after researching a proper motor block I found that Hartlands Birney trucks were almost the exact match to the Aristo and the proper size i needed to work on the Climax. According to Phil the Ozark Miniature side frames would fit the Hartland motor block perfect.
Now that I had a motor block that would work I was able to get started. The first step was cutting all the necessary wood for two decks and the cab. Since I had the materials for the boiler and water tank for one Climax I only had to cut up the boiler and tank for the second Climax. That saved some cutting. Once the wood was cut I started on the two flat cars and the cabs. What I really liked about the plans was the use of all wood even for the boiler and domes. Normally I would do the decking and cab with wood planks but I decided not to and to go with what the plans used.
These are the parts I had on hand from the actually NENG kit.
Plans from Garden Railways
completed decks and the cab sides being fitted.
The plans called for scribed wood but its cheaper buying the large sheets of 1/8th thick plywood. I decided to scribe my own lines with a saw blade. Not too bad.
The motor blocks came in today. Ill get them wired up and put onto the decking. Mine will be wired for battery.