What a great day we had over at Thurnby yesterday. I had gone over over to collect my first-run Accucraft Garratt into which Rod Blakeman had installed my faithful Futaba 2.4GHz digital r/c, as well as some work to change out the steam pipes and add silencing mesh to the burners [this last courtesy of Gordon Watson down in Oz - thanks guys].
The Garratt began to move at around 15psi and carried on for 48 minutes before running out of gas - the first time, that is. It was hauling Trevor’s beautiful [and VERY heavy] Cowan & Sheldon Railway crane and twelve log cars as well…effortlessly.
We went on to run -
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David’s much re-worked Pearse ‘Mallard’ [the similarity lies in the colour-scheme, but little else].
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Rob’s beautifully-running Regner Gauge 1 ‘Kangarou’ and Chiemsee tram locomotives.
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Accucraft C-19
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Accucraft Mogul
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my Accucraft Garratt, a couple more times…
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and Trevor’s beautiful Accucraft GS-4 Daylight and a nice long consist.
This last loco, as with all the others, ran faultlessly and effortlessly as long as we kept it in water and gas, and was a real treat for the eye trumpets with its long steam plume lying down over the casing as it flew around the track in the 20C temps with its clear stack-talk as it negotiated the subtle grades of Trevor’s sneaky trackwork. Watching it self-start with the merest hint of throttle and pull away with a distinct beat was a real joy.
Right now Trevor is doing his best to pursuade me that I can’t live without the war-baby version…and reminding me I just happen to know where there is one for sale, too.
A great day for Accucraft locomotives, and a big thanks to the great bunch of guys who were there to share - David, Peter, Rob and Trevor, our host.
David made and posted the movies on YT - please lool -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ujdCS8q32E
tac
PS - LOADS more on friday - the proper steam-up day at Trevor’s place. Epovah there will be more movies alevai.