Hi James, it is a strange prototype, I love the weird and the wonderful. No fear the Garratt was always going to be problematic, two much weight for the tiny motor to pull, I did strip the driving block before I went away and altered some bits, its fully lubricated now and balanced so I'll give it a test one day. This Aveling Porter has a much better motor and gearbox running like a little sewing machine, there is also plenty of places to add weight above the axles so I it should be super slow with good pulling qualities. It will also have its own train, probably one wagon, so I expect no problems. The little 0-4-0 is sat waiting for works plates and lining, I also need to add some more details on the chassis and treat to a light weather, I had hoped to build the weed killing train but thats on hold while I wait for some parts.
The loco progressed quickly last night with a full 4 hours work. The crank has been finished with a single rod to the cylinder and dummy motion added on the other side. I had hoped to get this all to run but it got a little complicated so now just the crank spins driving the rod and cross head. This is all powered by the chain to the rear wheel. Everything runs really well and since the photograph has been taken its all be dismantled so I can begin riveting up. The cylinder needs some extra details, as does the backhead and smoke box. A suitable chimney has been located in the scrap box and will added once I find a suitable base for it. The strange white things are brackets to hold the buffer beams in place, similar to some prototypes that had huge castings bolted to the front and rear. The buffer beams will be made in wood but I haven't decided on the coupling yet.
Tim
