Mastadon 4-8-0

[Tim Brien]

Apparently a Mastadon may be either a 4-8-0 or a 4-10-0. I looked at a 4-10-0 many years ago and decided that even my then ten foot curves would not accomodate it. A long time ago I did an "old timer" 4-8-0 and at the time started on a "rejuvenated" model representing the early part of the 20th century. Enthused lately this stalled project has also been progressed.

This is the superstructure assembled tonight. The chassis parts are painted and this will be progressed over the next few days (or weeks) depending on my enthusiasm.

 

[Tim Brien]

For those with long memories this is the "old timer" Mastodon from "happier" times.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Do you know the historical reason for the different spacing between the first and second drivers?

Greg (nice video)

 

[Tim Brien]

Greg,
sorry, I have little knowledge on the Mastodon as it seems the wheel arrangement was an early experiment in traction that did not catch on.

 

[Tim Brien]

A little feverish activity this afternoon and almost complete (just some black paint touchup on the pilot wheels). I decided to retain the Walschaerts valve gear to place on the Hudson as I think it would be more appropriate.

 

[Neil Robinson]

Do you know the historical reason for the different spacing between the first and second drivers?

Maybe to give a bit of space for the inside valve gear.

 

[peterbunce]

The two centre drivers are 'blind', that is no flanges.

That was to allow the locos to go round small radii curves

Yours Peter

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Yes, got the blind drivers, but that's not a reason for spacing difference.

So, there is inside valve gear? Is there a 3rd or 4th cylinder?

Greg

 

[Neil Robinson]

So, there is inside valve gear? Is there a 3rd or 4th cylinder?

Greg

No but the eccentrics, expansion links etc are inside, between the frames and drive the outside valves via rocking shafts.

The Bachmann models of the old time 4-4-0 and Mogul (not the small "mining" mogul) model this in some detail.