SP 1221 Project

[RetroSpectrumASD]

Alright so a couple years ago I decided I wanted to build myself a Trackless train ride, the Locomotive I've chosen to model is Southern Pacific 1221 in Deming NM.

A little history on this Locomotive:

Built in 1913 By the Baldwin Locomotive Works as a S10 060 steam switcher for The Southern Pacific, 1221 was one of the first modern steam switchers on the Railroad Equipped with Super heating pistons and valves.





1221 served at various SP Railyards including the San Jose, CA, depots as their switcher, at both the Market Street and Cahill sites.

Eventually over time she got a new Vanderbilt Tender, not entirely sure why but my guess is to improve efficiency and of course look because to me she looks so much better with Vanderbilt Tender than her previous tender.


By 1956 Southern Pacific was going The Way of Diesel Locomotives and 1221 was retired and put in storage.

In 1960 The City of Deming New Mexico was looking for a Steam Locomotive to put on display to represent them as being a railroad town, they went to the El Paso Office and they said no but The SP office in California said yes and so 1221 was pulled out of storage and made her last trip to Deming NM where she has remained since.



She's been well taken care of and Beautifully Preserved.



So now that you know this history behind 1221, let's get back to the topic of this post.

This locomotive was the first ever steam Locomotive I ever saw when I was little. She has a special place in my heart, and as much as I want to see 1221 running again there's not really anywhere nearby that she can run on tracks, so the next best thing I can do is build a Trackless Train Ride and replicate her. The plan is to use a Craftsman 4000 riding lawn mower that I acquired and convert it into 1221, I want to build her Vanderbilt Tender as well as a couple SP Pullman Cars and a Caboose for kids to ride on.

Instead of a soundboard I would like to put in a train whistle that's powered by a Air Compressor a working headlight, and a working bell, to help give it a authentic look and feel.

I also would like to figure out how to make working side rods but need to figure out how to make it so 1221 can turn.

as far as materials I have the riding lawn mower and a couple oil drum barrels, one for the locomotive and the other for her Vanderbilt Tender.

I've never built a Trackless train and could really use some help, suggestions and/or tips how to go about this.

Thanks

 

[craigwrdouglas2]

It sounds like a fun project.

I think you might be best starting with a side elevation drawing of your locomotive - that 'll inform you as to how big the drive wheels need to be, how many you actually have space for and what the side frames will look like. after that you'll need to source the materials for the coupled wheels, frames and axles, then take it from there.

If you want the valve gear to go round, it can certainly be added - the locomotive you linked has the Walschaerts arrangement and it works as the link below:

Walschaerts valve gear - Wikipedia

Also if you some old cardboard boxes that you don't need, you can used them to mockup the panels that you will need for e.g. the cab and get the fitments right, then you can carefully dismantle and use the card as your cutting templates onto metal or wood as is your preference.

 

[dunnyrail]

Can confirm the cardboard box tests, I use it to mock up buildings for mine and my pals garden railway building projects.

I think you will find change to Vanderbilt tender would be to add greater water capacity. Little research project for you to check the difference in water and coal of the two types used on this loco.

 

[tac foley]

The original reason for the sloping back tender was to provide improved visibility in the switching yards where it was used. Line tracks need more of everything, but no necessity to carry out non-stop switching duties, hence the change over to the Vanderbildt tender.