Topic: A well used 4.75 gauge Sweet Pea

[Ferd]

Hi
Threading the pins into the axle boxes sounds like a good idea. Not sure I understand the brass shim between the crosshead plate and body. Is it possible to elaborate on that and why it was seizing without the shim. Thanks Ferd

[davybray]

Items I "improved" on my Sweet Pea "Runner Bean"

Increased the thickness of the front grate plate to 1/8" stainless. The 1/16" burnt through after a couple of summers running.

Put a brass shim between the crosshead outer plate and the main crosshead body to prevent ceasing up (I did not harden the 3/8" square crosshead slide rods.

Threaded the two axle box guide pine into the axle boxes. Ther drpped out when I lifted the loco onto the tracks - and would not re- engage it the frame giudes! I spent some time fiddling the pins back in, so have made this change

[jock]

Thanks for the photos, I've just started the SP in 0-4-2. What are some of the changes are you undertaking. I would be great to hear from ans experienced practioner.
I'll be finishing off the stretcher tonight.

Jim

[Ferd]

Thanks for sharing the pic - there is something about Narrow Gauge engines that makes them irresistible. I had planned on making my Sweat Pea and 0-4-2 and it meant going back in work done (undoing rivets etc..). To make a long story short I have decided to go 0-4-0 and save the time that is constantly in short supply. One of the things I am looking forward to is running an engine at various clubs like the woods at RHLS (Richmond Hill Live Steamers)
cheers Ferd

[davybray]

This Sweet Pea has been running for about 15 years, after taking 10 years in the making. As I liked the 0-4-2 version which I read about in Engineering in Miniature, I went with this version, hence the name - a Bean instead of a Pea! I have recently had to do some major refurbishing as the rubber blocks disintegrated a few years ago, and I took the oportunity to make some other changes. Up until that time, it has proved a very enjoyable loco to drive and a wonderful introduction to the hobby ( for me anyway).