So it begins! After the success of the Prince build diary, I have decided to repeat the idea with Mrs Darling. To begin with what is Mrs Darling?
Mrs Darling will be an 0-4-2T tinkerbell style steam engine. She is based on Zebedee. Her name is inspired by the Peter Pan story, that Wendy's is apparently a Darling, and thus her mum would be Mrs Darling (I am sure people will point out
it depends which adaptation you watch). Anyway my engine, my choice of name!!! I also love the idea of when she is struggling up the hill at the SNBR with a full load that i can
say "come on Darling".
The story so far! Mrs Darling parts arrived a few years ago (2008) and due to my continued work in finishing the first engine (Prince Sheian) and a lot of track work I did nothing with the bits. Now that
Prince has settled down (and done a lot of miles) my attention can turn to Mrs Darling. To this end work completed to date:
Axel sets complete
Frames together, with spacer bars semi installed
Cylinder work complete.
The con rods have been machined and fitted to the axels
Cross head machined, almost complete
60% of the valve gear machined and painted
Springs fitted to axels
Frames painted
wheels painted
Rear of cab coal access cut out in readiness to construct the cab
Brake shoes drilled in readiness for brake hangers to be fitted
Slide bars sourced and ready to cut
Smoke box rolled, ready to weld to smoke box rings
Jig for drilling holes in side of cylinders and frame made
Next jobs
Drill mounting holes in frames and cylinders
Fit cylinders
Fit keep plates (2 of 8 made and fitted)
27/10/2015
So first cylinder mounting holes has been completed. Both cylinders are drilled and ready to mount.
11/11/2015
The other cylinder holes are now finished. Floor plan strengthened ready to mount. Axels removed from frames to remove cranks (new cranks sourced), as stroke of engine not correct [Tad annoying]. Connecting rods removed for painting as well
9/12/2015
The cranks are being worked on and may be ready in a few weeks. The floor is now in place, the rear pony sides have been made, just the rest of the truck to complete. Part of the reverser has been assembled as well. The
guide blocks have been built, painted and ready to have a boss mounted to connect to reversing rod. Bearings for the brakes and reversing rod have been fitted. Once cranks finished and fitted a large part of the valve gear can be fitted, so it will
be one of those "sudden" progress moments.
