Lion

[Scrat]

As some may have noticed, there is another wreck in my workshop for an overhaul.
This time it is a 5" gauge LION ti the Titfield Thunderbolt plans.
It is an unfinished, stripped model.
Some parts have been lost, others damages.

I already cleaned and painted the frames, worked on the cylinder block and now the first bits are coming together:

Yesterday I sealed the cylinder covers.
Broke one stud in the process.
It took a big pipe wrench to get the remaining bit out.
Fortunately the box-o-bits had a replacement.
All four cylinder covers are in place now. (Still have Hylomar on my fingers)

Then I installed the rockers:




The piston rods needed brass blocks to go into the forked end of the rockers.
Took a lot of filing to make them fit:




After fitting the front axle I can install the cylinder block between the frames.

Need to order more 4BA and 5BA nuts.

Decision has been taken not to use the LION nameplates but got for its sister loco TIGER.
So I will need new nameplates.
Does anyone know a manufacturer?

[Peter Layfield]

I think Diane Carney has started producing plates again , she has a website

[ejparrott]

Diane would be a good bet, but also Nick Elliott at Midland Loco Works.

Lion is a great engine for going and playing. Mine weighs all of 56lb! If you want to know anything let me know, mine is currently in bits while I do some rebuild on the chassis and fit a new boiler.