Judith Edge Ex LSWR DS 74 - Sideline Project

[nberrington]

I should be working on the layout, but I was recently invited to the Platelayers symposium in Toronto. Dave Knight will have his small industrial layout there- so my fingers began itching uncontrollably !

I kept looking at this little beastie I picked up at Scaleforum years ago. After tidying up the train room, I organized the workbench - and so…..

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First step is usually the chassis - this one has some challenges for a steam man. Tiny wheelbase, small spaces, challenge to compensate.

Chris’ little gearbox is included in the kit. A bit of a fiddle, but if one gets it square it should work….

[nberrington]

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[nberrington]

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[nberrington]

Dismantled and blackened:

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[David Knight]

Interesting . Out of curiosity, how long is the finished product? I only ask because one of the release points is only 108mm from the end of the point blade to the buffer stop. The compensation should not be a problem as I’ve got a Judith Edge Ruston 48DS that prowls about with no trouble as does my HighLevel Neilson. As for the third rail pickup, I’m afraid you’ll have to run on battery power

Cheers,

David

[DougN]

OOOw now that is something I need to look out for... wonder if I can find it in Australia.....

[nberrington]

Interesting . Out of curiosity, how long is the finished product? I only ask because one of the release points is only 108mm from the end of the point blade to the buffer stop.

Going to be close - looks like 98-ish mm over buffers

[David Knight]

Interesting . Out of curiosity, how long is the finished product? I only ask because one of the release points is only 108mm from the end of the point blade to the buffer stop.

Going to be close - looks like 98-ish mm over buffers

No problem, then. It’s mostly used as an escape hatch for the run around.

While looking for further information I found this link that might interest you:

http://www.stephenjohnsonrailways.co.uk/DS74.htm

Cheers,

David

[Enigma]

I used this chassis for my Hornby 48DS and there was an article in a recent S4 News regarding my trials and tribulations in getting it to work as well as I wanted. It looks as if you've managed it in one go! I have to say that once I had sorted it, it does run very nicely.

[nberrington]

To quote Paul Simon: “thinking I had supernatural powers I slammed in to a brick wall..”

The dreaded chassis. Mr.Edge has designed the loco as a 2-4-2, rather than two bogies as in the “Bo-bo” prototype. (The clearance is awfully tight.)

The central 2 axle drive unit is designed to be fixed, despite the gearbox that has a hinged arm for compensation. The etches are tiny, and I don’t see how hornblocks will fit. I lined up a HighLevel 2mm horn-guide, and essentially the cutout needed would wreck the integrity of the bogie.

The drive unit wheelbase is tiny, so perhaps rigid would work, if the two “pony trucks” have enough play?? I think a current keeper/ stay alive and a hunk of lead or two would be needed.

I am open to advice:

The chassis etch arrangement - pony truck - drive unit - pony truck:

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Note how the horn guide is larger than the etch ....

[nberrington]

While scratching the old noggin, I fiddled with the superstructure a bit. Cleverly designed and fits well!

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And tidied up the work bench - my view of piles of snow outside my window is unrivalled in Scalefour circles.

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[David Knight]

The Ruston 48DS uses the same drive unit as you have and the compensation works just fine. I built mine according to the instructions and there was no need for aftermarket bearings. The thing will pull 6 wagons + on the flat no problem and it weighs in at about 65g. It has no problem with current pickup in DC so I suspect it should work equally well in your setup.

For specific info you may wish to ask the man himself on RMweb https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/45248-jud ... s/page/75/ I did a search for information there but drew a blank.

Cheers,

David

[splam32]

While scratching the old noggin, I fiddled with the superstructure a bit. Cleverly designed and fits well!

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And tidied up the work bench - my view of piles of snow outside my window is unrivalled in Scalefour circles.

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I think I can up the snow levels, this is the view from the kitchen. after 2 feet of snow.

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[Philip Hall]

Neil, with such a short wheelbase you can probably get away without suspension. Certainly just a bit of downward movement on one axle would help, no need for proper bearings, a reinforced slot would do. Just so long as the wheels are true. On your layout some sideways play on the two ‘pony trucks’ would be enough but better to have a bit of ‘swivel’ however small. If clearance between outside frames is an issue you could always reduce tyre width to 1.8mm.

Philip

[nberrington]

[/quote]
I think I can up the snow levels, this is the view from the kitchen. after 2 feet of snow.
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I have to concede - that’s quite the view. Us Winnipegers take pride in living in the capital of winter.

Today is however positively balmy at a mere 10 below after the nasty 35 below we had last week! Certainly makes for more modelling time when you can’t really walk outside without bits dropping off along the way…..

[David Knight]

Yes, they don’t call it “Winterpeg” for nothing

But back to the topic. I took a picture of my Ruston by the same maker and with the same drive which may help. The drive unit is intended to sit within the frame which is set up so that compensation can occur as I hope the following will show.

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I think your DS74 is the same idea as my engine but with an extra pair of wheels fore and aft.

HTH

David

[nberrington]

The drive unit is intended to sit within the frame which is set up so that compensation can occur as I hope the following will show.


I think your DS74 is the same idea as my engine but with an extra pair of wheels fore and aft.

HTH

David

Thank for the clarification! The picture is very helpful. Michael Edge e-mailed me today to explain how it works. He's a very helpful man!
I assume the clearance you gave on the front axle is done for both wheels (left and right) and the rear axle is reasonably snug?

[David Knight]

I had to check the instructions as the fixed axle is a bit grotty with lubricants and washers but there should be correct sized “top hat” style bushes that go in the outer frame for the fixed axle in the kit. The bushes need to be filed quite flat for fit which makes them hard to see once assembled.

Assembly of the whole drive section is one of those “with your third hand… “ type of jobs but very satisfying when done. Sort of a read three or four times before attempting job. You’ll see the little critter when you come for Symposium.

Cheers,

David

[nberrington]

So we moved along a bit with the chassis, having sorted my compensation challenges

[nberrington]

While the gearbox and bits are getting a bit of a run in, I continued withe the superstructure. Not wanting to inadvertently solder anything to the footplate, I made a jig from MDF to keep everything square and dandy...

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Moving along with curving the various bonnets and bits - trial and error. These are nice etches though, so it isn’t as daunting as it might be cleverly placed half etches help you along.

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[Enigma]

I remember seeing the prototype while travelling into London from Norbiton station. It was parked on the ramp into the power station. I seem to also remember that there was an article in a magazine about the loco late 50's/early 60's, probably Model Railway Constructor. I think I tried to make it using balsa and card but, at the time, it was slightly more than my abilities - and modelling experience - would allow.

[nberrington]

I remember seeing the prototype while travelling into London from Norbiton station. It was parked on the ramp into the power station. I seem to also remember that there was an article in a magazine about the loco late 50's/early 60's, probably Model Railway Constructor. I think I tried to make it using balsa and card but, at the time, it was slightly more than my abilities - and modelling experience - would allow.

It’s a unique piece and not much known about it. Apparently the livery was “filthy” - Mr Edge suggests it was likely Bullied Green after the war. I would assume SR goods black prior.

In LSWR days I guess anyone’s guess - seemingly intended as a shunted on the tube, I imagine LSWR passenger livery?

Does anyone have any insight ?

[nberrington]

Coming along…

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[nberrington]

The chassis is almost there. A few issues to resolve. The compensating wheel fouls the frame when going forward (?!). This might be a challenge, as the wheels are captured as soon as you mount the motor unit.
I’ll figure it out....

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[nberrington]

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It’s so ugly, it’s pretty…..