New York Central Niagara class
The following photos show a very brief insight into the construction of a giant amongst steam locomotives. That of the superb 1/5th scale model of the New York Central 6019 4-8-4 Niagara class express passenger locomotive, researched and constructed by member and locomotive builder John Wilks at the Stapleford works. The Locomotive has been in service at SMR public days now since summer 1997.
John started construction of the locomotive during the heyday years of the SMR back in 1974. As with all the locomotives at the SMR, it is built to 1/5th scale and 10 1/4″ gauge. 6019 is a replica of the Niagara class, of which all 27 built at ALCO were scrapped by 1956.
It makes a partner to the SMR Berkshire, and both engines often run at the same time on back to back trains with the added bonus of the occasional double headed special!
The start of something big, the car and hairstyles date this picture as late 70's early 1980 as the 1/5th scale Niagara boiler is lifted at the Stapleford workshop of John Wilks
The start of something big, the car and hairstyles date this picture as late 70's early 1980 as the 1/5th scale Niagara boiler is lifted at the Stapleford workshop of John Wilks
The locomotives frame takes shape
The locomotives frame takes shape
Starting to look a bit like a loco now
Starting to look a bit like a loco now
Getting there!
Getting there!
Just the bells whistles and paint required!!
Just the bells whistles and paint required!!
John Wilks lights up a fire in his creation for the first time during the hours of steam tests in the workshop yard, prior to the engine permanently moving to the newly constructed Loco shed.
Note the detailed work on the scale controls, a feature not found in great amounts on the existing SMR fleet due to practical operations.
John Wilks lights up a fire in his creation for the first time during the hours of steam tests in the workshop yard, prior to the engine permanently moving to the newly constructed Loco shed.
Note the detailed work on the scale controls, a feature not found in great amounts on the existing SMR fleet due to practical operations.
More static steam tests
More static steam tests
Studious faces as the "Chief" test pilot (far right) gets to grips with Johns masterpiece during static steam testing
Studious faces as the "Chief" test pilot (far right) gets to grips with Johns masterpiece during static steam testing
John relaxes after nearly 25 years work!
John relaxes after nearly 25 years work!
Chairman of the FSMR
Chairman of the FSMR
Just constructing the tender would be daunting to most
Just constructing the tender would be daunting to most
6019 in all her glory on show in the new SMR loco shed at a private function just after her completion
6019 in all her glory on show in the new SMR loco shed at a private function just after her completion
Paintwork gleaming, she sits in front of the Haven, down by the lake. The points diverge under the Loco to allow access onto the balloon section of the line behind the tender. The return line is where the Locos driving wheels are sitting. "Niagara" is currently the "wrong" way round on the point, having been towed through backwards by the diesel during dry testing of loading and track gauges.
Paintwork gleaming, she sits in front of the Haven, down by the lake. The points diverge under the Loco to allow access onto the balloon section of the line behind the tender. The return line is where the Locos driving wheels are sitting. "Niagara" is currently the "wrong" way round on the point, having been towed through backwards by the diesel during dry testing of loading and track gauges.
Facing up the bank, on the start of the long climb, the detailed workmanship can be clearly seen by this angle. Everything including rivets is to scale
"Niagara" is sitting near to the point where the 1960's series "The Avengers" filmed Diana Rigg tied to the track.( She was rescued by John Steed!)
Facing up the bank, on the start of the long climb, the detailed workmanship can be clearly seen by this angle. Everything including rivets is to scale
"Niagara" is sitting near to the point where the 1960's series "The Avengers" filmed Diana Rigg tied to the track.( She was rescued by John Steed!)