Hi All, I think overall that the ideal starter loco is the venerable LBSC Speedy. I think that it has more steet creds than a Simplex which is a freelance design and can be modified to your hearts content up to a true scale model. It also has great pulling power with it's large cylinders,. Regards Clif ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jem Harrison" <Jem.Harrison@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2005 10:45 AM Subject: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] 3½ versus 5 > Thankyou for sticking-up for 3½, Alan! > > I have seriously considered Doris. I have seen two of these running on > the > Chelmsford track, and they were quite different. One builder said "Never > again!" and the other recommended doing a tank engine in 5-inch gauge. > > Best wishes, > Jem > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "alan Stepney" <alan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> > Sent: Monday, September 26, 2005 9:12 PM > Subject: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] 3½ versus 5 > > >>I am going to go against the trend and advice 3 1/2" IF, and only if, you >> have a track or club, that accepts that size. >> >> The ML10 is an excellent lathe, but it is small, and will limit what you >> can >> build. >> Unless you farm out some work, the lathe size should be the deciding >> factor. >> >> In 5", I expect you could manage Ajax, but even Simplex might be beyond >> the >> lathes capabilities. >> (I would need to check on the drawings to be sure.) >> I dont know about Sweet pea, as I havent seen the drawings. However, it >> isnt >> one of my favourites. >> >> 3 1/2" is smaller, lighter to carry and easier to transport around. >> They can haul a decent load, and many engines regularly haul a dozen or >> more >> passengers round club tracks. >> Look at the results for IMLEC and you will see what 3 1/2" engines can do >> and how well they run. >> >> The other advantage is that the cost of materials is less. Ruin a casting >> and you only need speak nicely to the bank manager, not go down on bended >> knee !! >> >> At the end of the day, what you build should be what you can run, and, >> most >> importantly, an engine that you like the look of. >> >> Alan Stepney >> >> http://www.alanstepney.info >> Model Engineering & steam engine information pages >> >> MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. >> >> To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, >> modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject >> line. >> > > > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. > > To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, > modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject > line. > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.11.8/113 - Release Date: 27/09/2005 > MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.