BR Britannia Latest News
Sunday 29th, November 2009
news about Britannias and Clans, as well as other Standards
Detailed Britannia works drawings will be reviewed next week with the builder during my final King inspection visit, with the intension of proceeding quickly. If both the builder (especially) and I are satisfied with drawings supplied (as well as supporting photographs) model engineering drawings will start in early 2010. Although more Clan information has become available since our previous appeal, we are still missing drawings of a few crucial components. If anyone can assist, it would be much appreciated. We are able to calculate these missing dimensions accurately from a series of fine photos we’ve been given, through a sophisticated computer programme. However both the builder and I prefer to use works drawings to develop model engineering drawings at this early stage.
For those interested in those elusive Clans Class 6 Pacifics there is a good article in December’s British Railways Illustrated; accompanied by some interesting photos. Not only does the article give background to all ten named Clans but it also lists and describes background to the next fifteen planned (and subsequently cancelled). Mostly more Scottish Clan names (although most appear anglicised to me), although five intended for the Southern Region are an interesting collection.
Although it was planned to develop 9F 2-10-0’s as the next standard to be built (our first venture into a non-express passenger locomotive) in 20011/12, we are having second thoughts. Standard 5’s are another standard class that has been brought to our attention. Not only can we use some BR1A tenders already developed for Class 7’s and 6’s but BR1H was almost identical. And then BR1B and BR1C were also used for 9F’s. So, not surprisingly I suppose, there is much commonality. But there are two other reasons for considering standard class 5’s. Firstly Southern region 5’s carried former ‘King Arthur’s names. Always an attractive feature. Secondly, the fitting of Capriotti valve gear. With detailed Walschaert inside working motion fitted to our Castles and Kings working superbly, it is very tempting to consider producing up to thirty 5’s as built, fitted with fully working Capriotti rotary cam popett valve system. They would certainly look very different and be a challenge.
Just a thought at this stage. We are well prepared with 9F works drawings but nothing more will happen until 2011. But it is worth considering standard class 5’s. However, this is incidental to making sure Britannias and Clans are as accurate as possible and delivered on schedule. Further news in the new year, after the builder has had an opportunity to review Britiannia works drawing.
Michael Brooks
29th November 2009
