This is a gauge "0" model of a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement British tank locomotive based closely on plans published in Meccano magazine of September 1929. The instructions were also published in the 1930 4 - 7 instruction manual. I think it is a very appealing model and easily lends itself to modification.

The model is fitted with a Meccano No1. clockwork motor however, I found the model was far too heavy to move easily, it worked beautifully at a good speed with the drive unit out, that is just the motor and wheels. The drive is taken from the motor pinion by meshing directly with a half inch pinion in the motor frame this same rod carries the rear driving wheels. I think Meccano were very optimistic about this as the motor is similar to that in their large Hornby clockwork locos that are  fraction of the all up weight of this loco. I am intending one day to rebuild the model using a small modern electric motor.

I have tried to improve the appearance the original by using parts not available in 1929 such as narrow strips. These have been used on the tank tops and connecting rods. I am indebted to Graham Jost of Melbourne Australia for sharing his experience of building the model and sending copies of the original plans to me. An illustration from those plans is shown above. Graham's own version of the tank engine is shown below, note the engine driver or is it the fireman peering out of the cab.

The model above built by Graham Jost is driven by endless spring cord in the base contacting ALL wheels on the far side, so that even the front and rear boogie wheels revolved - a very satisfactory scheme, which ensures that all wheels, irrespective of their diameter, are turning at their correct relative speeds! The Model has now been demolished!

The picture above is another version of the same model this time built by Jacques Vuye, Tour de Faure, France . Jacques built this after seeing my model and visiting the National Railway Museum in York.

This is another version built in 2009 by Eric Viali, Cergy, France.

This version using genuine 1920s nickel and later red parts was built by Joseph N Attard of Malta.

Page revised May 28 2009

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