Building a saddle tank

[Alan GeeParticipant]

I am constructing in brass a Ballymena and Larne 3ft gauge 2-6-0 saddle tank 4mm scale in brass. There seems to be two ways of making the saddle superstructure. One is to make the boiler fitting in total between the smoke box and the cab and then construct the saddle tank to fit on top of the boiler. Alternatively the smoke box, saddle tank and small section of the boiler between the saddle tank and the cab could all be made separately  and then joined up. The fitting of the motor and gearbox is not a problem.

Which method would members recommend as the simplest method of construction.

Kind regards

Alan Gee

[Stuart FirthParticipant]

Hi I usually fit the boiler to the chassis and then arrange the superstructure to fit down over the top:

On other occasions I have made the boiler and tank as a detachable unit that threads over the motor and bolts into place – hope that’s of some help!

[Alan GeeParticipant]

Hello Stuart,

Many thanks for your reply with regards to making a saddle tank. Making the two half’s of the saddle and then joining them together is a interesting idea. I have only made one saddle tank previously the Ballymena and Larne 0-6-0 Countess of Antrim. I made the complete boiler then fitted the saddle on top of it. I had problems cutting out the double curves on the saddle tank ends. With the Bruiser I think I shall make the small rear boiler, the complete saddle tank, and the smoke box separately then join them together on the base plate.

Thanks again for your advice

Alan Gee

 

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   assembled-boiler-parts-scaled.jpg
   

[Stuart FirthParticipant]

Show us when it’s finished!

[Alan GeeParticipant]

Will post a picture of the finished Bruiser when completed. I thought you might like to see a picture of the finished Countess of Antrim the only other addle tank I have made so far.

Thank you for the postings

Alan Gee

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   countess-front-scaled.jpg
   

[Alan GeeParticipant]

At last I have just about finished my Ballymena and Larne 3ft gauge 2-6-0 saddle tank commonly called the Bruiser. I made the boiler, saddle tank and smoke box as three separate units and then soldered them together on the base plate.  I have attached a picture of the Bruiser which may be of interest.

Kind regards

Alan Gee

[Author]

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