Merlin rides again

[Mr ACME]

Hello All

Delivered my latest rebuild to a customer today. i returned his aged Merlin Mayflower, which was received by me as a forlorn looking box of bits and returned, dare one say, better than new. Taken some time but we finally got there.

Thanks to Simon Whenmouth who helped out with new cylinders, pistons, valve chests and ,"O'" rings.

Overall what's left of the original? Not a lot. Bit like the man who when asked about his hammer replied,"Well I've had this hammer twenty five years and it's only had three new heads and four new shafts.

You may like to see the engine in action at

http://youtu.be/X2aeWVJFk_0


Best

Mike Ousby

[TonyW]

Well done Mike, you are a braver man than I!

[Pendo Pilot]

I do love the look of these loco's, but the scare stories about them...well as Tony said.

[taliesin]

Looking good Mike, were the works plates on the engine already or did you supply them? i would love a set like that, cheers Rob

[taliesin]

I do love the look of these loco's, but the scare stories about them...well as Tony said.

Merlin's build quality was erm, variable, particularly towards the end, but there are enhanced parts out there and a sorted one is a complete joy, regards Rob

[LMS-Jools]

Thats a good plume of steam

[Mr ACME]

I do love the look of these loco's, but the scare stories about them...well as Tony said.

Merlin's build quality was erm, variable, particularly towards the end, but there are enhanced parts out there and a sorted one is a complete joy, regards Rob

The only parts I know as being available are replacement cylinders, pistons and valve chests from Simon Whenmouth, which is why I mentioned him in my original post.

Refurbishing and re manufacturing  valve gear parts as well as burner, gas tank, pipework, axles and bushes, bodywork repairs and really everything else had to be done in house.

The nameplates came with the engine.

Quality of manufacture of the engine was abysmal and really what the customer has is a brand new engine.

The person I did the work for is a fellow member of our group and a friend. To carry out the same level of work for somebody else would be extremely expensive.



Mike Ousby

[taliesin]

Hi Mike, Milton Locomotive works do supply wheel bearings, and also can modify the burner. Simon does have crank pins, and also plans to have new sets of valve gear made, the drawings are prepared, but i don't think he has had it done yet. Pearse can supply some parts which fit with little or no modification (if you can actually contact them).
If parts such as gas tanks are missing it is more difficult, either make a new one or adapt another.
Can't disagree about the labour costs, wish i could pay me self for the hours spent fiddling with my Merlin's
All the best, Rob - "as sure as sunrise !"