Tich (3.5 Gauge)

Overview
Tich is an 0-4-0 Tank locomotive designed by LBSC to resemble a Contractors engine based on an original drawing by Leslie Clarke. It is available in both large and small round-top boiler variants as well as the version that LBSC built for himself, a 'large' Belpaire boiler version. Plans cover outside Walschaerts or slip-eccentric valve-gear alternatives.

LBSC made a number of changes to Leslie Clarkes original design increasing the wheelbase from 3 5/8" to 4 1/4" and the overhangs front and rear by 1" and 1/2" respectively. The most important change however was that in the original Clarke design the footplate between the frames was formed of a bronze casting 3/4" thick to counteract the weight of the cylinders at the front-end and which thus made axle-weights equal. The LBSC Tich is missing this feature and is decidedly front-heavy.  In addition Clarke always thought that LBSC had made things difficult for himself by putting the eccentric for the axle driven feed-pump on the rear axle, his version had the drive on the front axle remote from the heat and dust of the ashpan and where there was more room.

If disc wheels are acceptable then Tich can be built entirely without castings by fabrication.

Dimensions:

Length: 15 3/4"

Width: 6 1/2"

Height: 9 1/4"

Typical weight: less than 10kg.

Construction and drawings were featured in Model Engineer magazine Volumes 100-105. The 'large' Belpaire boiler construction was described complete with drawings in Model Engineer magazine Volume 118, issue 2961, 20 February 1958, pages 238-240. There is also a book, currently out of print, containing drawings and the full construction series: 'Simple Model Locomotive Building, introducing LBSC's Tich'. The book, whilst containing a photo' of LBSC's own version does not include the Belpaire boiler drawings.

Drawings and castings are available from Blackgates Engineering, GLR Kennions, GS Model Engineering, Reeves 2000, E.J. Winter, and many others.

Drawing Errors: The brake gear cross-beams foul the frame. A solution is to make cut-outs in the lower frame edges to accommodate them.



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