Lion 0-4-2 (Titfield Thunderbolt) 1838

LBSC described versions 'Lion' under the name 'Titfield Thunderbolt' for 3 1/2" and 5" gauges.

The prototype locomotive, an 0-4-2 tender locomotive was built in Leeds in 1838 by Messrs Todd, Kitson and Laird for the Liverpool & Manchester Railway. It survived, largely forgotten, as a pumping engine for Mersey Docks & Harbour Board following withdrawal from service and was 'rediscovered' in 1927 and restored. It had a starring role in the 1953 comedy film 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' and is currently exhibited in the Museum of Liverpool.

The overall length of loco and tender in 5" gauge is 36" with 5 5/16" diameter driving wheels.

LBSC produced full drawings and construction notes for both the 3 1/2" gauge and 5" gauge Lions for Model Engineer magazine with the series commencing in Volume 108, issue 2716, June 11 1953, page 698, and drawing to a close in Volume 111, issue 2796, December 23 1954, page 744.

In addition to LBSC's 'words and music' L A Saxby wrote an article for Model Engineer giving a very brief overview of how he had built his Model Engineer Exhibition Championship Cup winning version of Lion in 5" gauge. The article was published in Model Engineer (UK) magazine, Volume 136, issue 3402, 2 October 1970, page 948.

Errors in Drawings
LBSC's drawings produce a locomotive with the outwards appearance of Lion, not a scale model. There is a letter authored by Charles E Taylor-Nobbs on the subject with suggested corrections to produce a more accurate representation in Model Engineer magazine Volume 150, issue 3705, 20 May 1983, page 620.

The gab valve-gear as drawn by LBSC cannot be reversed except at certain crank-axle positions. Modifications with dimensioned drawings applicable to 5" gauge Lion locomotives were authored by L A Saxby in Model Engineer Magazine, volume 139, issue 3479, 21 December 1973, page 1222. He also advocates modifications to lock the screwed valve-rod glands and addition of a bridge piece to the end of the rocker-arms to cope with excessive strain.

Further comments on the gab valve-gear including an improved valve-rod gland and other suggested improvements are covered in an article in Model Engineer magazine by K C Miller in Volume 150, issue 3707, 17th June 1983, page 714.