Hello Mike et al -

There was an EXCELLENT two-part article by Allen J. Brewster in the March and June, 1973, issues of Model Railroader. The March issue covered the 'as-built' Vauclain Compound K-27's, the June issue covered the numerous variations of rebuilds which occurred - complete with very detailed plans which included non-superheated w/ slide valves, superheated w/ both inboard and outboard piston valves, etc. There are NUMEROUS detail photos, including a few of the underside taken when the engine was hoisted up in the air while being loaded for its trip to Antonito.

These plans inspired me to modify a PFM model of #461 with cab detail and "working" valve gear. I've posted some pics previously (see [ngdiscussion.net]), so I'll repeat just one pair here, showing the radius rod in both lowered (forward) and raised (reverse) positions:


The plans also inspired me to create an isometric drawing, which I shared with Swede Norlin of Tomalco, in hopes that he might be able to make an Sn3 valve gear "kit" available, but neither of us followed through on this:


The drawing was done the old-fashioned way - with a straight-edge, 30-degree triangle, pencils and then Koh-I-Nohr drafting pens. That was before I had taken any formal classes in drafting, so there were several false starts. (I was living at my parent's place for a few months while recovering from abdominal surgery, so I had plenty of too much time on my hands ... )  It was scanned and shaded this afternoon, after the above post reminded me of its existence. I spent more time looking for a copy of it today than shading the scanned version.

- Russ

p.s. There is a "serious" error in the valve gear on the model - not just shoddy workmanship or slotted screws.  
The first person to spot it gets credit for a $50 pledge to the "#489 - A Season in Green" fund ...



Edited 8 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2019 05:21PM by Russo Loco.