With Inventor 3D modelling software I set out the first sketches and the data was used for laser cutting the main frames. Measurements were taken from works drawings of the book and from the Brawa H0 model. Later on I took measurements from one of the preserved locos in the Landesmuseum für Technik und Arbeit Mannheim.
The mainframe and frame stretchers are laser cut in 4mm steel plate. These were the first parts of the new locomotive project in the work shop. It took me 11 years to build the 'Didcot', so only time will learn how long it will take me to complete this locomotive.
A test assembly for the frames.
The buffers and coupling hook
With a total length of 1.10m even the frame is quite heavy.
Giving an impression of size: At the top the 5"gauge GWR 0-4-2 'Didcot', below the 3½"gauge 0-6-2 'Mona' and in front of it, the 7¼" frame of the T3
Small steel angle profile (10x10x2 and 15x15x3mm) was used to erect the frames. Buffers are turned from mild steel bar, the coupling hooks are cut from solid steel bar. I always like to make these parts in the beginning, to get an impression of the size of the loco.
