SIMPLEX.
Simplex is a freelance 0-6-0 tank in 5" gauge, by Martin Evans. It has become deservedly popular, and a large number have been built, often with styling changes that alter the appearance to some degree and add a touch of individuality.
Although some people suggest it as a beginners locomotive, I feel that there are other designs which are more suitable for the novice. Nevertheless, many people have successfully  built Simplex as their first effort.

There are few errors in the design or drawings, but the following points from Paul Ivinson may be helpful to other builders.

An observation about the buffer beam. Don't scale from the drawings for this item!

As drawn on sheet 1 the buffer beam is drawn 1/8" too short. At some point the dimensions have been corrected but the part wasn't redrawn. This isn't a problem as long as you only go by the written dimensions. (I didn't!). There are two places you may be caught out.

1) There are two brass angles (1" x 1/2" x 1/8") that are the mounts for the front (and rear) of the running board. These aren't dimensioned and simply scaling from the drawing means you will cut these 1/16" too short.

2) When finally marking up to position all the various angle brackets it is important to work from the centre. If you mark out by simply starting at one edge and work to the opposite side you'll be an 1/8" out if you use
distances scaled from the drawing.

2800 - 5 inch Swindon Locomotive Snags

Compiled by Bob Underwood

1, Reeves sold me the Torquay Manor Cylinders, the Cylinder and Pistons valves are too far apart.

2, Reeves sold me the Firefly coupled wheels with spokes each side of the crankpin instead of a spoke in line with the crankpin.

3, The boiler barrel should be at least 1/2 inch longer than shown. I made mine 1" longer to be safe.

4, The leading coupling rod boss fouls the valve rod.

5, The firebox stretcher fouls the eccentric straps. I made mine in two parts, upper as shown , the lower set back just high enough to support the firebox.

6, Do not drill the blowdown holes in the frame until the position is confirmed on the firebox.

7,Do not cut the curved slot in the reach rod until it and the support bracket have been assembled. Allow more metal than suggested to cut the slot.

8, The front Brake hangers are very tight to the cylinders.

9, The driving brake beam may foul the expansion link in full forward gear.

10. The Reeves wheels (for Firefly) have the crank pins in the wrong place. You can get the right castings from College Engineering

Summary
Swindon is an excellent design - free steaming , very powerful, lovely to drive and fun to make. Well done, Martin Evans!

For more information Visit 2807, the oldest 28xx and the holder of the record for the heaviest freight train pulled in 1905. 2807 is located at Toddington, on the Gloucester and Warwickshire railway. See www.gwr2807.co.uk

Swindon. (GWR 28xx). Martin Evans

1) The boiler and smoke box meet but do not overlap.
2) The coupling rod to the leading coupled wheel fouls the valve rod.
(from John Pagett.)

3. The wheels from Reeves have the crank pins in the wrong place.
College Engineering can supply the correct wheels. (From Bob Underwood).

I am hearing an increasing number of complaints about Modelworks, and the engines that they produce.
It would seem that almost every product has a number or errors, and many have a long list of them.

Please let me know if you are building any of their models, what problems you have encountered, and, perhaps more importantly, if you have managed to complete one successfully.