Tom Rolt

The prototype was designed at the Talyllyn Railway Pendre works, and built using parts from a 1948 Barclay 3' gauge locomotive as well as many new items. The project took over 20 years to complete and the loco entered service in 1991 as No.7, TOM ROLT. It is named after the transport history and engineering author, L. T. C. Rolt who inspired the rescue of the Talyllyn Railway by volunteers and was the TR's first general manager after preservation.
In the last 19 years, the loco has undergone a number of minor changes and this model is based on the engine as originally built.
As far as possible, all major dimensions are to scale for 16mm/1ft however, to ensure that performance and reliability are to their usual high standard, some compromises have been made in the cylinder and valve gear proportions.

Technical specifications for Tom Rolt

0-4-2 inside framed chassis with two double acting slide valve cylinders operated by simplified Walschaerts valve gear.
Internal gas firing using our 'FG' type burner.
Controls fitted as standard are :- steam regulator, safety valve, pressure gauge, displacement lubricator, water gauge, gas regulator and reversing gear.
Water gauge and top-up system fitted as standard.
Overall dimensions are :- length (over buffers) 300mm, width (over handrails) 98mm, height 136mm, weight 2.75kg ( with r/c).
Full radio control is available for both speed and direction.
Gauge is not adjustable but the model is available in both 32mm and 45mm gauge versions. Minimum radius on 32mm gauge is 2’ 6” and for 45mm gauge, it is 2’ (LGB R1) .
Supplied with both standard Roundhouse center buffers plus, hook coupling and buffers as per Talyllyn railway (as illustrated).
Insulated wheels fitted as standard.
Available in any standard Roundhouse colour.
45mm gauge version.

In order to accommodate the wider gauge, a separate, wider chassis is used on the 45mm gauge version. This causes the cylinders to protrude beyond the side tanks and buffer beams, but are still within the overall loading gauge width, measured over the cab side handrails. Also, the rear chassis beneath the cab is made wider to allow the rear truck to swing on curves.
All of the superstructure is the same for both 32mm and 45mm versions and is to scale for 16mm:1ft. The wider chassis is not used on 32mm gauge locomotives and is a necessary compromise to offer a 45mm gauge version, but may not look right to some eyes.