Garden Railway Forum

Here is an updated pic with most of the brass work all polished up and the paint buffed to a shine. Mike

Just found out that no, lamentably, Tom Cooper is no longer with us

I believe that Tom Cooper has gone to the great workshop in the sky.
Various books have been produced and think there is a plan to do a volume two of 16mm steam locomotives.
I understand that the history of Merlin/Tom Cooper is rather complicated and some people feel quite badly let down by various companies associated with him.
It may be a case of let sleeping dogs lie.

Yes, one would have to tread lightly due to some of the issues that befell Merlin. But that being said, people need to let go of those feelings, its in the past and it would be a shame to not write about the brand that got so many started in 16mm live steam because of the past doings. I would focus on the positives, the models and not dwell on the bad business deals. The article in STiG just touched on them and left them at that. There are plenty of positives with the early push for RC control and gas firing right from the early days. I know Ian Pearse is still with us, I wonder if Wendy Davies is? I read a nice blog that summed it up well. Tom Cooper had great visions for 16mm live steam, just not the best business sense. Not everybody is a good business man, and even when you are, your not going to make everybody happy. They say "Its nothing personal, just business." Keep them pictures coming. Mike

Has anyone on here got the picture of the prototype mustang? From that one might be able to make a replica

Were Merlin locos typically gauge adjustable?

big-ted:122332 wrote:Were Merlin locos typically gauge adjustable?

Pretty much all the outside framed ones as I understand yes

Killian Keane:122200 wrote:So is Tom Cooper still knocking about or is he passed away do you know?

He died about 9 years ago.

I wonder how many engines mr Cooper turned out of the merlin loco works, I have yet to see a works number above the 600s, which is still more than twice as many as George England ever made

River Tang, a modified little wonder.

Funny how some loco pics. force you to have a second or third look. Guess it's a personal taste thing. River Tang caught my eye, proper cylinders (sorry don't like outside oscillators) would help, but a simple, attractive straight forward loco none the less.
Grant.

Aha! Been waiting for river tang to show up on this thread!  :D gorgeous little loco!

Here is my current Merlin, let my friend talk me out of the Mayflower for his new indoor layout he is building. This one came from Simon over at Anything Narrow Gauge. Fully gone thru, new Planet RC 2.4Ghz installed, whistle fixed and lovely detailed and extra options with this one. Has steam stop valve fitted and water top up valve. Still need the "internals" for the Finescale lamp, doesn't light up. I could remove the internals from my tail light. I can get a proper golden white LED state side, but the lamp is missing the plastic bottom/battery holder. Has a works plate on the back of the cab, but the number area is blank. Mike

Heres an interesting merlin...
http://narrowgaugegardenrails.myfreefor ... ut378.html
A real pity he only made the one, I generally like smaller locos but this is a big exception  :love10:  :laughing3:

Now here is a blast from the past! I made this model for myself as a 'one off' as an extended W&L Hunslet No 14. The inspiration came from some of the Indian Narrow Gauge 2 foot gauge locos built by Kerr Stuart. The longer boiler, body, and some of the valve gear was built by Tony Sant of Finescale Engineering. As built the loco was a 2-8-4T and had a water tank and hand pump in the bunker. Unfortunately due to Wendy Davies making myself and half of the staff at Merlin redundant as 'cost cutting measures' and the soon arrival of my son James I had to sell the model. I belive that subsquently the loco got knocked off a table by the new owners cat and suffered damage to the front end and became an 0-8-4T. I hope the model is now enjoyed by it's current owner as much as I enjoyed building it.
Ian

Here are some updated pics of Hendey, my Merlin Major. Just for the fun of it, planning to keep her unless someone offers me a Accucraft Joan for it. Mike

I think Tom Cooper died quite sometime ago. I don't have all the details. I helped him out at the Imrex model railway show in London about 1987.
I have an old Merlin Midas but it's on poor shape mechanically.

Steamcoaster wrote: ↑Tue May 30, 2017 3:12 pm I think Tom Cooper died quite sometime ago. I don't have all the details. I helped him out at the Imrex model railway show in London about 1987.
I have an old Merlin Midas but it's on poor shape mechanically.

Yes, 2009 or so I'm told, a real pity

Really interesting thread of some beautiful locos, unfortunately i am not able to view your’s Killian Keane, Photobucket want me to upgrade my account for which i won’t do.

But looking at the others, they are really fine looking locos. :thumb: Can you still get them.

Time to wake up the Merlin Loco pic thread. I will try to reload all the pics I lost after the whole Photobucket mess. First pic is my new to me Merlin Maestro along with its original paperwork from the USA dealer he came from. Runs and steams as good as he looks. One picture shows him nosed up to my Merlin Mayflower(up for trade for a Beck Helena btw). Love both, but need more continental looking engines like my Maestro, better match for my LGB rolling stock. Mike the Aspie