Garden Railway Forum

That is a mighty fine looking loco Julie...A brilliant find I must say...

Great stuff! Looking forward to seeing this running!

Yes, congratulations on purchasing a lovely loco - I hope you can get it running as well as it looks. I had a Merlin catalogue which i spent a lot of time drooling over in the the late 80s - I'm not sure that anyone's yet come up with a generic loco that matches the good looks of the Mayflower and Mayfly...

Good luck with it,

Andrew.

Hi Tom, Unfortunately no, I didn't see it running prior to buying the loco. Peter Kindly took the loco home with him, to look over it, and today informed me that he has had it steaming, only one problem, pressure gauge isn't working, hopefully it will just need cleaning. I don't know if spares parts are available any more if they are needed.
Hi Andrew, Do you know if the Merlin Catalogues available anywhere?

I have to admit to a certain level of responsibility for this as I brokered the purchase of the loco from a contact in another model club local to us. I had every reason to rely on him and have been most satisfied with the condition of the Mayflower, considering its age.
It does have issues, as you would expect..... the pressure gauge doesn't work but could just be blocked. The RC had slight corrosion on the contacts, which has now been cleaned, and the receiver switch had to be replaced and re-wired.... now it works!
We will be visiting another 16mm Association Local Area Group member next week to get his expert opinion and, hopefully, fix the pressure gauge problem.
Can anyone advise on the best way to preserve its integrity as a 'Heritage Loco'? Would it be better to leave it in its present condition or restore the paintwork and overall appearance to new condition?
Ultimately this will be Julie's decision but your guidance would be appreciated I'm sure.

For me I would leave it has is Julie. It looks like it could go on for ever, just like a lot of heritage locos. But it's yours Julie, so what ever you decide I am sure it's in a great home. And with Peter to guide you with it, you can't go wrong really.

Just Julie wrote: ↑Tue Apr 02, 2019 8:41 pm Hi Andrew, Do you know if the Merlin Catalogues available anywhere?

I think I've possibly still got mine somewhere, although I've no idea where - I'll scan it if I ever come across it...

In the meantime, I found the cover online!




All the best,

Andrew

A cracking purchase. A most handsome loco. Nice colour too. To restore or preserve? A vexing question indeed.

I have been so lucky, Merlin Mayflower has had the pressure gauge fixed and a good look over. I can't thank you enough Alan and Peter.
I don't think I will restore the loco, it looks good just the way it is, having character of age.
I have been pondering on a name relating to Mayflower and Merlin. Snapdragon it is then.

Snapdragon having its first run at home.

Looks the part, glad it's a runner.

Just a little beauty Julie. "Snapdragon" Now that's a name that conjures up memories ....

Lovely pictures of 'Snapdragon' well at-home on your line Julie, couldn't have found a better place to live.

Peter Butler wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19, 2019 9:21 am Lovely pictures of 'Snapdragon' well at-home on your line Julie, couldn't have found a better place to live.

At mine....

After having a wonderful afternoon last week at Peters railway, I thought that I had better get something done on the scenery side of my railway. A little pond and stream. Ooops, All the pics have come out in reverse order.

Well done Julie (and Dennis!) you have moved forward in this beautiful weather, the pond is looking great.
The final picture shows what magnificent scenery we are lucky enough to live in...... can't help but be inspired.

Wow! That looks like some serious civil engineering. Very impressive. Are they planting holes in the sides of the cliffs?

Rik

Looking interesting. Can't wait to see how this develops. I can't quite see the relationship between the position of the filter box, the pond and, you mentioned a stream?

Look at that view!

Wow Julie and Dennis, you certainly don't do things by half. That will be some pond and stream. I don't think I will post anything about our "Little Pond"

And that view is amazing...Can I live there please....