An H.J. Coventry 3-1/2" gauge USRA 0-6-0 Switcher under construction by George Waldron of Canada
The 3/4" scale, 3-1/2" gauge USRA D-30 class 0-6-0 switcher, nearly complete except for cab and tender, as designed by H.J. Coventry in 1949, and illustrated in The Miniature Locomotive Magazine in 1954.
Here's what the prototype looked like. From this, you'll have an idea of the size, looks, and proportions of the 3-1/2" gauge version.
Hand pump and injectors standard; a VanBrocklin duplex water pump (steam powered) can be mounted on the left side of the locomotive (drawings available); and a non-Coventry axle pump can be built and custom-fitted by builder if desired 4-1/2" OD copper boiler; silver soldered. Can be rolled from sheet, or seamless pipe can be purchased from suppliers in the United Kingdom
Quick Facts.....
Designed by Mr. Coventry to be machined on a 9” South Bend Lathe. Even the cylinders machine in the lathe! (A small milling machine, a mill-drill, or a lathe milling attachment, can handle the other milled parts). Half-Saddle Piston Valve Cylinders with exhaust ports (and steam and exhaust clearances in the valve bore), “cored in”. These cylinders are exactly the same as the ones Mr. Coventry sold in the 1950s, and are proudly made in New England, USA NO COMPLEX “STEP” BORING the clearances in the valve chamber; and no “crazy-shaped” valve liner to machine. The valve bore, and liner, are machined parallel. Mr. Coventry’s original construction notes, including instructions for easily holding the cylinders on a faceplate in the 9” South Bend lathe and machining them; sketches and descriptions of the various jigs and fixtures used; and instructions and sketches on how to construct the boiler and combustion chamber, are available.
The 3/4" scale D-30 class USRA 0-6-0 cylinders (with valve crossheads, in bronze, also shown). Half-saddle, piston valve, exhaust ports cored. Steam and exhaust clearances in valve bore also cored, thus eliminating complex "step" boring operations within the bore. Proudly made in New England, USA.
All shipping prices are for USA shipping. For Canada and overseas, please inquire.
Complete set of drawings, copied from Mr. Coventry's originals.....$299.00 plus $25 shipping. Copies of Mr. Coventry's original construction articles are available for $30 plus $8 shipping. They detail many aspects of construction, including: cylinders, drive wheels, boiler, and valve gear.
Grates Stack Stack Washer Draft Pipe Sand Box Steam Dome Cover Sand Box #2 Turrett Air Tank Brackets Cab Front Smokebox Front Smokebox Door Smokebox Ring Fire Door Fire Door Hinge Power Reverse Cylinder Power Reverse Steam Chest Power Reverse Guide Headlight Blowoff Valve Bell Frame Compressor
(Note: shipping amount for the "Tender Section" is approximate, the actual cost is based on your location. After your order is processed, you will be credited for any shipping overpayment or invoiced for shortage. Thank you.)
If more than one section of castings is purchased at once, shipping will be consolidated and credit given to your PayPal account or credit card, for any shipping overpayment. You may also pay by check or money order, or, by regular credit card not through PayPal. Please inquire.
The 3/4" scale USRA 0-6-0 switcher as being built by Jack Bodenmann of California.
Here are the brake cylinders and components after machining, and ready for assembly.
The brake cylinder and its components, machined and assembled, and ready for installation.
The locomotive is equipped with steam-powered brakes controlled from the cab. This rare underside view of the chassis, shows the brake rigging. Three photos and phenomenal machining on the brake section by Jack Bodenmann, California USA.
The finished cylinders for the 3/4" scale 0-6-0 USRA switcher. Superb machine and assembly work by Jack Bodenmann, California USA.
