The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad "Lafayette". This is actually a photo of the 1927 reproduction, but the appearance is the same. H.J. Coventry designed this engine in 1-1/2" scale. Wheel and Cylinder sections are available, below.
1-1/2" Scale, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad early 4-2-0 "Lafayette"
Originally built by Norris at Philadelphia
In the 1960s, H.J. Coventry designed a 1-1/2" scale version of the famous B & O "Lafayette" locomotive.
The prototype Lafayette, built by Norris in Philadelphia in 1837, was the first B & O locomotive to have a horizontal boiler, and was one of the earliest to use a lead truck. Although the original "Lafayette" does not exist, a reproduction was built for the B & O's Centennial Exposition in 1927, and is on display at the Baltimore & Ohio Museum in Baltimore, MD.
The 1-1/2" scale version can be built for 7-1/4" or 7-1/2" gauge. It has an all-copper boiler, or, bronze castings can be used. It uses "drop hook" gear, a style of early "Gab Gear" (a primitive, but functional, predecessor to the Stepenson gear). The engine can be reversed from the cab (even though there is no cab!), although no change in cutoff can be effected.The locomotive is a simple, small engine of an early prototype; it is in the popular 1-1/2" scale size, and is ideal for the builder who wants something unique, and interesting to build, and something "different" to bring to the track.
Drawings, a complete set detailing all parts and assemblies, are available below. Also, castings for the cylinder section, drive wheels, pilot wheels, and tender wheels....are available below. Other castings can be produced, if there is enough interest. But with the "basics" here, there is enough to build the locomotive.
DRAWINGS
Click the link below to purchase the Lafayette drawings. $300.00 plus shipping, to the USA. For other countries, please inquire.
The Cylinder Section for the 1-1/2" scale Lafayette. Includes cylinders, front and rear cylinder heads, steam chests, slide valves, steam chest covers, exhaust base (tee), exhaust stand, and crossheads. The front and rear cylinder heads, and the steam chest covers, are fitted with chucking spigots for easier setup and machining. These iron and bronze castings are made in New England, USA by the traditional "sand casting" method, to Mr. Coventry's exact original specifications.
Click the link at left to purchase the Lafayette "Cylinder" section. $995.00 plus shipping, to the USA. For other countries, please inquire.
