Patrick

Designed and custom laser-cut by Colin Edmondson as a distant cousin of his famous Lister-engined  'Stumpy', with the layout and dimensions chosen by owner Alexander Henshaw. Assembled by Alexander Henshaw, with mechanical and electrical systems by David Henshaw

The loco was designed around a 210cc 3.5hp diesel engine with toothed-belt drive to a 1hp Bosch DC electric motor functioning as a generator, driving an identical motor. This motor is under the cab floor, with a chain drive forward via a cork clutch to a three-speed motorcycle gearbox (both from an old Allen Scythe!) close to the diesel engine, the final drive being by chain downwards to the front axle, with secondary chain to the rear axle. The generator also functions as a 24-volt starter motor, spinning the engine up to speed while the decompressor is held down - a system that works well, but in cold weather, the recoil starter can still be accessed through the right-hand side of the engine compartment. The exhaust is from a Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle, which adds a bit of bass to the exhaust note. Reversing is switched electrically, and the throttle is a rotary wheel, giving very fine control over engine speed

Patrick is named after Alexander's grandad Patrick Henshaw, best known for his own class of 7 1/4" battery-electric locomotives. Patrick never saw the diesel, but would have thought it a wonderful machine.

The locomotive has two unusual features. Alexander took the rather brave decision to go with a 'controlled rust' finish, rather than primer and paint, feeling that this would be more suitable for an industrial locomotive of this kind. Every now and again, the panels are rubbed down with Danish Oil - a combination of varnish and oil normally applied to protect and polish antique furniture. This has worked well so far, and the locomotive is developing a workaday and distinctly antique patina after three years! The other unusual feature is a variable gauge capability using Fenlock Taperlock bushes in the four wheels, giving complete freedom of gauge between 7 1/4" and 10 1/4". Normally based at the Manor Road Railway in Dorchester, 'Patrick' has visited Moors Valley (7 1/4") and the 9 1/2" Lakeshore Railroad in South Shields.