1918 Atkinson Steam Wagon with Vertical Boiler
by Mike Stoodley
This model is based on a ‘Matchbox’ model prototype which proved to be very handy for scale and proportion.
Measurements are:
Length = 700mm – 28”
Width = 200mm – 8”
Height = 280mm – 11.2”
Weight = 7.2kg – 16.5lb
Like many models no doubt, it began life as a simple look-alike which I had wanted to construct when I was about ten years of age (way back in the 1930s!) so if one waits long enough...
However, it has become what I call a progressive model, with continual additions, developments, readjustments, and refinements. To be specific, in its now final(?) stage, it has:
Numbers in (?) refer to the pictures in the article.
(1) Tipping mechanism for the tray.
(2) Differential on the drive shaft.
(3) Keyway / Socket Coupling gear change from drive / neutral / tipping.
(4) A six speed electric PDU motor housed in the water tank at the rear, with a long (5) drive Rod and Helical Gear linkage to the Keyway gear change Rod at the front (behind the cab).
(6) A ‘clicking’ gadget from a broken toy, found at a picnic site! This is connected by Pinions to the long drive Rod from the electric motor and sounds realistic. (This clicker, the cab roof, and the bucket and shovels are the only non-Meccano parts in this model, I am putting together a proper Meccano roof at present.)
The gear lever (7) is a nine hole Strip connected by an End Bearing (8) to the sliding Rod (8a) which is journalled in two 1/2“ Double Angle Brackets, both of which are slightly bent and offset to prevent the Rod (8a) from sliding freely. This Rod carries a Coupling (9) which in turn carries two vertical 2” Rods (10) which fit into the narrow neck of the Socket Coupling (3) on the Keyway, effectively effecting the actual gear selection changing.
