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I made a start tonight on what will eventually be a 7.1/4" gauge lister look a like locomotive. With my pile of scrap metal collected from work over the winter I made a start on the chassis, turning 40mm box section into 40mm C Channel. 

There is also x8 peices of angle 6" long which will be for the corners and the axle hangers, just have to scrounge some more angle of the same to complete the chassis. 

The engine for this loco will be a Honda 5.5hp engine from a generator, which was kicking around at the back of someone's shed. The exhaust is knackard but that's of no consequence as the engine runs strong. This via belt drive will drive a 100amp car alternator, which (experimental for me) has had the rectifier removed. In its place a variable 12v input, will become the locomotives speed control. The alternator output, been wired straight to the motor via winch relays to alternate the direction of current, and subsequently forwards and backwards. I'll explain more on that when I get to it. 

For now lots of cutting, grinding drilling and bolting lay ahead. I also have two axles and four wheels to machine up from 6" dia steel, on my ML4, that might be quite a challenge. 

After the railway at Tees has been overhauled, it makes sense to have a loco of my own to run on it. 

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I've drawn up the loco in fusion 360, so hopefully no surprises.

The steel been scrap material means I have an unwanted hole in the long sections for both sides, so I'll have to figure that one out at a later date. Maybe even make a feature of it, but we will see.

I also have plans for a Maid of Kent loco, and began to draw up a Garrett loco in fusion. But those two are long term projects and ones which will definately not be as quicker build as this loco SHOULD be. Lol

The cost of petrol electric, to an eaton hydrostatic unit, or even hydraulic system is the reason for choosing the drive system I have. Plus the power unit I'm hoping to make removable so easier to move around and transport if the loco can be disassembled easily. Much like Colin Edmundsons scamp loco of which much inspiration has been taken.

It all starts with a Frame . After all that track laying at your MES it is  time to build something to run on the renovated rails  I like the idea of a small Lister diesel . Small engines are avalable for a relatively cheap Price or a motorscooter /Moped power unit of any Kind is useable to Keep the cost low In 7.25 Inch the poxssibilities are  limitless and please Keep us posted About your efforts

cheers Joe

Joe, I have the engine already, and I bought an alternator. So I only need to buy some electronics, wheel bearings and machine the wheelsets. I'll be cracking on with some more frame work tonight. Then the whole lot can be lined up and drilled for bolts. Though a welded frame is tempting as it'll be quicker.

Did you finish your loco? would be nice to see the finished product. been toying with the idea of making one myself.