Even though the world is on lockdown, work is still continuing on the replica 2-4-0 ‘Blyth’. Dave Humphreys, of North Bay Engineering, has sent us a photo and video of the leading Adams radial truck fitted to the front of the frames, the frames of course still being upside down whilst the wheels are installed. The Adams radial axle, named after the CME of the old London & South Western Railway*, has bearings that are carried in special guides that ensure the axle slides from side to side not in a linear path, but a radial one as the locomotive traverses a curve- hence the name.
* I want to say he was called Mr Axle, but that would be frivolous. He was called William Adams, and designed some very elegant locomotives in his day.
Oliver
News from North Bay