North Star Broad Gauge Locomotive (N Scale)

The first locomotive used on Brunel’s broad gauge Great Western Railway, North Star was designed by Robert Stephenson and hauled the railway’s first train in 1838 (before the line was fully completed).  Withdrawn in 1871 it was preserved at Swindon until 1906, when scrapped in error.  Recovered parts were used to build a non-operational replica now displayed at Swindon’s STEAM museum.  

When used with the North Star tender and other N broad gauge items available – notably axles for easy conversion and ready-to-use dual-gauge sleepers for track – this is a fully operational model.  Motorisation is easily undertaken by using one of the available standard-gauge motorised coaches/trucks on the dual-gauge track (broad gauge motorising is currently under development).  It would also be appropriate for any model of Swindon up to the present day!

Necessary to Complete:
Leading wheels – Peco spoked wheels cut in two work ideally
Driving wheels – Graham Farish Royal Scot driving wheels can be easily regauged on a 2mm diameter axle.  P4 wheels could also be used as an alternative.  
Axles – either those available to slot Peco wheelsets onto or an equivalent to ensure the correct 14mm gauge (eg 12.5mm lengths of cotton wool bud shaft)
Couplings (the method used is at the builder's discretion)
Weight

Optional additional details to scratchbuild (at the builder's discretion):
Axleboxes
Handrails (locations pre-drilled)
Safety valve (drill point marked)
Reverser lever (its base is pre-printed) and rod (location pre-drilled)
Wheel guards (locating points included)
Steps
Tie Bars
Regulator
Crew