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SIMPLEX

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are typical questions asked when it is first decided to build Simplex.

Those issues included below are of a general nature, and queries relating to technical issues are covered in the Problems, solutions and construction notes page.

1. Where can I get building instructions for Simplex?

2. Apart from the series of articles in the Model Engineer Is there a book of the construction of Simplex available?

3. Where can I get drawings, castings and materials for Simplex?

4. What is Super Simplex?

5. Are there any omissions or errors in the drawings?

1. Where can I get building instructions for Simplex?

The construction of Simplex was covered in a series of articles by Martin Evans in The Model Engineer during late 1967 and throughout 1968. Photocopies of the articles are available from the Model Engineer, who can be contacted at

Nexus Special Interests Ltd
Nexus House
Azalea Drive
Swanley
Kent
BR8 8HU

Tel: 01322 660070

Fax: 01322 667633

The cost of these photocopies is quite expensive, and it may be considerably cheaper to requested the relevant volumes from your local library and photocopy them yourself. (Also, I know that the British Library and The National Library of Scotland both can provide these volumes). Alternatively, I imagine many model engineering societies will have a complete set of ME's in their library, or a member is likely to have the relevant articles.

The articles were published in instalments as follows:

In addition to the above, several alterations and improvements were made, and published on pages 447 to 450, April 17th 1987, and these were all added to the full-size drawings.

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2. Apart from the series of articles in the Model Engineer Is there a book of the construction of Simplex available?

There used to be, however it is currently out of print. The book is titled "Simplex 0-6-0 Tank, Simple Freelance Steam Locomotive by Martin Evans", ISBN 0 85242 796 4 (and also apparently ISBN 0 85242 498 1), and was published in 1977 by MAP, Argus Books Ltd. It is basically a collection of the Model Engineer articles with a few additional notes and is 80 pages. Again, this can be requested from your local library, and this may be a more practical way of obtaining construction notes for Simplex if you don't have access to back issues of Model Engineer.

It is not advisable to try to build Simplex from the book alone, as it does not include the official drawings which include a number of ammendments made in 1987.

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3. Where can I get drawings, castings and materials for Simplex?

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4. What is Super Simplex?

This is an enlarged and modified version, the construction of which was covered in a series of article in the Model Engineer in 1989. The chief differances are as follows:

• Cylinders have larger bore

• Boiler is increased in diameter

• Firebox length is increased

• Six element super heater replaces earlier two element version

• Wheelbase increased by 3/4"

• Small increase in side tank and bunker capacity

• Addition of cylinder drain cocks and brakes

Apart from the boiler, saddle and door components all the other castings etc. are the same. However the valves gear etc. has different dimensions. Norman Spink supplies castings and drawings for both, but Reeves don't.

The articles were published in instalments as follows:

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5. Are there any omissions or errors in the drawings?

Unfortunately yes, see comments and notes in the Problems, solutions and Construction notes page.

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