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These notes are largely culled from the KLR website at http://www.kirkleeslightrailway.co.uk

This interesting loco is based on the geared type of locomotives produced by Avonside Engine Compnay Ltd of Bristol, UK. It is very similar to the US 'Heisler' type with centrally mounted cylinders arranged in a V driving on to a crank shaft.

This locomotive was completed in the Clayton West workshops by Brian Taylor in 1999.

Avonside type geared locomotive 0-4+4-0 'Owl' on the turntable at Clayton West. April 11 2004

Avonside type geared locomotive 0-4+4-0t 'Owl' on the turntable at Clayton West. April 11 2004

A rear three quarters view of Owl with the right hand V mounted cylinder clearly visible in front of the cab. April 11 2004
A rear three quarters view of Owl with the right hand V mounted cylinder clearly visible in front of the cab. April 11 2004

0-4+4-0t at Shelley having run round the train. April 11 2004
0-4+4-0t at Shelley having run round the train. April 11 2004

Technical Specification:

Driving Wheel Diameter 14"
Cylinder Number 2, Avonside V type engine
Gearing 1.5:1 in reduction gearboxes on each bogie
Final Drive Chain from gearboxes to axles
Cylinder Stroke

8"
Cylinder Bore 5"
Piston Valve diameter 2"
Grate Area 3 ft²
Boiler Pressure 190psi
Tractive Effort 3279lbs
Combustion System Simplified Gas Producer
Exhaust System Parallel chimney with single orifice blast nozzle
Valvegear Stephenson
Sanding Equipment None
Roller Bearings Main axleboxes, crankshaft, crank pin (big ends) and little ends

Owl may have been the forth steam loco from Brian Taylor for the KLR but over all it is his twelth locomotive. April 11 2004
Owl may have been the forth steam loco from Brian Taylor for the KLR but over all it is his twelth locomotive. April 11 2004

Owl has an interestingly arranged compensated suspension system. April 11 2004
Owl has an interestingly arranged compensated suspension system. April 11 2004

A view in the cab with the regualtor handle prominent. April 11 2004
A view in the cab with the regualtor handle prominent. April 11 2004

The view forward shortly after leaving Clayton West with Fox piloting. April 11 2004
The view forward shortly after leaving Clayton West with Fox piloting. April 11 2004

Being single manned the driver also fires. With the firehole door raised a round of coal is added to the fire. April 11 2004
Being single manned the driver also fires. With the firehole door raised a round of coal is added to the fire. April 11 2004

Within the restricted volume of the fireboxes on the KLR locos fitting a useful brick arch would be a problem. The fleet is currently equipped with combustion arches made from stainless steel or other grades of heat resistant steel. April 11 2004
Within the restricted volume of the fireboxes on the KLR locos fitting a useful brick arch would be a problem. The fleet is currently equipped with combustion arches made from stainless steel or other grades of heat resistant steel. April 11 2004

The ashpan on Owl receives primary air through a fixed damper. The air enters frome the top. April 11 2004
The ashpan on Owl receives primary air through a fixed damper. The air enters frome the top. April 11 2004

This view shows parts of the V engine, the mechanical lubricator and part of the exhaust steam circuit. April 11 2004
This view shows parts of the V engine, the mechanical lubricator and part of the exhaust steam circuit. April 11 2004

A view from the other side to the V engine. The locomotive is equipped with Stephenson Valvegear. Also visible is the live steam pipe feeding the cylinder. April 12 2004
A view from the other side to the V engine. The locomotive is equipped with Stephenson Valvegear. Also visible is the live steam pipe feeding the cylinder. April 12 2004

The large black cover below the frames contains the drive chain to the carden shafts seen emerging from either side. Also note the alternator. April 11 2004
The large black cover below the frames contains the drive chain to the carden shafts seen emerging from either side. Also note the alternator. April 11 2004

This view shows the same as above but with the cover removed to allow the drive chain to be renewed. April 12 2004
This view shows the same as above but with the cover removed to allow the drive chain to be renewed. April 12 2004

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