Ace Engineering Works - Cheddar/Roundhouse 'Ernie'
Bought on a well known auction site a few weeks ago, this is a Cheddar/Roundhouse hybrid. Cleverly fitted together to create this unique 'cyclops cabbed' locomotive. Using an old generation (c1995) Roundhouse Billy chassis and a Cheddar Iver boiler and firing equipment, this loco wreaks character. Upon coming into my fathers hands it was apparent that the motion was very tired, so an overhaul commenced. New axles, bearings, coupling and connecting rods saw the motion back at its former glory with a complete re time up to finish. Then cosmetically the chassis was refinished in satin 2k red and a few alterations to the appearance were carried out; new running plates, front buffer beam, couplings, matching coal box on LH side and refinished bodywork in gloss black as before. The steam lines were improved also, in cab Roundhouse regulator mated into the current system - eliminating the warn cheddar exterior unit, improved Cleveland steam burner (no more 'cheddar howl'), anti vac valve fitted and as Ernie isn't superheated (due to boiler design) all the steam lines insulated to improve running.
I hope you enjoy watching as much as we do running Ernie!
Dad now has plans to build a milk train for Ernie, relates to a song, or something?! 😊