Martin Evans (model engineer)

Martin Evans (1916 – 29 December 2003) was influential in the field of model engineering and locomotive design, and also worked as the technical editor and eventually managing editor of the English magazine Model Engineer.[1] His editorship, along with other changes in staff, helped keep the magazine on track after experiencing some decline following the death of locomotive designer Curly Lawrence.[2] Evans inaugurated the International Model Locomotive Efficiency Competition (IMLEC) in 1969.[3] An erudite editor, Evans worked with a pool of other knowledgeable contributors during a time considered to be the height of British toolroom engineering. Evans retired from the magazine in June 1977, continuing his concentration on locomotive design. He died December 29, 2003.[3]

Locomotive designs edit

Many model locomotive designs in a range of gauges were serialised by Martin Evans in the pages of Model Engineer. Some of the castings used to machine and build these designs are still available from a few commercial suppliers as are some of the laser cut components.[4][5][6] Some of the earlier designs along with discussion threads among engineers of locomotive models can be seen in various web forums on the internet.[7] They are frequently seen both on model railway society tracks and second-hand markets.[8]

The designs included:

2½ in. gauge edit

3½ in. gauge edit

5 in. gauge edit

7¼ in. gauge edit

  • Singapore, 0-4-0 Saddle Tank
  • Dart, 0-4-2
  • Greene Queen, 4-6-0
  • Highlander, 4-6-0
  • Holmside, 0-6-0

Selected books edit

Martin Evans authored a number of books, including:[9]

  • Manual of model steam locomotive construction. London: Percival Marshall, 1960 (158 p). 2nd ed: 1962 (172 p). Reprint 1967.
  • Atlantic era: the British Atlantic locomotive. Percival Marshall, 1961 (94 p).
  • Pacific steam: the British Pacific locomotive. Percival Marshall, 1961 (80 p).
  • Model locomotive valve gears. London: Percival Marshall, 1962. 2nd ed: Hemel Hempstead: Model & Allied Publications, 1967 (98 p).
  • Inverness to Crewe: The British 4-6-0 locomotive. Model Aeronautical Press, 1966 (164 p).
  • Outdoor Model Railways. Hemel Hempstead: Model and Allied Publications, 1970 (96 p).
  • Rob Roy: how to build a simple 3 1/2 in. gauge 0-6-0 tank locomotive based on the dockyard engines of the old Caledonian Railway. Hemel Hempstead: Model and Allied Publications, 1972 (112 p). Rev ed: 1979.
  • Model locomotive construction. Hemel Hempstead: Model & Allied Publications, 1974 (viii, 163 p). 2nd ed.: Watford: Model and Allied Publications, 1978 (viii, 163 p).
  • Model locomotive boilers: their design and construction. Rev ed: Watford, Hertfordshire: Model & Allied Publications, 1976, (144 p).
  • Caribou 0-8-0 Canadian switcher for 3 1/2in. gauge: (and "Buffalo" a 2-8-0 - a Consolidation). Watford, UK: Model & Allied Publications, Argus Books, 1977. (79 p).
  • Simplex 0-6-0 freelance tank locomotive for 5in. gauge. Watford, UK: Model & Allied Publications, Argus Books, 1977. (80 p).
  • Introducing model steam locomotive construction. London: K. Dickson, 1981 (114 p).
  • The model steam locomotive: a complete treatise on design and construction. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire: Argus Books, 1983 (208 p).
  • Rob Roy and William: two 3 1/2in. gauge locomotives. London: Argus Books, c.1987 (219 p).
  • Model locomotive and marine boilers. Hemel Hempstead, UK: Argus Books, 1988 (190 p).

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Martin Evans". Index. 2018-05-15. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
  2. ^ Model Engineer, nr. 4218, 5 March 2004, p.250
  3. ^ a b Model Engineer nr. 4213, 23 January 2004, p.73.
  4. ^ "AJ Reeves - ajreeves.com". Ajreeves.com. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Home Page". Blackgates.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  6. ^ "Model Engineers Laser". Modelengineerslaser.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  7. ^ "The Simplex web site". Archived from the original on 2011-04-15. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
  8. ^ "Station Road Steam - live steam models". Archived from the original on 2010-03-27. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
  9. ^ "Home". Trove.nla.gov.au. Retrieved 3 October 2017.