During 1926, a logging line was being constructed to 30" gauge in Victoria, Australia's Gippsland area, east of Melbourne. Requests
went out into the world for the construction of appropriate geared locos. Replied came in from Lima (Shay), Climax and a really odd
little engineering firm in Melbourne run by Alfred Harman. Harman had been involved in the logging industry with the construction
of steam winches and pumps etc. In 1927 Harman was given the commission of building the first logging loco for the line. It had to
conform with specific weight restrictions and power output. The locomotive was a real kitbash of existing Harman machines, including
some innovative ideas in loco design. The Harman loco was an 8 wheel, two truck design, with the trucks made from two Harman steam
winches. Each truck unit featured two tiny cylinders that geared down to the loco's drive axles.
The boiler was unusual in firing in that the draught was generated by a turbine furnace, which enabled to driver to effectively control
the combustion rate in the firebox.
The locomotive proved to be unsuccessfull, not generating the desired tractive effort, being overweight and suffered from
derailments. Some argue the loco never saw service at all and was soon replaced by the 1694 Climax, other state she did remain in
service for some years.
To learn more about the Tyers Valley Tramway and the Harman, refer to the
Tyers Valley Tramway web site.
The 'Harman'
Ron's model is a faithful replica of the Harman design, built to a scale or 1:20.3. The two Harman winch trucks are powered by
Northwest Shortline 'Magic Carpet' gearboxes, mounted to the trucks. The superstructure is fabricated from styrene.
The 'Climax'
After the disappointment of the Harman locomotive, the line was glad to recieve the new Climax locomotive in late 1928, from Climax
of Corry PA. The Climax had the construction number #1694 and is said to be the very last locomotive to be produced by Climax before
their closure. The Climax was a classic Class B, 20 Ton two truck unit, identical to so many running in the US. After some initial
problems with axle breakages, the locomotive proved to be extremely successful, becoming the prime power to the line until closure
in late 1949. The climax was left derelict for several years before being loaned to the Puffing Billy Historical Society, as a
perminant addition to their NG museum in Menzies Creek. During the late 1980s, volenteers for the Puffing Billy Railway began an
out-of-hours restoration of the locomotive, and all through the 1990s, the Climax was steamed regularly for special trips...She was such
a sight, and a delight to ride. Boiler problems saw her retired in the early 2000s. Today she's undergoing her 2nd rebuilding, with
major boiler work being the primary activity. Most generous assistance from the US has meant the complete rebuilding of the boiler in
the US gratus. (guys we really thanks you!). The #1694 should return to the rails soon. To read more about our #1694 Climax, refer
to these web sites, (History of the locomotive),
A Locomotive Resurrected,
(photos and info from Puffing Billy).
Ron's model of the #1694 began as a stock Bachmann 20T Climax. Basically this model is the same type as the #1694. The only work
required was to add the details specific to the #1694 during her career on the Tyers Valley Tramway. Ron added scratch made working
tool boxes to the front, altered brake rigging and wheels, new headlights on the front and rear, on scratch made brass brackets. New
battery operated Marker lamps were added to the front and rear- parts supplied from GRS in the UK. The tender recieved brass rail-type
hungry boards and a wood load. She was then repainted, including the cream colour used inside Australian locomotive cabs. The Climax
logo on the cab sides were created by Peter Wade.
