1:20.3 - Dunkirk Class B

The Dunkirk Engineering Co was an early producer of geared locomotives, prior to Climax or Heisler openning their doors. Dunkirk was the Precursor to the Climax Co, and many of the innovations in the Climax locomotives began with the Dunkirk. Ron's Model is a detailed replica of the Dunkirk Class B, 1891, based on the Original Gilbert patent.


Ron's model is entirly scratch built in styrene and wood for the superstructure, including wood cab and wooden decking. Rivets and firebox stays are created using the drill and inserted pin head method. The locomotive's drive is based on two stock Bachmann 1:20.3 Climax trucks. The trucks being particularly useful in being the correct style and size (given that Dunkirk later became Climax!), and the fact that the Bachmann trucks come with a universal connection for a central differential...perfect for powering the Dunkirk's 'V' twin cylinder arrangement.








On the Dunkirk class B, the cylinders were a 45 deg V formation, fitted directly behind the backhead of the loco. The cylinder heads and steam chest sides were explosed above the cab floor. This arrangement became of the basis of the Heisler locomotive, the first of which was also built at Dunkirk. The Heisler version saw the cylinders moved from behind the backhead to a position under the boiler in front of the firebox. The Dunkirk cab would have been a hot and extremely noisey place to be.












Ron's twin cylinder V unit was entirely scratch built in brass by our friend Bill McKenzie, who has increadible skills in building complex machinery to high tolerances. The model cylinder unit is complete with pistons, crossheads, and working Stephenson Valvegear to each cylinder. There is also an ingenious set up of levers that run from the Johnson bar to both valve gear sets, that enable the loco's motion to be set in forward and reverse...the linkages run from the lineal motion of the Johnson bar to the lateral placement of the valve gear. Quite unlike the kind of linkage used on a conventional loco.




To Learn more about the Locomotives of the Dunkirk Engineering Co, NY, please visit the Geared Steam Locomotive Works © web site 'Dunkirk / Gilbert Geared Steam Locomotives