This is the conversion of an Aster Jumbo into an “Outrance” of the Chemin de Fer du Nord, France. The real Outrance was developed from a Sturrock 2-4-0 of the Great Northern. The Nord added a front bogie, Belpaire firebox and made other modifications. The Outrances hauled front-line expresses for 20 years, then spent another 20 years working secondary trains.

The inspiration came from noting (after a good dinner) that the driving wheel diameter, coupled wheelbase, cylinder disposition and boiler diameter of the Jumbo were “as close as makes no difference” from those of the Outrance. Chris supplied the donor Jumbo, John sorted out the outside cranks, the boiler height, chimney, dome, safety valve and other difficult bits, while Chris Is occupied with the bogie, firebox, superstructure and controls.

Anybody want some spare Jumbo bits?