Just to dwell on the Chapelon theme; there was a Chapelon 242 A.1. which succeeded the 241 p.
The Chapelon 242.A.1 was the most powerful and efficient steam engine built in Europe. Unfortunately it was built at a time of diesel and electrofication by the SNCF.
I was extremely lucky to buy a 1:32 live model of the 242 A 1. from a wonderful French Dealer that had commisioned in the 1980's. This particular engine was made as a unique example by Mr Watkin Snaith. The general specifications are as follows:
Coal fired copper boiler with bronze fittings and water preheat chamber. (feed-water heater)
Fully prototypical cylinders, and valve gear (4 piston valves) drain cocks, relief valve, simpling valve, 2 regulators, and so on.
Working 3 cylinder compound. Can be run as on the prototype as a 3 cylinder simple, 2 cylinder simple, 3 cylinder compound or 3 cylinder boosted compound.
Double acting axle pump and double acting pump in tender.
Chassis with full rivet detail.
All wheels, motions and all bright metal parts made in stainless steel. Big ends mounted on ball bearings.
Axles in hardened steel mounted on ball bearings
Working compressor pump to activate working brakes
Working turbo dynamo for working lights (headlamps and inspection lamps.
Fully adjustable suspension as on prototype
This engine is unique and as Tom Rose of Christies said: “How you managed to contain so much detail in so small a scale is amazing" .The engine cost over twelve thousand pounds to build in the 80’s. A friend of the commisioning dealer in France wanted an identical one built in the 90’s and was quoted £30000.
Below i've put a few images of the 242.A.1 which may give Aster something to aspire to.
CHAPEAU CHAPELIN
LindaH