Positively No 1 modification, adjust the timing of each engine, if it hasn't been already. (forget if you said it was new or preowned.) While it’s a case of never getting the two precisely the same overall it makes a whole world of difference. Timed properly the smoothness of the Garratt will totally surprise. Trust me, proper timing on the Garratt is vital. Timing right it virtually glides from a standing start. Yes, I love my Garratt. Tuck it in every night.
The engine needs to run at high pressure, 60psi constant to run smoothly. Ian told me he recommends 80psi, I think he said the Garratts sold in the UK are set at 80psi. Problem is the boiler is on the small side meaning you have to add water more often.
You don't necessarily have to have a plate under the smoke box if you don't run with the fire stuck in the smoke box or run the burners at blow torch levels all the time. There are about 120+ Batch 1/2 out and I doubt many at all have added the plate. All comes down the engineer.
The burners are not ideal, Tony’s quite right, but with all the piping in the cab there is a lot to unbutton to get them out. I’d go back to correct timing. I’ve not fixed the burners, other than a bit more noise alls fine. The larger diameter of a 16mm scale engine also helps reduce noise
I wonder a bit about the right angle steam line thing since it would seem the length of the one steam line and a right turn in the other and with steam traveling a much shorter distance the two would balance out. Just a thought.
Tony mentioned the steel strip across the top of the cab doorways to strengthen the cab structure. This helps a lot to strengthen the cab, simple to add. I've had both Batch 1/2 and now Batch 3. Without cab strip I was often hitting the rear half and having to “adjust” it.
Make sure the grease on the steering UV joints is on the gear teeth. It’s not well applied at the factory, just a blob. Makes the stiff steering somewhat easier. When changing direction make sure to back off the steering from stop about half a turn.
A must have, make a longer steering wheel !!! You will understand why the first time you go to change direction. I think Tony will readily agree.
Can be very difficult to light the burners given the limited amount the door opens due to the limited front engine swivel. Buy a piezo lighter the pistol or gun type, has a long (3/8” x 8”+/-) pipe business end. With it you don’t need to see into the smoke box. Insert it until it hits the end of the boiler. The flame almost immediately pops back with the spark right up against the flue. A little side-to-side movement of the spark tip makes sure both burners are lit. IF one isn’t you’ll very quickly hear the flame pop back.
Have fun.
