When I started this project, the great thing about Percy was that I could work on the engine without being tempted to turn it into a Canada Atlantic prototype. Well, now that I have a working engine, it seems a shame not to put it to work! But, even I can’t imagine Percy banging Troublesome Trucks around on Pembroke.
So, I cast about for something that I could do to replace Percy’s superstructure to make it look a little more at home. I found Grand Trunk 2543 in one of my references. Its wheelbase is a little shorter, and the drivers are fully 10″ smaller, but with a little imagination, squinting and refusal to share the prototype image, it’s not a bad match. Actually, in Pembroke’s era, 2543 was numbered 7, which leads me to believe it was a shop engine, and has hardly any more business than Percy in Pembroke. At least it doesn’t have googly eyes.
I’ve spent a couple of weeks of spare time drafting in OnShape, and the idea is really starting to take shape. Sadly, Percy’s original core doesn’t fit inside the envelope. So, when all is said and done, all that will be left of Percy is the motor, a gear, the cylinders, crossheads, three screws, and a Cheshire Cat grin.
Pembroke:87 