Martin Evans (1916 – 29 December 2003) was influential in the field of model engineering and locomotive design, and also worked as the technical editor and eventually managing editor of the English magazine Model Engineer.[1] His editorship, along with other changes in staff, helped keep the magazine on track after experiencing some decline following the death of locomotive designer Curly Lawrence.[2] Evans inaugurated the International Model Locomotive Efficiency Competition (IMLEC) in 1969.[3] An erudite editor, Evans worked with a pool of other knowledgeable contributors during a time considered to be the height of British toolroom engineering. Evans retired from the magazine in June 1977, continuing his concentration on locomotive design. He died December 29, 2003.[3]
Locomotive designs
Many model locomotive designs in a range of gauges were serialised by Martin Evans in the pages of Model Engineer. Some of the castings used to machine and build these designs are still available from a few commercial suppliers as are some of the laser cut components.[4][5][6] Some of the earlier designs along with discussion threads among engineers of locomotive models can be seen in various web forums on the internet.[7] They are frequently seen both on model railway society tracks and second-hand markets.[8]
The designs included:
2½ in. gauge
3½ in. gauge
- Caribou, 0-8-0
- Columbia, 4-8-4
- Conway, 0-4-0
- Euston, 2-8-0
- Evening Star, 2-10-0 (completed the design started by LBSC)
- Firefly GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2
- Greene King, 4-6-0
- Ivatt, 2-6-0
- Jubilee, 2-6-4
- Natal 4-6-2
- Rob Roy, 0-6-0
- William, 2-6-2
- The Great Marquess, 2-6-0
5 in. gauge
- Ashford 2-6-0
- Boxhill, 0-6-0
- Enterprise, 2-6-2
- Jinty, 0-6-0
- Metro, 2-4-0
- Nigel Gresley, 2-8-0
- Royal Scot, 4-6-0
- Princess of Wales, 4-2-2
- Simplex, 0-6-0
- Super Simplex, 0-6-0
- Springbok, 4-6-0
- Stirling Single, 2-2-2
- Stratford, 0-6-0
- Superclaud, 4-4-0
- Torquay Manor, 4-6-0
- Waverley North, 4-4-2
7¼ in. gauge
- Singapore, 0-4-0 Saddle Tank
- Dart, 0-4-2
- Greene Queen, 4-6-0
- Highlander, 4-6-0
- Holmside, 0-6-0
Selected books
Martin Evans authored a number of books, including:[9]
- Manual of model steam locomotive construction. London: Percival Marshall, 1960 (158 p). 2nd ed: 1962 (172 p). Reprint 1967.
- Atlantic era: the British Atlantic locomotive. Percival Marshall, 1961 (94 p).
- Pacific steam: the British Pacific locomotive. Percival Marshall, 1961 (80 p).
- Model locomotive valve gears. London: Percival Marshall, 1962. 2nd ed: Hemel Hempstead: Model & Allied Publications, 1967 (98 p).
- Inverness to Crewe: The British 4-6-0 locomotive. Model Aeronautical Press, 1966 (164 p).
- Outdoor Model Railways. Hemel Hempstead: Model and Allied Publications, 1970 (96 p).
- Rob Roy: how to build a simple 3 1/2 in. gauge 0-6-0 tank locomotive based on the dockyard engines of the old Caledonian Railway. Hemel Hempstead: Model and Allied Publications, 1972 (112 p). Rev ed: 1979.
- Model locomotive construction. Hemel Hempstead: Model & Allied Publications, 1974 (viii, 163 p). 2nd ed.: Watford: Model and Allied Publications, 1978 (viii, 163 p).
- Model locomotive boilers: their design and construction. Rev ed: Watford, Hertfordshire: Model & Allied Publications, 1976, (144 p).
- Caribou 0-8-0 Canadian switcher for 3 1/2in. gauge: (and "Buffalo" a 2-8-0 - a Consolidation). Watford, UK: Model & Allied Publications, Argus Books, 1977. (79 p).
- Simplex 0-6-0 freelance tank locomotive for 5in. gauge. Watford, UK: Model & Allied Publications, Argus Books, 1977. (80 p).
- Introducing model steam locomotive construction. London: K. Dickson, 1981 (114 p).
- The model steam locomotive: a complete treatise on design and construction. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire: Argus Books, 1983 (208 p).
- Rob Roy and William: two 3 1/2in. gauge locomotives. London: Argus Books, c.1987 (219 p).
- Model locomotive and marine boilers. Hemel Hempstead, UK: Argus Books, 1988 (190 p).
