I realize that most freelance models are abominations. Some such ride-on live steamers just make me want to vomit, but then most real locomotives were damned ugly, too. You've cherry-picked the finest examples of the locomotive designer's art, to build your most authentic scale models.

I'm still a student of all this. I am seeking to learn actual locomotive design practice. I've already noted a few discrepancies from such practice, in the Disney engines and elsewhere. For example, real peak-roofed cabs commonly(although not universally) had very shallow peak angles- much shallower than those on the WDW engines.

I'm clearly not a spit-on-the-sidewalk modeler. I like my trains beautifully designed, colorfully finished, and tastefully coordinated with their consists. That's part of why amusement park trains appeal to me. But also, the park scenario gives me an opportunity to practice my locomotive design skills. Also, parks offer the model railroader huge interest in the most limited area. Witness Sam's Natures Wonderland ride model.

Walt Disney and Walter Knott both got involved in locomotive design. With your knowledge of William Mason, I'd bet you could also come up with some great new designs. I invite you to give it a try.

Technically, a Forney is an 0-4-4T (adding the 2-wheel pony truck technically makes it NOT a Forney, but we're all guilty of calling it that).

A Mason Boggie (I believe) has a pivoting main frame--the drivers and cylinders are free to move under the boiler, like an articulated.

You're right about the bogie(or bogey, or bogy- but not boggie.) Also known as a double truck locomotive, which is the way we Americans should refer to it.

However, I think the distinguishing characteristic of a Forney is the rear tank mounted on the engine frame, supported by a four wheel or larger truck. In other words, it's not merely a Whyte wheel type designation for an 0-4-4T.

That's right, hence the lack of a smokebox saddle on Mason Bogie locomotives. Their great flexibility and ability to navigate uneven and curving track also was their greatest downfall. They supposedly were not very reliable because the dry pipes (I believe that's what they're called) leading to the cylinders had to accommodate that pivoting driver frame. That area was subject to leaks.

Keep in mind that I have only read about this in books about the South Park. I certainly don't have any experience with operating or maintaining a Maso Bogie locomotive.

Bogie...Broggie...You know what I meant!

Well thanks for the explanation. I had not noticed the difference, probably because I've never seen these types going through tight turns from the front.

Another variation on the Gurley:



Mainly adding the partial-length wood fence to the lowered tank top. Here's the diamond stack again, this time coupled with the bell on the sand dome. I'm tending to prefer the Gurley over the Kimball for this project, partly because of the nice size cab, and also the larger and better-placed rear truck.

so a good example of a mason bogie in g scale would e an LGB "forney"? my lgb forney pivots like a mason bogie.

Yes the LGB is really a Mason Boggie