Fowler R3 at The Geelong Show
by John
I took my Fowler R3 3″ scale traction to the Geelong Show, and here it is on display.
The R3 is a bit of an uncommon traction engine, so I was rather surprised, delighted and awed to find a full size R3 on display also. Of course I met with the owner and spent a lot of time talking to him and examining the real McCoy Fowler R3. Apart from the size difference, the similarities were striking. Even the colour scheme was similar. And the full size machine was a heavy haulage model whereas mine is a road locomotive.
I found the numbers were interesting
weight 250kg/18tonnes
length 1.5m/ 6m
towable load 250kg/60 tonnes
cylinders 2/2
boiler pressure 100psi (copper)/180psi (riveted iron)
year of build 2016/1911
Me, getting a driving lesson from the owner, Graeme Brown
The firebox door, throttle, looking forward
Winch
Forward/reverse lever
Water pump, crankshaft driven
crankshaft with its cluster of big ends and valve rod eccentrics.
Con rod big end hardware
Fire box door and water level sight glass
Fowler R3 heavy haulage engine. spent most of its working life in and around Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
Rear wheel hub and winch
This could be a photo of my engine, but it is not
Lubricant and tool storage area. Actually the front suspension and steering drum. I imagine that the springs are to protect the gear teeth.
Not sure that the brass cylinder cover is kosher.
The wheels hardly dented the grass during the grand parade.
The engine mechanicals, oiler, whistle, and hose support.
Boiler inspection hatch, and water intake.
Belly tank, steering gear
The engine could be used as a cathedral reliquary
And a series of non-edited videos, to recapture some magic moments.
johnsmachines 
Thanks for the photos and vids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
John this must by a wonderfull experians, to drive on original R3. It looks very bautifull in all the pictures and vid’s.
LikeLiked by 1 person