Member postings for eskimobob

I'm planning on purchasing a full set of plans from reeves and then "building" this loco in my CAD program before cutting any metal. Hopefully I will get a better handle on the design so things are easier when I do start making chips. I also want to extend the rear frame as Julian suggested (or rather pointed out). Before I get started however I have a couple more questions:

1) Although I can work in imperial (I normally work in thou when designing PCBs) I am of an age where I generally think in metric. I can easily set my CAD to show the metric equivalents so that is easy enough however I am unsure whether to go with BA or metric fine threads. Are there good reasons to stick with BA threads rather than metric fine?

2) Am I right in thinking that gunmetal is used for the majority of castings available because it obviously does not rust so is best to use in any part that may come into contact with steam? - I'm pretty sure that I have seen cast iron used for pistons but surely that can rust so why use that there?

Lots to learn

Ah thanks for the explanation Neil

Ok, I've managed to find the online versions of model-engineer from 1969 (4 editions with a total of 16 pages) but I can't seem to find the online versions from 1968 - can anyone point me towards them??

Also I can't seem to find anything relating to the No.3 version by Steve Titkey and Harry Lumb. Any ideas?

Many thanks Julian - I think I may have found the model for me

The No.3 looks superb. I have now found it on Reeves.

Presumably the construction series which appeared in ME in 1968/9 is still useful if I build the No.3 ?

You mention "don's magazine LLAS" - unfortunately LLAS doesn't mean anything to me - can you point me to where I might be able to get back issues either electronic or paper? - alternatively where to start looking?

I like the look of the one in the photo I posted so probably would want to extend the rear frame - are there details relating to that somewhere or do people just make it up as they go?

Questions question questions - so many questions!

Many thanks for your advice.

Martin

Thanks Julian. Can you help me understand the Railmotor - when I googled it the first time, I found it shown as a tender loco however when I googled it again just now it looks more like a tank engine - I have to say, this particular engine looks very handsome indeed.

Edited By eskimobob on 08/10/2012 08:35:01

Been searching on the web tonight for differences between Simplex and Super Simplex - came across a thread of someone rebuilding one on madmodder forum and he commented that the differences were:

[quote]The supper has a slightly longer boiler with extra supperheater eliments, cylinder are a 1/16" bigger, the wheel base is longer by about 3/4" and the coupling rods have a different articulation method, and the boiler feed pump is of an improved design.[/quote]

Thanks pcb. I have been looking for the book for the simplex but they seem to go for vast sums on ebay.

Thanks for the thoughts guys - I posted on the weekend so have been keenly waiting for my post to be approved.

I was led to believe the 5" gauge is a better size for a first model because it is easier to get at everything but I guess there are many opinions on what is easy and what is fiddly.

I've been planning to make everything myself as money for for spending on hobbies is tight but that is perhaps over optimistic?

Mike, do you know if the castings and drawings you have would be suitable if I went with the Super Simplex design? - I am not sure of the differences but have read here that it is just cylinder bore sizes although I also thought the Super version was slightly longer. It was this confusion that led me to try and find the back-issue magazine articles here which I have still not managed to do

I saw a 5" gauge Leander running on the weekend - it was beautifully made

For some time I have been considering the Super Simplex loco as a first build but when checking on here this evening to try and find the correct magazine back issues, I have seen comments that it does not justify the simplex name because it is not simple. I've also seen some suggestions for a Sweat pea (and have driven one today and liked it) and also suggestions for an Achilles 0-6-0.

One member in my local engineering society has built a Simplex and one has buit a Sweat Pea so I should be able to get advice on either if needed.

I am reasonably competent in a workshop; mine contains a Myford-M-Type lathe, a Denford Triac miller (it's stripped down and I've set it up so I can use manual or CNC on it), a drill press etc. My most complex project to date is a gamma Stirling engine built from bar stock.

I have not yet worked with castings or had anything to do with boiler construction although I have done some silver soldering.

My question therefore is: based on my experience and facilities, what would be a good 5" tank engine as a first project? It does not have to be one of the ones I have listed but it needs to be well documented in case I get stuck.

Many thanks.