Member postings for Nick Thorpe

I agree with Peter and I have learnt so much from build threads on other sites, not just with locos but also with restoring my pillar drill and mill. I am in the early stages of building a 5" Sweet Pea but sadly don't feel inclined to share my progress on here. Equally I only chat to a few friends about progress at my club, preferring not to get involved in the open forum discussions about what I am doing which can be counter productive and discouraging.

Regards. Nick.

I would just like to post a few words in defence of Arc Euro's policies. They are not a huge company that can offset costs . They provide a good product at a fair price, with good service and it is up to them what they do with payments. I run a plumbing business and don't take credit cards because it is too expensive. My business, my choice. Nick.

Hi Mick. I have been using a face mask / safety visor as suggested by David above. It works very well as my glasses are not interfered with and it is comfortable to wear. It is also very easy to pop on and off. Only downside is that I like Homer Simpson in his nuclear power station!

About £10 from Axminster HERE.

Regards, Nick

Afternoon All. I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the advice above. Five months on and the workshop is completed and a delightful refurbished (by me) Tom Senior Vertical Light is now milling frames for a Sweet Pea loco.

My colleague (plumber) suggested putting cardboard cut outs on the floor to represent the drill, mill, lathe and bench which was a great tip when I was fretting about squeezing it all in.

Regards, Nick

PS: Won't mention names but the large dealer I bought it from insisted that the grey Hammerite it was covered in was the original manufacturer's colour.

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 27/09/2015 17:34:45

Thanks John. One place on-line is showing a discounted price of £137.50 including VAT. I am very tempted! Nick.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information. Regards. Nick

Morning All.

After much research I have decided to be sensible and build a 5" Sweet Pea as my first project, making the frames myself and avoiding laser cut parts. I am working on the theory that the experience will be good for me.

In an ideal world I seem to need a height gauge to mark out the frames. My question is - do I really need one and if so what height should I get for marking out frames that are about 39" long.

Any advice would be appreciated. Regards. Nick

Thank you Old Elan for your help with that. I see that it is called Midge which is the name of an 1101 that features on You Tube.

One of the blessings of my £35 annual ME club membership is that I have access to every edition of ME magazine that was ever published - worth joining for that alone.

Once again thank you.

Nick

Brian. I agree with Paul about the Diamond tool holder. Like you I am new to lathe work and while I was fitting out my workshop I spent a while trying to sharpen HSS tool bits. It was a slow process and I eventually bought the Diamond tool holder. Sharpening the tool is dead easy and only needs a very basic grindstone. I was cutting swarf as soon as my lathe was up and running. The great advantage was that I knew that any problems I was having were down to me and not the tool . Regards. Nick

Morning All,

I am looking for construction information, 'words and music,' and any other useful information about the GWR 0-4-0 Dock Shunt Class 1101 tank locomotive in 7.25" gauge. I have tried the 7.25" website without any success.

I am aware that Horley Miniature Locos sell castings but they are unaware of any build information.

It did cross my mind that Martin Evans' 0-6-0 Holmside is not too dissimilar and I might able use to his ME articles that I already have to hand.

Any information would be most welcome. Many thanks, Nick.

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 18/08/2015 12:59:35

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 18/08/2015 13:00:00

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 18/08/2015 13:00:38

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 18/08/2015 13:01:12

Graham,

Thank you for your help. I had to work late last night but measured up the bearings this morning and Bolton Bearings seem to have them.

Regards, Nick

Thank you all for the prompt response - I do have that manual thank you Michael.

The bearings sit between to flat shims which are about 1mm thick. They do not have machined grooves in them but there is some surface pitting. I have already worked out that these could be reversed if needs be to provide a decent surface for the balls to run against. Some of the balls are pitted which is why I said they are worn. I get the impression that the oiling point on the traverse may have become blocked.

A quick Google yesterday showed a similar product that is called a thrust bearing and with similar cages.

Dimensions are: Outside diameter 32.75mm and inside diameter (the hole) is 19.30mm. As I said earlier I am pretty sure that this mill is mainly imperial unlike my 1978 Boxford lathe which is a real hybrid of Whitworth & metric.

Thank you all once again for your help which is much appreciated.

Regards, Nick

PS: Graham - just seen your post.

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 28/07/2015 19:05:22

Edited By Nick Thorpe on 28/07/2015 19:05:45

Afternoon All,,

I am refurbishing a Tom Senior Vertical Light mill. The bearings in the traverse (hope that's the right word) are worn as are the cages they sit in (see attached).

I think I can find replacement balls but the cages might harder to come by. Could I get away with just replacing the balls?

A couple of emails have gone off to two bearing suppliers but I have little hope of them being interested in such a small order.

Any advice would be very welcome.

Regards, Nick