Member postings for Roland GAGE

I am in the process of building a Mery Beam engine and have recently seen photos of completed engines, with and without cylinder cladding.

One sees the same with various examples of the Major Beam engine and other beam types as well.

I understand the functional purpose of cladding and also, of course, appreciate the esthetic appeal of the wooden cladding against the other parts of the engine.

My question is whether or not cladding on these engines is " expected" as part of the creation of an authentic, realistic reflection of the "real thing" or more a question of individual preference?

I would like to try the cladding but also notice my cylinder casting has two raised ribs on the body which will need to be dealt with if I do so.

You comments and opinions would be appriciated.

Thanks

Edited By Roland GAGE on 21/03/2015 03:13:57

When ever possible, when I thread I do it either in the lathe or milling machine as a drill press.

In the lathe, with the rod blank held in the headstock chuck I place the die in a die holder made to be held in a drill chuck.

After mounting the die in the tailstock drill chuck I present it to the rod . Lubricate the part, use the tail stock ram to apply gentle but firm pressure on the die while slowly turning the lathe chuck by hand to start threading. (IMPORTANT: before doing this turn off power to the lathe and place the headstock in neutral so that chuck is free wheeling)

Carefully maintain pressure on the die as it progresses on the rod, pausing frequently to lubricate, back up a turn or so to clear chips. Like a lot of this kind of work practice brings skill and a sense of touch.

The process works the same way, in principle, in a drill press or milling machine.

The advantage for me is this method allows excellent control of the part and die while ensuring that the threads are started correctly. While it may seem overkill, it is really helps, especially on larger rods.

Everyone has their own way, so find what works best for you.

Edited By Roland GAGE on 16/03/2015 18:29:45

And now for the rest of the story.........This engine sold at auction today on Ebay for just north of $8000 US and no, I was not the succesful bidder! My pitiful offering was brushed aside in a heartbeat.

After I recover from shock I think I will contact my insurance company and raise my coverage as well as hire a security guard and adopt a vicious guard dog to watch over my little family of engines.

Again, thanks for the comments.

(With apologies if a member of this forum is the happy new owner!)

       This is another picture of this engine. The engine is for sale on an auction site and so I am using the listing's pictures.

I have built a number of gasoline model engines over the years but have more recently gotten interested in steam. Something about the quiet, dignified way that they go about their business is just more relaxing and a nice change.

I understand that the type of model I am asking about has been around, in one form or another, for a long time with a complicated pedigree.

I don't, as a rule, buy made engines, preferring to build them myself as that is the most satisfying for me but this old one has me intrigued and looks like it might make a nice restoration project.

Anyway. I appreciate the offered comments and hope the added pictures are of interest.

Edited By Roland GAGE on 13/03/2015 00:42:44

Here are two photos of the engine in question.

Hello. Has anyone seen a valve lever of "lattice work" which doesn't appear fabricated but is cast. This lattice lever tapers from the cam eccentric to the throttle valve at the base of the cylinder. This is part of what appears to be a vintage model with nice machine work. I can follow with a photo once the moderator approves my album.

Stuart says they are unaware of this variation.

Thanks,

Roland