Member postings for malc culpin

Andrew, I am what you would probably call a grease monkey who doesn't know the difference between a smoke box and a fire box, goes out and buys and engine to show off with and claim all the glory for it? Well some of that may be true. I do not have all your years of experience working with machinery I don't have apprenticeship or college training, I like thousands of others just have a passion for steam but not the skills to build one or the finance to buy a kit one so I got one needing restoration. One of my "engineering " friends said he would do the work for me but after 5 years waiting I asked for it back and it arrived in 6 boxes. I worked out how it went together as all parts were already done only to find I had to buy new boiler so stripped it down myself got new boiler and rebuilt it myself. Unfortunately I don't have a workshop full of thousands of pounds worth of Mills and lathes or the knowledge on how to use them. Yes I could go and spend few grand buying them and spend a few years gaining experience just to do 4 straps and have no need for the equipment any more although to me it makes more sense to pay someone a few hundred pounds to do the job properly for me. I hope that clarifys things for you?

This is a job for myself I don't have a mill to do the job or the experience. I have the 4 casting from plastow. My original strap snapped hence the need for new set to be made before the others go the same way and I have the drawings for them

Hi I am looking for recommendations for someone who can machine a set of eccentric straps for a 3" engine for me preferably near wisbech area. Tried all I can find on net but most won't take on small 1 off jobs. Thanks

I am having trouble getting my 3" traction engine running so I'm looking for someone that knows about twin cylinder compound engines to get her running for me. As far as I am aware she only needs eccentrics setting up properly and slide valve setting. I had someone do quite bit of work a while back and charge me a lot although it never really ran properly. Since then 2 of the eccentrics slipped and I can't get them right or get her to steam properly. Preferably someone local to Peterborough due to transport and who isn't going to rip me off again

Hi all, I am looking for some help and advice on how to set up the eccentrics and slide valve on a 3 inch Fowler compound engine please. Can't seem to get the eccentrics in the correct position so I have been dismantling moving eccentrics slightly putting back together but can't seem to find the right position so any help I would be grateful for thanks

thanks for that Paul I was thinking right about the air line then as was gonna connect to drain plug same place as I been using to pump water in to test for leaks, got couple minor leaks to get fixed yet though. I was wrong on my thoughts for oil feed though, so I just need to drill and tap into top cavity for oil to drip into valve?

Hi I am nearing the end of rebuilding a 3" fowler showman which I brought years ago but had to strip right down and fit new steel boiler. The engine does not have a lubricator fitted so I need to get one but I do not know where it feeds to as no holes for fitting in steam chest and the plans I got from plastows don't make it very clear. It would appear to drill down through top of steam chest right down to larger cylinder? Also where is it best to fit air line in order to try it out and get timing set up?

I know they both probably basic knowledge things but I am learning as I go and making a lot of mistakes so far so any help appreciated cheers

Hi Guys I looking for some advice. I have a 1991 engine with a steel boiler that has been well made but am I to believe that as the paper work cant be found to give any history i have to just throw £2000 worth of boiler in the bin? or is there a way around it?