Member postings for Ceteri

Your CAD drawings are great Journeyman, it's very clear in terms of measurements. I'm finding it difficult to determine the exact measurements for some parts of elmers drawings. It feels like there are bits missing, for example, the exact position of the air intake / exhaust holes. All i can determine (based on the dimensions provided on the jig) is that they should be 3/8 inch from the hole that atached the cylinder to the frame.

I can't see how far up or down on the frame the holes should be though. There also doesn't appear to be an exact position for the air inlet hole. I must be missing how to read something!

My drawing:

Thanks all, that is very helpful info. You might be surprised that I don’t actually have a lathe/mill yet. My plan is to first model some simple engines in a CAD package (Fusion 360) as an exercise in both learning the CAD software and learning to interpret engineering drawings (especially older ones). I’m finding that a challenge in itself. I have an extensive collection of model engineer magazines inherited from my late father, once I do have some suitable equipment it would be great to go back and have a go at some of the simpler old stuff from the ME back catalog

Hi could anyone tell me what the # (number sign) means on the elmers wobbler plans? e.g. #5-40. I'm a beginner and still trying to decipher old plans like these, i haven't been able to find a solution searching on the web.

the plans i am referring to are for the wobbler http://www.john-tom.com/ElmersEngines/25_26_WobblerBoiler.pdf

I think the item at the back counts the rotations of the wheel that drives the generator. The lid of the box lifts up to show the current rotation count. (See pic) The elastic chords that connect the wheel to the generator have perished with age. You used to be able to turn the key at the front of the mounting base manually to rotate the engines flywheel. Does anyone know where I could get replacements?

Edited By Ceteri on 29/01/2019 22:04:21

Here's some engines for those interested. The one on the right is a hot air engine, so i can run this straight away, the others i will need to get some kind of compressor. I'm hoping an AS06 airbrush compressor would be enough.

My favourite piece is this power plant model, the central engine is hooked up to a dynamo that powers the lights.

some bigger engine, not sure what sort of air pressure i could need to get them running, and advice about getting them running well and preventing damage would be gratefully received.

Thanks, yes it is the Stuart engines and some others I don’t know the make of. They are all steam. Is it any particular type of oil, or do I just search for ‘32 oil’?

I plan to get some old engines of my late dads running after years of being unused. I want to do it properly and don’t want to risk any damage. Can people recommend anything I need to do before running them again for the first time in about 10 years, e.g. do they need any oil or anything? If so what type? I remember reading somewhere wd40 shouldn’t be used on model engines. I’m learning from the very beginning so apologies if this question is obvious.

Thanks everyone great info, having a look on ebay, does this look suitable? It’s a diaphragm type, I guess it will need a regulator buying for it too:

**LINK**

Thanks George, that's really helpful. I did wonder if you could just push a tightly fitting tube over the air/steam inlet, i didn't know if it would make a good enough seal. JasonB that setup looks great! i like how you can power multiple engines at once.

Thanks George, I was wondering if an air brush compressor would be enough to power them (perhaps something like this would be suitable? Also do you use anything to attach the air hose or can it just be pushed on?

I am completely new to model engineering, i'm interested in it as it was a hobby of my late fathers. I have a few of his old engines and would like to get them going running. I know the best way to run these is steam, but can anyone suggest a small air compressor that is suitable to run these engines (they are mostly Stuart models).

what do people use?

Also what do people use to attach the air hose to the engine?

Hello Everyone! just a quick post to say hi!

I am very new to model engineering and don't really know ANYTHING yet. My dad used to be a model engineering enthusiast and made many steam engine models, i loved playing with them as a kid. He died over 10 years ago before he could impart any of the skills required for this hobby, but i'm looking forward to following belatedly in his footsteps little by little with the help of communities like this.

Any advice when starting out greatly appreciated. My dad collected Model engineer magazine, he got them all bound and i still have them all, well over 100 years worth!

I still don't have any equipment yet, i still need to figure all that out with the space and money i have to spend but i'm already thinking about fun projects to make. It is only small but I plan to convert the garage into a workshop space. I have read that 'Elmers Engines' has some good beginner projects.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself