Member postings for david Sewell 1

Hi Bruno,

Really like what you have done with your loco. Just about to go down the same route as I have purchased a part built Princess Marina with part built boiler. All new but stood still for a very long time as the builder is no longer with us.

Model engineering is new to myself but machining is not so I think that I have got a bit of a chance. Your pictures and text have answered some of my questions however, these machines are works of art and I have a great deal to do.

I hope it all goes well but keep posting, nice to see the first run but a nervous day for you.

Kind Regards,

David.

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies and making me feel very welcome. I do enjoy problem solving and coming up with solutions. Like most people, I don't like waste so have already started to collect a real mixture of metal parts and off cuts. So different today, I remember when the workshop scrap bins were full and you could just help yourself. Wouldn't it be fantastic if it was still the same.

I am interested in the live steam loco building but any type of engine is an option. I have been reading up on boiler construction which seems to cause many discussions. Again, so many skilled model makers producing some great works of art.

I will be joining a club, I previously had a friend who was a model engineer and had the privilege of the occasional drive of a loco. Once you have done it, I can see why people become so passionate as there is nothing like live steam, these machines do have a life of their own.

Again, Thank you so much.

Kind Regards,

David.

Hello everyone,

My engineering life started when I was 14 years when I won a school scholarship and attended a turners training center. This is what I always drawn too, every opportunity spent on the school metal lathes making chips. When I left school, I found an apprenticeship but sadly engineering, ship and boiler building went oversea leaving lots of people out of work. Consequently, I went down a totally different route until three years ago and now close to retirement. I am now building my garage machine shop but expensive.

Some things have not changed but my world was never CNC and electronic tech. Picking turning up again was not an issue and I have got to say that I have found the import machines to cut true but not the quality of the old British machines. I have still a great deal to remember but I am hoping to produce some quality models.

I really enjoy the sight and the many skilled engineers offering so much good advice. I still love steam and have fond memories of those steel monsters, many hours in the sixties spent on the sidings in the local yard and workshop. I did some sandwich runs for the workers which in turn allowed me to get very close to the engines. I was only seven years and some would say that every health and safety rule was broken, however, this was a totally different world and the men knew that I just wanted to learn.

Hope you enjoyed my engineering start, will add more posts soon.

I have a Chester Coventry to which I have just done a full bearing change.. Not that I had a problem other than the paint coming off inside the gear head case, told that this was common. I did change the motor and electrics to 3 phase with VFD however, this was not needed but more to the fact that I had the items in my workshop. Got to say, 3 phase has made the lathe more smoother.

Regarding these lathes, if you spend some time setting up and getting to know your machine, it will give a very good results.

I do come from a machining background and would there is no limits to how much you can spend on a machine. For the home workshop the Chester has been fine. Runs extremely true and does all that I want.