Member postings for Roger Best

I am sure the WM 18B is the same as the PM-30V, My WM16B came with a PM-25 users manual. The only real difference is the interlocked cover over the top, which I like as its quick to open and close.

Good choice. It's a beast in the flesh, I saw one at Warco's showroom last summer.

WM18B

Chunky yet already belt drive.

Super cool - and great progress. Well done.

Another vote for " beware what you asked for".

I am an enthusiastic member of The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum, it used to be huge, then the host organisation decided to change and the owner (a volunteer not a company) decided to take the opportunity to modernise and migrate to another host.

Result - huge number of threads where lost during the migration, promises (and contracts) broken. A large number of members dropped out, some because they didn't like the cosmetics, other offended that their careful work had been deleted, some to avoid the bitterness.

Fortunately the community has some robust individuals and has survived and regained some strength but the migration was at great cost, especially the cost of the huge loss of information.

This <CTRL>+<right click> is wonderful.

May would be very optimistic.

Always a good idea to check the proportions...and generally admire.

Great progress!

How does the switcher compare with other 3.5" "starter" engines?

It looks capable, and I want a 0-4-0 for reasons of flexibility.

I turned the thermostat on the little oil-filled rad down, it was too hot at 17C, and probably too expensive too. I am glad the insulation is so good, it was worth it.

Another qualified engineer voting for "don't do it".

My main argument is stability, there will be a little bit of safety factor on a static lift, and its probably been tested moving on a nice level and smooth floor, but cause it to twist or tilt and all bets are off, all the forces get very large and that safety margin disappears.

Quite frankly its barely fit for purpose as-is, I suggest you enjoy its economy.

well done, too fiddly for me!

I have got to admit that lead makes good ballast.

I have used plenty of it myself.

https://youtu.be/TOSv0_NmLyM

Great thread, thanks.

I am wondering if a Tesla battery would fit under a passenger carriage? The tech available nowadays is wonderful, it makes electric locos a good proposition for quick action.

Edited By Roger Best on 06/02/2021 15:20:39

I bought a major fixer-upper many years ago because I wanted a lathe but I was skint. It still doesn't work so the first lesson is buy one in good nick.

I inherited another many years later, its a popular model but parts for a 1942 machine are not easy to get. Second lesson get a warranty if possible.

However an old machine does not depreciate much if you look after it. I noticed references to rust above and the third lesson from my experience is to invest in a good rust inhibitor, and a good environment, i.e. keep it dry and relatively warm so it never gets condensation on it.

Some of these points are contradictory, but its not that hard to see where your needs are, and if you have the cash you could be making a life-time investment, i.e you will never need another if it is properly specified.

Good luck and don't be dissuaded.

Good news!

Mike - that's a thin saw - was it hollow ground. i am guessing that it would have run hot, and caused itself to get squeezed like a failing brake caliper.

It does sound like the tool and material are very out of wack.

I think there is a lot to learn from this, I have some PB from the scrap bin of a previous employer who used it for plain journals on a BIG printing press, all chunky stuff about 2-3 inches in diameter.

I have had no problem turning it, even with tools designed for steel, and yet it was suitable for decades of use on a machine operating 24/7. I can't comment on its properties for soldering as it was selected for an interchangeable wear component, but whatever it was is top of my list for nice materials.

That wheel looks pretty worn in places.

Have you tried cleaning it up Stephen? is there any bent bits that need filing off?

Looks great, amazing actually for something so small.

A row of rivets and a scored line will disguise the common plate.

Sorry - no idea about pumps.

If you have just 5 then you will need six within a month.

There is a law about these things.

Unfortunately Bob a poor knowledge of history is not seen as a sin any more.

Great work Dave. Super find and lots of clever stuff since.

Did I see that moving the switch to the left means it goes away from you, rather than moving the switch away from you means the machine goes away from you?