Brian's 1" Minnie Traction Engine

Great thread - you have covered a great many issues over the years.

Fabulous work Brian!

Thank you, i didn’t think anyone followed this build,

Progress is slow admittedly, work and family take priority, but it’s getting there.

It's looking great Brian! I see you are starting the beading around the tender, looks like. Tricky, but looks great when done.

looking good brian i have finally steamed my minnie successfully using charcoal and it steams well .the only thing now is the pump will not work against the boiler pressure,when the engine is cold it works fine.

anyone else had this problem

pete

The pump does not worrk as well when it get shot, some builders mount the pump down on the horn plate or at least space it off of the boiler.

thanks jason for the info i think i will try moving it to the horn plate and also fit a back up hand pump

pete

Hello all

Just working on the Minnie water pump,

Anyone know what size hole should be through the check valve seating.

7/64 or 1/8 ?

Thanks

Looking very nice Brian

H

Thanks Harry.

Hi Brian, Sorry for the delay. 7/64" bore for the valve seatings for 5/32" valve balls. Are you changing the pump layout/location ?.

Nice to be reminded of this build!

Neil

Good afternoon all.

Could I ask any Minnie builders what thickness gasket they used between the cylinder and the boiler?

The reason I ask is when I machined the base of the cylinder I took great care to make sure it matched the boiler, unfortunately, I forgot all about the gasket.

Really, to make things right I should re-machine the base of the cylinder to allow for a gasket,

Thanks,

Brian

If there is no allowance for the thickness of a gasket and the surfaces are flat and mate well with each other, a coating of graphite based sealant will work. (used on the end cover on the steam cylinder of my 6" engine).

Hello all

Progress has been very slow of late but thought i’d post a quick update picture

Regulator’s done and the water pump is taking shape.

Still lots to do but the end is in sight 😀

The engine's looking really good Brian! keep going with the last bits. Did you use sealant under the cylinder or did you machine a bit out for a gasket?

Looks great Brian, well done 👍

Thanks Derek,

Hello Jeff, never got that far,

Plan now is to write a list of all the half finish bits I need to do then strip the engine and sort all the gaskets so I can get it running,

Im not planning on painting it so just need to clean everything.

Be good to get it finish, I’ve really dragged my feet with this and I’m lucky I have never lost interest.

Hello everyone

I am working on the ash pan, damper and hinge arrangements.

I have made the hinge that attaches to the front of the boiler but am having trouble picturing the 2 small hinges that solder to the damper.

Would anyone have a clear picture?

Thank you

Last two in this album of mine

Thanks Jason

Did you machine those from solid or bend 1/16 plate?