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Building a steam engine boiler question?

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Steven Greenhough13/05/2015 08:02:28
144 forum posts
54 photos
I might advocate starting with something smaller. Maybe a gauge O or gauge 1 engine, or a small static engine. Something with a shorter build time and materials of less outlay but also easier to 'handle'.

My rationale is that against an engine with a build time of years something which could take just weeks/months will give a taste of many of the skills and procedures. And when parts go wrong (as they will if it's your first go) the time and fiscal losses in that part will not be so soul-crushing.

Ultimately I have to admit I want to build something in passenger hauling scales, though maybe 'only' 2.5 or 3.5 inch. BUT I wouldn't have had the confidence to start there.
There is the counter-argument that success is more hard-fought for, and thus more likely, when it's something you really want though...
fizzy13/05/2015 18:06:55
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1860 forum posts
121 photos

Like I said, no offence intended. You would indeed need to learn the skills required to build a decent size boiler, and there will be lots of costly mistakes to make also. Best advice as already given is to hone your skills on much smaller items, they cost a lot less when they go wrong! Feel free to pm me if you need any help, and remember that it is very possible that your local boiler testing expert has never even built a boiler!

Alex Collins13/05/2015 18:49:26
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147 forum posts
38 photos

Can I suggest a couple of things to build that I found great to start this hobby with.

One of the engines from the Dads n Lads series by Stewart Hart in Model Engineer. These are simple mill engines all made from Bar Stock and low cost materials. They will teach you a lot about how you can use your tools and machines.

The Puddleduck Engine by 'Bog Standard'. A More advanced engine. This requires a fair bit of precision to get working well. (Note: mine never did. Rebuild no.3 is on hold)
**LINK**

If you are hell bent on a Loco, there is the 16mm IDRIS loco currently being featured in Model Engineer.
The Boiler I certainly found a challenge to get soldered together and it's only 2" dia and 6" long !

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