Some model engineering in sunny South Africa

Minus 14c here in the Highlands last night. Time to get our winter coats on.

Very sad about the thefts. Irreparable damage to pieces of history. Seems a big problem in SA. I have read reports that the railways were in danger of shutting down due to such widespread theft of overhead cables, and in one case a whole six miles of the actual tracks. Sounds pretty desperate.

Yep, we have a big problem, and I think you probably only hear a fraction of what's happening. I wouldn't want to burden you guys with our problems, that's just not fair and it’s not why I started this thread! Once we get a hold of the situation I might reach out to you guys for help on fixing what was damaged, specifically drawings and technical info. I know there are a few forum members with access to museum archives, and this forum is always willing to help!

-14DegC…. No words!

If you go to a few of the stationary engine FB groups you should get the info and just about anything can be remade if funds and labour are available though the original is always preferable.

Glad that old engines and techniques are still being preseved, across mthe world.

Seeing and hearing the start of the Ruston and Hornsby reminded me of the 9 inch bore Wilson at The WaterWorks Museum in Hereford, another single cylinder air start monster.

Have nevr managed ro find any data on it, so it may be the only one left that is runnable.

The father of a working colleague was a Fen Drainage Officer, and one evening he took us to see one of the big Rustons driving a scoopp wheel..

It wa redlined at 260 rpm. At that speed you could feel the engine house swaying in sympathy with the inertia forces.

(The big end cap required block and tackle to carry it when off, after removing the fout 7/8 BSF retaining bolts.

Heavy engineering!

Howard

The Anson Engine Museum are a good source of information on old IC engines. We've had yet another attempted break in at our track. It's debatable whether making it more difficult to break in is sensible, the scumbags ripped the roof off the carriage shed when they couldn't get the door open. I'm trying to convince the committee that the best course of action is to put windows in so that they can see there's nothing they could sell down the pub.

That sounds like a good idea. Alarms and CCTV work well too. But cost money of course, although getting cheaper for the DIY systems these days.

We starting to get the stationary engines running again after the recent vandalism... The members are incredible how they can do so much with so little, hats off to the guys!

Well done Guys! So disheartening when vandals and thugs begin to control our lives and hobbies.

You have a splendid group there!

Lekker!

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