I've been looking at getting a traction engine.

Slightly simplified from a larger scale model but quite fiddly due to the small size. 2" version is also available less fiddly but more cost and larger machines needed.

Read whats involved in this pdf, just keep increasing the 4 digit number at the end to get the next issue

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Just as a matter of interest what size lathe is required to make a 2" scale engine and how much is the rough cost of materials of a simple engine like the Minnie ?

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But did you scratch build the parts of the tank or just stick them together

Peter, they flywheel and final drive on a 2" are going to be around 9" in most cases so that is probably going to be your largest diameter if the wheel rims can be done buy rolling or using as "cast" rims, if not you are going to need 13" swing.

For the 2" Minnie very roughly

Castings £1750

Gear cutting if you can't do it £750

Copper, Bronze & Solder say £1000 add another £1500 to that if buying completed boiler

Sundry materials, fixings etc Say £500

Boiler fittings -3 cock water gauge, injector, few valves, clacks say £500

Tooling you don't have easily £500plus

4 years of weekends and evenings - Priceless

Edited By JasonB on 29/07/2018 10:35:25

Thanks guys, I'd like to have a go at a traction engine at some point (at the moment it is beyond my skill) and wondered about the cost.

My lathe is a 10 x 22 class so it sounds like it would be large enough for everything but the rear wheels.

It's certainly something to think about in the future

Jason, do you ever fire up the engine in your avatar on the hot stuff? Is there a video of it running - I'd be interested to see it in action

I just gets the odd blow with the cold stuff, don't look too close as the dust could do with blowing off too!

Thanks I'd love to have a go at making something like that.

I would agree with this; apart from the hours to build however!!!!

As a first model I think that it is a great idea because the expense is much lower than many other engines & it allows one to make mistakes (which i have done several- no many- times) without wasting too much money.

The instruction manual is cheap, albeit a bit difficult to understand for a beginner. The final product (I have seen one at one of the model exhibitions) looks fantastic if one's skills are good. You do not need to purchase any castings.

I find it is a great teaching aid & my second one will be much better. I will feel far more confident blowing cash on castings etc for a more detailed example once I know I can get this working. You tube vids show them pulling people along quite easily

Be careful with the Yahoo forum though as there seems to be some sort of virus attached to the forum. Might just be me!!!

If you can get in Ok there are loads of pictures & advice & comments from those that have built them. The designer will answer email questions quickly- or has for me