Issue 4444

I've found some of the comments in this thread rather dispiriting and vaguely insulting.

I'm building two 4" traction engines, and have a workshop commensurate with that. Yes, the engines are expensive, and heavy, and the machinery is largish, but not necessarily expensive. I've just dug out the invoice for my horizontal mill; £145 plus £165 for delivery, plus VAT of course. Normally I move machinery myself but the mill weighs 3500lbs, so not very practical. That's a lot of iron for the money!

There seems to be an undercurrent that this sort of activity shouldn't be allowed in ME/MEW because it costs money. Surely that's up to the individuals concerned; everybody has made their life choices and should live with the consequences, good and bad, without feeling the need to denigrate others.

Onto the partial quote from Stub; I agree. As has been commented it takes a lot of time and effort to write an article. I have written a couple of articles for MEW in the past, and have one currently with the editor for consideration, although when, or if, it'll appear I don't know. I had some ideas for several other articles, but since they involve accessories that may not be found in all workshops, I'm not sure it's worth putting the effort into them.

Regards,

Andrew

Edited By Andrew Johnston on 02/07/2013 22:48:40

Fair enough - apologies for mis-understanding the context.

A friend here has a 3" scale Case, beautiful model, and I can see making 3" or 4" or so traction engines.

(off topic, kind of) I think locomotives are different in that you can have a lot of fun with a small one on an elevated track; while a little traction engine would leave me scratching my head.

(also maybe off topic, kind of) Of course, the railway loading gauge in Britain is constrained; the "light pacific" that I cut my teeth on while ideal for branch line service in Canada, is basically the same size as Mallard. (not as fast, though!)

Another JohnS.

Just touching back on the cost subject again. Although a traction engine may seem to cost a lot you do need to take into account the amount of time it will take you to make.

My 2" Fowler probably took 3-4 years to make and cost a few thousand pounds in materials and castings. I'm currently making a hit and miss engine that will likely take me 3-4 months to make and the casting kit is £650 plus barstock.

Worse case lets say 3 casting kits a year over three years thats £6000 plus so the traction engine was the cheaper option.

J

Don't get me wrong Andrew, I don't begrudge those who have the resources investing in more expensive projects - believe me I'd do the same if I could. As you have (apparently) agreed my main point is such articles need to be complemented by 'affordable' projects.

Neil