Steam crane help.

Hi All,

I'll apologise for a start; I'm new here with no idea so this post could look a right mess but I'll give it a go!

Firstly, a bit of background: I've recently got a workshop together with the intention of doing some model engineering or whatever else I might need to do when I get a visit from a mate of mine and his Dad. Mate's Dad and I get on very well and while we're chatting away he spies the 7A engine project that I've decided to resurrect after about 30 yrs! (marriage, kids, job commitments; not necessarily in that order but you get the picture), and says "I've got something you might be interested in I'll bring it over when I next visit".

A few weeks go by and he visits again with the gadget (I hope!) I've included.

A bit more background: Mate's Dad is an eighty-something Irish lad with a penchant for graft and an eye for something collectable. He worked for The Mcalpine family for many years and went to a sale at their place where he picked up this part of a model steam crane.

Now, it appears that the Mcalpines bought Smith Rodley cranes and I'm wondering if this might be part of a boardroom model, maybe a (group) apprentice piece or even some excruciatingly expensive toy (last option not very likely).

The dream would be that we could get all the bits back together that some pillock has dismantled!

Has anyone seen anything or know anyone that might help?

Not much help but his link Here should give you a idea what the model should or could look like, good luck with your project.

Mike.

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Hi Mike,

Thank you for your reply. I'd seen the link you sent a little while ago but I must have skipped over the text.

''The model is almost certainly a demonstration model taken to various industrial sites so as potential buyers could see all its functions in steam.''

This rings true for the part I have as;

1. It does not appear to have any parts made from castings, so it's probably not a commercially available kit or toy.

2. Some of the parts appear to have a 'ground' finish which, although not impossible are unlikely to have been produced by a scratch-building enthusiast.

3. It just doesn't feel or look like either of the above.

The demonstration model seems most likely to me which also, unfortunately, means it's probably a one-off and it's extremely unlikely that I might be able to re-unite this part with any of the others.

If someone sees these photos and remembers a box in their attic or shed that contains similarly constructed/ coloured parts then I might be onto something. Otherwise, I'm looking at an extremely well-machined part construction.

Mrs Y and I are going to York for a weekend in the near future. If permitted (by Mrs Y) I'll pop in to the museum and see if I can glean some inspiration from there.

Thanks again.

Cheers,

Mick

Hi Mike,

MY thought is that it's a freelance model, rather than representing a prototype. models of steam cranes were perennial favourites as presents for small boys. A few things don't seem prototypical - the bobbin for the cable is very inaccessible and the large row of screws holding on the top plates don't seem right for full size.

It has proper sslide valves (many models fo this kind are simplified wit oscillating cylinders)

There seems to be a sliding gear clutch mechanism, and the handle on top may operate a band brake. I can't figure out the reversing mechanism. The red bit on the side is a boiler pump.

I would be optimistic that it could be restored as the engine appears more or less complete, you are missing the jib and a few odd bits, and almost any small boiler should be able to operate it - cranes don't use a huge amount of steam.

Neil

Hi Neil,

The engine does indeed run on compressed air but only after a fashion; I would need to do some stripping and cleaning and to set the valve timing more precisely to achieve smooth operation.

The handle operates a clamp plate which acts as a brake on one of the remaining cross shafts.

Reversing mechanism is slip-eccentric.

Thanks for the reply,

Mick