New from South Florida

Met a nice fellow formerlly from the UK that told me about this site. I was admiring his nice large locomotives and ships that he had on display in his antique shop. I used to build small steam engines, bu am interested in old locomotices, especially the Stevenson Rocket.

Hello George,

Welcome to the forum, I hope hurricane Matthew didn't give your area too much of a battering.

Neil

It was 'Stephenson's' Rocket actually,....not spelt or pronounced the same way......

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenson%27s_Rocket

And welcome, by the way!

Edited By Bob Stevenson on 14/10/2016 07:44:51

Hello George and welcome. You may have done it already but if not, entering "rocket" into the search bar above will list several posts on your favourite.

Lovely part of the world there - was in Key West a couple of years ago and loved the place, nice folk as well.

Rik

Hi George. Hurricanes apart I'd rather be in Florida with you at the moment. It's 59℉ in my Dining Room and I'm far too mean to turn the heating on.

On the subject of George Stephenson and spelling the great man wasn't too good at it himself. Welcom, newes, disapointed, joine, pappers, creadit, riting, roume, befor, menny, guid, surveye, tunnal, axels, bolior and many more examples can be found in a personal letter he wrote in 1827. My favourite is "I found a meathat of cheking his work".

Cheers,

Dave

Did you know Rocket is still in existence, at the Science Museum in London? It's been modified, not least to near-horizontal cylinders, but great to see.

Neil

Thank you all for such a warm welcome and also for correcting my butchering of the Rocket's name. We survived the storm with the bulk of Mathew making landfall about 100 miles north of us. Just cleaning up some of the debris.

A short history here. I worked in the nuclear power field as an inspector for 30 something odd years. I have been gathering tools and machines, hoping to have a nice shop to work in once that I retired. My company gave me a boost (or should I say boot) in 2014, so I accelerated my efforts and I finally completed my shop this year. I have been making some small parts for friends and sharpening up my machining skills or should I say lack of.

I knew nothing of early locomotives until sitting with my grandson for hours on end watching Thomas and Friends. Knowing that these characters were based on real engines, I got excited when I saw the Rocket. I guess my grandson needs one now, but I am far from ready to take on the challenge, since my experience with steam engines is limited to a few home built wobble type.

I will read up more and try to post a picture of my shop. Also inviting any locals who need to stop by and make a part to do so .

Edited By george behary on 14/10/2016 14:52:30

Edited By george behary on 14/10/2016 14:53:27