Getting back into Engineering

Hello All,

Just a few words about me. I've been engineering since I left school, but never considered, or had sufficient time, to do it as a hobby. Now retired, I've decided to do some model engineering alongside woodwork.

When I was at school, I got the opportunity to build a T.E.Haynes "Hot Air Engine" (halcyon days back then). However, over the years the model has been lost. That's going to be my first project. I'm sure there are better first projects, but it's the nostalgia, and the fact that my Dad was so proud when his 16 year old son walked through the door with it.

Only one concession. The base will be fabricated from aluminium blocks rather than a casting. Yes, we had a mould making facility and an aluminium smelter at school.

Welcome Bo'sun to this forum. You will find people on here very willing to share their knowledge if you have any questions.

Sounds like a good firstish project, please keep us updated.

Brian

Welcome to the forum,

A fabricated base is acceptable! you can always make a cast one later....

3D-printed pattern, coated in whatever, burn out the pattern and pour in molten aluminium (a few empty drink cans?). Job almost done.

Welcome.

While I have never built a hot air engine (though I have a set of bits ready to machine when I get round to it) I can empty drink cans with the best of them. Let me know if you need help!