Basic oscillating Engine

Dear all,

As a new member I was asked to show an image of my first project so here it is! It is the simple oscillating engine from Steve's workshop, thanks Steve!

Due to errors (not paying attention) on my part I ended up with two holes at the top of the frame as I bored the main bearing hole at the wrong end, so measure twice cut once! I "hid" my error with two brass screws.

This also meant that the air intake had to be drilled from the back of the frame, miraculously the engine ran first time!

The whole project was fun and rewarding but definitely showed up weaknesses in both my equipment and me personally!

It was my first venture into model making and I made all the parts excepting the screws, air valve and spring, so all in all a positive and fun project.

Best wishes to all,

Mark in Switzerland,

Edited By JasonB on 08/06/2020 11:58:01

Good job Mark - not into engines myself, but I've made a few for self-training purposes. I got a real buzz when my first engine ran! Beware - making them is addictive!

Building engines is a really good way of learning the ropes. Don't be disheartened by personal and equipment weaknesses, it's amazing what people do with limited resources once they've made a start. Quite a few on here are self-taught and the forum is excellent for picking up tips and methods from chaps and ladies who've done apprenticeships or have a lifetime of workshop experience behind them. And there's much to be learnt from beginner mistakes, other people's problems, and the wide range of engineering challenges members are stuck into.

Enjoy!

Dave

Nice result Mark.

One of the joys of such an engine for a beginner project is that mistakes (we've all made a few I'm sure) can often be recovered with a little ingenuity. My own version also has an air inlet in the back of the frame.

Jim

As they say Mark; he who hasn't made scrap, hasn't made anything. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you get pleasure from it.

Steve Addy

Nicely done Mark; there are few adages that can suit.. 'if you haven't made a mistake then you are lying'.. Steve's one, above post, etc.etc.

George.