Hi from John

Hi all I’m John,

I’ve been enjoying model engineering for almost 50 years now. Over the years a busy work schedule and family commitments have limited the amount of time I have spent modelling. Having recently retired I am planning more time in the workshop....who knows if that will actually happen!

I started building my first model with my two brothers in 1974, a 3 1\2” Rob Roy. 46 years later Rob Roy is in my brother’s workshop patiently awaiting a coat of paint. In 1976 I started a 5” Pansy that is about 85% finished. Why rush I tell myself! Based on some of the forum discussions I need to review the valve gear design and possibly carry out some modifications. So I’ll be looking in to that and can add a few more years on to it’s construction time! In the 1990’s I built an electric powered 5” Thomas the Tank engine. Despite my youngest son being most disappointed that Thomas couldn’t talk my three sons (and many other Thomas fans) enjoyed hours of fun taking him for runs at our local Model Engineering club. More recently I inherited the castings and frames for 3 1/2” Princess Marina. I have completed the construction of the tender and am currently enjoying painting it. OK those fiddly bits where you get more paint on everything else apart from where it is supposed to be isn’t that enjoyable but all adds to the modelling challenges we so often face. This year I have become the very proud owner of a partially built 5” Britannia (tender and chassis complete) that has been in the family for over 50 years. Unfortunately the original drawings that were purchased in the late 1960’s are incomplete. Some are badly faded and don’t have identification as to who drew them. I have just purchased a set of drawings that unfortunately vary in design but I’m hoping will be sufficient to complete the project. I plan (not making any promises though!) to make the boiler over this winter. I now need to purchase some brazing equipment that will probably be an oxy/acetylene kit. Anyone selling such a kit at a good price feel free to contact me.

In view of the above and the ever increasing work list coming from management (yes lovely wife that means you!) I will have a busy but rewarding retirement. Fingers crossed!

Hi John welcome to the forum.

Having retired myself 5 years ago I have never been so busy, so don't think you will get loads of time without help.

David

Hello John and welcome. You'll find lots of locomotiveers on here.

2 things that can help:

1) Give your approximate location so that persons who may be be able to help can see you in person and,

2) Join a local model engineering society, especially if contemplating boilermaking. The regulations have changed over the years and a local boiler inspector can be very useful. Also, most clubs have a tracksite so you can have go at driving with the help of someone knowledgable and, when you have finished an engine you will have somewhere to run it.

All the best with your plans and remember, this is a good place for advice and help.

Brian

Welcome!

And do as Brian H suggests. help, if it is needed, can be more easily obtained.

In the mean time, you seem to have plenty to keep you busy, getting ready when we can reopen our clubs, and run again.

Howard

Welcome & Best Wishes, John!

Welcome to the forum

H

Thank you.
I’m most grateful for the welcomes, suggestions and advice. I hope to be able to assist members with my knowledge and experience too.

Thanks again.