Age and Realisation

Hello Guys,

As I approach my eighties I find I have less and less desire to machine compared to the passion it once was. Though unlikely for the most part there are still some projects that I would like to see achieved but, there are two that most definitely won't be.

One is the Lew Blackmore Bentley BR2 nine cylinder rotary engine started so long ago and the other a more recent nine cylinder radial engine to the Volker Jung design.

Much work has been done on the major parts of the Bentley

Further images of individual parts I have posted in my albums. There is still much enjoyable machining to do however.

Work has been carried out using the drawings from the original article in ME, the errata published by Prof. Chaddock and from Lew Blackmores book plus amendments of my own to errors found in all (including the errata!)

The standard of work should be able to be gauged from the images. The bearings are all commercial save the thrust race which is home made from EN40b and professionally nitride heat treated. Gears are also commercial. There is also stainless material for the valves, the correct clock spring for the volute valve springs and ceramic tubing for the plugs. All of the above has been carefully stored and is in excellent condition.

All the tooling, jigs and fixtures made for are also with it.

The Jung radial engine has the full set of drawings from Modelltechnic

and a collection of roughed out aluminium parts and materials including the called for steel for the crankshaft. and cam roller and enough cast iron for six of the nine liners. There is also a wire eroded (cut) internal bronze gear along with two commercial gears. The only head start is the roughing of the parts. All aluminium is HE30 (6082)

If anyone has an interest in taking either of these projects on for themselves I have placed them in the For Sale section. As I have no idea what to ask however so am open to offers from anyone with a desire to pick up where I've left off.

If anyone is interested then a PM in the first instance will set things in motion

Regards - Tug

Sorry to hear that Tug, I for one was looking forward to seeing the BR2 completed.

Hi Tug

You must have very many hours on the Bentley machining, great pity that you can't see the time to complete it, but i'm sure you will continue on your other projects.
By the looks of all those pictures anyone getting the parts can be assured of quality workmanship using the correct materials for the job.

Emgee

I would love to take something like that on, however I know that I have neither the skills nor the staying power to complete it and as I am in my late 70's probably would be pushed for time.

I hope that both projects find a good home and get completed with the same level of skill you have shown in all the engines etc. you have shown in threads on this site.

Martin W

Morning guys, thanks for the kind comments.

Yes Emgee, the hours spent were countless over many years span but all very pleasurable and rewarding however it is time to be realistic - and as you say Martin 'pushed for time' sums it up perfectly.

Sorry to disappoint Bernie - hope you are well.

Regards - Tug

Sorry to hear its all catching up with you Ramon

Hopefully someone will finish your lovely work and do it credit

Hi Ramon,

What a shame...! I suppose it comes to all of us that there will be projects that we are going to be unable to complete or lose the initial enthusiasm

Looks like the Bentley is almost complete though!

Shame that you cannot finish it.

I would love to be able to complete it, but not sure I can maintain your build quality!

Kind regards

Derek

Must be about ten years ago I acquired a partial Allchin Traction Engine from a deceased modellers workshop, the horn plates had been made and drilled ready for assembly as had a number of other components there was also quite a few unmachined castings. Unfortunately the boiler was not among the components inherited so I need to tackle that. The parts had lain dormant in my workshop since acquiring them, the wife continually nagged about building it and finishing it so I have now started in earnest on its completion, to convince the wife that I will complete it before age and infirmity prevents me from so doing. The problem that I have is that the remaining castings that need purchasing are not cheap so I have to sneak the orders through when wife is looking the other way. Really enjoying the challenges with some of the machining, but I can understand where Tug is coming from with his models, he has done some excellent work so far. Dave W

Hi guys, thanks for the comments and to all those who have looked in.

First off I must say that I recieved a firm offer first thing this morning which I was happy to accept. Discussion on that is ongoing and I see no reason why that should not happen but if it doesn't then I'll let people know.

Second off is something I must stress - getting old I may be but I do not want to leave anyone with the impression that I am close to some kind of premature end. Yes Ady it is catching up with me but I'm not going under quite yet

My life has been blessed with making models - a passion that began with Meccano aged four - through model aircraft and into model engineering with several tangential paths along the way. I'm not fed up with it per se just a general tireness of it on a day to day basis.

Disposing of these two projects is the first step in a planned 'retirement' from active modelling and moving toward something more passive in my eighties. I've ayear or two to go yet but once the marine engine is done then it's time to really hang the overall on the door - the more sedate plastic modelling has an attraction and that 'Ship Book' pile has grown since Doc G first mentioned it on here - something awaiting those armchair moments rather than standing in front of milll or lathe.

Regards and again my thanks - Tug

Edited By Ramon Wilson on 24/08/2021 22:15:39

Hi guys,

I'm pleased to say both of the above have now been sold.

I managed to delete the Bentley from the 'For Sale' ads a few days ago but cannot seem to find a way tonight to do the same for the Jung radial.

It's in no ones interest to keep it there so if anyone has any ideas how to do this it would be appreciated

Regards - Tug

hi tug , go into classified then manage my ad. it then comes up with list of ads and options.

Thanks Bernard - sorted