Hello from East Northamptonshire

Hello all,

I'm Mike and I've recently bought a quite old Myford Super 7 that seems to be in quite reasonable condition. I was planning (rather too ambitiously" to build a 2" or 3" traction engine, but after looking at the set of drawings that i bought, it's not a realistic plan at the moment - mainly due to overall cost and (boiler - best part of £3000) and a two year wait. Also not sure that the Myford Super 7 is really big enough for a project of that size and complexity and not currently having a milling machine. So I have a bought a Tom Senior kit from "The Engineers Emporium" and have made a start. I may well be asking questions on this forum for some tips on how to machine certain components. Although I am a time served Mechanical Engineer I have never done milling operations on a small lathe, so that might well be an area that I need advice. I would also be interested to have details of a model engineering club within a reasonable distance that is not focussed solely on model railways - no offence but I'm not really interested in that aspect, although many of the processes and techniques etc would no doubt be the same for what I am doing.

Welcome to the forum

H

Welcome to the forum. One couid probably build a 2" scale traction engine with a Myford, but for 3" there would likely be a few parts (final drive gears and flywheel) that would be too large. I'm building 4" scale engines but my lathe will swing 18" in the gap. It is perfectly possible to build at least the smaller scale traction engines without a mill, but having a mill makes life a whole lot easier. Irrespective of the capability of the lathe for milling, having a separate mill avoids the need to set the lathe up time for milling, and then take it all apart again for turning.

Andrew

Michael, welcome to the forum, I am in central Northamptonshire, and also secretary of the Rushden model steam enthusiasts group. We are 95% a road steam group. We do not have a clubroom as such, but do get together at rallies and during the winter months, subject to any Covid rules of course. We also can offer boiler testing when the time comes. PM me if you want any additional information.

Chris Gunn

Hi Michael & welcome to the Forum. Many members have the Myford lathe of different models etc. The super 7 has a gap bed so technically you could swing up to 10" if using a backplate or fixture. But as said above it is only a small lathe. Hope to see some projects from you in the near future.

I have not ventured into steam as yet, but never say never i guess. Some members have made some stunning machinery. So you will have no shortage of help at hand.

Steve.

I was going to say that the area covers from Stamford in the north to Rushden in the south. Peterborough is not so much out of the area, as well.

Hi Michael,

A Myford is big enough to make the majority of parts for a 2" or 3" traction engine. And you can get the others made elsewhere. I only have a 9" Southbend lathe (4.5" swing) and built a large model traction engine with a 10" dia boiler and 24" dia wheels. Join a club and you will find members who can help.

Paul.

Hi Michael, Welcome, like you I only have a passing interest in railways, my main interest is in many forms of engineering. I'm on the N Norfolk coast. I also have myford s7s. Good Luck Noel.

Welcome to the Forum!

Since you plan to start by building a traction engine, presumably, you are familiar with machining techniques, and well equipped?

Whereabouts are you in East Northamptonshire?

If possible, join a M E Club. Peterborough S M E is getting back into its stride after been locked down for so long, and so will others, no doubt.

Howard

Or Northampton NSME

Thanks everyone for the welcome. It's great to know that the Model Engineering world is a friendly and helpful place.