Brand new to model engineering

Hi everybody.

My name is Chris. By training I am a diagnostic electronics engineer specialising in failure analysis. My mechanical engineering experience can best be summed up as “minimal”, but I have done a fair bit of 3D printing.

Many years ago, my late father started building a 3.5” gauge model of 9F 72220 “Evening Star”. He was a mechanical engineer starting his career at the Swindon railway works where he actually worked on “Evening Star”. I made a promise to my late father that I would do my upmost to complete the engine. So here I am with almost no experience of model engineering with a 3.5” steam locomotive to build. Any help and advice will be gratefully received.

Thank you

Hi Chris, welcome to the forum.

Hopefully you will find plenty of help and advice here.

Neil

Hi Chris and Welcome.

My personal opinion follows:

1) Be realistic in your expectations. To complete a locomotive can take years. To get the skills in the first place is not quick either. Don't expect to be steaming this a week next thursday.

2) Don't go straight into making parts for the locomotive. Try some smaller apprentice pieces first. I quite like Stuart stationary engines, I built a 10H to start. I look back at that poor rough thing and see the start of my journey. I'm not much better now, but refining skills takes a lifetime.

3) Watch some youtube videos on the subject, such as Quinn Dunki and Keith Appleton. Both are very different engineers with different goals in mind, but its a broad hobby.

4) Be aware that there are lots of ways of achieving things, and if you ask three model engineers their opinions I doubt you will get duplication (for example the engineers I mentioned in 3) seem loved and hated in equal measure depending on who you ask).

5) Remember this is supposed to be fun. Count Rivets to get the perfect details if that is your thing, or concentrate on something which is more simple but less prototypical, either way enjoy it.

6) If you have a question, its always worth using the search function on the forum first. You will probably find the same thing has been asked many times before.

7) If you can, join a model engineering society. Mine has been so supportive and helpful, I think I would still be staring at castings if it wasn't for them.

Whatever you choose to do, the very best of luck.

Welcome!

What splendid parentage, to have worked for God's Wonderful Railway, and on the last steam locomotive to be built for British railways,

You have set yourself a great challenge.

Try to find a local Model Engineering Society and join. there you will find like minds, and a lot of expertise that you can use, face to face.

Some will either stand with you to guide, or may demonstrate techniques.

FWIW, ,before doing much on the locomotive, you need to learn the basics, and become familiar with machining.

You would,do well to read some books on basic lathe work and milling.

Some books might be concerned with the machines that you possess, if you have already made purchases.

Even if not, they will give an insight into the basics

If you want a list of some of the books that might bhelp, PM me. (There are quite a few to choose from )

If you have not bought machines yet, these will help you to make the right choice.

Having set up a workshop, with machines measuring equipment and hand tools, become familiar with them and their uses, before doing anything serious.

Better to make a mistake on a bit of mild steel bar than some part of the loco! We all learn from our mistakes, but them cheaply rather than on something which is costly, or even worse, not easily replaced..

making simple tools will be a good learning experience, and provide tools that you will use for years to come.

You will find lots of help on here that will help you, on all aspects of the task.

Howard

Edited By Howard Lewis on 09/09/2022 16:42:45

Welcome Chris, I presume you have a copy of Martin Evans book EVENING STAR in 3.5" ? ARGUS BOOKS, Ltd 1980. ISBN 0 85242 634 8.

I was asked a few years ago to lead a team to rebuild a 9F. 92207.

Noel.

The 64 million dollar question.

How much did your dad manage to get done?

Welcome along from another Christopher. Enjoy the hobby and learning curve, best advice I can give is "Don't rush" what is your location ? Just the county will do, there may be someone close willing to give guidance.

Welcome to the forum Christopher, some excellent advice has been offered by members, especially about practicing, and if you have drawings, then start with the easer looking parts first. The hobby can be expensive, so some dedication is needed.

Firstly, sorry for the late reply. Thank you all for your warm welcome and advice. I will try to answer all your points in this post.

1. Expectations
   Thank you for your input on this Jon. I do realize that this project is going to take years to complete. I have built enough models of various things (but all kits) to know that it takes time. I have spent a lot of time trawling “YouTube.” I subscribe to both Quinn (at Blondihacks) and Keith (at Mainsteam models) and I hope some of their example has rubbed off on me! I am not a scale fanatic; the aim is to achieve a working locomotive at the end of this. As to finding a model engineering society, unfortunately I live in a small town (Inverurie) in Aberdeenshire, and I can find no societies closer than Edinburgh. I do intend to enjoy this project and hopefully gain lots of skills along the way. Once again Jon thanks for your advice.
   
2. Literature
   I do have several books on Basic lathe work. Fortunately, my father left a copy of Martin Evans book “EVENING STAR in 3.5" together with a complete set of drawings. As part of my electronics work, I learnt to read mechanical drawings. Some of the parts sure look challenging!
   
3. How far did Dad get?
   The short answer to this is “not very” The locomotive frames are cut out and drilled. The horn-blocks are fitted and (what I assume were meant to be) temporary buffer and drag beams tack welded in position. The pony-truck frame supports are fitted as is the steam brake support frame. The frame is further supported by steel angle brackets. I have no idea if the frame is straight and true. The pony-truck is built and fitted to the frame. It is all covered in surface rust.
   
4. Workshop
   I have acquired a 7X14 mini-lathe and fitted a DRO and quick-change tool post to it. I have a 4-jaw independent chuck together with the 3-jaw self-centring chuck which came with the lathe. I also have a milling slide. I have several sets of lathe tools, centre-drills etc.
   
5. Location
   I am located in Scotland in a small town (Inverurie) which is about 15miles West of Aberdeen
   
6. Experience
   I did learn (sort-of) the basics in metal-work classes at school. By basics I mean filing, drilling and very basic forge work. I never got anywhere near a lathe, or for that matter any machine tools apart from a drill-press. I have made the replacement buffer and drag beams to replace the tack welded ones on the frames. I also acquired a box of various metal off-cuts of round stock which I have been using to “play” with the lathe. I don’t intend to try and make any turned parts for the locomotive until I feel more confident in my machining abilities.
   
7. Locomotive parts

I have acquired the full casting set for the locomotive

Well, that is about it for a quick “potted” history of what lies ahead. Once again, thank you all for your advice. I will reach out if (when) I run into problems.

Chris Norton