Time to let go and call it a day

Hi Guys,

As I move rapidly toward my eighties I have decided not to continue with machining after the Marine Engine is finished.

As such I have decided to part with some of the I/C engines made so, though I doubt it, if anyone may have an interest I have just put a post on the Barton Control Line site describing some of them. Take a look here if so

Best - Tug

Sorry to hear that Ramon, but I guess we all get there eventually. Each one of those engines is a work of art and worth framing and hanging on the wall if nothing else.

What beautiful examples of high precision engine building.

All the preferred power source in the 50's but the price of IC fuel today is ridiculous.

Sorry to hear that, always enjoy your posts and have learned a lot from, copied may of your methods, and taken inspiration from your projects. Look forward to the completion of the marine engine posts.

The quality of work and finish on your diesel engines is exemplary, as Hopper says all are works of art.

All the best

Dave

Sorry to hear that Ramon, I hope this does not start a trend, I reached that number last year and a week later took delivery of the boiler for my latest loco.

You know what will happen, a week after you close the workshop, a job will turn up, "if only I still had a lathe/Mill/whatever.

All the best.

Regards

Brian B

Oh no !

That's a shame, really sorry to hear this news. It is important to remain mentally stimulated as we get older, have you thought of doing minor clock or pocket watch repair?

Personally I dread the time I too will have to make a similar decision, I am 65 this year so hopefully I have a few years to go....

Please stay active on this website Tug, your experience and advice is always welcome

All the best

Derek

Eric Walker was an inspiration who built his first loco when he was 70 and then (I believe) built 14 (!!) Tinkerbells before he died.

Lowestoft this year Tug?

Sorry to see you winding down: I always find your posts inspirational, Tug.

But looking forward to the next installment of the Marine Engine!

Dave

About three or so years ago I decided, for one reason or another, to give up my Austin Sevens, I have three. I did advertise them, but I set the price on the high side and had no interest. They have sat in my garage since then until recently. I now feel an urge to start getting them ready for the road, maybe summer use only, who knows? I have re-joined a local car club and will start to attend meetings soon.

My advice would be to hang on to all you have, machinery and engines etc for at least a year. If after that time you still feel like "It's the end of the road", then perhaps it is.

Good luck, Lee

Hi Ramon. Sorry to hear that you are selling all your IC engines. Old age comes to us all eventually but that does not mean we have to give up entirely You may not feel like machining but I am sure your experience and wisdom will help many people on and off the forum for many years yet.

I hope we see you commenting and posting things for a long time yet.

All the best

regards

Sad news Ramon. Am into myn 80s and wonder justbvhow much longer I can carryn bon.

We shall notice the l,oss of your excellent workmanship, but nyour experience qand advice will still, be welcome and needed for the less knowledgeable and skilled.

Howard

I am really sorry to hear of this,Ramon. Your work has inspired many of us for some years and so far as I am concerened, your standard is something to strive for.. I am more than ten years in front of you and find making I/C engines the mental stimulous we need to stop turning into a cabbage and hope you re-consider your decision.

Keith

'Guys'

When I opened this up this morning I was not expecting such a response! Thank you for your kind comments - all of them. Quite unexpected, somewhat surprising but all much appreciated.

This decision, which has taken several months to arrive at is not based on health issues, physical or mental (though some would perhaps question my sanity over it) but a desire to move on to fields afresh in what active years I have left to enjoy - I assure you I will not be vegetating. If you count Meccano I've been making models for 73 of my 78 years so I don't intend to stop at this stage.

'Machining', from my very earliest attempts at it, very quickly became a passion and remained so until quite recently but the desire to continue in front of the lathe or mill has diminished considerably.

Parting with these engines is not one of needs must but simply that they sit, in boxes, in a drawer unseen by all. I had immense pleasure in making them but once made they remain hidden. My wife Sue has requested I mount one of the 'Atomatics' for her to display so perhaps I might mount my favourite ETA too, who knows. The rest though are quite redundant objects where they are - there's been little response from Barton so we'll have to see what eBay brings

Pastures new are very much focussed on my love of plastic modelling - a recent need to reduce the diameter of two very small diameter pitot tubes has made me question the intended disposing of my lathe so that will remain.

So once again, thank you for those thoughts. I'm not down, I'm not out and have no plans to give in yet, just a change of direction.

Lowestoft Bernard? See you there

Best regards - Tug

Hi Tug

I was in the same frame of mind three years ago when we moved house, sold all my machines and kept a few hand tools , mics etc.

After we had settled I realised that I had not lost interest and have bought a mini lathe and mill to fit the smaller area I now have. It was a mistake to sell all my equipment as I am now having to buy new tools.

If you have the space I would suggest you keep the machines for some time as you may regret selling them.

Best wishes whatever you decide.

Ian

Hi Ramon, A hoarder from birth, I strongly reiterate both Lee and Ians words, keep the machines for a while ! Best wishes what ever you do. Noel.

Hi Tug,

Sorry to hear you are closing up the workshop. I shall miss seeing you make your engines. As someone who has downsized to smaller machines I can recommend retaining some machining facility.

It is surprising the enjoyment we get from doing the simplest of machining jobs.

Regards

Gray,

Always enjoyed your posts

A knowledgeable skilled craftsman like yourself will stay useful to the end Ramon

Just a case of adapting

I also agree with the hang onto your gear for 12 months or so suggestion, things change after a few months of alternative distractions

Edited By Ady1 on 27/01/2023 10:45:56

I'm very impressed how you could machine a case from solid and make it look like a casting. You don't see too many people who can do that without jb weld!

I can understand the desire to sell off the engines that are out of sight and not enjoyed by anyone.

I have been slowly re homing some of the tether cars that I have built. Most live under various beds in the house, when first built get a run to prove they will go round. A couple of my cars will be raced this year in Europe this year the Europe Championships are in Switzerland this year and I will be racing there along with trips to Poland and Germany.

If you can wait until October 27th and 28th the BMFA (British Model Flying Association) are holding an auction at their National Centre both live and online. Last years auction contained engines made by model Engineers/aero modellers, they made good prices. The auction helps the BMFA financially and the cost to put lots into the auction are not excessive. I maybe a little biased I am one of the volunteer team that helps keep the Buckminster site going plus they have a tether car track.