What next - plans

So I have just finished my very first project model engine. It was an oscillating engine (a Wig-Wag). This was a fantastic first project as it was simple and there is a whole community around it so lots of help (and YouTube videos!). So I'm looking for my next engine project. I like the idea of making it from bar stock rather than a kit with castings. This is for a couple of reasons including its easier and less expensive when I mess up parts and I like learning all of the different machining techniques. So my question is what next? Are there any resources for plans especially ones which have proven to be quality/reliable.

Thanks Colin

The Potty Mill Engine sounds ideal for what you want. It is a simple horizontal mill engine with simple bobbin type slide valve gear all made from bar stock and cheap metric fasteners. Plans by Stewart Hart are available free on the net, somewhere but I forget where, and it was featured in MEW mag as a Dads and Lads project and plenty of build threads and videos around. If you google Potty Mill Engine you will find it all. Maybe in the Plans section of the modelenginemaker.com forum site.

I made my flywheel out of an old steam valve handwheel, the rest was all bar stock.Pictured here part completed without the eccentric and linkage. I built it as a test project for my newly restored Myford lathe, just to give it a workout. No milling machine required. Just the lathe and drill press, but it could be all done in the lathe easily enough.

Edited By Hopper on 15/02/2023 08:13:08

PS I just found my copies of the plans for the Potty Mill Engine by Stu Hart. PM me your email address if you would like a copy.

I think Julius De Waal may have done CAD metric version drawings but don't know anything about them.

Thanks this sounds perfect - pm sent

Thanks Colin

+1 for Stew Hart's Potty Mill.

The flywheel on my example above is home made but the governor was bought in.

If you get on with Stew's plans for this engine there are a couple of others in the series including a popular Grasshopper Beam engine, all designed with the less experienced modeller in mind.

Jim

Colin,

You will get more than a few ideas from looking at Jason Bellamy's video channel on YouTube. He often makes his creations from bar stock and has given many a would-be modeller advice and guidance on this forum, including tips on how to make the finished article have the look of having been built from castings. One word of warning, however. If you do start looking at his videos, set aside a good while as they are many, and I find them the video equivalent of a "can't put it down" book!

John

That's the old channel, there is a second one too This is the playlist for engines

If you fancy a more detailed oscillator then the Muncaster No1 was detailed here or something a bit larger like the Jowitt here

Also the Muncaster Entablature and the Thompstone are nice engines if a little more complex these two were in ME

All are suited to those with a metric persuasion and all barstock though I took the option of readily available flywheel castings for some.

Thanks for the links. I've just subscribed to your channel!

Cheers

Colin

I just saw your workshop and you're not hanging about are you...

Don't forget about CAD as an aid in your quest, it's very handy for when you're not doing "real work", can't get into the workshop, too knackered etc

GL

Yes I'm super lucky. I've had the workshop for about 15 years. There is plenty plenty of time for me to study as CAD as its a 20 min drive from my home so im normally only there at the weekends. I did an apprenticeship back in the mid 80's as a fitter and turner but never did any actual machining since. So decided it was time to get back into it hence the mill and lathe. The mill was in a bit of a state so I needed to spend a bit of time rebuilding it. Hopefully now I can concentrate on learning how to drive it all!!