Just Joined ...

Hi Everyone!

Years ago, when still at school, I borrowed a book from our local library about how to build a model steam engine – the book was «Simple Model Locomotive Building - Introducing L.B.S.C.'s "Tich" edited by Martin Evans. I have been hooked on steam power and the notion of building my own model locomotive ever since. Now, approaching retirement, I hope finally to have the time to realise that dream.

I have an engineering background and have been tinkering with old cars since I was old enough to drive but do not have much experience of model building and model building techniques. I am hoping to catch up by tapping into the vast reservoir of knowledge that you all, collectively, clearly possess. Hopefully I will also be able, now & then, to contribute something useful based on my experiences.

More recently, I have been following a series of You-Tube videos by Keith Appleton (Model Steam Engines for Beginners), trying to learn what I can about techniques and methods but also for help in deciding on a suitable first project. Keith recommends a “Stuart Victoria” - a stationary engine, but I’m sure many of you could suggest suitable alternatives that I could check out (I found an interesting thread on this site earlier on the potty mill engine). The project does not have to be a steam engine. I just followed a fascinating video - how to build a small sheet metal rolling machine based on SweBend company design principles - from scrap metal & parts!

That’s probably enough for now. Look forward to many interesting discussions!

Steve

Welcome aboard Steve.

Model Engineering is a broad church, and I'm not into modelling as such myself. However, I can recommend the PottyMill as a starter project. I made one as No castings needed, 3 different metals, learning to read the drawings, planning the work, and a variety of build challenges hard enough to make the beginner think, but not difficult enough to be discouraging. And it's a real buzz when an engine you built yourself works, even if it is a bit rough!

I used the same engine to learn 3D-CAD Assembly, Joints and animation. This is part-built in Fusion360:

Next trainer engine for me was Jan Ridders' Coffee-cup Stirling:

This is a much more delicate engine because it works on the heat from a mugful of hot water. There's not much energy available, pressures are low, and friction and leaks are highly undesirable. The Meccano motor pictured is 'running in' the engine.

Next engine was going to be JasonB's Flame Licker (build thread here), but after collecting most of the materials, I got diverted. (Many others - Jason knocks out engines faster than I type.)

Please share your successes and failures, and we love photos!

Dave

Welcome to the forum

H

Hi Dave & Harry!

Thank you for taking the time to help me on my way.

The Potty Mill project seems like a rewarding and suitably challenging place to start. Generally, I must say that I am impressed by the quality of the projects our members, your selves included, present on the various threads. It is almost intimidating given that I have yet to start on anything of any complexity. I’m wondering if my limited photographic skills are going to need upgrading as well.

The 3D-CAD projects are probably some way off at the moment, though I do have one interesting project in mind (which I have not yet seen documented anywhere) where the ability to use a program like Fusion360 would be a really useful place to start. But, that will have to wait while I busy myself with some simpler constructions and expanding my basic skill set.

I will keep you updated as I go.

Regards,

Steve