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Starting out

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Jamea Addison30/10/2009 01:39:50
2 forum posts
I am starting out in model railway engineering and would like to build my own 7.25" gauge live steam locomotive. Is there any locomotives out there that is suitable for a beginnier and can parts can be bought as and when I am able to afford to buy them. I also have no engineering experience, is that likely to be a problem?
david simmo01/11/2009 08:37:47
33 forum posts
hi jamea   look at adverts or go to show you will nead bigger lathe ect and lifting gear to move it transport above all it costs alot more regards dave
mgj01/11/2009 10:26:58
1017 forum posts
14 photos
If I may suggest it, I doubt that gauge or size has much effect on machining - in principle at least, though some particular models can have features which make parts awkward to hold. 
 
Very often bigger is easier, simply because (so long as your equipment is of a size) everything is easier to hold, less likely to flex, holes are bigger, you can see what you are doing better, you are less likely to break taps etc.
 
Next point is that its not usually the machining that's difficult, its the bending, rolling, putting in joggles and the like that are more awkward in the larger sizes. 
 
So it might be wiser, if you have no machining experience, and may not be familiar with drawings etc, to kick of with something which makes for a shorter and less broad in scope project. Not much fun, if through inexperience, you buy expensive castings and find you have machined them  exquisitely - but wrong. A loco is quite an extensive project, and if its going to involve 100% OTJ training as well, it will be a while before things start to fit together, never mind coming close to completion in operating form.
 
Unless of course there is a club locally, or you have somone to ask for advice.
 
If on the other hand you are talking of buying a ready  machined kit which is basically a spanner job to assemble, then I think Polly models do them and quite possibly some others. (Maxitrack?) Castings you can buy in stages, but whether these loco kits come in sections I don't know.
Chris02/11/2009 19:34:29
87 forum posts
13 photos
I too am a newby in this game and have to agree with everything Meyrick says.
You will find that most companies supply castings etc in and quantity you require but what you are proposing to tackle is a mighty task for a beginner. Send for a drawing sheet for a section of a loco you fancy (not the whole set) and I suspect you will find yourself amazed by the amount of work required. I am working on the Northumbrian which is being detailed in the magazine and is about as simple as it comes in loco building. As a beginner I wouldn't be making much progress at all without the articles and instructions. I still find myself needing the support of the likes of Meyrick and others on this forum. Having said all that don't be put off, the satisfaction from this hobby is amazing. I am like a child with the bits I have made but those six photo's in my album represent three months work.
Chris.
V8Eng02/11/2009 21:59:21
1826 forum posts
1 photos
Hi Jamea.
 
From your initial posting it is not clear as to what Model Engineering experience you have, so the following can only be general coments:-
 
Many people see superb exhibits at shows and think 'I'll start with one of those' this is often a mistake leading to an unfinished model plus a thoroughly disenchanted modeller.
 
I would say start with something straightforward that can be built in a fairly short time, when that is completed work your way up to more complicated models in stages.
 
A visit to something like the Model Engineering Exhibition is a good place to look at models, I find that model makers are very happy to talk about their models and give valuable insights about making Items, as are the manufacturers of kits.
 
Some FE Colleges do courses suitable for Model Engineering, the Tutors are usually very knowledgeable and give good advice.
If you have a local Model Railway (or Model Engineering) club, contacting them for advice may be a good idea.
 
Hope this helps, and is not too general.
Jamea Addison03/11/2009 10:58:41
2 forum posts
Thanks for replies. I am thinking about doing one of the beginner models mentioned on reeves website. Do you need any expensive machinary to build these or just basic hand tools?
Laurence B03/11/2009 13:39:24
58 forum posts
Hi Jamea,
I think you would almost certainly need a lathe at the very least.You could obtain a vertical slide to go with it and then carry out milling operations using the lathe as well as turning operations.A drilling machine would also be handy.You may then consider buying a milling machine.
Hand tools will also be required,files,taps,dies,reamers,drill sets,marking out equipment and so on,as well as tooling for both lathe and miller,and also some heating equipment for soldering/brazing.And you'll need a good workbench too.
Best start on a relatively simple loco to start with. Jim Vass (the usual disclaimer) does a range of 7-1/4" gauge locos,drawings and castings,including a small GWR 0-4-0 tank loco which might be of interest . http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jim.jvml  I think GLR supply drawings and castings for two small 7-1/4" gauge locos too
Good luck with this!

Edited By Laurence B on 03/11/2009 13:40:33

KWIL03/11/2009 19:12:10
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Jamea,
 
Before you do anything, find that local model engineering club or society. Talk in person to someone who can understand you skills needs and point you in the correct direction, unless you do this you will find it an expensive learning process. Machines, tools and materials are all expensive. Small steps at a time.
 
Say where you live [generally]and I am sure a Club will be suggested.
mgj03/11/2009 22:56:18
1017 forum posts
14 photos
The local club is an excellent idea.
 
Its not just the help advice and "how someone else has done it" but you get a dose of the completions. 
 
2 1/2 years into a project like a loco, and getting anything to work can seem a long way away. YDMES does tea well, and has a club loco for the petrol heads to learn on, and you see completed models working to push you along. I find I need that.
 
Mine's going to run on air next weekend - it'll be like pressing the starter on a racing engine for the first time!!!!!! (Only its taken a lot longer to build)
Tony Martyr06/11/2009 08:37:37
avatar
226 forum posts
45 photos
18 months ago I started out on model loco building, but I already had an old Myford lathe, a miling/drilling machine and experience in building a small i.c. engine and various stirling engines (50% successful !). I had served a craft apprenticeship in the 1960s and remained in engineering all my working life, albeit in much heavier variety than 3 1/2 gauge.
In spite of all this I have found the building of a 3 1/2" 'William' to be a real challenge because it requires a very wide range of skills and a rather extensive set of tools, some of which I have acquired over many years.
What I have found difficult is that the drawings  and dimensions (imperial) give no indication of the limits required so as a complete loco novice, and without the help of any experienced help, the last 18 months have been a period of discovery with some 're-work' required.
I chose 3 1/2 gauge because the materials required are much cheaper than the larger sizes and I can hold everything in my machine tools - the boiler barrel being the tightest fit this week.
I have acknowledged to myself that this first loco is for practice and will not meet the high standards of performance I would like but the next one (maybe a 5" gauge) will be the 'proper one' - should I live that long. I reckoned it would take me over two and a half  years and I am on program.
I have re-learnt a couple of lessons:
1. Pack up work before you are too tired and use the remaining energy to tidy up.
2. Machining is the easy bit - it is work piece clamping and chucking that is the vital skill.
3. Don't set targets too far ahead but take satisfaction in creating each individual part.
 

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