Approximate Build Times

I understand this is a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' type question but is anybody able to give an estimate on how many hours it might take to build a very simple engine like the small boilered 3 1/2"G Tich?

Hi Phil,

Many years ago I built a small boilered slip eccentric "Tich" to a good, but far from exhibition standard and it took about 6 months which I would guess equates to about 750 hours with the time I was putting in. My workshop at that time was not particularly well equipped and better equipment would have undoubtedly reduced that time. On the other hand thanks to a traditional engineering apprenticeship I already possessed most of the necessary skills and so probably took considerably less time than a less experienced builder. Another factor is cost, a small budget would slow down the rate at which new tools and materials could be purchased and lengthen the build time, although that is more likely to be an issue with a larger project. The standard of finish and level of detail would also have a very significant effect on the time required as would individual work methods... some people simply work a lot faster than others.

Hope that Helps.

Ian

Ian,

Thank you - that is very helpful. I purposely built the small engine (in my pictures) to refresh my machining skills and check my workshop equipment. I definitely need more bits but I think I might be able to start a locomotive now.

Thanks once again.

Phil H

I've since looked at your pictures, it looks like you have more than enough equipment to make a start. You will of course need hand tools, drills, tap & dies etc, but what you don't have you can buy when the need arises. I built mine on a Unimat 3 which is half the size of your Myford, a tiny Cowels drill press, and no milling machine. In those days machine tools and hand tools were expensive but materials and castings seemed quite cheap, it seems to be the other way round now!

Glad to be of help.

Ian.