Emma Victoria - Materials

I have been considering building Emma Victoria as my next project but i am struggling to locate a source of 5/32 bright mild steel flat for the frames. This is my first attempt at building a loco and i have mainly tinkered with smaller projects up until now and am reluctant to deviate from the drawings. If anyone can direct me to a source i would be greatful.

Hi stephen, I am building this loco and can only recommend as I have done and that is to find a local steel fabricator and get them to shear you some 4mm plate and then if you want it bright sand it to remove the scale. my apologies for the late reply but I have spent the last 4 weeks in hospital without internet access.

Mike p

I've used 5 mm plate,because I had some. Adjustments made to the stretchers etc. John

Reeves do some sheared 4mm plate for frames but may be a bit big. Any friendly fabricators, lazer or waterjet cutters should be able to supply a bit of 4mm sheet

I would be surprised if anyone produces 5/32 inch steel these days. 4mm should not be a problem however.

I would recommend Model Engineers laser as he lists laser cut frames for Emma Victoria at a reasonable price but I would suggest that you contact them to check the size he supplies.

Adrian

If you really want to stick to 5/32 material Stephen, then try to souce Gauge Plate. This will cut into super frame material as it is ground and stress relived. Buck and Hickman or your local engineers supply company should be able to offer a couple of suitable pieces, though it's not cheap.

sheffield waterjet have 4mm plate not bright but nicely finished

Actually you are better off not having bright bar/plate as it tends to have inbuilt stresses which usually mean it goes bananna shaped when you cut out for the axles.

If you want it shiney then look at John's post for how to remove the scale

Dear all,

Thank you for all your responses they are really helpful. Sadly with 2 children under 3 it may be sometime before I get to make serious inroads into this project but stockpiling materials makes me feel like I am making some progress!

Are we going to see any more Emma construction drawings? None in the last 3 issues that I have seen.

Emma Victoria is back in Issue 4465.

There's so much to pack into M.E. these days that sometimes a gap will be longer than ideal. Apologies to all those waiting with baited breath...

As Adrian posted above, do check out Model Engineer's Laser - they now have components other than just the frames I believe.

Diane