model newbie

hi guys

I would like to build my own steam engine... just like you chaps....

could anyone recommend a good engine and where I could purchase the drawings please..

im an aerospace engineer so not too concerned about the complexity but would like to make a good size engine one that could pull me and the boys...

any start up advice would be greatly appreciated ...should I join a local club ...

im in the Bradford area

many thanks guys

cheers

paul

Well, in answer to your question, I haven't got a clue. I am sure somebody will be along in a minute with some options but you are going to need a workshop with some tooling for the venture. Do you have a workshop at home or are you perhaps going to do this "at work" as it were?

graham.

I suggest you start by building something like a simple stationary engine, say like one of Elmer's engines, which are based on bar stock and the drawings are free.

This will let you learn how to use your tools and you will have something to show in months, rather than being dissilusioned after many years when you have spent a lot of money and have little to show for it.

Jo

hi paul,

yes, suggest you join your local club. there are some excellent clubs in your area.

as to what loco if you ask a group of model engineers you will get 20+ different answers!

i dont think there is any need to build a stationary engine first. i certainly didnt when i started my first 5"g loco at the age of 16 with no engineering training or background.

size and type of loco is rather determined by cost and size of available lathe to turn the wheels, and complexity of the boiler. i would avoid anything wih a tapered barrel and belpaire firebox and piston valves for a first attempt. that still leaves a huge variety of available well known designs. there are some to avoid unless you want to do a lot of research and corrections. also depends what type of loco you fancy... something Victorian with lots of shiny brass, something with a tender, something freelance or something based on an actual fullsize type.

when you go to a preserved railway what are the locos that you particularly like?

there is also something to be said for choosing a loco that has a construction series available either in book form or don young's magazines LLAS or ME etc. have a look at the Reeves online catalogue as a starter.

cheers,

julian

Good morning Paul,

Firstly, I would suggest you take a look at the Southern Federation of ME clubs web site, http://www.sfmes.co.uk and the Northern association web pages, http://www.normodeng.org.uk from which you can find a selection of model engineering clubs in your area. I would make contact with those near you and go along and get a feel and ideas; definitely join a society, you'll find there is generally loads of advice, help etc and it doesn't cost a fortune; there will be many suggestions what to build as a first project, but what ever you do don't go down the route of something that's too small to be of any use. There are a number of excellent designs available suited to the beginner; remember when you drill the first hole or cut the first bit of metal with your hacksaw you're no longer a beginner, you're in there with the rest of us!

Enjoy, it's one of the best hobbies you can ever get involved in.

Regards,

Bob Youldon

Brace yourself, Paul. Loco drawings won't be the same level of detail you are used to

My suggestion would be to visit a couple of clubs and see some models in action. This will give you a real idea of the size and capabilities of different locos. Even a modest 0-6-0 tank engine is a hefty beast at 7 1/4" scale.

Neil

Hi Paul,

I have an aero background, military rotary wing, mostly Chinooks 3rd/ 4th line servicing and major repairs.

My first loco was a Sweetpea in 5" gauge from Blackgates engineering. **LINK**

Straightforward to build (and hundreds have been) an excellent steamer and good pulling ability.

It's always worth joining a club.

Regards

Lofty

hi guys

thank you very much for your replies....

im hooked already....looking at joining a club as we speak...

I have a workshop with a lathe and a Bridgeport clone turret mill..catch you here soon

regards

paul