Nervous Beginner

[johnhale]

Hi All,
        Although not a complete novice and certainly not a new model engineer I am a complete novice when it comes to model loco building and I've started a Simplex many years ago and it's been under the bench for at least a decade now. I've decided I'd like to get back into model engineering and the loco can anyone advise on good step by step books to follow, I got as far as the frames and horn blocks, and got so nervous about messing up the wheel castings I was given in a part machined state I put it to one side. I've since got married and have 3 children so my time is limited, though I do have facilities at work.

I'd appreciate any advice even if it's to leave the simplex under the bench and start a simpler project to ease myself back into things.

Regards

John

[millman]

My opinion for what it’s worth is to carry on with the Simplex, have you got the back issues of Model Engineer covering the build, there is also a book on building Simplex published by TEE publishing, it is basically all the build articles in book form, plenty of help and info available as Simplex is a very popular loco, this forum contains a section devoted to Simplex

[uuu]

Yes, carry on. If you want to ease yourself back in, and you're scared of the wheels, just choose some other part. Have you done the buffers or buffer stocks? Make a whistle. The brake standard (that holds up the operating handle).

Wilf

[Alan]

Carry on. get the book, download it or whatever and use it for pointers to get you through the build. If you start another 'easier' project, it will not be so fulfilling and therefor more difficult to finish and it wont pull you along.
I have been building for too long and like to have the write ups when available. when you get 'distracted' they are helpful to bring you back on task.
Keep that brain and body active

[millman]

Can I just add that when I started this wonderful hobby, about fifty years ago, I was talked in to making a LBSC Tich, the biggest mistake of my life. It seemed a good idea because the castings were cheaper, boiler was cheaper in materials and within my capabilities etc etc, the only problem is that when you have finished it you are disappointed with it, and sorry to say mine never got finished, it is still in my possession tucked away in the deep dark corner of the workshop, moral of this story, build something worth having at the end, Simplex is certainly that, it is a good club loco for passenger hauling. Very wise words from UUU above about getting your hand in doing buffers etc. Wish you the very best of luck with it and people here are only too pleased to help.

[RGR 60130]

I too would advise starting with the simpler bits. Model Engineers Laser produce a lot of parts for Simplex and are still doing mail order.

www.modelengineerslaser.co.uk/locoparts.aspx?loconum=30&locotype=3

Reg

[smallbrother]

You can sometimes buy wheel castings on Ebay for not much outlay. Maybe get some to practice on first?

That said, it sounds like I was more of a beginner than you and the only major problem I had was in locating the crank-pin holes, the final part of the process, so a bit frustrating to say the least. However, I am hoping I have found a solution and I will be quartering the wheels soon. This is for 3.5" Juliet which is relatively inexpensive.

Good luck and give it a go!

Pete.

[johnhale]

Thanks Guys Anyone know where I could download the Simplex book? Will have to dig out the model engineer articles.

[builder01]

Hi John,

I have a website dedicated to the Super Simplex. It is mostly the same as the Simplex, with a few upgrade changes. But most things apply to both locomotives. If you need the build articles, which are exactly the same as what is in the book, PM me and I can gelp you out. Here's the URL for my Super Simplex website; supersimplex.yolasite.com/

The Simplex is a great running locomotive. It is lots of fun to drive and has plenty of power, even with reduced cylinders. I reduced mine to 1-3/8" diameter. It makes it run more efficiently as suggested by a friend. There are many little things I changed to make it more friendly to operate and maintain.


20190621_162915 by Builder16, on Flickr

[JonL]

If you can find the time to join a model engineering society I highly recommend it. The friendship, helpful advice and camaradarie is worth every penny to me. I've been helped on so much both by this forum and my local MES. Where are you based?

[coniston]

I have to agree with other posters, it is best to continue with the Simplex. Most loco's require a similar amount of work to build them so you're better off spending the time making something you have a motivation to finish. Otherwise you could lose interest and end up with two un finished projects under the bench.

Definitely join a local ME club as Nobby says, you'll get a lot of help (and a lot of conflicting advice) but make friends with the guys that you see actually running locos and preferably the ones who made them. With any luck you'll get the opportunity to learn to drive one which will keep your interest.

Happy building

Chris D

[ettingtonliam]

Yes, join a club, but you probably won't be able to until the corona virus restrictions are lifted, I think most clubs are pretty well closed down, mine certainly is.

[JonL]

Apr 20, 2020 21:08:38 GMT ettingtonliam said:

Yes, join a club, but you probably won't be able to until the corona virus restrictions are lifted, I think most clubs are pretty well closed down, mine certainly is.

Yes, mine too, but the research can certainly be done.

[Midland]

Dear Nervous Beginner
Now we are two. Don't let these fancy engineers boss you around, just remember Gresley made a ton of swarf before he got the hang of it. If you lived in the Midland era, 1890-ish, you were born to serene perfection from the womb, that is why Midland locos are 'perfect' not like some of those other funny looking things. Practice on the Simplex and the Midland light will shine upon you!
Cheers
David

[JonL]

Apr 21, 2020 20:07:50 GMT Midland said:

Dear Nervous Beginner
Now we are two. Don't let these fancy engineers boss you around, just remember Gresley made a ton of swarf before he got the hang of it. If you lived in the Midland era, 1890-ish, you were born to serene perfection from the womb, that is why Midland locos are 'perfect' not like some of those other funny looking things. Practice on the Simplex and the Midland light will shine upon you!
Cheers
David

Some of those funny looking things were rather sprightly....   but I'll let this slide...

[Midland]

Nobby
You picked a winner. My wife loves these. You see, I love Gresley as much as the Midland muckers but do not tell Pete, he would need hospital!!! It is just the little ones need a friend.
D

[andyhigham]

These mainline things are ok I suppose but real engines are narrow gauge

[jma1009]

Hi John,

If the thought of turning up to finish a partly machined set of Simplex wheels has put you off for many years, then you are faced with an obstacle, as ANY miniature loco requires the loco wheels to be dealt with and machined.

Ergo how are you going to do the boiler and cylinders, if the machining of the wheels puts you off for so many years?

I did my first set of loco wheels fully machined in one or 2 afternoon at the age of 16, except the crankpin holes, and including making up a mandrel to fit them to and threading same for a securing bolt and washer to finish the treads and flanges.

To be honest, if you doubt you can turn a set of Simplex wheels to finish them in 10 years, then perhaps you ought to consider another pastime. Stamp collecting?

Cheers,

Julian

[mbrown]

I think that's a wee bit harsh Julian. Things that cause total anxiety in the earliest days of model engineering can be dealt with straightforwardly after mature reflection, and especially if encouragement is forthcoming from the more experienced. I never thought I could produce a sound boiler and put off boiler making as long as I could... then plucked up courage and did it. The only boiler I have ever made where every joint was completely sound first time....!

I think the original poster is to be commended for hanging on to his embryonic Simplex until he felt ready to go the next step. That suggests the persistence to get it finished.

Malcolm

[runner42]

There are many good videos on youtube covering machining of wheels. The important thing to do is being a casting, where the maximum metal condition is more to enable machining to take place, but to ensure after machining that the wheel is near as possible symmetrical, setting up the casting in the lathe is crucial. A 4 jaw chuck is preferable and being a spoked wheel requires the inner rim of the wheel to be concentric to the lathe axis. Youtube videos show this better than I have explained. Don't be put off by the task, your machining skills will develop as you proceed with the build. If you prefer, try machining a test piece to near enough the correct diameter before starting on the wheels. The longest journey starts with the first step, take it. But let me alert you to the fact that it will be a long project and making time is just as important as developing skills.

Brian