Post by michael on Jun 17, 2008 13:20:49 GMT
Dear All,
Some might remember I was looking to start up in steam locos 3 years ago when we moved to the UK. Events overtook me and I found myself spending most of my "spare" time working on our part time business for the past two years. Due to the recession our sales have dropped to a point where it no longer makes sense to spend so much time on it and we have decided to close the shop. It is a bit of a relief actually - it feels like I just got my life back
I have always wanted to own and run a steam loco and have recently re-joined a MES with a track. Unfortunately it does not look like I will be able to find a loco in running order that I can actually afford. I have a top limit of £1000. Only "Tich" locos seem to be available below that price. I'm a heavy bloke and have been advised that the poor loco might struggle? Therefore I am thinking of building my own loco - have a lathe and mill.
I have the plans for the 5" "Blowfly" which looks like an ideal beginners locomotive. Has anyone in the UK built one or is it just the Aussies who favour this simple design? I don't want to spend the next 3-4years building (rather be running) so would want to get some parts laser cut. I'll draw up the parts in CAD. If anyone else in the UK wants to build a Blowfly they should be able to benefit from that. I'm hoping I can adapt the Blowfly to use a Sweet Pea boiler as this looks easier to build. Anyone know if this has been done already?
Best regards,
Michael
Some might remember I was looking to start up in steam locos 3 years ago when we moved to the UK. Events overtook me and I found myself spending most of my "spare" time working on our part time business for the past two years. Due to the recession our sales have dropped to a point where it no longer makes sense to spend so much time on it and we have decided to close the shop. It is a bit of a relief actually - it feels like I just got my life back
I have always wanted to own and run a steam loco and have recently re-joined a MES with a track. Unfortunately it does not look like I will be able to find a loco in running order that I can actually afford. I have a top limit of £1000. Only "Tich" locos seem to be available below that price. I'm a heavy bloke and have been advised that the poor loco might struggle? Therefore I am thinking of building my own loco - have a lathe and mill.
I have the plans for the 5" "Blowfly" which looks like an ideal beginners locomotive. Has anyone in the UK built one or is it just the Aussies who favour this simple design? I don't want to spend the next 3-4years building (rather be running) so would want to get some parts laser cut. I'll draw up the parts in CAD. If anyone else in the UK wants to build a Blowfly they should be able to benefit from that. I'm hoping I can adapt the Blowfly to use a Sweet Pea boiler as this looks easier to build. Anyone know if this has been done already?
Best regards,
Michael
