michael
Involved Member
No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Oct 10, 2004 12:35:10 GMT
Hi
Due to several moves in the last couple of years and a recent promotion I have not had (and still don't have) much spare time. Add the fact that I now live in a 2nd floor apartment and it becomes clear that a 60kgs 5" gauge locomotive is not a practial thing. Therefore I have put my uncompleted Sweet Pea up for sale (not much luck selling it though).
I still have the steam bug and therefore I am looking for something that has to meet the following criteria:
Can be carried by one person (less than 30kgs) Does not need a track
Even I can answer that: A traction engine! Sadly I know very little about these beasts. I would assume that something that matches a 3.5" gauge locomotive in boiler and engine capacity would work??
I am not looking for a scale design but something that will pull an adult and a child. It could even be something on a simple chassis with a vertical boiler and an upright engine. I would also consider using gas or ideally have the option to use either gas or coal. I would prefer to use commercially available gears.
All ideas are welcome.
Michael
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Post by alanstepney on Oct 10, 2004 13:15:46 GMT
About the smallest traction engine, apart from "toy" size, is the ME "Minnie" Traction engine, in 1" scale by Len Mason. An excelent engine that is simple to build.
(There have been some 2 x Minnies built too.)
Going up from that is the 1 1/2" Allchin.
Then you start getting big, and even bigger!
The question of haulage depends a lot on what surface you are using. Go across a rough piece of grass and you will need a far larger and more powerful engine than if you run it on tarmac.
As far as build size goes, a 1/1/2" traction engine has roughly the same sized parts as a 3/4" scale loco, but with many exceptions.
Also, the size of full sized traction engines varied widely, so scale is not always the best guide to size of the model or its parts.
I suggest you go to a few exhibitions, (Donington is on soon) and look at some different engines. You will soon find one that meets your criteria and appeals to you.
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michael
Involved Member
No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Oct 10, 2004 14:14:41 GMT
The Minnie does look very attractive but I was hoping to find something of even simpler construction. Even though Minnie is not a scale model it still has a scale look (at least to me). I am more interested in something that works and less concerned about look. I just need to find an appropriate boiler and engine size. As for going to ME shows I am a bit limited in choice by the fact that I live in Germany. I guess what I am looking for is something like the "Blowfly" of traction engines. Michael
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Post by greasemonkey on Oct 10, 2004 20:38:29 GMT
Hi Michael I don't know what part of Germany you are in but maybe you could get along to Sinsheim in January? You might find someone selling what you are looking for there! Following on from what Alan has said, if you are looking to pull yourself and your son I would suggest that something the size of the Allchin 'Royal Chester' is the smallest you should go. Minnie doesnt really have the power for rough ground and two inch scale minnies are also very heavy and definately a two man lift.
Andy
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michael
Involved Member
No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Oct 10, 2004 21:11:47 GMT
The Royal Chester is a nice engine but far to complicated to build at my skill level.
I might be able to go to Sinsheim but I doubt I will be able to buy anything - the prices I have seen for traction engines are typically GBP 2500 and upwards.
I often wonder why there are so few simple designs available. Guess I might have to roll my own.
Michael
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michael
Involved Member
No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Oct 11, 2004 20:39:48 GMT
Here is what I have in mind (influenced by the fact that I have the Blowfly articles):
Scale the Blowfly boiler down to a 3.5" barrel - it will be almost the same size as a 1.5" scale Royal Chester boiler. Build one of the Blowflys engines. Nice and simple slip eccentric valve gear. Use a chain for the final drive. Older traction engines used chains.
What is the total gear ratio used on 1.5" - 2" traction engines?
Michael
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