Thanks from New Member

[norfolkandgood]

After many years of dithering I'm in a position to start building a steam locomotive - a life long desire. I say "position" but whether I have enough skill to make my dream reality true is debatable but I'm going to give it a go. Thank you for accepting my application to join you.
Guy

[oldnorton]

Well done Guy, every success! Now the choosing game starts, which one to build?

Have you got the workshop? somewhere comfy, solid enough and warm for the winter. Ideally a lathe and a mill.

Go and watch some full-size ones and see what grabs your enthusiasm for which to build. Consider also, if you have the funds, buying a small loco to steam, play with and learn from while the build is progressing. I think it can help enormously to develop knowledge and get involved during the, inevitable, few years of the new build.

Norm

[Cro]

Hi there Guy! If you haven’t already decided on what to build you could also visit Alexandra Palace this coming weekend for the London Model Engineering to get an idea of what’s out there, meet like minded people and pick up the odd bargain!

Good luck,
Adam

[norfolkandgood]

Thanks for your kind thoughts gentlemen, I'm finding the choice of loco a very hard nut to crack. Looks wise a Super Simplex fits the bill but on the other hand a Sweet Pea may be a more novice friendly option. Workshop wise I'm quiet fortunate in that I've just built a 14' x 24' block building mainly for work space for the day job but room enough for a ML7, MT2 drill press but no milling machine yet. For many years now I've promised myself a trip to see the London M.E. Show but it's a 700 mile round trip and overnight accommodation cost on top ( I live on the Furness Peninsular, South Cumbria). Though I did go to Doncaster M.E. show last May - great places to go for, if nothing else, bags of enthusiasm I find. I'd like to hear anyone ideas on suggestions for a first build loco Guy.

[ilvaporista]

Hello Guy and welcome to the wonderful world of model engineering.

What to build is a very personal choice and will depend on many factors. Two important ones are time and cost. Building a steam loco is not a short term project and these days the local foundry that knocks out castings for a fiver are non existent. Be prepared to make a commitment not unlike owning a pet or starting another job!

The point in saying that is you need a project that will maintain your interest over a long period of time. That is a very personal thing. If you only like locos which actually existed don't go for a freelance design as you may become dissatisfied over time.

Think about what you want to do with the loco and the motivation for building it. Is it the challenge of building it or the use of the loco that you really want?

A lovely part of the world you live in (well I would say that being born in Kendal...) and you have a couple of local ME societies if you want to join a club. Personally I would say join a club but again there are many factors that make this a personal decision. Some love the club thing, others less so.

There are some good starter locos out there and the usual suspects crop up again and again. How confident are you on doing your own thing? How much do you want to make? There are short cuts available with laser cut parts and fully machined parts. You could even build a kit.

Do you want to do an 'apprenticeship' piece before your main project to have something relatively quickly in your hands and develop your skills for the main project? Depending on your interests it could be a small stationary engine, battery loco or a small gauge live steamer.

Look around the net for ideas and see what resources are available. YouTube has some build series for various locos. Try Mr Factotum for a beginner's style approach.

However above all have fun and take enjoyment from what you do. If you mess up a piece don't worry (even Roger makes scrap sometimes..). It's a hobby and it should not be a chore.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, we all started at the same point at some time.

[JonL]

I would highly advise joining a local model engineering society, if only so you can see them in steam and see what makes you the most excited!

The sweet pea sounds like a very sensible choice, I wish I'd started with one myself, I might be finished by now!

[AndrewP]

Welcome Guy, there are 2 local clubs for you to consider with tracks in Barrow and Ulverston. Both are relatively informal and welcoming but as you can see from my footer I may be a little biased! If you wanted to see a Sweet Pea and get your hands dirty our new club loco, built by the members, is a Sweet Pea.
Andy