Modelworks,a different view

[locoworksnorth]

Hello Mott,
Some years ago a built a 57xx, this has a very similar ( and I believe, these days, identical) cylinder and valve assembly and I struggled to time it.
Since those days I have developed a few tricks.
The problems I encountered were all to do with..... exactly where is " TDC" and "BDC" ? ( to use engine terminology). Its all very well rotating the wheels but as you rightly say, you need dial gauge and have to measure each side and divide the difference to find the actual center.
On the other hand, there is easily only one center point and when "on the move" represents a small angle of inaccuracy.
With the valve chest apart in front of you( yes I know.....) make sure each buckle can move freely each way, it should hit each end of the valve chest. Now to the bit where you need to be carefull.... on both cylinders find the center point between the ports ( with a pair of dividers ).... mark it somewhere outside the valve contact area , now mark the edge of a valve at center and the edge of the buckle at center.
place the valve chest over one cylinder at a time with one valve fitted and line up the center marks.Mark the valve shaft at 10mm from the face of the packing gland (this is your datum,so you can move it to that point again with everything assembled) The mark on the valve rod when 10mm from the datum is valve at center.
So.... when you come to set the timing, mark each end of travel(with full forward set) on each valve spindle extension just in front of the valve spindle extension guide. you should get about 7.75mm or so of "throw".
Divide the distance to find the center.
Hold the spindle extension on center and slide the valve rod out ( or in) to center(10mm from datum..remember) and do up the nuts.....!
Well... it works for me.
Locoworks

[grahamodavies]

Does anyone out there in model engineer land know of anyone at all who has managed to complete a modelworks 5" Flying Scotsman? I believe there were 250 sold when they were Winsons, and Modelworks continued with the kit after they took over. The only one I have managed to find is still at Modelworks, in bits almost, they sold the boiler separate for some reason. I cannot lay my hands on a kit 18 anywhere, even Modelworks reckon they haven't got the bits available to bodge one up for me. I'd appreciate a list of what kit 18 consisted of if anyone has the paperwork still. at least then I can get started trying to find the bits.
My email address is [e-mail]

Here's hoping


Graham

[locoworksnorth]

Hello Graham,

I believe there were actually only 31 A3 / 4 kits produced. I very recently aquired an A4 for a long term project. So far I have built the chassis (kit 1) and all is well so far. My kits are unfortunatly not complete, however Modelworks are being VERY helpfull with instructions and the odd drawing etc where they can, despite the fact that my A4 was a Winson kit and must be 4 or 5 years old !
Anyway, I do have a full set of instructions..... maybe they are close enough upto the point where the smoke box / cladding etc become A4.
Hope that helps.
locoworks

[grahamodavies]

thanks locoworks,
Do any of your diagrams show a reach rod? Mine don't (at least not on the diagrams I've got, and I've got them all up to kit 17 - there's nothing there up to that point). Also I'm trying to discover how they intended connecting the draincocks to the cab operating lever, and how they intended the brakes to work seeing as there appears to be no connecting rod (are they just for show?). Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Graham

[grahamodavies]

I wish modelworks would be so helpful when I get in touch with them, so far they have offered to get me some nameboards at £20 more than I would have to pay if I wanted Diane Carney boards, apart from that . . . . nothing.
With the help of an engineer friend of mine we are building a reach rod, following the pattern of the real thing (it ought to fit, hopefully). Still clueless about the operation of the brakes, and drain cocks. Again, modelworks said they could supply me with drawings to enable me to build what is necessary . . . then it all went quiet, again. I'll call them this week and ask if I can drop in and pick up copies, see if that works.

Summer's here, I ought to be out driving it instead of still scratching my head over how to finish it . . .oh well, there's always next year!!!


just a quick point . . does anyone know of a boiler for a 5" Martin Evans B1 lying around in need of a chassis to sit on??

[locoworksnorth]

Hi Graham,

I will look at what instructions I have today, been away on business......and forgot

The person to speak to is Debbie ...... extremely helpfull and very good at her job !

Call 08712 300090.

Locoworks

[grahamodavies]

called Debbie, she was very helpful, I gave her my shopping list, just waiting to see what they have, and what I'll need to get from elsewhere. I asked her about the isometric drawings, she said she may be able to help, but didn't sound totally convinced. I'll pay you for any copies you could send over?

Regards

Graham

[locoworksnorth]

Hi Graham,
Kit 18 full instructions are on their way, hope they help,
Locoworks

[grahamodavies]

Thanks Locoworks,

much apppreciated, hopefully can move on now

Graham

[grahamodavies]

A reinforcement of what I said at the start of this thread. When I was trying to deal with the Aussie/South African bloke I got promise after promise that came to nothing. Then some kind soul on here posted Debbie's number and everything has changed.With a bit of help from her regarding the sourcing of parts I had almost given up on, I have managed to reach the air running chassis stage. I have to admit the timing was set up for me by a by a small company in Dronfield called RCM Engineering (bit if a plug here) Bob Clarke and Pete couldn't be more helpful. If you are like me, a total amateur, you can go to them and have your problem solved, advice freely given so you can sort it out yourself (even use their machinery if you need to), or just have a brew and chew the fat for a while. Without the parts supplied by Modelworks I wouldn't be in this euphoric state, ( I can't get the grin off my face), I'd still be saving like crazy to buy a loco whilst remaining extremely jealous of the chaps that have built their own.

[pannierstan]

:DGreat news Graham. Hope to see some pictures uploaded to the pictures section soon then

Stan

[Shawki Shlemon]

Hi
I have been in the hobby for over 26 years and have built from scratch ( using castings ) many engines small and medium size .
My greatest pleasure is completing the engine and running it , then I move on to the next project .Thank God we are all different. I go to many clubs and see many members who unlike myself buy their engines and have good time and enjoy the hobby as much as I do , other just participate in club operations without having engines of their own for whatever reasons .All of us together make up the fraternity . We have old, not so old, young, male and female members . For the last 25 years or so our membership hovered between 40 and 50, therefore it seems to me our future looks good .To keep our hobby alive we need builders of all kinds private and commercial, buyers and operators.

[locoworksnorth]

Hi,
A nice view of things that is. Good on you, the live and let live culture does exist in this great hobby.
This hobby just gets better. Now I am "streamlining" steam circuits and having a great time learning machining skills and Modelworks started it all.
I am now actually enjoying the maintenance as well as the running. Being able to add detail and make improvements along the way is very satisfying.
cheers
Locoworks

[John Lee]

locoworksnorth said:

Hi,
A nice view of things that is. Good on you, the live and let live culture does exist in this great hobby.
This hobby just gets better. Now I am "streamlining" steam circuits and having a great time learning machining skills and Modelworks started it all.
I am now actually enjoying the maintenance as well as the running. Being able to add detail and make improvements along the way is very satisfying.
cheers
Locoworks

Well if Modelworks started it for you, a very belated welcome.

One or two on here have got a bit heated up about this subject (MW or Winsons that is), but if it has got you on the track to a truly fascinating and diverse hobby..excellent.

Regards,

John