Beginners first stationary engines

[Tim Bayliss]

Folks,
If any budding model engineers out there are looking for an easy but fullfilling first time project that won't break the bank, you could do a lot worse than get hold of a copy of Tubal Cain's book 'Building Simple Model Steam Engines' (the first book).
I have absolutely no affiliation with the author or publishers but I think the projects in this book are a good exercise for beginners, with most aspects (at a basic level) of model engineering included, in an easy to understand format.
The projects shouldn't take very long to complete and are fully functional & fun to steam.
Try it, you'll enjoy it!!
Regards,
Tim Bayliss

[Tel]

I agree Tim, 'Building Simple Model Steam Engines' would be an excellent launch pad for someone wanting to enter the hobby. Never actually owned a copy myself, but the local library has it & I've had it out a few times (the book, I meant the BOOK)

I'm relieved to hear you have no affilliation with the author - 'cos to do so you would need to be some sort of medium.

[John Wood]

Hi Tim. Quite agree. I have built a couple of engines from that book (and volume 2) and have got them all to work without much trouble. The thing I like is that the building techniques are so well written that a wealth of experience on general metalworking is amassed without you even realising it. The experience I have gained from projects in this book have helped enormously with other projects now in hand and of a slightly more adventurous nature. I hope to expand my workshop as a result of inspiration gained.
The books are freely available from ads in ME and ME Workshop magazines.

All the best
John

[paul]

Mar 8, 2005 20:18:23 GMT Tel said:

I'm relieved to hear you have no affilliation with the author - 'cos to do so you would need to be some sort of medium.

Another side-splitter there mate ;D ;D

I've got Stan Bray's "Making Simple Model Steam Engines" which is also aimed at beginners - not sure how it compares to Cain's book although it does include metric and imperial sizes for each model.

[circlip]

Other classic of course is "Model Stationary and Marine Steam Engines" by K.N. Harris, and afore anyone says its hard to come by, there were LOADS at Arrowgate. Regards Ian.

[littlechuffer]

hi folks, im just about sorted tooling wise etc to start my first project, probably a vertical single cylinder double acting steam engine.

i was wondering if any of you learned chaps could enlighten me
regarding steam boiler certification.

firstly, where can i get a boiler tested
secondly, how much is it likely to cost for example on a boiler of
say 8 inch length x 3 inch dia'

thanks to all for reading this
rgds
mick.

[alanstepney]

The only practical way to get a boiler certificate is to join your local model engineering society.
All of them test boilers for members.
(List at: www.modeleng.org/clubs.htm)

As all small boilers are made from copper, the price of which has reached astronomic levels, they arent cheap!
If you are making one, look at some of the suppliers websites for material costs.
Secondhand ones by, for example Stuart Turner / Stuart Models seem to fetch £200-£300, unless you are lucky enough to find a bargain.

Probably not much different from a new one, if you can find someone that still makes them.

Once again, your local club can be the best source as often members have or know of, items for sale.

[alanstepney]

and 'ers one wot I made earlier...for a little lad's eighth birthday.
Based upon Tubal Cains Jenny Wren.

[circlip]

Don't compromise on the construction Little C and pressure test it properly. You don't need a Cert unless you're going to display in public?
Regards Ian.

[littlechuffer]

thanx guys
this will be my first venture into the wonderfull world of steam
so any guidance is very much apreciated.
i do intend to make my own boilers and eventualy a scratch built loco.
i have looked at the model club link however unless im looking in the wrong place
i dont see any clubs nearby (darlington county durham)
nice little boiler by the way alanstepney.
rgds
mick.

[alanstepney]

The only one I know of, is South Durham Society of Model Engineers, who are at Hurworth.
See:
sdsme.co.uk/website/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
There are probably other clubs in that region too.

[littlechuffer]

hello alan
thank you very much, that particular club is only about 8 miles from me ;D
i have signed up to the website and will pop along when i get the chance..

rgds
mick.