michael
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No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Jul 6, 2005 20:12:00 GMT
I'm curious if anyone in the UK has built a Blowfly 5" loco or if it is a purely Australian thing? I have that plans book and frankly I am tempted to start on one if it proves difficult to find anything affordable. I would like to hear from someone who has built one. I like the boiler design used by Jan-Eric Nyström: www.saunalahti.fi/~animato/steam/It is a lot simpler to make than a coal fired boiler. Michael |
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Post by alanstepney on Jul 9, 2005 21:29:19 GMT
I waited a while to see what replies you got.
I have visited many ckubs and attended numerous exhibitions and have yet to see a Blowfly.
Doent mean that there arent any, but it seems unlikely that there are many here.
There are numerous designs for simple locomotives. It might be worth looking around before deciding what to build, if anything.
One possible problem with Blowfly is persuading the club boiler inspectors that the design is OK. It may not be familiar to them, or there might be some points they dont like. I would check that out before you start building anything.
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Post by Tel on Jul 10, 2005 0:11:36 GMT
Knowing both Barry Potter and the AMBSC, I would be confident that the boiler would comply to anything youse blokes would want to throw at it.
However, as you say, there are a lot of simple designs about which would reduce the chances of many being built over there.
Actually, the Flowby is very similar to the earlier 'Scamp' which appeared in EIM many moons ago.
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michael
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No such thing as too much fun
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Post by michael on Jul 10, 2005 16:10:43 GMT
Well, I was referring to a different boiler design than the original Blowfly boiler so Alan is right that there may be issues. That obviously needs to be sorted out.
I think the Blowfly might just be too simple for British taste. No offence guys, but many Brits seem to find form just as important as function. Hence most designs try to stick with full size practise.
The Blowfly is a basic as it can get with its slip eccentric valve gear. It kinda reminds me of a big Mamod loco. Utterly practical and probably also cheaper to build than most other locos. It won't win any ME contest but it does put you on the track with a live steamer. As far as I can tell quite a few have been built in Oz and the make great club locos.
I know Sweet Peas are popular in the UK and obviously I like it since I used to own one (not completed though). However my spare time is limited and I see a Blowfly as standing the best chance of being completed within a reasonable amount of time and on my limited budget.
Michael
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michael
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No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Jul 10, 2005 16:12:23 GMT
Forgot to ask: What other simple designs are there? I'm only familiar with the Sweet Pea. Links/pictures appreciated.
Michael
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Post by alanstepney on Jul 10, 2005 20:31:40 GMT
In 3.5" gauge, Tich, and Juliet are about the simplest. The latter, Juliet, makes a nice engine that works well. It can be built with slip eccentric if you so wish.
There are many others, of varying degrees of complexity.
In 5" gauge, there are several simple engines.
Travel around to club open days, and similar events, plus attend one or two of the exhibtions and you will see an enormous range of engines.
Although many at exhibitions are the more complex and are, naturally, to exhibition standards, the club stands tend to have a wide range of engiens on show.
I still think it is premature to think about building one when you might well find exactly what you want at your local club.
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michael
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No such thing as too much fun
Posts: 78
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Post by michael on Jul 10, 2005 21:40:49 GMT
Thanks Alan. There should be ample opportunity to see what is available once I get to the UK. What show are there that should not be missed?
3.5" gauge? Hmmm - I'm not sure a Tich will haul my weight ;-)
Even if I find an engine I'm sure I'll start to build something eventually. I have both lathe and mill now and the collection of tools is slowly growing.
Michael
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Post by Tel on Jul 11, 2005 9:24:18 GMT
Yeah, you'd probably be disappointed with a Tich (I was). Might be OK on elevated track, but hopeless on ground level.
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Post by districtgrandmaste on Jul 11, 2005 10:40:32 GMT
About shows - there's Guild ford next weekend - plenty of models and most trade stands.
The Midlands ME comes at the end of October. It is relocating to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre (it sounds grand - but may not be!). When at Donington I found it a long but worthwhile trip each year.
The same people all appear at the end of January each year at Alexandra Palace.
Details appear in Engineering in Miniature which is published each month.
Good luck.
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Post by alanstepney on Jul 12, 2005 2:12:18 GMT
There is also Bristol, plus many local shows.
You have already missed, Sandown Park, Brighton and Harrogate.
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