|
|
Post by Steambuff on Jun 4, 2009 15:46:22 GMT
Hi group,
does anyone have scanned articles on the building of Simplex in Model Enginnering, the volume number is 134.
Thanks Les
|
|
|
|
Post by baggo on Jun 4, 2009 19:45:16 GMT
Les, have sent you a pm,
John
|
|
|
|
Post by am1985uk on Jun 17, 2009 11:12:02 GMT
Hi,
I am a newbie to this group, thinking about taking the plunge to build a locomotive. Several people have suggested I should start with a Simplex (outside cylinders, not too many curves, simple boiler).
If someone could send me a copy of the ME articles I would be very grateful (any costs reimbursed, of course). I did a search on Amazon to see if anyone had a copy of the book on the Simplex which was published back in the 1970s. I got two hits, the cheaper of which was UKpounds 99. That works out at over a pound a page, for a secondhand book!
Regards,
Alan
|
|
|
|
Post by ron on Jun 17, 2009 15:30:23 GMT
Hi Alan
Don't bother with the book unless it's very cheap, it's only the ME articles gathered together and now somewhat out of date.
The ME articles are interesting to read but you are better following the latest set of drawings which have corrected some but not all of the earlier discrepencies, there is also a set of ME articles which correct some of the omissions in the original series.
Ron
Ron
|
|
|
|
Post by am1985uk on Jun 17, 2009 17:11:03 GMT
Hi Ron,
Thanks for the advice.
I know of at least three firms offering drawing sets for the Simplex - Reeves, Blackgates and GLR - and there are probably others. Do they all supply the same revision of drawings, or is there a preferred supplier?
Next question, while I've got my typing fingers warmed up, what is the view on laser cut plates? Someone told me that the edges get tempered by the heat of the laser and become impossible to file. Has anyone experienced this effect?
Many thanks for all the good advice on this site - it is extremely useful to a novice like me.
Regards,
Alan
|
|
|
|
Post by ron on Jun 17, 2009 19:40:26 GMT
Hi Alan
Can't really answer your first question for sure, the plans I have are marked Nexus Plans Service, I'm pretty sure I got them from Reeves, so possibly Nexus are the copyright holders and the suppliers all sell the same, don't know?
One thing I did like about GLR plans I bought for another loco was they came rolled up in a tube rather than folded, don't know if they do that with all their plans.
I've used lazer cut stuff without problems, there is a slight hardening of the cut edge but nothing a good file won't cope with, I used Malcolm High from Model Engineer's Lazer for parts for both Simplex and a Hunslet I've just started, it saves a lot of elbow grease for not a huge amount of cash.
Ron
|
|
|
|
Post by Shawki Shlemon on Jun 20, 2009 9:38:24 GMT
Hi Alan
Do you specifically like the Simplex or are you building it as a starting project because is simple from Simplex ?
There are other engines 0-4-0 much simpler and quicker to build. Simplex is anything but simple .Don't get me wrong it is a nice engine. Here in OZ most beginners build free lance called Blowfly but I am sure if you ask the question you will get a lot of suggestion on this forum,if my memory is right this topic has been covered here before and there were many good suggestions.
|
|
steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
|
Post by steam4ian on Jun 22, 2009 11:26:56 GMT
G'day alan
I'd heed Shawki's wisdom.
I will build a Blowfly or a variation at some time. I can vouch for the ecconomy of the design. BTW you can get the build book from AEM for under AUD60.00; always worth a read even if you never build. Typically the Blowfly has 3/8" (10mm) plane plate frames with no horns just slots in the frames. Valve gear is slip eccentric, lubricator is displacement and so on. The boiler has no superheater and virtually sits on top of the frame so the fire box sides are parallel. It is a heavy loco with big cylinders and an ample boiler with plenty of water space over the firebox crown sheet. Is know to pull 11 adults up a 1 in 70 grade.
I have just bought a 5'g 0-4-0 at a price which was too good to pass up. However compared with the Blowfly it is very detailed and quite complex, so much so I wonder if I have the skill to maintain it. Looking at the Blowfly plans I think I could make one with a minimum of scrap.
Hope this helps
Regards
Ian
|
|
|
|
Post by am1985uk on Jun 26, 2009 23:06:17 GMT
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the comments on choice of a first engine.
I haven't heard of the Blowfly, but from your description it sounds a bit like the Sweet Pea, which is very popular here in the UK.
I suppose my problem is that I would like to build something that looks like a 'proper' engine, rather than a narrow gauge or contractors engine. I am also not too bothered if it is not a great performer on the track - I am more interested in the building than the running of an engine.
Alan
|
|
|
|
Post by alanstepney on Jun 27, 2009 0:31:42 GMT
There are a number of engines which would make a good first effort.
Firstly, decide upon the gauge you want.
For some years, 3 1/2" was considered the "best" one to start with, and many still reckon it is.
I will admit that it is my favourite.
In that size, Tich is sometimes suggested but in fact, it is not an easy engine to drive, and has limited hauling power.
Juliet is much better, and is, perhaps, the best choice although there are many others.
5" tends to be more popular these days, but does mean that models are heavier, and materials more expensive.
Simplex, despite the name, is not a particularly simple engine, but does work well.
Metro is an easy engine to build, and has the advantage that it is based upon a prototype.
Ajax is one of the easier engines to build, and Butch not much more work involved.
There are many others, so it is worth looking at all the options before deciding.
|
|
|
|
Post by ron on Jul 4, 2009 20:03:23 GMT
Alan Simplex is my first and only completed loco to date, when I started out I was told all sorts of hair raising stories about it being difficult, one guy even e-mailed me and said it should have been called Complex, he'd been building one for 30 years  to be honest I didn't find anything particularly difficult, some of it can be quite tedious, parts of the design aren't particularly well thought out and there are things I would do differently with the wisdom of hindsight if I built another but I suspect a lot of model locos are like that. There are easier engines that Simplex to build, but if you want a good looking loco, that performs well and is an interesting challenge I don't think you'll have any unsurmountable problems with a Simplex and you can get a lot of good advice and help on here if you do hit problems. Ron |
|
russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
|
Post by russell on Aug 7, 2009 8:03:52 GMT
In case others have not noticed: The Simplex ME articles are now available for free download on the ME website.
Russell.
|
|
nigelh
Involved Member
North Cyprus
Posts: 89
|
Post by nigelh on Dec 23, 2009 16:14:31 GMT
Hi Russell,
could you point me to where, on the ME website, the Simplex articles are to be found? I've looked all over it, (I think) and can't find them. I must be blind or they are very well hidden !
Thanks
Nigel
|
|
|
|
Post by baggo on Dec 23, 2009 18:50:33 GMT
Hi Nigel,
On the home page click on 'more latest articles' at the bottom of the list of latest articles. Simplex is on page 3.
John
|
|
davidm
Seasoned Member
Posts: 109
|
Post by davidm on Dec 23, 2009 22:53:59 GMT
You do have to be a subscriber to ME to be able to download the articles for Simplex, and they do not have illustrations, so it is worth getting copies of the original articles. It is important to have the drawings as well, they incorporate most of the corrections identified over the years. Its also worth looking at freespace.virgin.net/simplex.steam/ which hasn't been updated for some time but still has some useful information. Plus of course the Simplex threads here! I knew nothing of model engineering when I started my Simplex 9 years ago, but I successfully completed it and have had a good season of running with it. I suppose if you don't know that you can't do a thing you just get on with it! I would say that it is a simple loco to build, if you can be flexible and make it up as you go along. BUT it is worth having the support of your local model engineering society, I did and probably wouldn't have been successful without it. Laser cut, and water cut, parts are the way to go, they save a huge amount of time and effort and don't need to be expensive. I wish the tank parts had been available when I did mine! Look at the Model Engineers Laser web site. I have not connection except as a pleased customer. David |
|
nigelh
Involved Member
North Cyprus
Posts: 89
|
Post by nigelh on Dec 24, 2009 7:22:45 GMT
Many thanks John & David.
I am a new subscriber to Model Engineers' Workshop so, hopefully will be able to see the articles. I do have the drawings (from way back in 1972) but am only, now, getting back to continuing with building Simplex. The frames, wheels, axles etc were all done many years ago but then "life" got in the way!
I got restarted a month ago on the axle pump and am enjoying having a workshop (it was my spare bedroom) again, at long last.
This forum has been a great encouragement and full of knowledgeable folk - really appreciated.
Sadly there isn't a local model engineering society out here in North Cyprus but thank heavens for the internet !!
Getting the right materials is also an interesting challenge but that's all part of the fun, I reckon.
regards,
Nigel
|
|
russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
|
Post by russell on Dec 26, 2009 21:33:55 GMT
David, Nigel,
The Simplex articles on the ME site are scans of the original articles so they do have all the drawings. However they do have some errors that were corrected on the full size drawings.
It's also worth getting hold of the Super Simplex articles for details such as brakes that you may wish to include.
Regards,
Russell.
|
|
davidm
Seasoned Member
Posts: 109
|
Post by davidm on Dec 27, 2009 0:00:47 GMT
David, Nigel, The Simplex articles on the ME site are scans of the original articles Sorry, lesson learnt - check brain is engaged before touching keyboard! I realise that I was confusing with the Metro articles which do not have illustrations. David |
|
tim
Active Member
Posts: 32
|
Post by tim on Sept 3, 2010 15:11:52 GMT
Hi All
I'm looking at a simplex as my 1st loco but would like as much info as possible before i start buying parts/castings. Could some one send me the articles please ideally e-mail , I have looked at the me site but could not find them.
cheers
Tim
|
|
russell
Statesman
Chain driven
Posts: 762
|
Post by russell on Sept 3, 2010 15:45:04 GMT
The articles do seem to have disappeared from the ME site. If you're still out there and listening David, can you reinstate them?
Russell
|
|
to be honest I didn't find anything particularly difficult, some of it can be quite tedious, parts of the design aren't particularly well thought out and there are things I would do differently with the wisdom of hindsight if I built another but I suspect a lot of model locos are like that.
