Nice engine to model

[jasonb]

Just saw this workshop engine and thought it would make a good subject to model, maybe 1/3rd or half size.

Click on the picture it will take you to their stationary engine section then part way down the page click the picture again for some more detailed pics.

www.prestonservices.co.uk/

Jason

[classicsteve]

I wonder if these people actually sell engines as they are building a collection worthy of the finest museum. There are more lovely engines to model in their collection than you can imagine.

Maybe they ought to laser scan them or some such so we can access 3D accurate dimensional models on-line - then we could have a go at making some. This sort of thing is routine these days and can be very accurate - police even use it for accident scenes.

[alanstepney]

They do indeed sell them, and have been doing so for many years.

In fact, it is worth attending their annual open day(s) to see what goodies they have there.
They also have, or had, a stand at the Gt Dorset Stem fair too.

My sole reservation is the prices asked, but that may just be because I am mean!

[classicsteve]

If they have open days, that almost reinforces my idea that they are heading towards having a museum/private collection status (and why not, I would love to have a tiny fraction of this collection, even as models).

However I only discovered them after my job moved me from Kent to Cheshire - so I was delighted to find they were in Preston... which is in easy reach. Then I found they were nothing to do with Preston in the North, but back in Kent where I had come from.

Isn't it funny how the grass is always greener elsewhere, and when you get there they point you right back where you came from!

Steve

[Tel]

Lovely stuff there alright. Just pick one out and make a start - I have.

[jasonb]

That didn't take you long Tel. When you look at a lot of those engines they could all be fabricated with a bit of thought, should be enough there to keep you going for a while.

What size are you making it?

[Tel]

1:4 mate, ie 1/2" x 1 1/4" with a 4" flywheel. Base is 7" x 4".

[jasonb]

So you decided on this oscillator rather than the McOnie's one your "friend" was interested in, does look a bit easier

1/4 scale would give a 3" flywheel BTW

Jason

PS I've got the other two photos for you to save on HMEM

[Tel]

Mar 8, 2010 18:39:25 GMT jasonb said:

So you decided on this oscillator rather than the McOnie's one your "friend" was interested in, does look a bit easier

1/4 scale would give a 3" flywheel BTW

Jason

PS I've got the other two photos for you to save on HMEM

Oops- slight slip of the brain there (it's early) 3" is correct.

Yep, the McOnie's was strictly my mate Richard's project - he bought the somewhat expensive 'kit' and has made a start on the flywheel

Attachments:

[Tel]

Mar 8, 2010 18:39:25 GMT jasonb said:

So you decided on this oscillator rather than the McOnie's one your "friend" was interested in, does look a bit easier

1/4 scale would give a 3" flywheel BTW

Jason

PS I've got the other two photos for you to save on HMEM

Oops- slight slip of the brain there (it's early) 3" is correct.

Yep, the McOnie's was strictly my mate Richard's project - he bought the somewhat expensive 'kit' and has made a start on the flywheel

Attachments:

[steam4ian]

G'day Tel

Next time your in the Big Smoke get to the Power House Museum, you may have to leave the helmet behind! ;D

At the PHM is a great little oscillating engine, about 6" x 4"; it has a standard slide valve operated from a slotted link, you rock the link to reverse the engine.

Regards
Ian

[Tel]

I hope to be down there Sat. week, but won't be penetrating far enough to get to the PHM. Hopefully will be looking in on the Hare & Forbes sale at Nth. Parramatta tho'.

[Tel]

Slowly, but surely.

[ace]

Hi Tel

Looks great, 3 questions though -
1/ what holds the bearing in place.
2/ would there be any play in the top of the base near the fly wheel, as the cast version looks a lot thicker.
3/what are you doing for the fly wheel, home made or cast.

ace

[Tel]

Well Ace, to answer your questions;

a. The bearings can't really go anywhere as they are constrained by the flywheel in the centre and the crank arms on the outside. That said however, the are also secured by the oil cups which pass thru clearance holes in the caps into tapped holes in the brasses.

b. I am hoping (read pretty confident) that the metal is thick enough, in tandem with the stiffening effect of the bearing bases, to avoid any such problem. Worst case I can alway retro fit some stiffening pieces.

c. I can't seem to source cast flywheels for love nor money these days, and even if I could, a 4 curved spoke one would be fairly rare, so a fabrication it will be. Got a scheme nutted out, which will probably be the weirdest flywheel build in history. More on that anon, when I see if it's going to work.

[jasonb]

Tel, you could probably loose a bit off the 4 1/2" inch one here thats if postage is not too much.

Few more here but not curved at the sizes you want.

Have you seen the flywheel in the 1886 Benz thread over on HMEM, that was a nice fabrication with curved spokes.

Jason

[Tel]

Thanks Jason, very useful resources, both of 'em. Martin's range is pretty impressive and I'll set some inquiries afoot - nothing really suitable for this engine, but a nice selection

[davidp]

Tel,

is Rockley the one south of Bathurst?

Dave

[Tel]

Indeed it is Dave.

[davidp]

well, there goes the 'just passing by' next time I'm on the loose near Sydney.

Give me a PM next time in Canberra and I'll show you how big a scap box an amatuer cabinet amker can get when he tries this game!!