My first venture - Allchin 1 1/2" TE

[Deleted]

Have just ordered the drawings and book for the Allchin 1 1/2" Royal Chester TE (from Reeves2000).

Anyone have any advice for me, bearing in mind this is my first attempt at anything like this?

I have built the odd oscillating/wobbler stationary engine to try and learn some basics, and accept that there will be many "practice parts" to add to my bin before I am finished!

Would particularly welcome advice on what items I must/should buy as castings rather than starting from scratch.

In case it makes any difference, my workshop includes a lathe, a mill (which I am assured are large enough for this particular TE) and bandsaw plus other general tooling.

As I am such a beginner at this, but loving every minute of it, please do not be afraid "to teach granny to suck eggs" etc. ;D

Many thanks, A

[jasonb]

It is possible to do the large majority of the smaller engines almost entirely without castings, the two that would really be easist from cast are the flywheel and cylinder. It really depends on what you are happy doing yourself and if you want a slightly slower but possibley cheaper build by fabricating or an easier, faster but more expensive build using all the castings, lazer cut parts etc. You can really only decide once you have studied the drawings anf thought through the construction process for each part, they book will be very helpful as it gives machining methods for most parts.

Also look at as many builds as possible on the net, it does not matter what the engine or scale, they all require the same type of work. If you are not a member of Traction Talk Forum it would be good to join as its the most active TE site with several ongoing builds in the model engine section.

www.tractiontalkforum.com/

Most people seem to start with the front end as its not too complicated and will ease you into the build and the joys of riviting and platework that you probably have not done before on the smaller stationary engines.

Jason

[Deleted]

Jason - many thanks for the helpful reply - the cylinder will certainly be from a casting, as I am not skilled enough to do anything like that from a solid piece of metal ;D

Have joined the TT forum - it looks very useful - ta again for the link.

Regards, A