So to start this thread I would like to identify the problems with my Arnold Throp Cross compound engine. . . . You should also be aware of the problems with the castings. Originally the patterns were made in wood but Arnold was inundated with demand that these soon wore out . When the design was passed to Southworth Engines, Peter Southworth decided to make a casting from the original wood patterns in aluminum, the result is that you have to be really careful when you look at the raw casting and make sure that you put your datums in the right position. - Jo
Hello Jo,
I thought I would begin a new thread to prevent this getting hidden in the previous one. Somewhere in the Southworth mix you describe was
Fleet Model Steam Services (Essex - Terry Fleet Prop.) Terry offered castings for the Throp Corliss in the familiar multi-configuration form for several years in the early 1980s. I last saw the Fleet castings advertised in ME in 1984. Although I never knew for certain, it was my assumption that Peter Southworth's first Corliss model (which won dishware at the MEX) was from Terry Fleet's castings. Certainly it's possible he made his own patterns, and it is also possible that Peter acquired the patterns from Terry Fleet and Fleet had acquired the originals from Arnold.
In any case, you may be aware that Peter Southworth passed away over a year ago and I have recently been in touch with his successor, Bob Potter. Bob was a long-time friend and regular assistant to Peter and he acquired the Southworth Engines line after Peter's death. His plan is to continue the Southworth line and in time add additional items. He is aware of the various shortcomings in the patterns and drawings and according to his last email everything is being checked and corrected, reworked, or remade in order to bring it all up to snuff. I think this is good news and I hope he makes good on the plan.