New project

[Gary Brooke]

Have the need to build a new engine.Don't know which way to go try something to my own design or to plans. Must be steam,look nice,be able to be made from barstock, and be a challenge to make. Suggestions would be appreciated.
Rgds Gary

[b.lindsey]

Gary,  any idea as to the size engine you are looking to make?  There are always Elmer's plans for smaller scale engines or for something a bit larger you may give a look at Ray Hasbrouck's engines....http://hasbrouck.8m.com/

Bill

[ths]

Hi Gary,

There are heaps of great engines in the forums' plan section. There are quite a few from Julius de Waal that are worth a close look at. Really well drawn as well.

Hugh.

[Thayer]

I don't know your capabilities but the MEM Corliss is definitely worth a look.

Thayer

[Gary Brooke]

Bill
The size I'm looking for is something that will fit on a 3.5" lathe and a small vertical slide. Had a look on the internet and am leaning to something with fancy columns .
Thayer
Had a look at MEM Corliss its on the list as a possibility. But would like something a little differant, as there are a lot more talented people building it.
So I will keep on looking I'm sure somebody will come up with the perfect engine.
Rgds Gary

[Jasonb]

There are a few French designs that are not too hard to build, the vertical below could have a bit more fancy work added to the four columns if you wanted.

http://jpduval.free.fr/Liste%20des%20plans/Liste_dossiers_plans.html

Or if one big fat fancy column would do you then Anthony Mounts Benson Engine can be made from barstock, do a google search for "building a bigger Benson" to see how I did it though stick with the original scale for your lathe.

[Bogstandard]

Even a very basic Elmer's engine can be made to look completely different, with just a little imagination.

This is my version of his 'Mine Engine'



As long as you stick with the original distances and sizes, you can bling up almost anything to make it look like how you want it.


John

[Gary Brooke]

Sorry for the slow reply, but my new puppy Poppy ate my internet cable putting me off line.
Anyway it gave me time to look through all them magazines that one collects. I came across a Rectilinear or Cross Engine by A Mount, any one built one off these. I'm thinking off scaling it up to 1.5 the size are there
any problems with doing this.

rgds Gary

[Jo]

No, just opportunities to add more detail 

Jo

[b.lindsey]

Nice to see you back online Gary. The main thing is that you settle on something that you have an interest in or feel some connection to as far as adding your own creativity to it.  We'll be following along regardless

Bill

[ausdier]

A small problem might be the flywheel for the Cross Engine in that the original diameter is 5.312" so half again would make it 7.968"diameter and you said your late was a 3.5" ?

[Gary Brooke]

Ausdier thanks for that heads up, how could I miss that. So 3 options smaller flywheel, smaller engine, or anew lathe.
Just a question while I'm thinking about it if I don't run it on steam, will it be possible to use steel for the cylinder.

Rgds Gary

[b.lindsey]

Steel would be ok if you keep it oiled and if your air supply is dry. Otherwise some moisture could build up ibside over timwe and cause rust or corrosion. I would use aium., brass or bronze to avoid worry about that, unless you want to go to stainless. As to size, that depends on your budget.  Nothing wrong with a bigger lathe if funds allow, but i would say for now, size the engine to your current machines. Just my two cents.

Bill

[Gary Brooke]

Its going to be the cross engine but bigger. I want to add a bit more detail, so just a couple off questions. if I clad the cylinder should the steam chest be done as well. What would be an appropriate wood (have got some nice beech) Then I would like a governor but doing resarch on the net don't know if there should be one and were it goes.
Thanks for all your replies so far.
rgds Gary

[b.lindsey]

Hi Gary,
Do you happen to have a picture of the particular engine you have selected to model?  That may help us to visualize what you are working towards and better answer any questions. Its always exciting to begin a new one...and I look forward to following along.

Bill