Fowler BB1 in 2"

[b.lindsey]

Those look good Jo to my un=experienced eye at least. Will look forward to seeing how the castings turn out !!

Bill

[mikemill]

Jo
I built a BB1around twenty years ago using Collin Tyler’s castings; he was a pal of John Hainning who designed the plough. It was a very enjoyable build; I used to make my own boilers in those days, before legislation went mad.
Fowler ploughs make a very distinctive noise when working and the twin exhaust beat and the clank of the gear train replicates in the model, pure joy!!
Keep up the good work
Mike

[Jasonb]

And how did that happen, I have let a set of my engine castings out of the house

Jo

Well you did keep some of mine as hostage to ensure their safe return

[steamer]

Single pull from the back, interesting!   Loose patterns in a foundry is somewhat rare these days....glad you're on your way with them.

Dave

[mikemill]

Jo
It’s been a long time since I built my plough but I will try to help if I can. Reworking a proven design is fine as long as it works, draw it out first, using shaft centre’s as datum’s, even go as far as turning up blank discs at PCD’s to prove all is well. The gear brackets will require some serious pattern making!!
Do you know of the book Fowler Steam Cultivating Machinery 1900-1930 by G.F.A Gilbert. published by The Road Locomotive Society. It contains all original photographs and works drawings very useful as reference, unless you have the real thing to measure? I am sure you will have lots of fun
Mike

[mikemill]

Jo
You seem to be well on top of the job, I think it will be me asking you for advice!!
Did you find 3D CAD hard to learn? It certainly is a very useful tool.

Mike    

[John Hill]

Hi Jo, I am watching this project with great interest!

BTW, a lot of the land in this part of New Zealand was first ploughed by traction engines but for some reason I dont understand they never used the cable and winch method instead just coupling up a few horse ploughs..

[Jo]

  those are very shallow, we pulled 14" deep furrows last time I used a Steam plough  .

The patterns are being dropped off tomorrow to go to the foundry at the same time I hope to pick up some more of the metal needed and then once the S&P is together nothing will stop this build starting

Maybe I could just sneak out and make a little something for her 

Jo

[Jo]

The gear castings will be ready for collection on Friday 

  Rather dearer than I expected but I am getting twice as many as I need, just in case 

Jo

[Stuart]

Just moved the comfy armchair to the computer desk in anticipation

I do wonder in the good old days pre H&S how many people were injured with the wire rope used in steam ploughing when it parted/came adrift to quote Ron Weaslys dad its like a iron bar drum tight



Stuart

[Jo]

  The castings are ready 

  Sorry guys you might not be seeing me for a while

Jo

[Jo]

They have arrived, ok I know not very interesting for the rest of you  but I am very 

These are my first castings and they came out better than I ever hoped for 

Guess where they are 

Jo

[Andy]

They look nice Jo and I guess you will be letting those mature a bit    How much (roughly) would those cost to have poured ? (sorry for being nosey) 

[Jo]

Andy, I think you need some dimensions, the biggies are

Outside diameter 10 3/4" 3/4" thick,
6 1/14" dia 3/4" thick,
5 1/12" dia 3/4" thick

£65. I was quoted £48 for a slice of 9" diameter 1" thick bar 

Smaller multi stage castings £60  , single blank £35  .

If you look on sexy's thread then those parts were £20 (5" mushrooms) , £28 (backing plate) , £32 (main table  )each. 

Edit: the large casting weights 27lbs  .

Jo

[Andy]

Thank you for that Jo 
 I dont think that is too expensive at all. They are rather large lumps  Of course you had to make the patterns, but I think it far better to turn a lot of scrap from wood rather than metal