Hi to all :-) ,
I am about to, hopefully, embark upon construction of the
"SWEET SIXTEEN" Traction Engine (Model Mechanics 1979)
which will be my first attempt at a large project. I would like to
ask a couple of questions if I may ?
The specifications are as follows:
Length: 12 ins
Width: 6 ins
Height: 7.9 ins
Rear wheels: 4.1 ins diameter.
Front wheels: 2.6 ins diameter.
Wheel base: 7.5 ins
Engine: Single cylinder, double acting --- 0.5ins bore x 0.6ins stroke.
Flywheel: 3ins diameter. (or maybe larger and heavier - if it will fit ?)
Boiler: 1.5in diameter, 3 x 0.375in firetubes, 2 x 0.1875in. syphon tubes.
Working Pressure:
40 psi. Butane fired.
Gears: Low ratio ....... 15.60 : 1
High ratio ....... 9.75 : 1
I have no real expertise on the subject of steam, being a collector of IC stationary
engines most of my adult life, so I would like to first ask if a model of the above
proportions is just a shelf model .... or is it capable of being put to work
carrying/towing a payload of around 178lbs. (me ...lol) ?
Secondly, if it is not capable of bearing a weight of that magnitude, what
would members of the forum consider the minimum, suitably sized traction engine
that would 'putt-putt-putt' round the back yard with me in tow ?
Cheers............
Collbee. (Qld. Australia.)