Which steam fire engine would you build

[geoff5269]

I have been thinking of building a steam powered model fire engine for while after finding some plans for the merryweather Fire King from Model Engineer 1908, but I found they where quite brief at only about 12 pages and the model is a bit like a toy. Then I found pictures of a superb model by Cherry Hill which shows how it should be done but she doesn't publish her designs. I like the Fire King as it is a self powered vehicle and my other choice is a horse drawn type.
This is a shand Mason from about 1890 and has been in Model Engineer with very detailed plans in metric and is about 20" long also you can se the engine and pumps better as they are at the back were as on the Fire King the pumps are in the middle behind the boiler.
I have found lots of old pics of sturdy firemen proudly showing off there machine. These where exported all around the world but there are no fire kings left. This is a big project so it needs some thought, which one do you like.
Geoff

[ausdier]

I modelled the Shand in CAD and like that as an engine.
Although it is horse drawn as you know.

[Don1966]

Ausdier I am with you on that, I like the shand also. I will follow you if your building it and will be interested in the drawings as well.

Don

[Jasonb]

I quite like the Fire King.

Don't discount the La France which is another nice model, Larry's build is over on Smokstak.
http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67030

[GWRdriver]

I do too (like the Fire King.)

[geoff5269]

Thanks for your comments guys, I like the Fire King as it is self propelled and has sturdy Artillary wheels, maybe I should make the shand Mason with the cab and steering gear of the fire king. I think I might try and make the wheels first to see how I get on. meanwhile here are some more pics.
Geoff

[IanR]

There used to be a model Fire King in Cardiff museum. I've no idea whether it's still there, but it was described in ME only 60 years ago.

[tangler]

These might be of interest:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-set-of-plans-for-a-Shand-Mason-Co-fire-engine-/141318270522?pt=UK_Collectables_Memorabila_RL&hash=item20e739ae3a

No connection with me, I've got ebay keeping an eye on Len MASON's minnie for me.

Rod

[JULIUS]

Geoff

I have drawn full plans for the fire-king. If you like I can post them.
Have you made a decision yet?

Julius

[Chipswitheverything]

Hi Geoff, magnificent as all these designs are, I think that the fine photos of the lovely Hungerford Fire King would clinch the choice for me.  And the self propelled engine is complete in itself, and capable of the added interest of motion.     The Shand is perhaps a bit like making a Portable when you could make a traction engine...  Dave

[Zephyrin]

On the Fire King from the model engineer plan of 1908, there are no clutch between wheels and pumps, you have to change the rope on the pulley, and unscrew the crosshead, a rather crude setup, even for toys.

[JULIUS]

Geoff

Received you note.
The plans are attached (in 2 batches)
There is a Frenchman who has built this engine to my plans and there is a video on You Tube.
If you follow the link below you will see all my drawings/plans. It is a French website. There are in total of 4 pages with all my drawing/plans.
also short videos are available on that website.
I hope the plans will be a help to you.

http://www.vapeuretmodelesavapeur.com/telechargements4/index.html

Kind regards

Julius

[JULIUS]

Geoff

batch 2

Julius

[steamer]

Thank you Julius!    Marvelous drawings!   This from one who spent a good bit  "on the boards"

Dave

[zeeprogrammer]

Looks like a very nice model. Thanks for the drawings Julius.

I'm stuck figuring out how one goes about making the wheels.