Author Topic: Potty Grasshopper Engine (Read 19553 times)

sbwhart · « **on:** September 08, 2015, 07:38:45 AM »

The inspiration for this engine comes from a haulage engine on display at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, the engine was built in the 1840 and was used to haul wagons up an incline at an alkaline works, being an haulage engine it would run in both direction via a simple slip eccentric.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV7o4b0Mvfo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV7o4b0Mvfo</a>

The model will be far from a scale model of this engine as I intend the design to be as simple as possible suitable for beginners, so I have taken huge liberties in the design, it will use the same cylinder and piston valve as my Horizontal Mill Engine and Vertical Cross Engine.

This is the assembly drawing

I had planned on using a cast fly wheel but had problems sourcing a suitable casting they were all too big and chunky, fly wheels of this period were far lighter affairs, in the end a had a blank laser cut that I've machined up and painted I've posted this else ware on the forum, but for those who missed it this is the finished fly wheel.

I've nearly got all the cylinder parts finished but as I've used the cylinder for other engines that I've ran threads for I won't bore you with its construction.

As this is very much a work in progress I won't make the drawing available until the engine is finished and I've caught up with all the changes there inevitably will be.

Cheers
Stew

Johnb · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2015, 09:06:09 AM »

Interesting Stew. Looking forward to seeing progress.

sshire · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2015, 11:52:54 AM »

Stew
I'll be watching this. As I said in a recent post, watching your builds is a learning experience.
Always wondered, why no one (that I've found) makes thin flywheel castings. The look of yours is so elegant and many engines of the period used these thin flywheels.

tvoght · « **Reply #3 on:** September 08, 2015, 12:09:54 PM »

Looking forward to the build Stew. I'm already up to speed on the flywheel from the other thread.

--Tim

b.lindsey · « **Reply #4 on:** September 08, 2015, 12:23:45 PM »

Another great one to follow Stew...I am looking forward to it.

Stan...there is this one from the PMR guys: http://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/gas-accessories/flywheel-castings/
Not sure if the scale is exactly right for Stew's engine but its one of the few thinner ones I am aware of...6 1/2" diameter by 3/8" rim width.

Stew, your fabricated one is still a beauty though and far more detailed.

Bill

sshire · « **Reply #5 on:** September 08, 2015, 02:35:22 PM »

Bill
I hadn't seen that one.
I'm intrigued by Stew's laser cut flywheel. Located a laser cutting firm nearby. I'll report in my build thread.
Apologies for the hijack.

sbwhart · « **Reply #6 on:** September 08, 2015, 04:03:50 PM »

Hi Chaps

This is the firm I had my fly wheel cut at LaserMaster Linda <sales@lasermaster.co.uk>; in the UK they are based in Cornwall UK I had a first class service from them the wheel was delivered 1 week after placing the order, and the quality was first class. It was cut nice and clean with a square cut the beam tends to cone out so to compensate for this a good machine can be canted, to square the cut up.

Its best to email them a dxf file that way they can load the drawing direct to the machine I've attached the my dfx drawing you are welcome to use it.

Stew

sbwhart · « **Reply #7 on:** September 08, 2015, 04:09:43 PM »

Whoops forgot the attach the drawing

Jasonb · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2015, 04:45:35 PM »

Stan and anyone else on the other side of the pond, just remember to tell your laser cutters that Stew's drawing is dimensioned in millimeters or you could end up with a 160" flywheel

Most firms like to have one dimension so they can check the size of the part incase it has been scaled on the drawing.

Another thumbs up to LaserMasters who also did a good job for me recently.

J

PS Stew you might want to delete your details from that drawing to save spam.

sshire · « **Reply #9 on:** September 08, 2015, 05:20:59 PM »

Thanks Jason.
I'll be drawing my flywheel and exporting the .dxf file as I want curved spokes for the Coventry engine.

cfellows · « **Reply #10 on:** September 08, 2015, 05:55:12 PM »

Stew, really outstanding job on that flywheel! I had to go find the original article to refresh my memory on how you did that.

Chuck

Tennessee Whiskey · « **Reply #11 on:** September 08, 2015, 06:40:51 PM »

Stew, I'll be following along. Your mill engine build was going on when I first started in the hobby and was a great source of inspiration. Let the chips begin

Cletus

sbwhart · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2015, 07:24:37 PM »

Quote from: Jasonb on September 08, 2015, 04:45:35 PM

PS Stew you might want to delete your details from that drawing to save spam.

Thanks Jason

I forgot that I'd added my details for the cutting firm, I thought it would simplify things if they needed to contact me.

And thank you Chaps for your interest and kind comments.

A model with a 13'4" fly wheel now that is something I'd like to see

Stew

sbwhart · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2015, 07:33:48 PM »

Quote from: b.lindsey on September 08, 2015, 12:23:45 PM

Another great one to follow Stew...I am looking forward to it.

Stan...there is this one from the PMR guys: http://www.pmmodelengines.com/shop/gas-accessories/flywheel-castings/
Not sure if the scale is exactly right for Stew's engine but its one of the few thinner ones I am aware of...6 1/2" diameter by 3/8" rim width.

Stew, your fabricated one is still a beauty though and far more detailed.

Bill

Bill The PMR fly wheel is one I rejected I just didn't like the look of it the spokes were all wrong, I think the casters have a problem casting a light fly wheel something to do with the shrinkage rates, I suppose there are high tech injection/vacuum moulding techniques out there but they would be far to expensive for model engineering, my laser cut blank cost a little less than a chunky cast one, and the amount of machining is similar.

Stew

NickG · « **Reply #14 on:** September 08, 2015, 09:25:33 PM »

Looking forward to watching this Stew. Nice looking grasshopper and the laser cut flywheel was a good idea!

Don1966 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 08, 2015, 11:50:48 PM »

Looking forward to a great built Stew. Since I am building a grasshopper myself I will tag alone.

Don

Dave Otto · « **Reply #16 on:** September 09, 2015, 02:17:12 AM »

Quote from: sshire on September 08, 2015, 05:20:59 PM

Thanks Jason.
I'll be drawing my flywheel and exporting the .dxf file as I want curved spokes for the Coventry engine.

Hi Stan
Just because it is a DXF file doesn't mean that the scaling can't be all messed up. I sent a job out from work to get quoted which was similar to other parts which I had them do in the past. I called to see why it was so expensive, and found that somehow my DXF file came over 4X!

It is always good to give the laser/water jet/plasma cutter guy an idea of the actual size of your part so that neither of you are surprised when you go to pick up your part/s.

Dave

sbwhart · « **Reply #17 on:** September 11, 2015, 12:53:21 PM »

Been working on the Beam made from a length of 1/8" * 5/8" mild steel first job mark one of the bars with all the hole position and mark the other with just the centre hole.

Then drill all the holes in one beam, and just the centre hole in the other, then clamp the two together at the centre and drill the rest of the holes through the other that way they will be exactly the same.

Add a few more clamp bolts just so nothing will move.

And set to with the mill or a file to get it to the tapered shape and finish of the rads at the end with a couple of filing buttons,

Next up machine up the 8mm spacers tapped M3 then make the clamping/pivot bolts.

This is what it looks like completed.

I've nearly got the con rod finished but I've been called away on domestic duties.

Stew

b.lindsey · « **Reply #18 on:** September 11, 2015, 01:26:22 PM »

Nice work on the beam Stew, You made quick work of that!!

Bill

sbwhart · « **Reply #19 on:** September 12, 2015, 11:40:10 AM »

Ok on with the con rod I made this from 1/2" Squ mild steel

First job was to cut a length off and square it off in the lathe using a 4 jaw self cantering chuck, then I blued it up and marked out the key features.

Then drilled 8mm holes where the bearing bushes will fit.

Centred both ends and machined a 6mm register to help mill the flats in the middle when I come to them.

Then supporting one end with a running centre rough out the key points with a parting tool.

And rough out one end of the shape.

Swop it round and rough out the other end.

Slew the compound round 1 1/2 deg and machine the taper with a round nose tool.

Flip it round and taper the other end a shape the fat belly in the middle, and polish up with a bit of emery.

Mill the ends to thick ness maling use of the register when the cut just kisses it where down to size.

Shape the end with some filing buttons

Give it a polish and fit the bearings.

While I was at it made the cross head.

Her they are fitted on the beam.

And her's the beam with the cylinder.

Stew

Bearcar1 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 12, 2015, 03:11:12 PM »

N-I-C-E Stew, I really enjoy watching you work. This is going to be another one of your pieces of art.

BC1
Jim

Jonfb64 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 13, 2015, 04:40:18 PM »

That is brill Stew

I thank you for your generosity in making the plans freely available for your engines. I have almost completed your horizontal engine which just needs the base making. It more or less ran first time only needing the timing tweeting to get it run. I am currently part way into the vertical so will have to speed up so that I can start the grasshopper.

Thanks for inspiring a beginner

Jon

rarach22 · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2015, 08:44:10 PM »

Nice

sbwhart · « **Reply #23 on:** September 17, 2015, 12:52:03 PM »

On with the swing beam.

I've long admired the iron work of a beam engine that runs at Style Mill Cheshire, it roughly of the same date as the grasshopper I'm styling this model on. the Iron work on this engine is based round the them of interlocking circle's so I thought I would try and make this beam a series of interlocking circles.

First job turn a length of bar down and mark the part off points of each circle.

Then transfer over to the spin indexer and mill two flats down either side, and drill each side 1/16".

Then back over onto the lathe and drill out.

And then part off each circle.

Link the circles together with a 1/16 rod

And silver solder together.

Then mill two more flats on each side.

And drill some 1/6" to take some 1/16 rivets to hold the side arms in place, then soft solder the lot together.

Drill the pivot hole through both sides.

And clean up its going to get a lick of paint so it doesn't need a shine.

This is it mocked up in place for a look see.

Stew

b.lindsey · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2015, 12:55:50 PM »

I love it Stew....very elegant design!!

Bill

Tennessee Whiskey · « **Reply #25 on:** September 17, 2015, 01:01:18 PM »

Stew, excellent fabrication and beautiful results.

Cletus

Kim · « **Reply #26 on:** September 17, 2015, 03:45:20 PM »

That is really clever how you did the fabrication work there Stew. I enjoyed the step-by-step.

Very nice work!
Kim

wagnmkr · « **Reply #27 on:** September 17, 2015, 06:42:21 PM »

Very Clever indeed ... patiently watching and waiting for the plans to this one.

Tom

Roger B · « **Reply #28 on:** September 17, 2015, 08:09:03 PM »

As others have said this looks to be the start of a very elegant engine

Don1966 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 18, 2015, 12:39:00 AM »

Stew I enjoy some good fabrication and that's tops. ............

Don

Bearcar1 · « **Reply #30 on:** September 19, 2015, 10:53:58 AM »

That is brilliant Stew. It is amazing what shapes and forms can be made by fabrication……

BC1
Jim

sbwhart · « **Reply #31 on:** September 21, 2015, 04:05:10 PM »

Thanks for your support Chaps.

Next bit the eccentric arm decided to keep the circle theme going.

So turned up and parted off some rings with their diameters receding in size drill 1/16 and threaded on a bit of wire as before.

The final was turned up and threaded M3 and shaped to blend in with the circle.

It was also drilled 1/16 and threaded on the wire.

And the whole lot silver soldered together, whist it was in the pickle made the valve rod handle fron 3/8 square bar.

Faced off centre drilled and drilled at tapped M3

Then drill a 3mm hole off centre slightly to help keep it on the valve rod/

Formed the other end up into a nice handle shape.

Thinned the width down to 1/4

Cut a slot to take the Valve rod.

And this is it finished.

And where it will roughly sit on the engine.

Cheers

Stew

Bearcar1 · « **Reply #32 on:** September 21, 2015, 05:23:06 PM »

Dogonnit Stew, may I move in next door or down the lane from you? Your work reminds me so very much of my Grandpa and his approach to design and machining it is scary. BRAVO!! indeed!

BC1
Jim

sbwhart · « **Reply #33 on:** October 01, 2015, 07:25:24 PM »

Doesn't time fly when your having fun:- time I did a update.

Next bit the eccentric this is exactly the same as for my mill and vertical engine except that it needs to rotate or slip (slip eccentric) around the crank shaft to change the direction of the engine. To do this you need to have a pin to act as a stop on the crank shaft and to section part of the eccentric. As I'm designing this engine for those with limited kit, the easiest way for them to machine these features is to first make a bush with a 3mm hole in it from the same material that the crank shaft is made from, then all you have to do it use this bush to drill the crank shaft for the stop that way it will be perfectly on centre.

And to section the crankshaft use this bush to make a little gauge so that you can section the eccentric accurately.

Next bit the bracket that will support the valve levers, this is made form 1" box section mild steel.

Square the bit up and mill the base nice and flat

Then drill the hole for to take the pivot bearing.

Drill the fixing holes.

And silver solder the pivot bush in place.

Mill away the unwanted bit of the bracket leave the bush intact until the end as this will give added support for the machining.

Thin down the back

Thin down the front

When done cut away the part of the bush not wanted,

and this is where it fits on the valve chest.

Levers:- made from some 5/16" square bar, first drill the holes for the two levers.

Cut them from the bar and make up a mandrel and with them on the mandrel nibble them down to thickness.

Clean them up to shape with a file and this is where they fit.

Next bit the entablature, the base made from 1/4 mild steel plate cut to size nice and square and mark the centre point out

Using a wobble bar centre up on a four jaw and drill the and bore the centre hole a nice fit on the cylinder cover.

Use the cylinder covers to spot through to drill 3mm

Drill and tap the side M2

Keeping with the circular theme for the side plates, square the plates up and mark one out.

Drill a couple of holes in both plates and use these to clamp them together.

Drill the rest of the holes.

Hacksaw roughly to shape.

And file to shape.

And this is how it looks on the cylinder.

Cheers

Stew

ths · « **Reply #34 on:** October 02, 2015, 12:00:56 AM »

Stew, that's coming on very nicely indeed. I really admire the filing work on the side plates, as with Steamguy Willy's work, you make the hand stuff look easier than it is. Cheers, Hugh.

Don1966 · « **Reply #35 on:** October 02, 2015, 12:16:10 AM »

I am enjoying all this detail work your doing Stew, this will really add to it elegance details.

Don

b.lindsey · « **Reply #36 on:** October 02, 2015, 12:58:38 AM »

First rate Stew. A joy to watch!!

Bill

Alan Haisley · « **Reply #37 on:** October 10, 2015, 04:17:18 PM »

I'm finally caught up with this build. Waiting the next installment. Thanks, Stew.

Pete49 · « **Reply #38 on:** October 11, 2015, 06:34:01 AM »

again a exemplary build. You have more skill in your little finger than in my whole 6ft body

Pete

gbritnell · « **Reply #39 on:** October 11, 2015, 02:25:46 PM »

Stew,
Your fabrication and documentation is first rate as usual. I really enjoy watching someone create unique pieces from bar stock. This is going to be another fine engine for your collection.
gbritnell

sbwhart · « **Reply #40 on:** October 26, 2015, 11:02:24 AM »

Thanks for your interest and kind comments Lads

Bin a bit distracted from this over the last couple of weeks:- short holiday domestic duties etc.

But I cobbled it together:- lot of the nuts and bolts left off so things are not sealed and I didn't fit the flywheel, but I still tested it on air and it ran

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9UDE5yDXU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ9UDE5yDXU</a>

Next job strip it down fit give it a paint job and a base and a few other button and bells.

Cheers
Stew

wagnmkr · « **Reply #41 on:** October 26, 2015, 11:37:39 AM »

Well Done Stew ... it's always nice when you get a runner first time.

Tom

ths · « **Reply #42 on:** October 26, 2015, 08:15:40 PM »

Good one Stew, and with a dog for a flywheel. Cheers, Hugh.

b.lindsey · « **Reply #43 on:** October 26, 2015, 11:15:01 PM »

Very interesting engine Stew and nicely done too. Gotta love that flywheel too

Bill

Bearcar1 · « **Reply #44 on:** October 27, 2015, 02:19:59 AM »

Nicely done Stew. Runs a treat I think. I can't wait to see the buttons and bells you have in mind.

BC1
JIM

Alan Haisley · « **Reply #45 on:** October 27, 2015, 06:32:54 PM »

Nice.

sbwhart · « **Reply #46 on:** October 28, 2015, 03:20:37 PM »

Here is another vid, with the fly wheel fitted with the second main bearing and all the nuts and bolts in place.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IaISDFuOLc" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IaISDFuOLc</a>

Stew

wagnmkr · « **Reply #47 on:** October 28, 2015, 04:37:59 PM »

Another fine example for us to follow Stew. I runs very well and is looking great!

Do you have any idea if/when the plans might be available?

Tom

b.lindsey · « **Reply #48 on:** October 28, 2015, 04:45:28 PM »

Very nice Stew, the flywheel definitely looks better than the previous video

Very nice and smooth too....well done!!

Bill

NickG · « **Reply #49 on:** October 29, 2015, 10:16:09 PM »

It looks the bees knees that Stew. Soon nobody will need castings if you keep turning out designs like these!

Jim Nic · « **Reply #50 on:** October 30, 2015, 12:18:15 PM »

Nice one Stew.

Jim

Mike Bondarczuk · « **Reply #51 on:** October 30, 2015, 01:12:05 PM »

Stewart,

Another excellent design and build log.

I have just started on your horizontal mill engine and putting together some pics of the build to date which may become another log of one of your engines.

At the rate you design them and then build and post them I shall never catch up.

Once again, many thanks for a superb job.

Mike

sbwhart · « **Reply #52 on:** November 20, 2015, 11:58:22 AM »

Here's the completed engine.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZERrt1BqCp4" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZERrt1BqCp4</a>

Cheers

Stew

wagnmkr · « **Reply #53 on:** November 20, 2015, 03:33:35 PM »

Well Done Stew! That is another good looking engine.

Tom

b.lindsey · « **Reply #54 on:** November 20, 2015, 08:02:28 PM »

Beautiful Stew, I love the mount too, and such a nice runner!!

Bill

vcutajar · « **Reply #55 on:** November 20, 2015, 08:57:55 PM »

Nice one Stew. A really good runner.

Vince

Bearcar1 · « **Reply #56 on:** November 20, 2015, 11:21:24 PM »

WoW! Does that look good. Very nicely done Stew. BRAVO!

BC1
Jim

Don1966 · « **Reply #57 on:** November 21, 2015, 01:32:27 AM »

Beautiful done Stew and a very enjoyable thread to follow.........

Don

fumopuc · « **Reply #58 on:** November 21, 2015, 05:17:35 AM »

Hi Stew, I like the finish of your engine very much. Also the low revving control is something what makes it nice and easy to follow the motion.

ths · « **Reply #59 on:** November 21, 2015, 08:40:20 AM »

That's wonderful Stew, the black is unexpected, but very effective. Cheers, Hugh.

kev · « **Reply #60 on:** November 21, 2015, 08:52:13 AM »

Very nicely presented, always enjoy your build threads. Many thanks

sbwhart · « **Reply #61 on:** November 21, 2015, 12:30:11 PM »

Thanks for your interest and kind comments Guys

Here's a family picture of all three engines built with the same basic cylinder and valve.

Cheers

Stew

ths · « **Reply #62 on:** November 21, 2015, 08:56:34 PM »

A fine sight Stew. Hugh.

b.lindsey · « **Reply #63 on:** November 21, 2015, 09:14:44 PM »

That is a fine looking trio of engines there Stew...well done on all counts!!

Bill

sbwhart · « **Reply #64 on:** November 22, 2015, 07:04:35 AM »

Thanks Guys

I forgot to add that if anyone wants a copy of the drawings can you send me PM the only proviso is that if you find any errors can you let me know so that I can correct them.

Cheers
Stew

Roger B · « **Reply #65 on:** November 23, 2015, 03:49:50 PM »

Very nicely done on the Grasshopper

and a fine family trio

wagnmkr · « **Reply #66 on:** December 09, 2015, 05:19:15 PM »

They are lovely Stew. I have to thank you for supplying the DXF file for those flywheels. I have just picked up the ones I had done locally and that has saved me a lot of time.

Thanks Again

Tom

Gas_mantle · « **Reply #67 on:** February 18, 2016, 11:54:11 AM »

What a great engine Stewart :-)

I'm busy making another simple model at the moment but I'd love to have a go a making one of these in a few weeks time when I get my mill, are the plans available online ?

Many thanks.
Peter.

sbwhart · « **Reply #68 on:** February 18, 2016, 12:28:58 PM »

Hi Peter

Just send me a PM with your email address and I'll mail them to you

Stew

News:

Author Topic: Potty Grasshopper Engine (Read 19553 times)