Lane and Bodley 400hp Corliss

[sco]

Does anybody recognise this form of rod end and why it is only split on one side - was the pinch bolt to clamp the through pin (pin then has to rotate) or was it just to minimise any clearance?

Simon.

[fumopuc]

Hi Simon, never seen before and no real knowlage about this linkage, but I could imagine that it clamps a bearing bush and the pin is fixed  from the other side in the lever.

[sco]

Achim,

Thanks - an intermediate bush makes sense - got to decide now whether to reproduce in the model or not 

Simon.

[Dennis]

Good morning Simon,

Achem is correct, the original L&B engine has a busing and the pin is fixed. 

In the model, I felt the bushing would be too small to make or the rod ends would have to be too big for everything to work and I didn't want to use watch bolts to make the assembly.  Because the working loads on a model engine are so small, I decided to leave the bushing out so the rod ends could be a little closer to scale.  With a little oil, the steel on steel will last a very long time.

Our prototype has been to many model shows where it ran for three full days and wear has not been a problem.  The prototype has been going to shows and running for over 12 years now and the linkage still works fine.  The engine and linkage run quite smooth at about 15 RPM on less than 5 pounds of air pressure.

Dennis

[sco]

Thanks Dennis - I agree that the bush is probably unnecessary for the model.   I am wondering about putting a dummy pinch bolt and split in though...

Simon.

[sco]

Not a huge amount of progress lately due to work commitments but I have managed to get the crab claws (part of the valve release mechanism) profile cut with a couple of spares in case of LuLus.

Simon.

[Dave Otto]

Wire EDM?
They look nice.

Dave

[sco]

Wire EDM?
They look nice.

Dave

Yes.  Trick now will be holding them to reduce the thickness, turn the bosses and cut the square hole up the middle!

Simon.

[Ramon Wilson]

Hello Simon

Just taken a look through your thread for the first time - WOW - you've certainly have made some progress and carried out some very nice machining so far. I'm hoping to see all this work in the flesh on Sunday so hope you intend to bring it along - I'll have something (corliss) to show you too 

Looking forwards to catching up with you - I've had far too long a break from ME I think

Ramon

[sco]

Hi Ramon,

Looking forward to see anything Corliss related :-)

Yes I'm planning to bring most of what I've made so far and the drawings and am hoping for some advice on how to tackle machining of the main frame so will bring that casting too.

Best wishes,

Simon.

[Ramon Wilson]

Sounds good Simon - I'll look forwards to some interesting chat 

Have a safe journey over.

Regards - Ramon

[jeff l]

Simon , I came up with a good way to turn the bosses and reduce the thickness of the crab claws  if interested .Jeff

[sco]

Hi Jeff,

I screwed the claw to a sacrificial boss and used the lathe to turn the bosses.  Next job is the square hole.

Simon.

[jeff l]

so far the crab claws that you made look great , Nice fixture for the lathe .

[sco]

Been a bit slack updating the log but there has been some work done on the crab claw assemblies and they are now fitted to the valve levers.  Still need some fettlage but after all the fiddly stuff I'm fancying having a go at the main frame next.

Simon.