Author Topic: Bensons Vertical engine  (Read 4845 times)

Offline mikemill

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Bensons Vertical engine
« on: March 25, 2018, 12:40:45 PM »
I recently completed this 1/9 scale Bensons Vertical engine, which is x 1.5 larger than published drawings. Except for the cast flywheel which is from a Stuart Victoria engine all the parts are fabricated or turned from solid bar, the base is aluminium and the column is steel. I could not find commercial helical gears of the right size to drive the governor so had to make them, which proved a lot easier than I had thought, just a case of setting the work at 45deg to the cutter and they meshed nicely.
Of the many peculiar 19th century stationary engines the Bensons engine is a simple yet elegant design, the forked connecting rod dances around the piston rod when in motion. A very enjoyable build.

Mike

Offline Gas_mantle

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2018, 01:56:20 PM »
Great looking engine Mike, can we see it running ?

I've always liked the look of the Benson engine and it is on my to do list for when I have the skills to have a go  :)

Offline Mcgyver

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2018, 02:20:38 PM »
that looks great - you did a very nice job of it.

What dia. is the flywheel to give a sense of scale?

Offline Kim

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2018, 03:13:15 PM »
Very petty looking engine!  I like the checkerboard tiles you made for the base too!
Kim

Offline Jim Nic

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2018, 03:21:08 PM »
Mike - That is indeed a very good looking result.
Mcgyver - the Stuart Victoria flywheel used is 7 inches dia.
Jim
The person who never made a mistake never made anything.

Offline Dave Otto

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2018, 04:22:06 PM »
Beautiful engine Mike!


Dave

Offline mikemill

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2018, 09:43:09 AM »
Thanks for all the kind comments.

Kim, the plinth is made from 12mm MDF and the tile floor is self adhesive dolls house flooring found on e-bay.

Mike


Offline Ramon Wilson

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2018, 09:51:18 AM »
Just seen this Mike - must say you have a fine looking model there  :ThumbsUp: A superb result and very eye catching in that green. I agree with you on it's elegant appearance - simple but full of character. I still have a set of enlarged drawings that I did when it first came out - one day eh?

Congratulations on producing such a lovely model 

Regards - Tug
"I ain't here for the long time but I am here for a good time"
(a very apt phrase - thanks to a well meaning MEM friend)

Offline scc

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2018, 12:48:59 PM »
NICE :ThumbsUp:   Terry

Offline mikemill

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2018, 01:20:01 PM »
Hi Tug

Thank you for your comments, I am following your splendid Corliss Tandem engine, also like your tidy workshop, I wish I was as tidy I spend have my life searching for the tool I just put down 60 seconds ago!!!!!

Mike

Offline kvom

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2018, 01:43:59 PM »
Mike, same here.   :help:

Offline Craig DeShong

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2018, 01:46:46 PM »
Very nice.  There's something really appealing about these open frame vertical engines.  And... I also feel your pain; I too spend half my time looking for a tool I had in my hand a minute ago  :facepalm:
Craig
The destination motivates us toward excellence, the journey entertains us, and along the way we meet so many interesting people.

Offline b.lindsey

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2018, 05:49:41 PM »
Absolutely gorgeous Mike. One to be proud of for sure!!!

Bill

Offline mikemill

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #13 on: March 31, 2018, 04:13:02 PM »
A short video of the Bensons ticking over as requested

Mike


<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_sUrWUdP1Q" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_sUrWUdP1Q</a>
« Last Edit: March 31, 2018, 04:16:04 PM by mikemill »

Offline Gas_mantle

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Re: Bensons Vertical engine
« Reply #14 on: March 31, 2018, 04:21:29 PM »
That's great Mike, an excellent runner and sounds good  :)

I really have to get round to making one of these

 

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