Model Engine Maker

Engines => From Plans => Topic started by: mikemill on March 25, 2018, 12:40:45 PM

Title: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: mikemill 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Gas_mantle 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  :)

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Mcgyver 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?

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Kim on March 25, 2018, 03:13:15 PM

Very petty looking engine!  I like the checkerboard tiles you made for the base too!
Kim

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Jim Nic 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Dave Otto on March 25, 2018, 04:22:06 PM

Beautiful engine Mike!


Dave

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: mikemill 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Ramon Wilson 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: scc on March 26, 2018, 12:48:59 PM

NICE :ThumbsUp:   Terry

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: mikemill 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: kvom on March 26, 2018, 01:43:59 PM

Mike, same here.   :help:

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Craig DeShong 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:

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: b.lindsey on March 26, 2018, 05:49:41 PM

Absolutely gorgeous Mike. One to be proud of for sure!!!

Bill

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: mikemill on March 31, 2018, 04:13:02 PM

A short video of the Bensons ticking over as requested

Mike


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_sUrWUdP1Q

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Gas_mantle 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

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Ramon Wilson on March 31, 2018, 04:22:11 PM

Lovely Mike - runs a real treat.  As you said - a very elegant design, bet you're well pleased with that :ThumbsUp:

Regards - Tug

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Kim on March 31, 2018, 05:44:05 PM

Runs well, Mike.  Nice and slow too.  Thanks for the video.  :D
Kim

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Howard on May 08, 2018, 04:34:17 PM

Hi There,
I would like to make a similar engine, can you tell me please from where you obtained the plans.

Howard.

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Jo on May 08, 2018, 04:38:17 PM

Polly Models sells sets of plans (as well as the castings  :naughty:). It was also serialised in model engineer starting late 1996.

Jo

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Jasonb on May 08, 2018, 04:51:03 PM

You can also find the plans in Anthony Mount's book " Historic Engines Worth Modelling Vol 2" Which also includes the build articles from Model Engineer, this is the cheapest way to do it if you don't intend to use castings otherwise go to Polly.

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: b.lindsey on May 09, 2018, 12:17:28 AM

I had missed the video Mike. Very nice....what a smooth running engine!!

Bill

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: zeeprogrammer on May 09, 2018, 12:41:30 AM

I had missed it too. It's a beauty.  :ThumbsUp:

I'm glad the thread was updated.

Went on my list too.

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: Dave Otto on May 09, 2018, 01:13:48 AM

Yes, very nice!

Dave

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: mikemill on May 09, 2018, 01:05:46 PM

Thanks for your comments, it’s interesting how people find steam engines of all kinds a pleasure to watch, I think it must be because you can see the various parts moving and working in conjunction with one another, also they are generally painted in attractive shades of colour.

Following on from the Bensons I have now got the ‘make it from what you have around bug’. I came across a set of drawings for a Clarkson 2 x 2 horizontal engine that I made some 35 years ago. I am now redesigning it to make it look more like a typical mill engine, I have some chunks of cast iron that will do for the cylinder and trunk guide all the rest should come out of the scrap box!!!
Much more fun that handing over several hundred pounds for castings (sorry Jo)

Mike

Title: Re: Bensons Vertical engine
Post by: J.L. on May 09, 2018, 01:15:11 PM

Hi Mike,

Beautifully built.

John