Model Engine Maker
About MEM => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: rjconway on December 31, 2018, 05:53:11 AM
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Hi,
I have found machining again after 40 years. As I studied as a Instrument Maker (1980) this profession soon died and that too meant leaving machining for the world of electronics and software. So Ive come full circle and have done many software/electronic projects for maker spaces for the last 10 years. I have now access to a lathe and mill so what better items to make than a steam plant. I've worked in Oil & Gas, Power generation on the automation side so I plan to build a model steam plant with a couple of engines, boiler and a good level of automation.
I have committed the build on the first engine Stuart S50 and will start a build log. I really wanted to build my own boiler as I have now received the Australian Boiler standards. It looks however likely I will have to buy a local boiler that is certified to australian standards which I can run in public places. Seems difficult to find a boiler inspector close by...
Rob
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Hi Rob,
Welcome to the forum! Looks like you've made a good start on you're S50 there. Hope you start a build log on it!
Kim
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Hi Rob, welcome from another Victorian. This is a great place to hang around with like minded folk from around the world to complement your machining hobby.
I know what you mean about finding an inspector. As I understand it, insurance considerations effectively means you need to be a club member. Posts by other members suggest it is a worldwide issue. I have bought a commercial boiler for that reason, though not yet tested whether it would be acceptable. I build boilers for my own use (with experienced help for the inspection and soldering).
Simple answer is to run on air when necessary.
Looking forward to that build log.
MJM460
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I have been talking to a local Victorian manufacturer of model boilers who provides certification and insurances. At around AUD$600 for a 3" boiler c/w gas burner it probably not too far off the costs of building it myself.
oh.. Thanks for the welcome :)
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Hi Rob,
Welcome to the MEM forum from another Melbourne member.
Regards, David
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Hi and welcome to the forum Rob. Glad you found us and decided to join!
Bill
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Welcome to MEM Rob!
Dave
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Dont really know what section to create a build log however looks like its been 6 months and Im a little bit closer. Had issues with access to a lathe however now have bought one for home so no excuses. Anyway I am building a steam plant (so much for a simply base board for my little S50 :facepalm: and here is where I am up to... OK still a long way to go. I have nearly completed the platform and will paint the aluminium frame (dark grey) and plan to spray the upper boiler floor plate in smoke grey "anodise" paint. The rear has a 5" LCD raspberrypi -more on that later . Room for a dynamo, lights, water tank and in 2020 a stuart V10 with feed pump
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RJ, I have moved it here since there is more to your build than just the boiler. Nice looking work so far though, looking forward to more updates.
Bill
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Hi RJ,
and I moved it back to introductions ::)
Looking forward to seeing a more details (separate) thread about your exploits later. ;)
Jo
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Welcome Rob :cheers:
Another Victorian (I won't hold that against you, :))
I,m wondering how you are finding the Stuart build, it looks like it is coming along fine, I would love to see a build thread.
Cheers.
Gary
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Which section do build threads belong for steam plants
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If it is more than the engine build then engine ancillaries covers all the stuff the engines power: http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/board,6.0.html
Jo
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Nice pictures and welcome to the forum. :) :ThumbsUp:
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Thanks for the welcome... Well after 7 months about time I go off on a build log
http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,9190.0.html