Model Engine Maker

About MEM => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: rjconway on December 31, 2018, 05:53:11 AM

Title: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: rjconway on December 31, 2018, 05:53:11 AM
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

Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: Kim on December 31, 2018, 06:08:55 AM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: MJM460 on December 31, 2018, 07:08:57 AM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: rjconway on December 31, 2018, 08:45:57 AM
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 :)
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: deltatango on December 31, 2018, 12:48:38 PM
Hi Rob,
Welcome to the MEM forum from another Melbourne member.

Regards, David
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: b.lindsey on December 31, 2018, 01:33:03 PM
Hi and welcome to the forum Rob. Glad you found us and decided to join!


Bill
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: Dave Otto on January 01, 2019, 04:35:41 PM
Welcome to MEM Rob!

Dave
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: rjconway on June 12, 2019, 01:32:29 PM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: b.lindsey on June 12, 2019, 01:56:28 PM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: Jo on June 12, 2019, 01:57:55 PM
Hi RJ,

and I moved it back to introductions ::)

Looking forward to seeing a more details (separate) thread about your exploits later.  ;)

Jo
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: creepy on June 14, 2019, 10:39:28 AM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: rjconway on July 17, 2019, 01:24:27 PM
Which section do build threads belong for steam plants
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: Jo on July 17, 2019, 01:39:55 PM
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
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: toolznthings on July 18, 2019, 01:51:44 AM
Nice pictures and welcome to the forum.   :)  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: Hello from Victoria Australia
Post by: rjconway on July 18, 2019, 11:57:42 AM
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
SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal