Model Engine Maker

About MEM => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: Meggymoo on March 21, 2019, 09:41:26 AM

Title: New to the site.
Post by: Meggymoo on March 21, 2019, 09:41:26 AM

Hello from West Yorkshire,
I am completely new to this type of engineering, I recently retired after 44 years in machine tool engineering & now need to put my small home workshop to good use.
I have been searching the net for a project & keep coming back to the Stuart range of un-machined casting kits in particular the Victoria twin as it is a relatively large engine & it would seem there is quite a lot of information & back up on this manufacturers products.
I have a reasonable capacity in the workshop with a Bridgeport miller & a gap bed Harrison 140 lathe.
Bearing in mind I am not new to engineering but understand that this is a different facet I would be interested in your thoughts on whether I am being over ambitious with a first project.
I fear I would struggle to match some of the wonderful examples of skill & art there are on this site but everyone has to start somewhere.
Thank you for reading this & feel free to shoot me down in flames!
Regards Bill.

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: Ye-Ole Steam Dude on March 21, 2019, 09:45:14 AM

Hello Bill and welcome to the Forum

Have a great day,
Thomas

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: Meggymoo on March 21, 2019, 10:25:42 AM

Hi Thomas, used to do work at a steel mill in Beumont in the late 80s

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: Jo on March 21, 2019, 11:02:43 AM

 :hi: Bill,

The Stuart range of engines are a good engines start on.

I am not sure what the quality is like at the mo - recently I know of two people had an eccentric casting in their sets which were rejects (poor flow of gunmetal into mould). But they are always good about replacing faulty items.

I would suggest you wander down to the Doncaster show in May and have a look at the castings sets there  ;)

Jo

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: b.lindsey on March 21, 2019, 12:02:14 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum Bill. Recently retired here as well and this hobby is a great way to spend some of that time.

Bill

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: toolznthings on March 21, 2019, 06:11:37 PM

Hello Bill ! Welcome to the forum !  :cartwheel:

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: cnr6400 on March 21, 2019, 06:58:16 PM

Hi Bill,

Welcome!

If you wanted to get your machines dirty with some very simple and inexpensive bar stock engines before tackling a castings set you might look up "elmers engines" or the "mc cabe engine" online. Free plans for these are available online and all you need is some mild steel and continuous cast iron bar to build some great engines and get started while having some fun.

Title: Re: New to the site.
Post by: Kim on March 21, 2019, 07:42:57 PM

Hi Bill,
Welcome to MEM!
Kim