Model Engine Maker

Supporting => Vehicles & Models => Topic started by: Gary Brooke on July 02, 2015, 11:00:17 PM

Title: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 02, 2015, 11:00:17 PM
This is the tale off my project to build 2 5" gauge locomotives. Why 2? when I first started on my first one about five years ago it was my first engine.It was going well when I was diagnosed with a sleep disorder. I was prone to fall asleep at any time didnt matter what was going on not good to play with machines. So a big decision had to be made pack it all in or carry on with parts that could be made buy hand and hope that the treatment would work. I have never started anything not to finish. So carried on but the time came when the parts that were made needed machined parts to check fits and things or silver soldering fall asleep with a blowtorch I might be mad but not insane. So a start was made on no 2 and it was still fun.                            Thats the why now we come to the what are the locos                                                                               No 1 LNER 4-6-0 SPRINGBOK                                                                                                               No 2 SOUTHEN 4-4-0 SCHOOL CLASS                                                                                           In the next post Iwill start work but as Iknow we have to have pics so heres one to tempt you all                                                                                   
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: b.lindsey on July 03, 2015, 12:17:33 AM
Gary, so is the sleep disorder cured now or at least under control? Looking forward to seeing more pictures.

Bill
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Admiral_dk on July 03, 2015, 08:36:45 PM
I got sleep apnoe (sp ?) and I got treatment - I sleep with a mask that makes me sound like Darth Wader  ::)

But I can without hesitation say that it works. The system help me breathe when I sleep and this in turn helps me reach REM sleep - something I haven't entered the previous 30 years, before starting to sleep with it February last year - what a difference  :whoohoo:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 03, 2015, 09:51:59 PM
Bill                                                                                                                                           Thanks for asking there isnt a cure but seem to be responding to treatment. More pics to follow when I have sorted some order off posting.                                                                   Admiral                                                                                                                                     Sounds very much like me the mask looks and sounds like something out off star wars. But got to agree it works Proper sleep at night=stay awake during the day May the force be with you.  Rgds                                                                                                                                         Gary 
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 06, 2015, 06:14:51 AM
I'll start with the set off frames that I made for Springbok right at the beginning there where choices to be made as to how much was going to be bought in. They could be Lazar cut, which would be fast but teach me nothing. Or I could make them my self, as I'm new to this hobby this would teach me the most. So 2 bits off bms steel where ordered bigger than needed,how to mark them out? that was to be my first lesson. In the end after reading how others had done it I bolted them together and filed 1 long edge how hard was that with little use off a file before. After quiet a while with files and straight edges i had achieved a flat edge that I could use as a datum. Next was a new skill marking out setting too I covered 1 side off the plates with lines marks in fact i was so exited with progress that by the end off a couple of sessions I was totally confused a more methodically approach was needed. In the end it was mark a point then tick off on the plan sorted. All that was left to do was cut them out and file to shape.Oh and drill them how hard could that be, easy if you've spent a lifetime do'ing it but for a beginer even getting a punchmark in the right place is hardwork. Anyway overtime they where brought screaming in to life.
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 07, 2015, 07:26:23 AM
Looks like pics off the rearpart have gone missing.Try again                                                             Rgds Gary                                                             
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 12, 2015, 08:53:37 PM
Going to have to delay the next thrilling instalment. Why I here you cry? my camera seems to have broke its self. WE all know a post is no good with out pics. so be back soon.                         Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 19, 2018, 10:13:21 AM
Good morning. Its been much to long since I last posted but life just got in the way.
So theres a lot to catch up with its now a tale off 3 locos as I got a package off plans laser cut frames and castings for a price that was to good to miss. So I'll get my self orginiesd and resart the journey.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: b.lindsey on March 19, 2018, 10:55:59 AM
Life has a way of doing that Gary. Will look forward to your picking up where you left off.

Bill
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Craig DeShong on March 20, 2018, 10:37:46 PM
Yow !  three Locos !

It took me 3 1/2 years to build my 1/8th scale locomotive, and that was only ONE !   I can't imagine building three at one time.  Best of luck in this endeavor !
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 22, 2018, 06:57:41 PM
I'm having trouble posting what could be doing wrong
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 23, 2018, 08:08:32 PM
Its been a long time since i started this topic so i will start from the beginning again.
if you spot a easier way to do something please shout i'm just anovice. to start with we need main frames to hang everything off. So i took some 1/8 steel plate and sprayed them with primer (i now use proper marking out blue)then marked them out,hacksawed filed and drilled. Then did it all again that's 2 the third set where laser cut. the first problem i had was getting smooth curves my filing is not good enough on its own. so after much head scratching i came up with taking a can off the wright radius wraping wet and dry round to finish off.
Now to pics from left to right.
1 springbok
2 school's class
3 br class 84000
Can you tell which are laser cut?
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: steamboatmodel on March 26, 2018, 04:14:33 PM
Gary, when telling it don't say " i came up with taking a can off the wright radius wraping wet and dry round to finish off." say I purchased a custom radius cylinder, wrapped it with wet and dry to finish it off.
Gerald.
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 26, 2018, 08:51:36 PM
Gerald
I like your thinking sounds more proffesional and you get a cylinder for later. Come to think off it I could have used a wheel blank
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 27, 2018, 09:34:01 AM
As i had enough 1/8 steel plate left iwent on to make the bogie frames for Springbok and SchoolsClass . These are another hacksaw, filing and drilling job. I'm improving my skills with a file.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 29, 2018, 01:03:56 PM
just thought you might like to have a sneaky look at the castings i have for the BR Class 84000.
Pic no 1 & 2is off the cylinders, covers, and cylinder liners all in gun metal.
pic no 3 is off the horns, axle boxes and brake shoe ring some in gun metal and some in cast iron.
Pic no 4 is off the wheels in cast iron
Pic no5 is off the smoke and boiler bits
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 01, 2018, 09:51:03 AM
The next part i will need are the buffer beams and angles to tie the frames together. Ive only got pics off the springbok ones. talking off pictures a question how does one insert them between text so you don't have them all at the end its probably me been computer thick.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 07, 2018, 11:08:29 AM
I once read that there were a lot off locos that never got there tender built. So not wanting to fall into that trap I've made a start on Springboks tender the plan is to work them alongside the loco. i first bolted 2 lengths off steel together and filed one off the long sides straight as a datum all dimensions can be taken from this edge. I'm starting to get better at marking out but still check leaving and coming back later better to leave and come back fresh. then i cut as close to the line as I dare and chain drill the curves then its just a case off a lot off careful filing even though most off the dimensions aren't critical. Only the axle box slots need to be as close as possible square and parallel. Then it was just a case of drilling all the holes.
moving on I've also done the buffer beams and angles. I really struggled to get the angles square till i did discovered that you can fit angle in the 3 jaw chuck problem solved.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Admiral_dk on April 07, 2018, 11:30:27 AM
Quote
I once read that there were a lot off locos that never got there tender built.

So should we than conclude that in order to build a complete loco, one will have to complete the tender first and then build the loco  :noidea: ..  ;)

The laser cut sides look nice - do you do those yourself ?
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 07, 2018, 07:33:20 PM
Admiral_dk
Thanks for looking in it dosent really mater in which order you build loco first or tender (Bit like chicken and egg ) as long asthey both get done.
The frames aren't laser cut but in the old way with hacksaw and file. the only laser cutting ive got is the frames for Br class 84000.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on April 07, 2018, 08:03:48 PM
I was watching when you'd started this thread.
I'm happy to see you're back at it and I can continue watching.  :ThumbsUp: :popcorn:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 08, 2018, 11:51:42 AM
Zee
Thank's for looking in your going to need a lot off popcorn to watch this thread i don't work very quick. hope you have a long and happy retirement.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 09, 2018, 05:39:08 PM
Next up are the main stretchers so first off i made the plain one at 4.125"this one will serve as a gauge for all 3 locos.This was just machined to size in 4 jaw chuck there was quiet a overhang so small cuts where taken. The main stretcher should really be a casting but i made it from steel plate. First a bit off 1/4 flat was machined to size. The triangular holes don't need to be exact but i took it as a challenge to get them as close to the plan as possible. Bolting flanges were cut from 1/8 strip filed to shape then drilled and tapped 8BA to hold it all together ready for silver soldering. As I've never done any soldering ill probably lose a few bits in the learning process.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 10, 2018, 08:41:29 PM
We still need more stretchers for springbok. The first 2 are the same so can be made as a matched pair. both off the 2 slots had to be drilled out and filed to shape oh for a mill but that comes later in the tale. Then flanges where made as on the main stretcher. Next up is the one that the brake steam cylinder is mounted to this is just a flat plate with 2 lugs for cylinder and flanges all drilled and tapped 8 BA
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 13, 2018, 10:55:43 AM
Moving on to the last stretcher for springbok is the bogie stretcher. Started off with 1/4" plate was cut and filed to size and a chamfer put on all 4 sides. A hole was drilled for the bogie pin. On to first proper lathe a piece off1/2 bar was faced of and a light clean up cut taken of the dia then 1/4" was turned down to a tight fit in the hole just drilled. flipped round and as i don't have a parting tool yet hacksawed it to length, faced it off and put a thread on it. The pin was then pushed into the plate and a bolt put into the joint so there was no chance of it coming out. Just had to drill and tap 2 lengths off angle and screw them to the plate.All the heads were then filled off flush.
That's the first mile stone done first sub assembly done.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 15, 2018, 08:45:53 PM
Next up are the main horns you can get them as castings but once again i chose to fabricate them. To start 6 bits off 1/8 plate where clamped together ready for cutting out. They were cut out filed to shape and drilled. I used fileing buttons  to get  the shape off the curves on the top corners. 2 off them were separated and one corner was removed so they would clear the firebox. various bits off strip where made up into flanges.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on April 15, 2018, 09:22:52 PM
 :popcorn: Still here.  ;D
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 16, 2018, 07:39:29 AM
Zee
Thanks for looking in
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 17, 2018, 11:05:21 AM
Moving on we come to the motion plates they are handed one left one right. Guess what ? first attempt i ended up with two right ones. Starting again 2 bits off 1/4 plate were cut to shape and filed up then the difference witch is the angle for the small plates (yet to be made) Got it right this time. then just need some 7/16 angle but had to use 1/2 which is all I had not a big job to take them down on the lathe. 2 had a chamfer put on remembering this time to make them handed they were drilled for 1/8 rivets another new skill to learn.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 22, 2018, 04:24:56 PM
The link brackets are a fun little project.Once again they are handed so best keep track off them. Starting off with some 1/4" plate they were brought to sieze on the lathe 2 big and 2 little. The 2 big ones have a angled notch which i cut with a hacksaw and files. 2 small ones have a square hole running through the middle first i drilled right through then I'm stuck haven't worked out how to square it up so have left it till i get devine inspiration. Next i need some 1/8" strip to make the rest 2pieces shaped and drilled to bolt to the frames and 4 shaped to hold the expansion links these are a nice little filing job.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Kim on April 22, 2018, 04:28:28 PM
Gary,
I've been quietly following along.
You're parts look great!  I can't believe you're doing it with a hack saw and file!
Kim
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 23, 2018, 11:07:48 AM
Thanks for looking in Kim.
Yes most off the parts have been made with a hacksaw and files with a bit off lathe work. Theres something about fileing away to some good music with apot off tea.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 29, 2018, 05:57:34 PM
In keeping with working on the tenders well take a look at the stretchers for springbok. These are straight forward parts 2 strips of1/8 steel where cut to length 1 wide one and a narrow one. Holding them in the 4 jaw to machine to length light cuts had to be taken because off the over hang. After which they were set up in the drill and drilled and tapped 8BA.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 01, 2018, 11:12:56 AM
We have almost got as far I've reached with springbok then well bring the other 2 up to date. So lets look at the brake system there's a stand which goes in the cab. this is 1/8" plate cut to clear the rear wheel and drilled. If you look closely you can see one off the holes is a bit close to the edge. I might have to remake it as altering the frame is not a option. then there are 6 brake beams 3 for the loco and 3 for the tender. These are nothing special just Some 1/2" x 1/8" steel strip cut and filed to  shape. The only difficulty was getting all 4 tappers the same. In the end i just filed 1 up and traced it on paper then used this to gauge when the rest where correct.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 05, 2018, 11:01:14 AM
That's about as far as I've reached with springbok so lets move on to the schools class. First up is the bogie centre which could be a casting but i elected to fabricate it. Once again it starts life as 1/8" steel plate I must have shares in this stuff. There is a large piece that all the rest fixes too with some tricky curves and a large slot for the beam and springs to go in. Then there are 2 side plates with lots off rivet holes these I drilled from the bogie frames so they matched up. All this was done with my trusty hacksaw and files really need to get a new blade.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Admiral_dk on May 05, 2018, 08:37:59 PM
That is a lot of work when done with hand tools only - but you do get a nice result  :ThumbsUp:

I myself is much to lazy to do it this way (I learned how to, but...)  ::)
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: scc on May 05, 2018, 09:35:34 PM
I've mentioned before on other threads I am a great fan of hand tools and will always choose that method over milling, etc.
You say you are new to the craft but from where I'm sitting you appear to be doing an expert job. Following with interest :popcorn:
Regards              Terry
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 06, 2018, 12:53:05 PM
Admiral and Terry thanks for looking in.
The use off hand tools is my way to learn this great hobby. I can set a part in the viceand if i've a spare 5 min's do a bit.This way it doesnt seem to take that long.when I progress a mill and lathe will come in handy.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 07, 2018, 07:48:38 AM
Just a couple off lit bits this time. The school class have strengthening plates on the main frames to support the 3cylinders. these are made from bits off1/16" plate and profiled to fit the frames. They then had lots off holes drilled for 1/16" rivets these were then spotted through on to the main frames. It may look as though the drill has wandered but the layout off the holes is what is on the plans.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 12, 2018, 07:52:52 PM
There are 3 lower stretchers for the Schools class 2 off them are just straight parts from guess what 1/8" steel strip cut and filed to length. The third one is larger so that there is room for clearance for the con rod (photo 1) they were all drilled for bolts. Then there are 2 stretchers for the bogie these have slots at each end for angles to sit in (photo 2)after a visit to York railway museum i found out that these were a different shape to the plans so these will be remade at some time.
Rgds Gary 
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 14, 2018, 09:07:44 AM
On to the main stretcher which is really 3 together. The first is a flat plate with most off the middle cut away to clear the inside motion plate. This is the second attempt after the first one distorted trying to bash it back into shape was not successful. A new piece off 1/8" steel was put in the oven to cook with the sunday dinner and was successful. After chain drilling and filing it was still flat (photo 1).
The second part is just a flat plate 1/8" thick plate squared up and drilled for fixings (photo 20).
The last one could be a casting but i chose to fabricate in my usual fashion. It starts with a strip with 3 holes along the middle then there is a box made off 1/8" thick metal for it to sit in these will all be assembled at a later date (photo 3).
Ive laid them out how they go to give the idea how it works.(photo 4)
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 15, 2018, 09:56:39 AM
Today I thought Ide show the parts for the inside motion bracket. Once again it should be a casting but as I've got a lot off offcuts I might as well make it up. From yes you've guessed 1/8" steel. It starts with the base which is a cross with curved junctions filled and sanded to shape using a socket to get a equal shape. then there is a slot running down one arm off the cross. As I don't have off how the slot was cut I'll show that when doing the outside brackets. (photo 1)
The middle is a flat plate with 3 different seized holes these will have a bead round them when I find the right material to make them from. The top is a strip with the middle thinned down nothing difficult there.2 sides are needed they are like a upside down L with bolt holes drilled. Last we need 2 gussets for strength these were filled up from a couple off spare bits. (photo 2)
The last (photo 3) shows how they all fit together.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 20, 2018, 07:44:40 AM
Just remembered that there are round stretchers on Springbok that I haven't shown yet. These are lengths off EN1A faced of (photo 1) and a cleaning pass taken on the dia. (photo 2) They were then drilled and tapped (photo's 3 & 4).The tender stretcher has a shoulder at each end which I struggled with till I worked out why there are left and right hand tools. (photos 5 &6) A family shot off them.(photo 7)
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 29, 2018, 07:42:20 AM
Right back to Schools class next up are the cab floor braces these are shaped from what else 1/8" steel shaped and drilled (photo 1). Moving on there are a couple of braces that stop the end off the buffer beam from bending shaped and with a curve to clear the angles that fix the buffer beam (photo 2). Then I thought id show my oops box or maybe come in useful one day (photo 3).

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: scc on May 29, 2018, 07:23:49 PM
I've a box just like that :Lol:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on May 31, 2018, 08:45:10 PM
Next up is the outside motion bracket's these again are done as casting's but I did them as fabrications. The base is a T shape with curves on the sides and a slot underneath. I said when I covered the inside motion that i'd show how I cut the slot without a mill. First off I made a plate to fit the tool post (photo 1) then the bottom plate was set on this and with a milling cutter in the chuck the slot was cut using very light cuts (photo 2). The top and end were just fileing jobs out off 1/8" steel plate all in (photo 3) You will note there are no middles these turned out c*** So are in the come in useful one day box.

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on June 05, 2018, 09:56:04 AM
This post brings us more or less up to date. There are just a few angles to show these were machined square on the lathe and drilled. (photo 1) Then there is how all the parts are being stored. (photos 2&3)
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Admiral_dk on June 05, 2018, 11:46:12 AM
The family shot show that you got quite a number of parts made already  :ThumbsUp:

Then considering the amount still needed for two (or tre) Locos we are in for a long saga  :cheers:  :popcorn:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on June 06, 2018, 08:56:59 AM
Thanks for looking in Admiral dk yes it will be a long haul ive hardly scratched the surface off the parts needed.
Yesterday I started to assemble the frames for springbok these will eventually be riveted but as they will have to come apart again they are just bolted.(photos 1,2&3) Then I took the bull by the horns and ordered a mill.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on June 12, 2018, 09:17:39 AM
Carrying on with the build up I've now got springbok tender frame assembled. Its quiet pleasing how well they are fitting together (touch wood) all the holes are lineing up without having to ease them. (photo 1&2) Then main frames and tender together rather large will need a way to move them later. (photo 3&4)

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on June 12, 2018, 05:15:31 PM
I'm still following along.  :popcorn:

The frames look great.  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on June 19, 2018, 09:31:59 AM
Thanks for looking in Zee.
Well the learning curve has just gone up to the next level. Brand new mill I can do some real damage now. What shall I make first decided to start simple and square up the front buffer beam for my tank engine. (photo 1) That was fun and a lot quicker than with a file.

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Chipswitheverything on June 19, 2018, 12:50:26 PM
Hope that you enjoy your new milling machine Gary, it should be a huge help in speeding up the builds and assisting accuracy.  After the impressive amount of work that you have shown forum members, all done the hard way with simple tools and much physical effort, I'm sure that no one deserves the mill upgrade more than you do!   Dave
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on June 21, 2018, 07:29:51 AM
Thanks for the kind comments Dave.
Next project on the mill is going to be springbok's bogie horns these come out off 1/2" x 3/4" stock. This was set up in the vice on a couple parrells (its nice to have the propper tools). they are sort off a L shape with webs so astop cut was made on one end. (photo 1) After mounting them in pairs i took them down to where the web's start (photo 2) In (photo 3) you can see where i've got to. The eagle eyed might spot there are only 7 instead of 8 one had to go in the might come in useful box. As i've no more metal that sieze i'm leaveing them at that stage for now.


Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 01, 2018, 09:41:25 AM
As the mill vice was set up I thought I'd get some more practice and make a start on some axle boxes. These are going to be different than normal practice in that they will have a centre and 2 sides where as there normaly one lump with slots milled in the sides. First I squared some blocks for the centres (photo 1) then I squared up one end off some 1/8 flat strip (photo 2) Taking 2 off them they were set up using the middle to make they were equal and brought to length. (photo 3) I just had to get trusty file to nock the burs off or it would feel neglected (photo 4). Last is how they stand at the moment (photo 5) 6 down another 34to go.


Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 13, 2018, 09:21:05 AM
There's not been a lot off progress in the last few days been much to hot in the shed. What I have got done is try and get to grips with the new mill. So with that in mind i've  been squaring up steel for the Tank Engine stretchers. Had some joy with this and also fed the might come in useful box. Its so easy to take too much off when your used to getting to a line with a file. But its all part off learning and Rome wasn't built in a day and I'm having fun. So just a photo off what I've got done

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 19, 2018, 09:25:20 AM
Yesterday's progress was to start on the tank engine pony truck pivots the top off these is just a strip off 1/8" x 3/4" mild steel. This was cut to length to length and squared upon the mill same with the sides. There are 2 webs then in the centre these where cut roughley to length and set up in the mill and brought just over size (photo 1). Then they were flipped on to there long edge and brought to thickness leaving a radius on the end. (photo 2) The last photo is a group shot off the days work.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 26, 2018, 08:31:08 AM
Need a change from frames and stretchers. So as I've a cupboard full off castings for the tank engine I am going to adventure in to casting machining. Now this is the first time that I've tried this so if there's  a better way just shout please. As I'll need the horn blocks first that seems a logical place to start so (photo 1) is the rough casting they come as a pair. When they were put on the mill table they rocked around too much so I sat out in the sunshine seemed rude not to as we don't get much off that in Yorkshire. the trusty file was used to flatten the face just enough so they would sit level.(photo 2) Clamping them up on the table with a sheet off paper underneath to help the grip I've seen that tip before somewhere. (photo 3) Using the best edge I clocked it in that was fun but I got it as near as makes no difference. ( photo 4) touched off with a fag paper no high tech here.(photo 5)  A skim was taken off the top with a brand new cutter first cut on a casting and I I didnt break anything that's a result or luck.(photo 6) Got brave then and took the first flange to size keeping note off all readings best not to push my luck so that's as far as I've got pleased with the finish the casting gives. (photo 7)


Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on July 26, 2018, 01:27:18 PM
 :ThumbsUp:

How are you liking the mill? What kind is it?
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 27, 2018, 07:00:27 AM
Thanks for looking in Zee in answer to your question its a WM-16 it seem to be a well made machine and can remove metal a lot faster than I can with a file. Next challenge is to teach it to remove it in the right place it seems to have a mind off its own. I'll show what she got upto later.

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 27, 2018, 07:03:28 AM
Wrong photo
Rgds GARY
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 28, 2018, 06:52:25 AM
Carrying on with the horn blocks the second one was set up. The same edge was taken to size there seemed to be something wrong somewhere (photo1) I've  :censored: (insert your own swear word for mistakes). really need to work things out better the first 1 is cut to big have to try and save it somehow. Anyway after tea and ciggs back to it. Moved over to do the other flange making sure she was counting the turns.(photo 2) On the first pass the her handle was catching on the setup so took it off don't we just love the challenges? (photo 3) Then the top flange was done (photo 4) Still a long way to go but I just had to try it first one fits (photo 5)

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on July 28, 2018, 02:07:14 PM
On the first pass the her handle was catching on the setup so took it off don't we just love the challenges?

Had that happen just the other day and had a few  :censored: words myself.
I often keep one lever off as a reminder to check.
I've also had collisions between the vise handle and the Z knob. I'm getting in the habit of removing the vise handle whenever I use it.

 :popcorn:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Steamer5 on July 28, 2018, 06:18:54 PM
Hay Zee,
 Better to remove the handle than have it drop on your foot....... :censored: :censored: :facepalm: we need a dancing around on one foot emoji.

Cheers Kerrin
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Chipswitheverything on July 28, 2018, 10:16:01 PM
Commiserations on the whoops, Gary, but we all do these things and then kick ourselves... 
 What with DRO's and machine techniques widely used in model engineering now, I must admit that I get a bit lazy about marking out properly with the blue and the surface table and all the gear that goes with it.  But the old fashioned way is not such a bad idea really, it gives a belt and braces check against a slip up with noting turns of a dial index, or a little calculation that has gone a bit skew whiff!    Dave
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 01, 2018, 09:14:39 AM
Thanks for looking in Zee, Steamer 5, and Dave.
A quick update the flanges on all 3 are complete with the rouge one waiting to be fixed. ( photo 1) They were then set up again and the top was brought to the thickness off the frames.(photo 2) Now I've a datum point they were flipped over and set up in the vice to take them to width.(photo 3) Stay tuned for the next thrilling adventure from the man cave.

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 03, 2018, 07:34:58 AM
The next step was to take them down to overall thickness (photo1). After this the slot which the axle boxes fit in was cut to size. (photo 2) She's got herself in a right mess don't think I can call her a new mill anymore. (photo 3) That's as far as I've got today.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 09, 2018, 07:11:54 AM
Now I've got to split the pairs into 2 my first thought was to just do it with a cutter but I don't have one that small. Besides there's not a lot off spare allowance for machining. So I blued them up and marked halfway. (photo 1) Then with a junior hacksaw cut them being careful to keep the cut square we all know how hard it is to stop a hacksaw from wandering. (photo 2) Setting them up in pairs they were brought to size being carefull not to take too much off now I've got this far. (photo 3)  The family shot off where they stand at the moment you will note the :censored: :censored: in the middle that I haven't gone any further with my plan is to to try and solder a strip off bronze in before having to shell out for a new one.(photo 4)
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 12, 2018, 07:26:07 AM
As the mill is full off gun metal swarf might as well do some more castings. So its logical to make the axle boxes that fit in the parts I've just done these start off as 3 lumps and I've got to get 6 out off them (photo 1) First job is to square them up so as there was no flat surface to work to I set about making one. They were set up in the mill vice on a couple off parrels and a skim was taken off to see how flat they were (photo 2) not very. This is going to take a while at this rate so did some looking on internet for information on feed rates and depth off cut. Came across some films on milling for starters buy Jason (well worth a look) thank you sir. So with nothing to lose I attacked them more (photo 3) and it worked hot knife through butter springs to mind. They are now square and to size well within .001" across the diagonals so they must be.(photo 4) Time for  :DrinkPint: :smokin2:

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 15, 2018, 06:20:42 AM
There's not to show this time as I really need to get the horn block casting fixed. I've no material to do it but am not prepared to pay delivery on 1 piece off metal when its the same price for a good order. So I've spent the last couple of days going through the might come in use full box (better known as the scrap box)to see what I could use and squared up (photo 1) Still got some more to do then put in a order.

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 22, 2018, 08:36:08 AM
Still on with sorting through scrap box to use up what I can. Its a useful exercise as it gives me much needed practice in milling allowing me to experiment with feed rates and depth of cut.(photo 1)  After all its waste that can be spoilt at not a great cost with no loss. So this is nearly the last off the blanks I need for the tank engine stretchers.( photo 2) The family shot off all the blanks so far that's probably the rest off the years workshop time taken care off.(photo 3)

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: 10KPete on August 22, 2018, 09:07:04 AM
 :ThumbsUp:
 :popcorn: :popcorn:
 :cheers:

Pete
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on August 22, 2018, 12:44:43 PM
Still  :popcorn:.

That's a load of blanks!  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on August 28, 2018, 09:31:18 AM
Pete and Zee thanks for looking in.
Still a few more blanks to do but thought i'd start to turn them into finished parts. Had a choice where to start so picked the easyist (i'm a coward) the brake stretcher. SO the blank was blued up and marked out (photo 1)and set up on the mill. Using a centre finder the ends off the first slot wasfound and the table looked down.(photo 2) Then with a slot drill started to take out the wastefirst thing i did was turn the handle wrong way. (photo 3) i made a reminder for dummys and stuck it where it could be seen (photo 4) It worked managed to cut the first slot with no more :censored: ups.(photo 5) Was aiming for a slot .625 think this is close enough (photo 6) then stepped over and cut the second slot thats the first stage complete. (photo 7)

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on September 05, 2018, 08:16:38 AM
Made so more progress over the last few days I've finished the last off the blanks to make all .the tank engine stretchers I think.(photo 1) At times its been pretty close to get maximum use off the stock (photo 2).
Now i've got to make my mind up about a part i made and posted last time one off the slots is not quiet in the right place it will never be seen do i just leave it and let it bug me or remake?
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 11, 2020, 10:39:04 AM
Its been along time since I've posted about my engines the simple truth is there's not been a lot off progress. (in fact none) Health and life just got in the way. So I'm glad I started posting about them as I was able to read back and see where we had got to. On the last post i talked about the brake stretcher being a little bit out and should i remake it even though it would never be seen its going to get remade. The first job I'm going to to tackle is the wrongly cut hornblock.
Silver soldering never done any so this could fun.cleaned all the hornblock up and wired a strip off bronze to it. (picture 1) Coated it in flux and put some bits off silver solder next to the joint and cooked it with the blow torch. (picture 2) Should there be blobs off solder like that it look's like it has'nt flowed (picture 3) Have to see how it goes came out off the pickle looking good. (picture 4)
think I' ve gone on long enough so till next time.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 15, 2020, 08:12:45 AM
All's not well in the loco work shop. my silver soldering leaves a lot off practice the repair off the hornblocks was no good. at first glance it looked ok but when milling it back to proper shape the repair just ripped off (photos 1 &2). Going to get a proper blow torch that puts out some heat and have another go. Need to get it sorted as i've lots off soldering to do. Just carry on till i get a new blow torch stay safe everybody keep away from this virus
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: zeeprogrammer on March 15, 2020, 01:03:23 PM
I have very little experience in this area and hope others will chime in.
In your previous post, it seems to me the parts did not get to the needed temperature.
It also seems to me there's way more solder than needed.
A new torch may help.

Again, I don't have the experience.
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: crueby on March 15, 2020, 01:34:53 PM
A torch that can get the parts up to temp quickly is very important. Also, which flux are you using? Some of the newer ones will give a longer time before burning off, which helps. Parts must be clean and coated with flux before starting or soot will build up and prevent the solder from flowing in. Last tip is to heat from the far side of the part, letting the metal melt the solder, if you get the flame directly on the solder, it will melt and ball up before the metal is hot enough, and it wont hold. If all is right, the solder should flow along the seam, sometimes a metal pick is handy to push the solder along when its its melted. I had same problems you are seeing before I got a torch with more oomph.
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 16, 2020, 10:58:07 AM
Thanks Zee and Crueby some things to look into new torch on order then have another go.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 19, 2020, 10:22:56 AM
As I'm waiting for new blow torch which could be anytime as things stand at the moment. It's time to focus on one loco at once at least till its wheeled as i have the materials and castings it be rude not to do the tank engine first. the main frames are ready so need to get the stretchers done next. there are a lot off them so we'll start with the motion plate stay this comes from one off the blanks cut months ago. Blued up and marked out (photo 1) then taken over to the drill press clamped down and the corners drilled t give 1/8" rads. (photo 2) After which the waste was cut away leaving it looking a right bodge. (photo  3) Some times you have to think out side the box to hold things for filing (photo 4) So after a few hours with files and sand paper it is now at this stage.(photo 5) Next time well look at the ribs round the out side.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: nj111 on March 19, 2020, 10:28:42 AM
There's a little Model Engineer's book, Soldering and Brazing by Tubal Cain, it's Book 9 in the Workshop Practice Series,  not expensive and will tell you all you need to know to make good joints, Nick
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 22, 2020, 10:29:26 AM
Thanks for your comment nj111 will have a look for that book at my local tool supplier i know he has a selection off that series. Have to wait till the world gets back to normal. take care out there everybody.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 23, 2020, 06:20:24 PM
Been a good day in the loco work shop. First my new toy turned up this bad boy should just kick out some heat (photo 1) It just had to be put to work the only draw back was the gas bottle was empty. so off for a refill and fired it up brought the horn block up to temp and the silver solder flowed like it should (photo 2) Put it in the pickle bucket and let it sit for a while. As I was on a roll decided to machine it be rude not to still needs a bit more work yet. (photo 3) It turned out rather well cant even see the joint. The only down side is that didn't have enough bronze to do the other one.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: crueby on March 23, 2020, 08:10:04 PM
Excellent! That torch should be able to get the bigger parts soldered well. Getting it hot quick makes a big difference.   :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 27, 2020, 10:36:03 AM
The loco works is going to get busy over the next few weeks where better to isolate. Moving on i was going to do the motion plate stay ribs but as i need new  8BA taps there now on order. We'll start on the next one which is the driving axle stay. The middle was marked out and the radius drilled  (photo 1) Then a hacksaw was fed in to the holes. Why do hacksaws have a mind of there own? and not want to cut in a straight line (photo 2) It was then filed to shape and cleaned up. (photo 3)
Stay safe and healthy everyone.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on March 29, 2020, 07:03:49 PM
The 8BA taps are still on order might not get them now for awhile. So moving onto the base off the driving axle stay this is a simple flat plate with curves in the sides which needto be the same (photo 1) Then i was going to do the top plate but the metal that was set aside for this was bent and no good. so will leave that till what materials are left. I've now done the sides off the main stay which are just a hacksaw and filing job. (photo 2)
Hope your all staying safe.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 02, 2020, 09:49:44 AM
More news from the loco workshop. Today where making the horizontal stretcher this is the most complicated so far. So I thought it best to mark it out fully to keep track off where i was (photo 1) Then it was on to drilling out the waste which i assume was to lighten the casting on the full seize (photo 2)  Then had the idea off how to get all the stretchers width the same why not clamp together and file them all at once (photo 3) This way I got them all to 3 7/8" after which filed out the shapes in the stretcher (photo 4) Needing a way to check the radius off the corners turned a gauge and checked and adjusted (photo 5)

Be careful and stay safe everybody
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 12, 2020, 12:02:15 PM
The next episode from the loco works is all about the main horizontal stay. It is the largest off all the stays and the most complicated having the center mount for the rear bogie truck and strengthening ribs. So we start out with the usual 1/8" piece of plate marked out (photo 1) Then all the holes where drilled wait one off them seem s to have gone for a little walk or was it my work shop gremlin leaning on the drill bit. (photo 2) That I will put right after all the hacksawing and fileing is done. My plan for that naughty hole is to put it on the mill and run a end mill to teach it some manners (photo 3) itcould all go horrible wrong. It was fine and there's another middle done.(photo 4)
Stay safe everybody and have the best Easter you can.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on April 20, 2020, 08:36:25 AM
Good morning from the loco workshop. Today is all about the front poney truck stretcher now this will be a departure from the plan. As i found pictures on the web off a actual one so decided to have a go with the new information. i'll post both pictures when its done and you can be the judge how close i've got. So to work the plate was marked out and the corners off the cut outs where drilled ( photo 1) At this stage it looks a right mess (photo 2)  But after a few hours with files it doset look too bad (photo 3)
Stay safe and well everybody.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on January 17, 2021, 11:37:07 AM
Good morning all I have returned to the project to be honest i lost all interest and the hole lot nearly ended in the bin. Time to walk away and do something different. After atime started to miss model engineering it gets in the blood andtheres only so many excuse for pushing parts out off the way. So here wego again. to get back into it and make sure this is what i wanted iv'e spent the last couple off days cleaning parts for the school class loco and right enjoyed myself so your going to have to put up with my rambling for a lot longer.
Keep safe and well in trying times.
Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Daggers on January 17, 2021, 01:59:15 PM
Good luck, will be watching with interest.  :ThumbsUp:
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on January 28, 2021, 08:26:18 PM
Good evening from the loco shop. I've finally goy my act together and restarted first up is not another stretcher they can wait a while. I'm doing the motion plates these come out off a piece of 3/16" plate large enough for them both. Note to self make a left and aright one. The Plate as blued and marked out and mounted on the mill. Clocking it jn took me a while as its something i haven't done a lot off (photo1) Hang on a minute there's a space where i could sneak in the buffer doublers. Using a new end mill I set about removing the waste (photo 2) Think I got a bit greedy well lesson learned till the next time (photo 3 ) after that I put some screws in to stop the little bits flying out when they where cut through (photo 4) Thats as far as i got in this session.

STAY SAFE AND WELL EVERYBODY

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on February 11, 2021, 09:35:53 AM
Latest news from the loco shop. First i didn't include a picture off the motion plates so I've cleaned them up they didn't come out that bad. (photo 1) The next project before i can separate the frames are the holes for the cylinders so to do this i made up the back plates (photo 2) these are just some square steel with a lot off holes poked through them. the problem i had was when i came to mark them out on the frames the starting point was in the middle of the driving axle box. You have to think a long way ahead in this game. The solution i came up with was to cover the cut out with paper then i could mark them out.(photo 3)  When the position was found i drilled one hole and left the drill in so the plate couldn't move. (photo 4) Then it was just a case off drilling the rest (photo 5) Another step done.

stay safe everybody

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Gary Brooke on July 19, 2022, 03:23:53 PM
Hello everybody its been a long time since I last posted. I've been recovering from 2 heart attacks flashing blue lights and all that stuff.
Thats that out the way on to the fun things. When you don't touch metal rust thinks it can move in. so i can see a lot off cleaning and planing before we continue with the tale.(http://)

Rgds Gary
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: Kim on July 19, 2022, 05:32:16 PM
Hi Gary,
Sorry to hear about your recent adventures :(

Hopefully you're doing better and they are behind you now.  It's hard during recovery - they won't let you back into your shop for a long time, will they!  Glad you're getting back to it now.  You'll be able to get that rust under control quickly.

Kim
Title: Re: A TALE OFF 2 LOCOS
Post by: crueby on July 19, 2022, 06:11:56 PM
Glad you are doing better and can get back in the shop again!
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