Murdoch-Aitken "Steeple" engine

[scc]

I mentioned earlier that the big-end con rod was too long as drawn. I was wrong as the underside of the crosshead needs to clear the crank at bottom dead centre.   I have noticed some errors on my build probably due to poor measuring   The engine has been dismantled, boxed and put away for a while as I continue camping and sort out my two mortobike rebuilds.  As a result this thread is "on hold" for a while but will hopefully continue with renewed enthusiasm in the autumn.    Cheers for now    Terry

[Jo]

Sorry to hear that Terry  I hope you wrote down your findings so that you don't have to re-find them when you pick it up again.

You have not told us anything about your new bikes, it would be nice to find out a bit more about them  . In my younger days  I restored a few motorcycles of my own before someone (MEM member Old Bill) introduced me to model engineering  .

Jo

[scc]

Cheers Jo,     Nothing exotic I'm afraid,  just a couple of 1963 Royal Enfield 250cc. Dismantled by their owner 45 yrs ago and dry strored ever since. A last (failed) attempt by Britain to fend off the imports.
I have owned nearly 30 bikes in my time but never an Enfield so will be a change.            Terry

[Admiral_dk]

As a Biker for Life (and never owned a car), I'm curious too - any pictures ?

45 years in dry storage æh - that is a long time, so even better if they are oiled (so to speak) 

Enjoy the time with this project too 

Per

[scc]

No pictures as yet Per.   No, the bits have not been oiled so a bit of work ahead.      Thanks for your interest.          Terry

[scc]

I suppose A few pics of motorbike progress are in order in few of comments.  An expensive exercise which is now on hold to allow my finances to catch up!    This means I can continue with my  "steeple"      I have fetched out all the bits  and had a little assembly just to get excited     Next move is to re measure everything and then study Jo's excellent build.        Progress is likely to be slow so don't wait up
Terryy

[Admiral_dk]

The Tank looks a bit strange (shape vise) in the picture - but other than some missing bits - everything in rather good condition     

One could be forgiven for thinking that a few days to put on all the rest + adjustments and she will be ready for a Ride Out 

All the parts done one the Model looks great too  .... but missing time or money is a rather well known factor to me 

Per     

[scc]

Cheers Per,  The tank is Royal Enfield's take on the 1960's Ducati. New rims, tyres, chrome, paint and all bearings, seals, valves and chains take their toll on the wallet          Still lots to do.   I'm going to enjoy not spending on the steam engine.        Terry

[Admiral_dk]

The tank is Royal Enfield's take on the 1960's Ducati.

Parden this Heathen his Ignorance    ...... but in my defence - I didn't see that many English Motorcycles in my youth and they aren't plentiful on the streets here Either 

.... and in regards to spending money on my projects - that went out the door when I lost job @ the local University .... mostly ....

Enjoy the MC Build (when money permits)     

Per

[scc]

Per,  Absolutely no ignorance infered,     It's known as the "jelly mould" tank and is pretty rare here too.   One of British industry's  last gasps
Sorry to hear about the job,  let's hope you can get another one soon.

Best Wishes      Terry

[Admiral_dk]

Well it isn't always easy to tell when people are very enthusiastic about British Iron - so I often try to thread carefull - but in this case I also meant it as a bit of a joke on my expence  

I have had another job for seven years since, but currently unemployed -> back to school August 14th. for six weeks, to increase my job chances (+ better pay afterwards). At 62, I'm not completely looking forward to this - though I'm sure some of it will be interesting ....

Per

[Jo]

I have had another job for seven years since, but currently unemployed -> back to school August 14th. for six weeks, to increase my job chances (+ better pay afterwards). At 62, I'm not completely looking forward to this - though I'm sure some of it will be interesting ....

I've been retired out of work for five years this coming weekend  . I learnt that money isn't everything, especially as you get older.

I promise Terry I will get back to my "Steeple" after I've finished my current job 

Jo

[Admiral_dk]

I've been retired out of work for five years this coming weekend  . I learnt that money isn't everything, especially as you get older.

Very True !! - But when you can't pay the monthly bills (or more correct, I can - if we exclude the yearly Tax on the House + some insurance etc.) ....
So, I need to be able to put more in the 'Bank before I retire'. It helps quite a lot that my last payment on my house is March 31th 2028 and I can officially retire, when I turn 67 two weeks later ….
The house needs some preparations before that and I would like to get a new Motorcycle before that too …

This is one of the main motivations for upgrading my job chances + payment => Back to School for 6 weeks.
Oh yea – there’s also the bit about a max of two years of unemployment support ….

But I’m fully adware off the fact, that health + more time, is much more Valuable the older you get …!
This qould be better too 

Per         

[Jo]

Forgot to mention: Give me a shout if you struggle with the 12BA studs for the steam chest or any other 12BA threads on this model 

Jo

[scc]

Cheers Jo,   I think I am going to use 10ba for the uprights to cylinder fixings     At present just working through what's already made and correcting cock ups.            Terry