Built by my grandfather no me.. seeking information?

[Gareth_thomas]

Hi I’m wondering if anyone can shine some light on the type of model this is.

It was built by my late grandfather along with a load of others all different shapes and sizes from small engines to fully functional pump houses model scale.

He would spend hours in his shed and garage producing all his own parts and components for these models and then demonstrate to myself and siblings how they’d work when he connected to an airline or battery.

We have sold many of the models to various collectors and museums and have kept a few that don’t take up too much room.

I’d like to know if this model would have been a scale of a real machine or just made up? And would also like to know where I could take it to see it working (within UK)?

Thanks for your time.. Gareth

[Roger B]

The design is similar to this one:

https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,4386.0.html

[Gareth_thomas]

Thankyou Roger. Another gentleman has emailed me today with similar information.

Just amazing how a model like this can be made from scratch. Very interesting.

Regards, Gareth

[Vixen]

Hello Gareth,
Now you know the identity of your grandad's engine.
If you give a general indication of your location (Town, city) perhaps someone will be close enough to help you get it running.

Mike

[Chipswitheverything]

Was wondering if you or family had kept a photo record of some or all of the models made by your grandfather that were subsequently dispersed?  If some went to museum collections then I would think that there were particularly interesting models in the collection.  Would be interested to see some pictures on the forum if that is possible to do.  Dave

[Jo]

Hi Gareth,

I suspect your grandfather built this model to demonstrate the workings of the Bellcrank rather than intending it to be a model of a specific engine.

Your Grandfather has used a slide valve cylinder and a governor which are of a later practise than would have been found on a Bellcrank engine design and has combined these with "variable valve cut-off" which allows the model engine to be run at different speeds. 

By looks of things the model was made for the purposes of running for the public at shows: I suspect if you connect it to a compressor airline it will run. Give any moving surfaces an oil first but please don't squirt it with a rattle can of oil like WD40 to lubricate it  only oil the moving/sliding bits   .

Jo

[Gareth_thomas]

Hi would you or anyone else know where I could possibly have it tested on an air line? Maybe engineering dept of a college or something like that!? I’ve no idea. We are looking to part with this model but I would really love to see it working prior. Along with the models we are keeping when we pull them out of storage.
 
Thankyou for you information.. very interesting and great knowledge.

Gareth

[Vixen]

Hello Gareth,
Now you know the identity of your grandad's engine.
If you give a general indication of your location (Town, city) perhaps someone will be close enough to help you get it running.

Mike

[Jo]

It looks like Gareth lives near Leicester 

Jo

[Gareth_thomas]

Sorry no I live in South Wales but also stay in Washington (North East) every other week and also work is currently in Newark so coviering a lot of UK ground. Joys of working on overhead pylons 🤦🏻

[Jo]

South Wales  Just across the border from you is the Bristol Club: https://www.bristolmodelengineers.co.uk/

Jo

[Vixen]

Cardiff model engineering society may be closer.
Cardiffmes.com