Need help finding a suitable flywheel

[springcrocus]

I am looking for a straight, 6-spoke cast iron flywheel without crank at about 8" to 9" outside diameter. The trouble I'm having is identifying any existing models that might use a similar flywheel. Apart from Martins Models in the USA, I can't find anyone listing casting by size alone, they just say "To fit a Stuart...." or similar.
Can any of the members advise me of a model that uses a flywheel of similar proportions that is available in the UK, please? I did find one on the Reeves site which might fit the bill but the price is ridculously high.
Regards, Steve

[Jo]

A few of Anthony Mount's models have 9" flywheels but they are thin and spindly.

We really need a better idea of how heavy you are looking for and possibly what it is for.

Jo

[redhouseluv]

You beat me to it Jo - I finished an Anthony Mount flywheel today for the Trapezium engine, it's 9" - yes it's thin 

RDG do a flywheel, but probably tad too small at 7 3/4"

https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/product/7-3-4-fly-wheel-casting-semi-machined-cast-iron-compatible-with-stuart/

Also give Howard at myfordlathes a call, he has boxes of bits 'n' bobs and may be able to help

http://www.myford-lathes.com/index.htm

[Jasonb]

In the UK Engineer's Emporium do a fair range of flywheels, 2 or 3 will fit your requirements. may need to email as they don't show them well on tehir website but the paper catalogue lists them.

Bridport are now doing the MJ Engineering traction engines and the 2" Fowler has a 9" flywheel though quite a light section rim.

Reeves will have a couple such as the Vulcan and Mary beam engines.

If you want something a bit heavier then Alyn Foundry may have something

Going into Europe then Atelier have several  http://www.ateliermb.ch/shops/gussteile/ch/contents/de/d10.html

TS also do separate flywheel castings. Not the easioest for payment but his castings are very good, at least the three flywheels I have had from him have been https://www.ts-modelldampfmaschinen.de/schwungraeder/?page=2

And if you ar enot averse to a bit of fabrication then M-Machine do 8" thick wall steel tube by the inch which I have used for the rims of several flywheels.

[Alyn Foundry]

Our Gardner flywheel might fit the bill for you?

   Graham.

[springcrocus]

Thanks Jo, Jason, Sanjay and Graham for your replies so far. I've already emailed Engineers Emporium for a quote and waiting for a reply. I've also found the flywheel on RDG (where the heck did they get those, I wonder, not their usual merchandise) and I forgot about Graham and Alyn Foundry.
After three locos and a traction engine, I'm having a go at Julius' version of Lady Stephanie for a change. This specifies a 220mm diameter flywheel. After reading the various Lady S threads on here from previous builders, it appears that this version is much larger than the others. The base is 102mm x 320mm and I can't find any reference to metric equivalents of 14BA threads, thank heavens!
Regards, Steve

[Jo]

The flywheel for the ME beam engine is 9 1/4", with the correct profile spokes.  https://www.ajreeves.com/5904.html

James Booth Rectilinear flywheel is 9" diameter, 7/16" wide.

Jo

P.S. I have a spare damaged one that Reeves sent me  and replaced for free 

[Jasonb]

RDG have done those flywheels on and off for years, originally as unmachined castings, I have used them on my Cameron pump and Tidman organ engine but much too heavy for lady steph.

I'd be tempted to fabricate it, couple of close to size thickwall tubes available and a lot cheaper than many castings of the same sort of size, should cost less than £20 inc spoke and hub material

I'd be very careful building from Julius' drawings it is not unknown for him to fudge the linkages so a beam will move in CAD Best to draw it out yourself or get the original drawings and scale up. Just a quick glance shows his beam is not symmetrical but the original is so watch out

[springcrocus]

Thanks, Jason, for your suggestion regarding tube but I don't fancy making the spokes this time so would prefer a casting. Regarding Julius' drawings, I have already made a revolving cylinder steam engine to his design and had to make a couple of minor compromises but it ticks over (just) on compressed air and works quite well on steam.



I've also built his version of Stephenson's Rocket, but to nowhere near the level of detail set by Bob Wild on here.

Jo, sending you a PM

Regards, Steve