Stephenson’s Rocket

[Bob Wild]

Just starting my new build. This time of Stephenson’s Rocket. The best plans I have found are from Julius delete Waal. In order to fit it in my lathe I am building it at half the scale of his drawings, which is a bit of a pain. Interestingly he says it is designed to be made in wood! That sounds a bit of a challenge. The main problem though is that he has completely ignored all the valve gear, which to me seems a really interesting part of the engine. One of the reasons for starting this thread is the fact that whenever I am stuck I can rely on some members to give me good advice and suggestions. So this will not be a detailed build log, but I will report my progress at any interesting stages. Here is the assembly drawing and my start on the chassis (not very interesting)

Bob

[vtsteam]

I like the wood aspect. Seems like a really interesting project. 

[crueby]

I've got a  copy of a great book  on the Rocket, The Engineering  And History  Of Rocket  by Bailey and Glithero, it has lots of detail  pics on the original  and explains the  valve gear. Highly recommend it.

[Charles Lamont]

The Haynes Stephenson's Rocket Owners' Workshop Manual is quite good too.

[RReid]

That should be a fun project! I will be following along with interest. 

[RReid]

Have you seen this:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co531700/model-of-the-rocket-locomotive-drawings-set-of-drawings

Drawings appear to be downloadable as image files.

[Kim]

Very cool project, Bob!  You've got a good start on the chassis already! 

Have you drawn up the valve gear that you're going to use?  Or maybe you can get it from that link that Ron just posted?

Kim

[Admiral_dk]

Impressive amount of Drawings - but I can't download any ....  :'(

As far as I can tell, it is because I don't have Java installed .... Funny or Sad - but Java vent of the list a few years back, when it wasn't FreeWare anymore .... 

I do hope that you will get the info you need anyway 

I wonder if Julius looked at the original, and thought - It's mainly made from Wood anyway 

Per       

[crueby]

A few years ago I had downloaded them and stitched them together - here they are:

[RReid]

Impressive amount of Drawings - but I can't download any ....  :'(

I didn't try the download button, but I had no trouble just right clicking on the image and doing "Save Image As".

[crueby]

Impressive amount of Drawings - but I can't download any ....  :'(

I didn't try the download button, but I had no trouble just right clicking on the image and doing "Save Image As".

It may have changed since then  but back when I got it  doing the  save as got a lower resolution  version  and I  had to stitch up zoomed in versions.  What I  posted is the  higher  resolution  copy.

[RReid]

OK, I see the difference now that I really look at both versions. The images you posted, Chris, are far nicer and clearer than the "Save As" ones.

[Kim]

Chris,

Thanks for posting those.

You're missing one of the drawings though.  I think there were 9 unique drawings, A through I.  You seemed to have accidentally skipped "F"?

Kim

[crueby]

You are right Kim, missed one. I was not able to get this one at quite as high a resolution for some reason, maybe they didnt scan it as high.

[Bob Wild]

Thanks chaps for all your interest and comments. I already have the Bailey and Clithero book as well as the Haynes Manual (although I suspect the description as an "Owners" manual is a bit tongue in cheek).

I am trawling through the Science Museum docs slowly, and as it has been pointed out there is a wealth of information there. I am also in touch with the NRM to see if it is possible to get the Bailey and Clithero drawings. They seem to give a very good clarity, whereas the old assembly drawings are very difficult to read (to me).

Bob