Help Needed Selecting Beginner's Model

[Ed P]

   I've built tools and clocks but now I'm ready to build an engine. I like to machine castings so would like to purchase a casting kit. I already bought Little Brother engine kit from Ministeam thinking it would be easy, it's not. Can anyone recommend an easy one to build?

 Thanks,
  Ed P

[pirmin]

hy, maybe u could tell us what machines and tools u have at your shop ?

do you want to build a steam engine  or  internal combustion engine?

[Casting Iron]

Steam engines are easier (in my opinion) to build than IC engines; ie: the simple one-cylinder steam engines; not the multi-cylinder compounds.
I have built one steam engine, and it was pretty straightforward.

I am currently in the middle of an IC engine design, and the number of small parts and pieces really makes for a tedious design/build.

.

[pirmin]

i checked the little brother engine kit, and it looks not to complicated. have u finished the build or are you stuck somewhere ?  maybe the forum can help you with the little brother ?

[AVTUR]

Ed

You don't say where you are and the size of the machine tools you have.

If you were in the UK and had a lathe with a swing of 3.5" I would suggest a Stuart 7 or 10 steam engine. Their castings are good (over-size and no chilled bits). Most of the castings are iron. Many thousands have been built and they are capable of usefull work. In case you scrap a casting individual castings are available.

I could go on but have a look at their website: www.stuartmodels.com/

What ever you decided, have fun with the project.

AVTUR

[Ed P]

   I would like to build an IC engine. I have a PM 1728 mill, a Hardinge HLV knockoff Asian built lathe, two smaller lathes, drill press, bandsaw, press, bench grinders. I've built Thomas's Universal Pillar Tool, Wildings's  English dial clock, and am also building a Quorn. I do not know how to weld or braze.

  Ed P

[Jasonb]

I don't think there are many Casting Kit IC engine designs that are a lot simpler than what you have, larger may be a bit less fiddly but still similar parts. The engine Cast Iron mentions is actually quite a simple IC as it does not have a complex carb, easy spark ignition rather than an ignitor, simple governor, no fuel or water pumps, etc

You could possibly have a look at the Perkins, the only tricky bit on that is the blind bore but otherwise quite a straightforward and larger engine

https://www.cmodele.com/GasEngines.html

Another option if you are not looking for the classic hoper cooled hit and mis stype engine would be an air cooled Parsell and Weed. The modern drawings and large amount of photos that Todd supplies will be a lot of help as it is your first IC

https://littlelocos.com/shop/ols/products/parsell-and-weed-1-slash-3-scale-hit-and-miss-gas-engine-construction-kit-horizontal-water-cooled-version

[Dave Otto]

I built a couple Little Brother engines, and did find some of the build somewhat challenging, granted these were my first IC engines from many years ago. They do require some silver soldering on the governor parts and rocker arm, that is unless you are lucky to have the investment cast parts from Paul Breisch which doesn't seem likely.

another small engine what is not to bad of a build is the Gade engine from Morrison and Marvin, The castings are excellent and all the small bronze castings are investment cast. You can get it with a parts kit that includes most everything you would need.
It is a rather small engine though. https://www.morrisonandmarvin.com/gade.php

Dave

[kuhncw]

Ed,

You've got a great collection of machines and good machining experience.  As Jasonb said, the Little Brother is a pretty simple engine, so you've got a good starting point.  Please tell us more about what is the first sticking point or what looks challenging. Maybe we can help you get started and you'll be off and running.

Regards,

Chuck

[Ed P]

 Wow, that's a great assortment of engines. Thanks to everyone! When I get something built, I'll post it.

 Ed P

   

 

[Admiral_dk]

Or as a number of foks has done here - post as they build, ask questions and get good (to) great advice along the way from other members here ....

For that to really work - you will have to be somewhat comfy with sharing the bad things too though 


Best wishes

Per             

[pirmin]

i agree what Admiral DK said. it helps a lot when someone shares his mistakes and the forum is a great place to solve problems. and of course also to show others the model engieering skills

[Mathew28]

Hello all we have some good models available at Alyn foundry.
If you wish to have any information on model types please send us an email.
alynfoundry103@gmail.com
Mathew