Help please with Steam Engine

He is probably thinking of Reeves, now known as Reeves2000

If you are just starting out, can I suggest that you try one of the beginer designs, such as the "Minnie" traction engine, "Titch" 3" locomotive, "Sweet Pea" 5" loco.

These all have a big following, for advice, and have the advantage of a construction manual.

I am building "Sweet Pea", and have to say that it is difficult with the book, and I would have found it impossible without :-) Not the machining so much as the assembly of the parts, I couldn't have built if from the general arrangement and drawings. I hope that having built one, a more ambitious project will be possible later.

Tee Publishing

stock the Sweet Pea book, and parts are available from Blackgates

For stationary engines, Stuart still operate from the channel islands, and produce kits

I wanted to build a 7 1/2 " Black 5, but having assembled a couple of

1 3/4" kits, and built a 1 3/4" engine, I realise that this is a trifle difficult for a first project :-) You soon learn to love narrow gauge engines :-)

I forgot to add that my choice of "Sweet Pea" was also influenced by Blackgates selling ready finished parts, such as the boiler. I have made small boilers without problem, but something that big will require a hearth, coke etc., not just stand it on a firebrick and wave the seivert at it :-)

Martin L

If it's a traction engine you are interested in then the 1 1/2" scale Royal Chester ...... also known as the "Alchin" is a good start. Its challenging but there is a very good book by W.J.Hughes that takes you through everything.

Reeves 2000 can supply all you need for that engine and probably the book too.

Much will depend on the machining facilities you have at you disposal, but a

3 1/2" centre lathe is the most essential.

Best of British ..... once you start you will be hooked ...... and by the way, working people can spend anything between two and 10 years building these things with 8 years being about average ...... so don't expect to finish in any hurry!!

And its a good idea to join your local model engineering society, if you are not already in one. It will prove invaluable in many ways. Certainly worth the annual sub!

Whatever you finally decide to make, there's sure to be at least one member who's built one, and can help you with info on any snags and tips.

Dave. BSMEE ( a very good society in the Bristol area!)