New To Model Engineering

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

roconnor - 06 Dec 2006 14:06 GMT

Hi All,
This is my first posting to the group and I would be very grateful for
your advice.
I wish to enter the hobby of Model Engineering and intend building a
small steam locomotive.
I've recently joined the 2.5" gauge association with the intention of
constructing an engine in this gauge. However,having spoken with a very
helpful person at Reeves re purchasing drawings they suggested building
'Rob Roy' in 3.5 gauge as a first project.
I had planned to purchase a Warco Mini Lathe and Mini Milling Machine
to work in 2.5"gauge but now wonder whether this lathe would be capable
of machining the 3.25" wheels of 'Rob Roy'
I would be grateful to hear from the users of these lathes/milling
machines for their views on these machines.
Many Thanks
roconnor

Reply to this Message

Bob Minchin - 06 Dec 2006 16:49 GMT

> Hi All,
> This is my first posting to the group and I would be very grateful for
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Many Thanks
> roconnor

Welcome to the NG and Model Engineering.

I think there will be almost unanimous agreement that what ever machine one
has in the workshop, something bigger will eventually be needed.
So ask yourself what is limiting the size of machine you are considering.
Maybe be budget, maybe space etc or maybe it is simply what you intend to
make currently. Remember ME is a wide topic and once you have a workshop
there are always running repairs for house and car that need things making.

If budget is a limit but perhaps time is less constrained, then a second
hand machine needing a little TLC could be a good buy.
You don't want a wreck but something covered in dirt needing cleaning
adjusting and maybe some paint could be quite cheap. Bigger machines are
cheaper than small ones generally.
Joining a club is a good thing. it might sound morbid but club members do
either die or have to give up for health reasons so you can sometimes pick
up a loved & cherished machine with ease and locally too.
Private sales are better than trade. Often you will get tooling thrown in
for little extra or free with a private sale. The trade will 'asset strip'
and sell as extras. It would be easy to spend 50% extra on machine tooling.

You will find lots of help/knowledge here. Don't be put off by 3 phase
machines. Usually an inverter off Fleabay will get it running and variable
speed is a big plus.

Good luck

And remember no question is too stupid if you don't know the answer

HTH

Bob

Reply to this Message

Steve - 06 Dec 2006 22:24 GMT

I would echo what Bob has written below. I'm not familiar with the Warco
machines you mention. A key to success is having a machine with some 'meat
in it'. That is rigidity. After that you need a wide range of speeds to
cope with the fact that the model engineer is always squeezing something
'too big' into his machine. A gap bed is also good in the latter dept. You
wouldn't go far wrong with a decent used Myford for example. ML7 is fine,
Super7 with gearbox, great but likely to be expensive.

2 1/2" gauge is very small for my blunt fingers and a 3 1/2" is plenty
difficult enough to drive to be entertaining when finished. Rob Roy makes
a good working loco, but Tich is rather tiny. Please join a club and have a
natter to people who have done it.

Don't be shy round here, the natives are very friendly and helpful.
Steve

>> Hi All,
>> This is my first posting to the group and I would be very grateful for
[quoted text clipped - 48 lines]
>
> Bob

Reply to this Message

Kevin Steele - 06 Dec 2006 22:25 GMT

>I've recently joined the 2.5" gauge association with the intention of
>constructing an engine in this gauge. However,having spoken with a very
>helpful person at Reeves re purchasing drawings they suggested building
>'Rob Roy' in 3.5 gauge as a first project.

Have you looked at the range of castings available fromthe 2.5" gauge
society? They make and sell parts for quite a few loco's -at very
reasonable prices.

Regards
Kevin

Reply to this Message

Model Forum / General / Models / December 2006

New To Model Engineering