Restoration project - old model steam engine

[1066]

My old mum died recently and when clearing out her house I found this old steam engine in a lean-to shed behind the garage. I don't think the shed door had been opened for at least 20 years since my dad died, the felt on the roof had long gone and a few old garden tools there had rusted to scrap.

I made this steam engine from scratch when I was working as a pumpman on a liquid methane tanker in 1971, I'd not seen it for over 45 years and totally forgotten about it. Unfortunately it's in a bit of a sorry state, well rusted and seized solid - However, I think I'll give it a clean up when I get chance.

It's not a copy or any real steam engine, just vertical, double acting, 1" bore 1" stroke with Stephenson reversing linkage. Base is 8" x 8" and stands around 10" tall.

[snayperskaya]

That looks great and I really admire people who can make things like this from scratch, you need to get it working and post a video of it running

[Alpha1]

Yep it needs to be restored.

[redcat]

Look forward to seeing the results of your labour.

Redcat

P.S. Don't suppose there was an old miners lamp lurking in that shed?

[1066]

Look forward to seeing the results of your labour.

Redcat

P.S. Don't suppose there was an old miners lamp lurking in that shed?

Unfortunately not - There was an old swap and a rusty old Webb push mower with wooden handles.:)

Talking of miners lamps - I know where around a hundred or so old acetylene miners lamps are.. When I worked for British Gypsum ('70's) they shut down one of the mines and amongst all the clutter that was dumped were a load of old lamps, several of the best examples were acquired but the rest, a fair pile just went into landfill where they built a factory extension. Even the tatty ones would be worth a few bob now. :)

[Pete]

Definitely makes Mamods' offerings look a bit puny........

Pete

[1066]

Definitely makes Mamods' offerings look a bit puny........

Pete

When I look at it now it all looks a bit crude, but thinking back - the only machinery in the workshop on the ship was a lathe and pillar drill and the only material was what I could scrounge out of the store.

When I told the Chief Engineer I wanted to make a steam engine he said fine - but show me your drawings first. I sketched out a simple oscillating engine like a Mamod but he was unimpressed. He told me to try again, said he wanted to see a double acting engine. :)

Here's simple little one - sitting on a credit card.

[Les]

That looks superb - I can't wait to see it working!