Well I have finally bit the bullet and am going for it!!! As a complete novice in 'Model Engineering' terms, I have decided to attempt to build a small model Traction Engine with my 12 year old son. Although I have created some basic rudimentary steam engines and boilers from spare parts, I have never actually machined a model from the beginning. As a novice, it is daunting, but I am wanting to learn and will always the appreciate help and guidance of others. After the passing of my father, I decided there was no better way of spending quality time with my son making memories whilst educating him without him realising (sneaky I know), but I would much rather he engages in this passion rather than sitting playing on a computer or social media.
My workshop contains, a bench grinder, a vintage Drummond roundbed lathe, pillar drill as well as other various small tools. Although I have never machined a model, I am able to read engineering drawings, well most of them and have Fusion360 (Which was a mission in itself to learn). I would be sincerely appreciative of any help as I journey along, I've big enough shoulders to accept criticism, but would kindly ask that it is constructive and appreciate that my young son are both novice. I'm certainly not adverse to making mistake and view them positively as a means of learning. I have tried to equip myself with as much understanding and knowledge as any layman could, however reading the many books does not compensate for all of your experience and knowledge. I've acquired the following books over the years to provide a basic understanding:
- The Model Engineer's Handbook 3rd Ed - Tubal Cain
- Model Engineering A Foundation Course - Peter Wright
- Building Simple Model Steam Engines (Books 1 & 2) -
- Ship Modelling from Scratch -Edwin B. Leaf
- Introducing Model Traction Engine Construction - John Haining
Now for the tricky part, which basic Model Traction Engine do we attempt. Quite honestly, I was going to use the information contained in John Hainings book 'Introducing Model Traction Engine Construction' to creat a rudimentary model, although I would be very interested if others can suggest an alternative.
Thank you.
My workshop contains, a bench grinder, a vintage Drummond roundbed lathe, pillar drill as well as other various small tools. Although I have never machined a model, I am able to read engineering drawings, well most of them and have Fusion360 (Which was a mission in itself to learn). I would be sincerely appreciative of any help as I journey along, I've big enough shoulders to accept criticism, but would kindly ask that it is constructive and appreciate that my young son are both novice. I'm certainly not adverse to making mistake and view them positively as a means of learning. I have tried to equip myself with as much understanding and knowledge as any layman could, however reading the many books does not compensate for all of your experience and knowledge. I've acquired the following books over the years to provide a basic understanding:
- The Model Engineer's Handbook 3rd Ed - Tubal Cain
- Model Engineering A Foundation Course - Peter Wright
- Building Simple Model Steam Engines (Books 1 & 2) -
- Ship Modelling from Scratch -Edwin B. Leaf
- Introducing Model Traction Engine Construction - John Haining
Now for the tricky part, which basic Model Traction Engine do we attempt. Quite honestly, I was going to use the information contained in John Hainings book 'Introducing Model Traction Engine Construction' to creat a rudimentary model, although I would be very interested if others can suggest an alternative.
Thank you.
