Hi everyone. Having hated metalwork at school I eventually came around to it after buying my first car and realizing I couldn't afford paying someone to fix it! A few years later I had the chance to have a go at model engineering, joining an adult evening class, and loved it! Building a 7 plank coal wagon in 1/8th scale which was shown at the Model Engineering show at Ally Pally. I bought a Myford M7 and decided to build the steam loco – Hercules. Things were going well until the evening classes were cut. Then a house move, followed by more vehicle acquisitions and other distractions meant the loco was put on the back burner for the next 30 years! Now retired, I have found most of the bits and want to continue. I have completed the frames ( as 0-6-0 ) although they are still bolted together. All the stretchers are done as are the front and rear buffer assemblies and axles. I started on the wheels and the first question to you all is, there are no balance weights! Just a drawing of the arc required for the coupled and driven wheel weights. So any help here would be appreciated. Also among my collection of bits is the smokebox. A one piece aluminum casting. My second question is, how do you machine that or is it a case of many hours with a good file? Anyway, I'm glad to get back to turning – just find it so relaxing!

Jimmy.

Thanks for the welcomes and thanks Neil for the advice. Looking forward to getting stuck in to this at last!

Jimmy