atraction engine

[UJ NewtonParticipant @ujnewton33659]

A change from which lathe should I buy-which traction engine should I build?I had thought of the PYRTE but dont want to get involved until everything is tried and tested..
The PYRTE proncipal is what I m looking for though where I can buy, hopefully cheaper,and easy to machine gunmetal etc instead of cast iron
.I wonder if any of the Hobbystore engines would be suitable..Thank you

[UJ NewtonParticipant @ujnewton33659]

Hobbystore drawings

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Unfortunately gun metal is far more expensive than CI, as an example Blackgates offer some of their traction engine parts in either of the two and the GM ones are approx 2 1/2 times the cost of iron ones.

I would also say a good iron casting is easier to machine than GM/bronze, does not grab drills and less likely to retain the end of a tap in a part threaded hole. I'd even take a bad iron casting over GM/Bronze.

If you do want to go down the GM route then look at the 2" Ransomes Sims & Jefferies or Allchin, both of which are the same size and have quite a few GM castings, the RS&J is the simpler of the two so less castings and easier to build. Also the 2" Minnie would give you a far more usable engine, you could substitute sone of the castings and fabricate or hack out of steel if you wanted. That uses the 1" drawings just doubled up. All drawings available from MHS or the casting suppliers

 

J

Edited By JasonB on 06/01/2015 17:07:18

[UJ NewtonParticipant @ujnewton33659]

Thanks Jason..I was misinformed about prices ! A minnie it is..Jonathon

[UJ NewtonParticipant @ujnewton33659]

just had a very useful pm from a PYRTE buider.Minor problems which are being seen to and a lot cheaper than a Minnie..Just as well really I ve run out of storage space..Most of my workshop is still under the bed on a narrowboat..Might put a shed on the roof next

[Author]

Posts