I’ve been looking at getting a traction engine.

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

The main problem with this is I don’t have a lathe of a mill would have look at a complete on or one of the STW kits.if I did have the what scale and would be the easiest to build.

Thanks Henry

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Better question is what do you want to do with the TE once built. If you just want a show model that will get run once in a while then a smaller 2" one will be more practical. If on the other hand you want to be out rallying every weekend and doing road runs then a large 3" would be the minimum preferably 4". Transport will also become a consideration once you get larger.

There is no more work to making one or the other, it's just the size that changes.

If you can get hold of Julia Old's book on building a Burrell kit engine you will see what is involved. I think it may be available to donating members of Traction Talk forum but would need to look to make sure.

[Martin Johnson 1Participant @martinjohnson1]

I agree with Jason B. Start from the position – " Where will I store it? How will I tansport it? Am I fit enough to manhandle it?" There is also the important question "Can I afford it?"

When you have answered those questions, the rest will fall into place.

Martin

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

[This posting has been removed]

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

I was thinking about something that could ride/pull me a family member or a mate.For storeage I have a large garage and there a park near by I could take to as for size I was thinking 2″/3″ mostly because a don’t really what to shift 1/2 ton 4″traction engine around.

Thanks Henry

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

I’ve got book Introducing Model Traction Engine Construction by John Haining.I also got the feeling that the Burrell is the most popular made TE but I could be wrong.

Thanks Henry

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

I not sure if people in NZ rally there TE but do take it club meetings I was thinking of just taking it around the neighborhood.

Thanks Henry

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Yes model TE's are rallied in NZ, sometimes even on parade with the big boys in their 12" to the ft TEs. Did you go to the Steam Extravaganza at MacLean's Island the other weekend, maybe you should get over there and see what's going on. At the same place, Steam Scene there is Christchurch Live Steamers.

There is also the Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.

Halswell Miniature Trains.

Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 21/04/2018 13:17:23

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

No I didn’t go to the Steam Extravaganza last weekend.well it’s good to know people rally the TE in NZ to.

Thanks Henry

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

Who makes the best kits and any other useful information that anyone can give.

Thanks Henry

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

You don't have a lot of choice, Maxitrak for small kits and Steam Traction World for ones you could use for what you want.

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

[This posting has been removed]

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

I’m not really keen on spending ?15000 on a traction engine witch would be something like $19-20,000 in my money .I was hoping to get something maybe around $5500 to 7000.

Thanks Henry

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

Would maybe cheaper if I were to build it myself.

Thanks Henry

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

[This posting has been removed]

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

What model of traction engine castings are available and is the most commonly made/built traction engines

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

At the moment the trend is to build bigger engines so although common they are really out of the scope of what you can manage.

In 2" I would say look at the following

2" Minnie, Durham & North Yorks, Fowler A7, Fowler R3. The first two are easier to build being a bit less detailed.

You could also look at the 3" Little Samson which is at the small end of the 3" engines

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

Thanks Jason for the Information.

Thanks Henry

[brickyParticipant @bricky]

I would agree with jason on a 2"but not a gold medal tractor which I chose to build.A lovely engine but very detailed in it's construction.Whilst building the engine I wished that I had chosen a 3" but now at 72 I am glad I didn't as this small model weighs 95lbs and I find it just enough for me now.

Frank

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

The Allchin builders Group from Australia make castings for a 3″Allchin.

Thanks Henry

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

As I said earlier the Allchin is a detailed model so lots of castings, this will give you an idea of how many and what they might cost, add 10-15% as it is a couple of years out of date. Though if sourced more locally the shipping should be a bit cheaper.

It will be right on the limit for a copper boiler so probably best to go with steel which will need welding by a coded welder assuming NZ has similar rules to Australia.

You will also need a mill when you get upto that size and will need to roll and weld the wheel rims or again pay to have that done.

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

You have all so said to me that should start on a smaller project what would you recommen.

Thanks Henry

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Henry,

I am in Australia and nearing the completion of building a traction engine. Mine is a 6" Ruston Proctor SD, a bit smaller than a 4" Allchin. Although the material costs are less for a smaller engine, sometimes the manufacturing time can take as long as a big engine and making smaller parts can be very fiddly.

The prices that Jason has listed for the Allchin is a good indication of what it will cost to buy components. The main cost is the labour involved in building an engine. I have been building mine for 5 years. Material costs are less than $5000. BUT if you add labour for 1000+ hours work at $20/hr (and where do you find a machinist at this rate), you end up with a total value of $25,000+.

If you intend to build one, the first thing you should do is to join a model engine group and see what size engine would be best for you. Then get a mill and a lathe. Not forgetting tooling.

Used model engines sometimes come on the market but are rare in Aust. There is a 1" Mini on sale on ebay at the moment for $5000 but a bit small if you want to tow youself and a mate.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Steam-Traction-Engine-1-12-scale-Minnie/273166855859?hash=item3f9a036eb3:g:7sEAAOSwB4BaCaUa

Paul.

 

 

Edited By Paul Lousick on 09/05/2018 09:08:55

[Henry RuiterParticipant @henryruiter35703]

Would a smaller scale T.E model be better for someone looking to get into the M.E hobby.

Thanks HenryR

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