Model Engineer Page Count increase and free plans

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

We are looking at increasing the page count for model Engineer.

I have suggested increasing by 4 pages of articles and using the remaining 4 pages for two double sided plans.

 

The plan would effectively be an A3 plan that although smaller than the more usual larger plans from the plans service will still be useful to the model maker and be perfectly readable. They will also take up less room on the workshop wall.

 

Same low price?
Yes, a price increase is not being considered.

 

This would effectively increase the page count by 8 pages to 68.

This would be the same page count as MEW and also 20 more pages than a competing magazine that costs more than Model engineer.

So, what plans would you like to see included?

A martin Evans locomotive will be on one side and Westbury drawings will be on the other side. I also hope to include PDF’s of the relevant articles on this web site.

 

I hope this will be ongoing and not just for a few weeks.

 

So, what would you like to see included?

 

regards David

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

[Ian AbbottParticipant @ianabbott31222]

I’ve always fancied procrastinating over a largish beam engine along with the other projects that will never be finished.  The 4F is at  33 years right now, but I did finish a few boats and a couple of printing presses in the meantime.

‘Bout 18″ish flywheel would do. Of course, the 4 1/2″ of the gap in my old Randa Model “A” would mean a new lathe, which would take about ten years to wheedle past the boss.

On second thoughts, a beam engine with a nine inch flywheel.

And, is there anything along the lines of a single cylinder Lister diesel that would run a small generator.  I love those old engines, takes me back to the farm.

 Ian

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Westbury’s Vulcan would suit the beam engine but the castings are no cheap so I can’t see that being included.  I’m quite tempted to double up Anthony Mounts E & A Grasshopper, should just get a 10″ Flywheel on the face plate

 

The Wyvern & Centaur would bot be able to power something but there is a lot of fabrication or casting costs.

 

The DX roller would be nice but I don’t think the castings are even available now, and the build articles are on the web anyway.

 

I think a barstock engine would be the most appealing with more readers likely to give it a go with bits from the scrap/stock pile. Also being quite a small item could make a nice break from a large project.

 

Jason

[NilochParticipant @niloch]

Posted by Ian Abbott on 22/06/2009 19:12:29:

I’ve always fancied procrastinating over a largish beam engine…………

 

 

 

There’s always this

 

 

 

Edited By Niloch on 22/06/2009 23:28:13

[Ian AbbottParticipant @ianabbott31222]

Damn….   Now I have to start the long process of convincing she who will be obeyed that we really do need a beam engine….. And an engine house to keep it and the boiler.

Ian

[Dougie SwanParticipant @dougieswan43463]

Something freelance and made of bar stock, there’s been some mention on the website and in the mag of the “vega” engine, this might be ok,or a horizontai hit and miss made from bar/built up

Dougie

[NilochParticipant @niloch]

Posted by Ian Abbott on 23/06/2009 18:06:15:

Damn….   Now I have to start the long process of convincing she who will be obeyed that we really do need a beam engine….. And an engine house to keep it and the boiler.

Ian

 

 

 

I guessed as much, too small for you eh!   It will have to be this one then.

Please note you have to scroll down passed about 52 engines before you can see it!

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Thats just a bit too big, this is a nice one that will fit in your garage, short advert at the start.

 

If you want a bar stock hit and miss then Model Engine Builder mag has a couple, with a bit of imagination you can make them look like mine all bar stock except flywheels.

 

A finger engine would be something else to consider, easy enough for a beginner and a quick project for teh more experienced.

 

Jason

[Ian AbbottParticipant @ianabbott31222]

There’s no way that I’d get permission for either the big one, or Jay’s.   I take it that this is his workshop at the bottom of the garden.

Occasionally, if I’m waiting for the boss to get out of the library in Dartmouth, I go and stare at the Newcomen engine across the road.  It has crossed my mind that they might not miss a bit disappearing at a time……

Which brings on another thought.  A Newcomen engine would be a straight forward project, no castings, everything could be fabricated, even the addition of a sectional flywheel if water pumping isn’t one’s thing.  Everyday plumbing supplies should take care of the steam and water side.  One interesting point would be that it can be a big engine that could be dismantled for moving to exhibitions.

Am I talking myself into a design project here.  They do have schematics and illustrations in the little museum, so I might go down there and mull it over later in the week.

Ian 

[Nigel HydeParticipant @nigelhyde97004]

With the rise of gauge one  and 2.5″ / 3.5″ something in the smaller gauges would be nice, as for the cost of building a 5″ or 71/4″ loco’s beyond some peoples means  (ie me!) and also as a novice most of my items get thrown in the bin on the first attempt!!

i guess its all part of learning !

as for what to build well i have looked through the my hobbystore website and i could not choose! may be start with a gauge one then a 2.5″ then a 3.5 ” i really like the idea of the free plans and the model engineer mag is getting better and better i look forward to getting in through the door

keep up the great work

Nigel

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi here

Gauge 1 is a possibility.

This gauge is getting very popular.

I will see what I can do.

Perhaps we can convert some larger gauge modellers.

regards David

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi Tere

I am looking at Springbok in 5in. gauge.

A large but very popular loco.

This is about 12 sheets over 12 issues.

regards David

 

[James BParticipant @jamesb]

I do think that projects that are made (where possible) from stock materials rather than castings are a good idea, as this puts the project within most peoples means, and as the plans are from the magazine, it is nice to feel that you can undertake a project without spending a fortune just to get started.

 

I am picking up the hobby again after a few years, and my son is showing lots of interest – how about something simple that a father / son could build together to kindle the younger model engineer’s enthusiasm?

 

Another idea would be a cutter / grinder from bar stock? I have seen something like this is the past, and would be useful for most workshops?

 

James

 

 

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