Time to let go and call it a day

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi Guys,

As I move rapidly toward my eighties I have decided not to continue with machining after the Marine Engine is finished.

As such I have decided to part with some of the I/C engines made so, though I doubt it, if anyone may have an interest I have just put a post on the Barton Control Line site describing some of them. Take a look here if so

Best – Tug

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Sorry to hear that Ramon, but I guess we all get there eventually. Each one of those engines is a work of art and worth framing and hanging on the wall if nothing else.

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

What beautiful examples of high precision engine building.

All the preferred power source in the 50's but the price of IC fuel today is ridiculous.

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

Sorry to hear that, always enjoy your posts and have learned a lot from, copied may of your methods, and taken inspiration from your projects. Look forward to the completion of the marine engine posts.

The quality of work and finish on your diesel engines is exemplary, as Hopper says all are works of art.

All the best

Dave

[Brian Baker 2Participant @brianbaker2]

Sorry to hear that Ramon, I hope this does not start a trend, I reached that number last year and a week later took delivery of the boiler for my latest loco.

You know what will happen, a week after you close the workshop, a job will turn up, "if only I still had a lathe/Mill/whatever.

All the best.

Regards

Brian B

[derek hall 1Participant @derekhall1]

Oh no !

That's a shame, really sorry to hear this news. It is important to remain mentally stimulated as we get older, have you thought of doing minor clock or pocket watch repair?

Personally I dread the time I too will have to make a similar decision, I am 65 this year so hopefully I have a few years to go….

Please stay active on this website Tug, your experience and advice is always welcome

All the best

Derek

[Dennis RaynerParticipant @dennisrayner52782]

Eric Walker was an inspiration who built his first loco when he was 70 and then (I believe) built 14 (!!) Tinkerbells before he died.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Lowestoft this year Tug?

[DrDaveParticipant @drdave]

Sorry to see you winding down: I always find your posts inspirational, Tug.

But looking forward to the next installment of the Marine Engine!

Dave

[lee websterParticipant @leewebster72680]

About three or so years ago I decided, for one reason or another, to give up my Austin Sevens, I have three. I did advertise them, but I set the price on the high side and had no interest. They have sat in my garage since then until recently. I now feel an urge to start getting them ready for the road, maybe summer use only, who knows? I have re-joined a local car club and will start to attend meetings soon.

My advice would be to hang on to all you have, machinery and engines etc for at least a year. If after that time you still feel like "It's the end of the road", then perhaps it is.

Good luck, Lee

[OldironParticipant @oldiron]

Hi Ramon. Sorry to hear that you are selling all your IC engines. Old age comes to us all eventually but that does not mean we have to give up entirely You may not feel like machining but I am sure your experience and wisdom will help many people on and off the forum for many years yet.

I hope we see you commenting and posting things for a long time yet.

All the best

regards

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Sad news Ramon. Am into myn 80s and wonder justbvhow much longer I can carryn bon.

We shall notice the l,oss of your excellent workmanship, but nyour experience qand advice will still, be welcome and needed for the less knowledgeable and skilled.

Howard

[KEITH BEAUMONTParticipant @keithbeaumont45476]

I am really sorry to hear of this,Ramon. Your work has inspired many of us for some years and so far as I am concerened, your standard is something to strive for.. I am more than ten years in front of you and find making I/C engines the mental stimulous we need to stop turning into a cabbage and hope you re-consider your decision.

Keith

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

'Guys'

When I opened this up this morning I was not expecting such a response! Thank you for your kind comments – all of them. Quite unexpected, somewhat surprising but all much appreciated.

This decision, which has taken several months to arrive at is not based on health issues, physical or mental (though some would perhaps question my sanity over it) but a desire to move on to fields afresh in what active years I have left to enjoy – I assure you I will not be vegetating. If you count Meccano I've been making models for 73 of my 78 years so I don't intend to stop at this stage.

'Machining', from my very earliest attempts at it, very quickly became a passion and remained so until quite recently but the desire to continue in front of the lathe or mill has diminished considerably.

Parting with these engines is not one of needs must but simply that they sit, in boxes, in a drawer unseen by all. I had immense pleasure in making them but once made they remain hidden. My wife Sue has requested I mount one of the 'Atomatics' for her to display so perhaps I might mount my favourite ETA too, who knows. The rest though are quite redundant objects where they are – there's been little response from Barton so we'll have to see what eBay brings

Pastures new are very much focussed on my love of plastic modelling – a recent need to reduce the diameter of two very small diameter pitot tubes has made me question the intended disposing of my lathe so that will remain.

So once again, thank you for those thoughts. I'm not down, I'm not out and have no plans to give in yet, just a change of direction.

Lowestoft Bernard? See you there

Best regards – Tug

[Ian HewsonParticipant @ianhewson99641]

Hi Tug

I was in the same frame of mind three years ago when we moved house, sold all my machines and kept a few hand tools , mics etc.

After we had settled I realised that I had not lost interest and have bought a mini lathe and mill to fit the smaller area I now have. It was a mistake to sell all my equipment as I am now having to buy new tools.

If you have the space I would suggest you keep the machines for some time as you may regret selling them.

Best wishes whatever you decide.

Ian

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Hi Ramon, A hoarder from birth, I strongly reiterate both Lee and Ians words, keep the machines for a while ! Best wishes what ever you do. Noel.

[Graham MeekParticipant @grahammeek88282]

Hi Tug,

Sorry to hear you are closing up the workshop. I shall miss seeing you make your engines. As someone who has downsized to smaller machines I can recommend retaining some machining facility.

It is surprising the enjoyment we get from doing the simplest of machining jobs.

Regards

Gray,

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Always enjoyed your posts

A knowledgeable skilled craftsman like yourself will stay useful to the end Ramon

Just a case of adapting

I also agree with the hang onto your gear for 12 months or so suggestion, things change after a few months of alternative distractions

Edited By Ady1 on 27/01/2023 10:45:56

[BufferParticipant @buffer]

I'm very impressed how you could machine a case from solid and make it look like a casting. You don't see too many people who can do that without jb weld!

[Old SchoolParticipant @oldschool]

I can understand the desire to sell off the engines that are out of sight and not enjoyed by anyone.

I have been slowly re homing some of the tether cars that I have built. Most live under various beds in the house, when first built get a run to prove they will go round. A couple of my cars will be raced this year in Europe this year the Europe Championships are in Switzerland this year and I will be racing there along with trips to Poland and Germany.

If you can wait until October 27th and 28th the BMFA (British Model Flying Association) are holding an auction at their National Centre both live and online. Last years auction contained engines made by model Engineers/aero modellers, they made good prices. The auction helps the BMFA financially and the cost to put lots into the auction are not excessive. I maybe a little biased I am one of the volunteer team that helps keep the Buckminster site going plus they have a tether car track.

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Hope you'll keep active on the forum, I have learnt a lot from your postings, and have alays been impressed by the standard of your work.

All the best,

Rob

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Morning Guys,

Thanks again for these further comment. It is good to hear from all of you.

I do hear yyour concerns from a 'selling it all' point of view and obviously have already considered that aspect. However I am at pains to say that won't be happening entirely now – I can certainly see that it would be foolish to part with my lathe only to down size so no, that's definitely staying.

I have decided that in order to gain some much needed space a revamp of the workshop will be required, Some items will be up for sale in due course. Intention though, as often remarked before, and reality are two completely different matters!

Interest has begun in the engines and three are now sold.

Thanks again for this unexpected but much appreciated response

Best – Tug

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Tug, I think you are doing the right thing. There comes a point where these things are better to go to a new home with an enthusiastic new owner who will use them. I recently sold a little Honda 350 Four motorcycle that has been in the family since my late uncle bought it new in 1972. A hard decision to make, but it had been sitting unused in my shed for more than 10 years, slowly deteriorating, and getting in the way all the time. So now a younger bloke has it who is going to get it back to original nick and ride it in club runs etc. I think my old uncle would be happier to see someone using it rather than it just sitting doing nothing. I certainly am. (And I have room to do major projects in my workshop and a pocket full of cash to do it with!)

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hopper,

Yes, that's basically my thinking – certainly on these engines. My stationary engines are a different matter though – they're here to stay for the foreseeable future at least.

I have quite a few things I'd like to do with the remaining years I have left and machining, I feel, has really run it's course so time to move to something different. While I'm able to I shall remain as active as mind and body allows

Regards – Tug

[Author]

Posts