3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 How I tackled the connecting rod from scratch... Hello! If you're still following this build blog, you've made it to the explanation of the connecting rod. I had been working on several other parts, still with the mindset of fitting each component to the next through a process of trial and adjustment. In this natural progression, the next part to tackle was the connecting rod. At first, I thought it would be simple—a rectangular piece with a turned section (actually a taper), so just some straightforward lathe work followed by a bit of drilling. But here’s the thing: the piece of material I was planning to use turned out to be slightly too big. Also, it wouldn't fit in the chuck, the internal bore is just under 1" on both of my lathes then after looking at some pictures from the  http://eastgrinsteadmodelengineers.co.uk/projects-gallery/3-scale-burrell-agricultural-engine    I saw a connecting rod being produced on a CNC milling machine.  From a round bar !! T...

 How to tackle a casting.......? Firstly there are some great resources out there to help a builder with machining a Burrell. Burrell Head Page        https://www.laughing-dog.co.uk/model_eng.htm . Traction Talk              https://www.tractiontalkforum.com/ Facebook                     3" Burrell Builder's Group    (508 members all concerned with building a 3"). On the Facebook group mentioned above, someone commented on a post of mine saying "I wouldn't even know where to start machining parts like that". My complex answer is simple, choose the biggest flat surface and use that as your starting point or datum. Remove any sharp edges, and file off any burrs or casting lands. I even sometimes, grind them off, then chuck it in the lathe to take some metal off, to create a good starting point. Then decide what areas need machining, since your starting with a casting it ...

 Mock Boiler for a Welding task Hi, progress is heading into a new phase. A mock-up boiler - with thanks to a few members on Facebook for sending me the drawings electronically.  I have all the drawings apart from the boiler ones possibly because if your expecting to buy the boiler then there is no need to obtain the boiler drawing. (save a few quid).            And the concept proven, just need the Gas Axe expert to pop round and show the old man how its done. Mr 'PUUSH...' !! This is my homemade shop press that has finally been completed, and the first parts, type C - 5mm keyways successfully cut in the rear hubs. It has been a long time coming and improvements to my welder, new PPE equipment and a Savage A40 ESAB welding mask have all be acquired to aid the job.  The 2 Ton bottle jack is more than capable of pushing the broach ram trough a cast iron hub of 2" length. The studs welded on are for a potential guard but require the Perspex to ...

 Ai Mark II Channel. (Created with chat GPT)  Yes really Ai into the workshop we go. Progress on the Motion Work: A Step Closer to the Finished Engine Hello again, fellow builders and enthusiasts! The past few weeks have seen a continuation of work on the motion components of the 3" Burrell traction engine. After tackling the weigh-shaft bracket, it was time to move on to another vital part of the engine's motion work: the Die block and finally revisit crankshaft. Crankshaft Fabrication and Challenges The crankshaft is one of the most critical components of the engine, and creating it to the correct specifications has been both exciting and challenging. I started by sourcing a high-quality cast Iron casting that matched the original drawings. The initial task was to turn down the material to the desired diameter while maintaining tight tolerances. I made sure to take my time with this step, as it’s easy to go too fast and risk losing the precision needed for the subsequent...

 3" Burrell motion work - Part 2 Continued from last month the motion parts are starting to come together a certain amount of fettling has been necessary and now we are on the final part the die block. I decided to make this in bronze as I had a piece well suited to the job and by making use of some scrap SS bar I had in the workshop have been able to machine the almost invisible curve on the part. Its also nice to be making use of the rotary table I bought some time ago for an application its well suited to.  Until Next month, stay safe, make swarf and be the best you can be!

  Some BSA Bike messing a-bout's Aside from making the traction engine, model railways, ammeter radio, snooker, computing, playing Ukulele in a band and a host of other activities. We have been rust-orating and old bike that belonged to my father. Basically it hadn't run for say 45+ years we bought a few bits sorted a stuck exhaust valve and bingo after some effort it started. The plan it to do my CBT test and A licence so we could take part in next years "Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride". More to follow if this happens but a few picture's of the progress below shows the extent of the restoration.   Until Next month, stay safe, make swarf and be the best you can be!