3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 Happy 50th to Me February 2nd ! So far like other years of this Burrell build, I ask myself will this ever get finished! then I have to remind myself, the enjoyment is in making the parts. If I wanted a finished engine, I'd simply just have to look on Station Road or some other online steam reseller and Bobs your uncle. To date then, a number of smaller jobs have been completed as expected after the Christmas break, it takes a few weeks to get back into the flow, and the steering wheel and shaft provides a suitable part to get back into the swing of things in the workshop. This doesn't look much but there's a 2mm keyway cut inside the handle and the key inserted. (Photo Right) I was able to cut this with a 2mm broach I had from the previous engine, but the bushing I needed to make a new one. I didn't have one that was 1/4" diameter, this actually proved to be difficult to make as the broach as the body results in quite a large slot to put into a 6.35mm bush. I man

 Happy New Year 2023!! Burrell Build Year 4... Well, here we are again. Preface: If you have been following the build so far, we are building a 3" to the foot Burrell Traction Engine, to the latest Bridport foundry drawings. The scope of this blog is to build up a documented construction guide for other would-be builders to follow. With the aims of providing interesting discussion points, helpful and useful ideas, with tips and tricks to aid construction. It must be emphasised that this is not a kit, and as such each and every part needs careful attention and machining. Castings are provided by Bridport Foundry, and making use of the latest technology in the form of laser cutting thus aids accuracy and speed of build.   However, we are talking about a build that will take at least 10 to 12 years if we are lucky, although the goal is not to rush it, the enjoyment is in the manufacture of the parts and learning new techniques, whilst acquiring tools and new skills. So,  the plan for