3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 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 ...