3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 Big End Bearing and Boiler Tube. The most recent development is the appearance of the big end bearing I received for Father’s Day—it finally made its way onto the milling machine. As expected, it was oversized all around, with the usual tapered side walls (draft angles) to allow it to be removed from the mould. I thought it was quite large, but apparently, it's a replacement for a previous version that was too small, which had prompted many complaints from builders. So, I suppose in this case, bigger is better than too small. As for the boiler tube mentioned in the title, I originally planned to modify a pub-style gas cylinder as a mock-up. However, it proved difficult to cut, and I ended up running out of oxygen in my BOC Portapack (oxy-acetylene setup). Then I remembered that my nephew owns a plasma cutter—and being eager to help, he was more than happy to have a go at burning off the top and bottom for me. Having received the new tube back, there is a snag. I could not accurat...

 Motion Mock-up; Where we are; and why ? Above are all the current motion parts posed for a photograph, this represents a few months work and in casting terms a few pounds. The problem is with not having the boiler, some of the parts are left longer with spare material to either finish the parts, or extra length if required to be finished later. Actually I intended making a mock-up boiler but this has not been completed. To be frank I ought to be at the position of ordering the actual boiler but the prohibited cost and the fact of having a large expensive item taking up space in the workshop.    Fathers day It’s become a bit of a tradition that I receive a casting for Father’s Day. This year is no exception—though, as usual, I bought it myself and am now working out the usual post-purchase “negotiations” to avoid it being considered a self-gift! And here it is—massive !!!.. The first thing I did was to double-check the drawing and the invoice to make sure they hadn’t ac...