Where Are We Now?

We are now seven years into this build.

Over that time, many parts have been started — including some of the larger components — and if you’ve been following this blog, you’ll already know it’s been a slow process. Recently the weather has also not helped being so hot in the workshop!!

Looking ahead, the task can feel daunting. Even imagining the engine finished, there are still countless hours of workshop time needed to complete it. It’s easy to admit that the engine may never actually be finished, but for me that has never really been the point.

The interest has always been the same:

• Use my father’s machines.
• Make use of as much of the mild steel lying around the work shop as possible.
• Learn new skills - such as welding, and screw-cutting, and improve machining standard.
• Involve my son, who incidentally is a fabricator/welder.
• Keep busy every Monday night, trying to make the next part.

And these, more than anything, is what keeps the project moving forward.

(Left) Is one such part I was not completely happy with, and my Son Owen was able to make a better job with a press brake on the bends. I was happy to ditch the first one and make a new part with the material he supplied pre bent to suit.    

I try not to have to remake parts, but this one item as niggling me and the remake time was short.

Now we are into holiday season and also car shows!! work will invariably slow down but I will try to continue to post, when a progress milestone or important bit has been reached.

For now its just the items that bolt onto the tender that are being worked on. I am expecting to purchase the brass for the tender soon with a view to collecting them at the Model Engineering Show but that's still some months away.

 Feel free to leave a comment !!     stephen.meredith1@gmail.com

If you have any questions while reading these blog updates—I'm always happy to reply.

Until Next month, stay safe, make swarf and be the best you can be.