3" Burrell Traction Engine build.

 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 mo...

 Bridgnorth Mini-Gala Featuring Steam Road Miniatures. (Pictures from Saturday 1/11/25)  Bridgnorth Mini Gala: End of Season Steam Inspiration Bridgnorth once again marked the close of the running season with its Miniature Steam Gala , a compact but characterful gathering of miniature road vehicles, steam lorries, and traction engines . The event has become a highlight for enthusiasts, and this year’s display was every bit as enjoyable as before. My attendance was unplanned — much like the previous year — but that seems to be part of the charm. What began as an impromptu visit quickly turned into another opportunity to watch a fine collection of engines in steam. The station car park was once again transformed into a working yard of miniature traction engines, all hissing, chuffing, and radiating warmth against the chill of early November. It’s a real credit to the owners and crews who take the trouble to bring their engines out at this time of year. Keeping steam up in unp...

 "JOHN" the Burrell Traction engine "JOHN" being my Dad's name, and the inspiration for the whole Model Engineer hobby. From an early age we often attended the Model Engineers show both in Birmingham (Bingley Hall) and Ally Pally London. Model boating was his passion, and scratch building 4 stroke petrol engines a key activity. This involves a lot of workshop equipment, so when Raleigh the bike people when finished in Birmingham my Dad purchased a good selection of the machines from the old tool room. As a tool maker, and draughtsman by trade he knew when a machines was fit for purpose, and if an improvement or rebuild was necessary. I have continued the tradition and of course use the same machines, and have made a few improvements to them myself.           So its Fitting that the new engine bears his name, my previous engine a 1" Minnie called "NINA" after my wife which he did get to see running all be it on air, not steam.  The plate just requ...

  Midlands Model Engineers Exhibition 2023. This year’s Model Engineers Show 2023 was a huge success! All four days of the show were fantastic with exhibitors and visitors alike enjoying plenty of opportunities to purchase items, learn and explore the very latest in machinery tools and model engineering. The 2 exhibition halls were abuzz with vibrancy, excitement and anticipation. I went with a usual shopping list, and a few parts that I had organised from suppliers to take to the show for me for collection and postage saving opportunity. Centre piece if the show for me, a huge amount of work in this engine and the builder, sadly no longer with us, only finished it last year.   A fantastic selection of Loco's on display and also a good number of Traction engines both engines in steam on the parade field, but also a number of static models in side. It appears this year whilst there were still a few suppliers missing, there were a good number of static displays to improve t...