Steam engine shaped object.

[DJoksch]

I was presented with an (engine?) for my birthday. It is proof that a pound of JB Weld and a can of silver spray paint can fix anything. It’s pretty hysterical, however I do feel obligated to make it run even though it would be easier to build one from scratch. When I get a few minutes I actually work on it. I have the cylinder in a working condition. It was supposedly a great grandfather garage project from the 1940’s.

 

[Tug40]

Good for you for accepting the challenge.
Have fun.

 

[ShopShoe]

That does look like a challenge. If you post any more on this I'll be following to see how it turns out.

--ShopShoe

 

[DJoksch]

I built a frame to replace the broken base board. Working back, I am deciding what to do with the interesting mechanism behind the cylinder. I think I can possibly reuse a few of the pieces. I draw the line at rusty screws and nuts.

 

[Steamchick]

In his last year "with sound mind and body", my Father asked me if he should make another small stationary engine. "Of course" I replied, and he talked further and I said I would finish it if he didn't, as he didn't want to think he would be making scrap.... He knew he didn't have very long, but made the cylinder and valve chest, valve, glands etc. So I finished it. Not as well as he would have, and only after he had gone. He had scrapped all his plans when his dementure was worsening, and he didn't know what the drawings meant. So I did a freelance job with the cylinder, so I could have it running. It is a special engine for me, so I hope you get the same "connection" when completing your Great Grandfather's project.
Good on ya!
Whatever "sentiment" we feel towards historic engines, models, etc., it can't match the sentiment and memories of the people we knew in that context. That sentiment is so powerful it is Religion to some. Through folklore and the objects of our ancestors we can remember even those ancestors we never knew in life. And it is important to remember. Especially because they made us...
Enjoy your special project Doug.
Thankyou.
K2

 

[Andy Munns]

It is said that making a new engine may be easier because "when restoring an old engine, the old engine gets in the way". Keep on going though. The old engine was an interesting shed project for a relative, and sentiment/respect for that person and their work is important.

 

[DJoksch]

I’m trying to keep a flavor of the original design where I can. I did take practical and artistic license and removed the cooling fins from the cylinder. I don’t think he would mind. The old engine is basically tells you what needs to happen.

 

[DJoksch]

I’m setting things together to decide how the completed engine will look. The flywheel was from a box in the shop. I still have to redo the valve lever mechanism.

 

[Steamchick]

Have you done a layout drawing based on the sizes of the parts you have? The frame looks long for the con-rod in your rough layout.
K2

 

[DJoksch]

Good catch. I did not like the length. I thought it looked kinda stubby. The frame was sized to support an overall length of 12 inches which was an arbitrary decision based on the flywheel shown. The original connecting rod ends were poorly hand drilled. At the slide there is only about 5 thousandth left so I thought I would make a new longer rod or lengthen and repair the original. I also think the connecting rod should have an end cap with bolts. Today I spent some time working on the steam chest.

 

[Steamchick]

If you have a through crank - bearing either side of the crank pin - you'll need a con-rod with an end cap for assembly. But this was probably made for a cantilever crank pin, I.E. 2 bearings on one side (usually one either side of the flywheel), the crank pin outside of one bearing with only 1 web to support it. That makes for easy assembly with the eye ended rod. Loco wheels are all cantilever crank pins, so it is not so unusual...
I depends on how much you want to make a different engine, or finish you Grandfather's design.
Personally, I kept all my Father's parts, and made my own design around that core. Genetically you are only 1/4 of your Grandfather, and with the other mix are your own unique person, so the finished product will naturally reflect that anyway.
Just enjoy his memory!
K2

 

[DJoksch]

Here is the original crank assembly. Using the original connecting rod, the flywheel covers the slide mechanism from a side view. Originally, the flywheel was way out at the outer end of the crankshaft. I plan to use the crank I have with the flywheel against the inner bearing on the frame. The outer bearing will in next to the flywheel will allow space for a pulley. A new connecting rod will keep the original style but have an end cap. The valve rod also needs to be extended and will made of the same material. Looking at the project in proportion to my genetic placement from a great grandfather, I think 1/4 original may be right on the money.

 

[DJoksch]

Setting up the flywheel placement. Standoffs for the crankshaft bearings will be made from aluminum bar stock. The bearings are poured babbitt and shimmed.

 

[DJoksch]

I restored the drill press from the family farm. I did have to make a new gear and table as it was left in the scrap pile. The standoffs for the crank bearings will be drilled using the original drill press from the Orland California farm work shed. As a kid, if you could not buck the hay or swing clubs at the almond trees, you went to the shop and made replacement parts for the farm implements when they broke. Of course I was the smallest kid.

 

[DJoksch]

Turns nice and smooth with its new connecting rod. The valve train mechanism was made from scrap aluminum and not built well enough to reuse, but I can reuse the basic design.

 

[DJoksch]

This is only a test to make sure I got the valve mechanism dimensions correct. I am using low pressure air just to make it move. The remaining aluminum parts are loose and rattling and will be remade. The valve train connecting rod was extended for testing purposes using precision cardboard and supper glue. I’m pretty sure the valve train was assembled incorrecty when I got it.

 

[DJoksch]

The cardboard valve rod broke. The toothpick seems okay.

 

[Steamchick]

I have seen many engines that are not as good when finished. (Some are mine). Great - granddad will be proud!
Keep up the good work Doug!
K2

 

[DJoksch]

It is finally in a restorable condition. Now that it’s timed, I know how long to make the rest of the pieces. I have the parts made up to complete my boiler piping and will take a short detour to complete it.

 

[DJoksch]

Update. Today’s project is the link to the slide valve rod and the slide valve itself. The crank pin is not square to the disk and needs attention. Also to spend some quality time filing flashing on the flywheel.