tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491585400895624632024-03-14T04:57:12.880-07:00Engineering in ChaosPaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-28553097665420618822013-04-25T14:23:00.000-07:002013-04-25T14:23:09.591-07:00Took this at Rugby station at the weekend as Tornado pulled out heading North.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6p7JcOe_R1sS31PSXfRgZ7nGY8QZPoxOr4mhxfaRyGUg9D699vJLJd0H3JGarVLlgqdiMyiDSxpXqowDxYIIfqbWMPqHPQe7rDUKO7Ayr7nY3j6MG7nxXkArxDLw4xpKyZd7s7CZGj6o/s1600/P1010809.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6p7JcOe_R1sS31PSXfRgZ7nGY8QZPoxOr4mhxfaRyGUg9D699vJLJd0H3JGarVLlgqdiMyiDSxpXqowDxYIIfqbWMPqHPQe7rDUKO7Ayr7nY3j6MG7nxXkArxDLw4xpKyZd7s7CZGj6o/s320/P1010809.jpg" /></a>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-53558320309259490902013-04-25T14:21:00.000-07:002013-04-25T14:21:11.262-07:00A Cad exercise from last yearThis is one that I was drawing up last year.
Work on this has stopped for a while while I get the Class 70 project sorted. When I get to a new build steam locomotive this will be the one I would like to build.
Till the next time.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkVTMKhEFvyZG6hpjnwKMXBScVUnAd0Ob5th2KYSwRN_UAFBxU8cPQfmJh9jTxGq8V0RMoBkejJbDqI6NuBxZAP18yu5dhoTWpKUTcDZEzVeoaxXOCjWNZIgr-5AN_BaaN2T6JPgqK1g6/s1600/L&B.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkVTMKhEFvyZG6hpjnwKMXBScVUnAd0Ob5th2KYSwRN_UAFBxU8cPQfmJh9jTxGq8V0RMoBkejJbDqI6NuBxZAP18yu5dhoTWpKUTcDZEzVeoaxXOCjWNZIgr-5AN_BaaN2T6JPgqK1g6/s320/L&B.JPG" /></a>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-79423546590809974392013-04-25T14:10:00.000-07:002013-04-25T14:10:06.707-07:00Just a bit of an update on the Class 70 model.
Things are progressing slowly, I am mainly working on the motor / gearbox / axle assemllies at the moment. After getting one or 2 other jobs out of the way, progress is now being made.
This is what the current cad model for the finished item looks like. I still need to add some detailing on the body, mainly hinges and handles but nearly there now.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-pEsnxnxKb4c9J6KwGYb2zeT7qzZPpgiDz5_CRizWVzgsilvC4bT8TsIX4AECxfwNkiOmf6Q0r8NjtRl5cuDAqBze91Qc3DqlYqJbxbjHTF8KLF6B5dYOdDK3ZqpIIzSzMfsWtkSpR-a/s1600/Class+70+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-pEsnxnxKb4c9J6KwGYb2zeT7qzZPpgiDz5_CRizWVzgsilvC4bT8TsIX4AECxfwNkiOmf6Q0r8NjtRl5cuDAqBze91Qc3DqlYqJbxbjHTF8KLF6B5dYOdDK3ZqpIIzSzMfsWtkSpR-a/s320/Class+70+2.JPG" /></a><br>
A simple side view
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1jq3HFm1yt7UxpabThf6p3FT5_QueSGy0hoW4-QH39g9pyjNNWloluMjkQvHa0p9eTN6dV8syFxD3p6QN7qb6cufNRoEjIiqnSaA6o9IWokExp33cFrn2-JpMTYYjCQOxUgwqnYrk6gz/s1600/Class+70+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1jq3HFm1yt7UxpabThf6p3FT5_QueSGy0hoW4-QH39g9pyjNNWloluMjkQvHa0p9eTN6dV8syFxD3p6QN7qb6cufNRoEjIiqnSaA6o9IWokExp33cFrn2-JpMTYYjCQOxUgwqnYrk6gz/s320/Class+70+3.JPG" /></a><br>
A closer view of one corner, this brings out why a bit more detailing is needed.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MhywSVjjMhNQHha_Dt4DMNPqQFCcwp7dZqyvUNtou5dwyvf5VDvwhfdlkgxnBDEIouJrhOAgJuZ3LlAB9ctt6dksknAvFAAd2DIvmmnaWjWfZbDUCHNCUa6yYyRiJ8R-reTqcb8HlYi5/s1600/Class+70+cad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MhywSVjjMhNQHha_Dt4DMNPqQFCcwp7dZqyvUNtou5dwyvf5VDvwhfdlkgxnBDEIouJrhOAgJuZ3LlAB9ctt6dksknAvFAAd2DIvmmnaWjWfZbDUCHNCUa6yYyRiJ8R-reTqcb8HlYi5/s320/Class+70+cad1.JPG" /></a><br>
A general view of the overall Locomotive.
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-73602171819333413012012-12-07T01:33:00.000-08:002012-12-07T01:33:26.282-08:003d parts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojNWx5R_wp1QhAUaJPoPoQ5KnLfnJWMDdO75SWCUgpLUiLY6OsOZ33GHD03VaInBbA5f1YZIPHYWzKciXNPdYivrj3pTNDssaZSAdErC6BW4wgPSow_FapUp8jV-PwCgSOFVlMB3T3-Xz/s1600/P1010585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojNWx5R_wp1QhAUaJPoPoQ5KnLfnJWMDdO75SWCUgpLUiLY6OsOZ33GHD03VaInBbA5f1YZIPHYWzKciXNPdYivrj3pTNDssaZSAdErC6BW4wgPSow_FapUp8jV-PwCgSOFVlMB3T3-Xz/s320/P1010585.JPG" /></a></div>
As I want to lost wax cast a lot of the parts for the Class 70 bogie assembly, it made sense to get the master parts for the external detail 3d printed.<br><br>
Here are some of the suspension parts 3d printed ready to make silicone moulds from. These have been scaled up to allow for metal shrinkage in the casting process.
I had these printed by 3dprintuk and I think they have come out very well. Turn around time was only a few days once the files were finalised. The only hitch came when the post office lost them. Still they found them in the end and the parts turned up ok a couple of days later.
These were printed on an Objet machine using a printable photo polymer process. This in my opinion gives much better resolution and surface quality than some of the other technologies in common use.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-4493702984963520662012-12-07T01:11:00.001-08:002012-12-07T01:11:37.531-08:00Gearbox for 5" wheelset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4otKSUfrGPF4JfZwKCx6nnoB9xmj4aVmQwtJqzMoGnQIu9or3w9zIf98DhQQFTJOWvMjQKuWy8ErV8p2K2Nh-MmND5W5HnvFZA7gfVOAboG4j87JZfbannTpYuEro7EuD0skESj_Cr9/s1600/Enclosed+gear+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV4otKSUfrGPF4JfZwKCx6nnoB9xmj4aVmQwtJqzMoGnQIu9or3w9zIf98DhQQFTJOWvMjQKuWy8ErV8p2K2Nh-MmND5W5HnvFZA7gfVOAboG4j87JZfbannTpYuEro7EuD0skESj_Cr9/s320/Enclosed+gear+box.JPG" /></a></div>
This shows the general arrangement of the gearbox. This uses ball and needle roller bearings throughout with the gears being keyed to shafts where necessary. The intent is that the grars will be all steel and the whole thing will be grease packed for life.
The ratio used is 8:1 giving around 10mph max speed. It could be geared lower but the motor doesnt need it.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-32704911069778776362012-12-07T01:05:00.000-08:002012-12-07T01:05:02.146-08:005" Gauge wheelset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8cPQxzl9CiPS1vsJQlIyS1Si7k9AlpwE-pgDxSfjV-WUGLTMisa_-14beGe_MhA6kb94h6uUu7-hJiQJau5BLeLyi12C4ybNZfffaJX3k2PiXmu5T7lVpieMy7TJg4duFSIhxepg0FGc/s1600/Wheel+set.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8cPQxzl9CiPS1vsJQlIyS1Si7k9AlpwE-pgDxSfjV-WUGLTMisa_-14beGe_MhA6kb94h6uUu7-hJiQJau5BLeLyi12C4ybNZfffaJX3k2PiXmu5T7lVpieMy7TJg4duFSIhxepg0FGc/s320/Wheel+set.JPG" /></a></div>
This is the arrangement for the wheel set. I'm quite please with it at this stage, I just need to make one up now to test.
As these can go under any external frame 5" bogie, I can test them on one of my other locos.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-22954032777697762082012-12-07T00:47:00.000-08:002012-12-07T00:47:49.573-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS_E_FmtXPFB8gkw4TufoMF2KaFjzenNkoRaf1KkIS-tJ_ubXobYnD6_NMMlJAz_c4TY7jJYK9yClLSiPfyatMzlrXOI2Gel51Hx3vEhZCVD9B6TpfGYKJlz3ea_CapkeFUpT0rHJUi4A/s1600/bogie+image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="295" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS_E_FmtXPFB8gkw4TufoMF2KaFjzenNkoRaf1KkIS-tJ_ubXobYnD6_NMMlJAz_c4TY7jJYK9yClLSiPfyatMzlrXOI2Gel51Hx3vEhZCVD9B6TpfGYKJlz3ea_CapkeFUpT0rHJUi4A/s320/bogie+image.JPG" /></a></div>
I have been working away on various bits of the design for the Class 70, mainly on the Bogie design. <br><br>
I have decided to custom make the wheel sets for this as I like the idea of plenty of power combined with a fully enclosed gearbox. That means a modified motor and complete fabrication of the gearbox assembly.<br><br>
This is what I have to date. The funny breaks are where the various sections on the bogie frame will be welded together. I intend to use a fair bit of lost wax casting on this project, hence casting in the weld prep where I want it.<br><br>
Interestingly from my calculations so far, although this is drawn as a 3 motor set up, the 3rd motor adds no real benefit. If 2 motors can produce more power than can be put down onto the track then adding a 3rd actually reduces the tractive effort available to pull away. I have drawn it as a 3 motor setup mainly to confirm that if needed, a 3rd motor can be added. As it stands, the centre axle will probably be free wheeling and very lightly sprung so that the weight falls on the power producing axles at the end of the bogie.
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-60448900979176279192012-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:002012-10-21T14:21:54.682-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs888GrqzjlbYD1zuww8-dFRSz3dBecgYRHfPAy8RmyonfP9LqeNfGe9stESSdUXWWl3E5GJNSXIJCwun0KSAcd9kY0GhWQH8rTUljXjXxLVsG3mAXEAVjHHXvqfX3rSFdVrQA-iyKTnW/s1600/first+draft+with+bogie+assemblies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="263" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOs888GrqzjlbYD1zuww8-dFRSz3dBecgYRHfPAy8RmyonfP9LqeNfGe9stESSdUXWWl3E5GJNSXIJCwun0KSAcd9kY0GhWQH8rTUljXjXxLVsG3mAXEAVjHHXvqfX3rSFdVrQA-iyKTnW/s320/first+draft+with+bogie+assemblies.JPG" /></a></div>
I have now added the first rough models for the bogies. These have a fair bit of work in them so far as I had to sort out the arrangements for the motors and axle gear boxes. It's nice to get a better impression of what the overall model will look like.
I think the next stage might be a first draft of the chassis.<br />
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Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-37776561129981710722012-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:002012-10-13T15:44:01.280-07:00New Project: Class 70 Locomotive in 5" gauge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am currently working on a 5" gauge model of this.<br />
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It's a Powerhaul class 70 locomotive made by GE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEU28L0k6GpK5peqm8Yh8mRijKhRSq_3554aP-SBjP3_QixxW7o73dmSj-HraWy0FbUbucmz9MDd30iPygK1Tvz679MVOMYUrftGk5PXnWrg63rIaq5axRHugVwbeyJKQJPZLe5Z-WWb7/s1600/70001_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEU28L0k6GpK5peqm8Yh8mRijKhRSq_3554aP-SBjP3_QixxW7o73dmSj-HraWy0FbUbucmz9MDd30iPygK1Tvz679MVOMYUrftGk5PXnWrg63rIaq5axRHugVwbeyJKQJPZLe5Z-WWb7/s320/70001_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am drawing it up using Solidworks before cutting metal. The complex body shape certainly makes it a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilACsGEUUv2nskN8jDWIeUS579bC8uHbJDPqnhF4JS7Wp0H7eCaTjEd509eywlpi3W0skbtgY3YO_8ujEeFDtMTdeQu9uhCb-XK6OezPcizZ0yNOJl6SI1LOQIzqHHwp4ssqCEmBiqDMVf/s1600/Class_70_cad_13_Oct_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilACsGEUUv2nskN8jDWIeUS579bC8uHbJDPqnhF4JS7Wp0H7eCaTjEd509eywlpi3W0skbtgY3YO_8ujEeFDtMTdeQu9uhCb-XK6OezPcizZ0yNOJl6SI1LOQIzqHHwp4ssqCEmBiqDMVf/s320/Class_70_cad_13_Oct_2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This still needs a lot of detail adding but it gives the general impression of what is involved.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-71727130395889968992010-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:002010-12-31T15:15:35.655-08:00Coolant Guard for Bridgeport Clone CNC Milling Machine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fLDmXvs0wVYI8gZmek5iS3oEYSnVv_zrOExRnSYOkNcyhxeo6BqoOvKh-Zgl1kkiJniRr2DdZNBuZ5wwIL68oLZ6yMeAGwBYcZtk022yDPzSRJ77UnooMjTnNCNtmG_SSufAIxXghyphenhyphenbP/s1600/splash_guard.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fLDmXvs0wVYI8gZmek5iS3oEYSnVv_zrOExRnSYOkNcyhxeo6BqoOvKh-Zgl1kkiJniRr2DdZNBuZ5wwIL68oLZ6yMeAGwBYcZtk022yDPzSRJ77UnooMjTnNCNtmG_SSufAIxXghyphenhyphenbP/s320/splash_guard.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556983797162359266" border="0" /></a>Once I had the machine home, I really wanted to be able to use flood coolant rather than a mist or spraying from a bottle.<br /><br />This was my first mod to the machine, and meant that I could really push the coolant in there. I find the flood coolant is as useful for blasting the chips clear of the cutting area as for keeping the cutter cool.<br /><br />The coolant enclosure underhangs the front of the table by about 225mm and the underhang slopes down by just over 25mm from right to left so that the coolant naturally drains to one side. The original table drains are retained and the new one on the enclosure all run back to an external coolant tank.<br /><br />The front centre panel lifts out for access to the work area.<br /><br />Construction is Aluminium with 5mm polycarbonate for all the vision panels. The upper frame is all extruded channel material and very quick and handy to use.<br /><br />The rubber curtain at the back is really handy as it contains most of the coolant heading that way. For setups with longer tooling or higher work pieces, I have a second piece of the rubber available to be put in place as required.<br /><br />At this stage, I did away with the interlock switch from the old guard system and I could in theory run the machine with the front panel out of place, but why would I, It just winds up with swarf and coolant everywhere.<br /><br />I guess with thinking it out and then putting it together, it was probably a couple of days of work but spread out over maybe 6 weeks or so.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-2696821434149437562010-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:48:31.324-08:00My Milling machine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf95r8r5jXUKSJlwy0VkRphns8yY4wNq62IiCQmNaHBdLW51EuFmjaimcqJLrAw91sgrz7-74-T4v8NFXTBYfZUMyhet-lOONmVoQ3ep9T50i4Mbj-qEGWBRrQeZsNX4Zn1BbdRQShum-/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf95r8r5jXUKSJlwy0VkRphns8yY4wNq62IiCQmNaHBdLW51EuFmjaimcqJLrAw91sgrz7-74-T4v8NFXTBYfZUMyhet-lOONmVoQ3ep9T50i4Mbj-qEGWBRrQeZsNX4Zn1BbdRQShum-/s320/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556981623382377522" border="0" /></a><br />Late in 2008, I had a nice little Boxford Milling machine, all manual controls and in very good condition. It did the job but I decided what I really wanted was to get better parts without spending endless hours winding the handles.<br /><br />I concluded that the way forward was a CNC milling machine of some sort. As I work in the IT industry for a living, I was pretty confident I could get the computer stuff on the run without too much trouble.<br /><br />After looking at the various options, I concluded that a good fit for me would be a second hand industrial machine. Eventually a suitable machine came along and I became the proud owner of a Bridgeport Clone machine made by Chen Ho in Taiwan, the machine had an Anilam control and was servo driven to all 3 axes.<br /><br />The machine had some issues but the price was pretty good so I was happy for it to be a project in it's own right.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-51143818332076828862010-12-31T14:17:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:30:51.486-08:00CNC Milled stretchers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvm6rW_01cMLmay8EPi14_meiiwB1a1oBD1Axzvb975rKkjm4u8lyk_RmMrtk8Hg4DEDRLjKQsHm2Bs9DTBONXym_oNxMkLLlDhhNuWt3wtGXYaIOaXH-waB1obhsDFLuPjBEF2N0Qir5/s1600/after.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvm6rW_01cMLmay8EPi14_meiiwB1a1oBD1Axzvb975rKkjm4u8lyk_RmMrtk8Hg4DEDRLjKQsHm2Bs9DTBONXym_oNxMkLLlDhhNuWt3wtGXYaIOaXH-waB1obhsDFLuPjBEF2N0Qir5/s320/after.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556975853113857874" border="0" /></a><br />These are the first real loco parts that I cut on my CNC milling machine.<br /><br />It was a huge learning curve for me to get this all working but the parts were very satisfying once cut.<br /><br />The cycle time for the first one was about 3 hours, the second was done in just over an hour.<br /><br />This was all cut from a 25mm slab of mild steel and created a bucket load of swarf.<br /><br />The tabs were hand hacksawed out to release the parts and a touch of the file to complete.<br /><br />Whilst this was an interesting exercise, ultimately it was not necessary, the parts very closely match the castings and I like the look of them but I now realise they could easily have been done as simple profiles in solid plate or the relevant thickness.<br /><br />Ho Hum.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-849158540089562463.post-3348680272489614022009-10-24T01:18:00.000-07:002010-12-31T14:17:07.758-08:00New to blogging<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY6te6a7avqDGJobAWVnaEDsO14Ajdph6JODfKtmWkjJ35USDk1-3N7LemMfJUt6ESrQKe0VKy9o2oWbe9ocNRD-toSvAvGTCMX093OGze-Cc_HbxdJ7azYY4G43kgGWTX43qKG6sO-uP/s1600-h/GW1501_18_04_09.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY6te6a7avqDGJobAWVnaEDsO14Ajdph6JODfKtmWkjJ35USDk1-3N7LemMfJUt6ESrQKe0VKy9o2oWbe9ocNRD-toSvAvGTCMX093OGze-Cc_HbxdJ7azYY4G43kgGWTX43qKG6sO-uP/s320/GW1501_18_04_09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396078652925708050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Paul's Model Engineering Blog</span><br /><br />I have been interested in model engineering on and off for many years. Time and circumstances led to doing something about this interest a couple of years ago when my Son Nick was very interested in the trains at the local model engineering club and wanted to get more involved.<br /><br />For Nick aged 10 to get involved, that meant that Mum and Dad had to get involved as well. The club activities are very interesting involving running both 5 inch and 7 1/4 inch railway layouts and Nick really enjoys it. However, a good part of the fun is from owning and running your own Model locomotives, there are two choices, you can build or you can buy. We decided to build.<br /><br />I served an engineering apprenticeship many years ago so the whole engineering part of the process whilst not completely new to me was pretty rusty.<br /><br />As for anybody setting out to build a model locomotive, the question was what to build and how big to build it. Having looked at the various options, we settled for a 7 1/4 gauge GW 1500 steam locomotive.<br /><br />This is a pretty ambitious first project but my thinking is that whilst the bits are bigger, the actual work involved for a 7 1/4 gauge locomotive shouldnt be a great deal more than for a 5 inch or even a 3 1/2 inch gauge.<br /><br />I liked the design of the loco in that almost all the moving parts are located outside of the frames making access for lubrication and minor maintenance a straightforward matter. I also liked that it has a good reputation as a powerful locomotive capable of pulling a good load.<br /><br />The picture at the top of this post is the full sized example of the locomotive in the Steam museum at the Severn Valley Railway.<br /><br />I have spent a lot if not most of my first year in the hobby, re aquainting myself with basic engineering practice and setting up a workshop in the garage.<br /><br />Building the Locomotive started just over a year ago with drawing up and ordering laser cut and marked frames, buffer beams and rear buffer uniting plates. as well as ordering some castings from Reeves.<br /><br />Progress so far is to acquire and make some loco parts and to turn a quantity of perfectly good materials and tools into scrap. Happily, the parts bin is slightly fuller than the scrap bin but to be honest, at this stage there aint much in it. Things are improving with practice.<br /><br />Given the startling costs of some of the castings for this locomotive, I am also looking at alternative ways to produce the parts I need. At the moment, I am using a CNC milling machine to make many of the parts that would traditionally have been castings.Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10981852258132594131noreply@blogger.com0