Gauge 3 Live Steam Loco Project?

[MikeWilliams]

The Venture is still making progress through the planning stages.  If anyone is visiting the ALSRM show at Reading next Saturday, Ken Cottle will have the four sheets of drawings for the cylinders and also the G.A. of the model engine, together with a mock-up of the boiler and smokebox.

Please say "hello" and look at the designs.  We hope shortly to start actually making some bits.

If anyone has missed the correspondence on what this is all about and would like to find out more please drop me a line and I'll explain.

Mike

[MikeWilliams]

There has been progress with the Venture.  A manufacturer of live steam parts in all scales has quoted for the cylinder block, pistons etc.  The price is reasonable, so although a second quote is awaited, it looks like we'll be starting work on it soon.

Mike

[Christopher]

Hello Mike

Have missed the last few stages of this discussion as I have 'dealing with familly issues'.

Where are you getting your wheels from? Can I help? What size do you need and approximately how many do you anticipate using?

ChrisC

[MikeWilliams]

Hi Christopher,

We need to make a pattern as there are no 15-spoke wheels available, and I intended to ask you whether you wish to do them for us.  I have been trying to find a drawing but without luck so far.  My thought is that making a pattern the old-fashioned way you can make them near enough, but if we go to the bother of rapid prototyping then we may as well make the drawing exactly correct - and I don't yet have the information for that.  I know the thickness of the tyre and the size and shape of the spokes, but no details of the boss or fillets.

Any suggestions?

Mike
 

[MikeWilliams]

Sorry Christopher - should have re-read your note before pressing "send"!  We plan on ten engines and six wheels for each.  Quantity will be more certain when we take deposits in a month or 6 weeks' time.

Mike

[MikeWilliams]

Ken Cottle has just told me that he intends to be at the next GTG at Ampthill on Saturday 3rd July, complete with the prototype Venture.  If anyone is interested please try to get along as Ken has made great progress and I think you'll be impressed.

Mike