HOW TO BUILD A MODEL STEAM ENGINE - STUART MODELS VICTORIA - PART #1

[@stxrynn]

I really like your advice: Treat each part as a model in it's own right. That's the mind of a craftsman. Thank you, professor!

[@Mcbunaen]

Wow, anyone who machines one of these kits into a working engine has my respect--especially a first-time modeler. You have really accomplished something. Thank you for posting this, Keith. Now off to Paypal.

[@definitelynotkwacker]

Excellent - my first engine was a Victoria. Saw one on a stall at a local fair back in 77(?) and was blown away. Went home, scraped up every penny I could find, sold my mum and came back with the cash (think it was £40). Guy said "you have to make it, have you got any machine tools" - of course I had. I'd just bought my first B&D drill! Went home box in hand, opened it next to my set of screwdrivers and... Well I wasn't expecting that. Blueprints and lots of bits of scabby metal. Short version: local community centre had a lathe nobody used, some pointers from folk in the know and I managed to make it - and it ran! (On compressed air at any rate). Then it sat in my attic for years until a couple of years ago until I came across it again - looking very sorry for itself. Lots of the parts were just wrong so I remade anything that wasn't right and now it looks and runs great. (For reasons I can't explain the cylinder was spot on! Pretty much everything else was rubbish - even the base)

[@MarekLewandowski_EE]

Love your story! I could almost feel the heart dropping as you saw what's in the box! Even better was to see that you managed to find a way and get it done anyway! That's some success story!

[@creativeobsin]

If the rest of the series have the same quality to detail & explaining as this one have, everything will be perfect! Thank you for sharing your work :)

[@AverageRetiredGeek]

I do so enjoy your video's. The unfortunate side of watching these is a somewhat fierce desire to make a steam engine. I've wanted one ever since I saw a small model of one back when I was a wee nipper of only 8 years - it was a 'prize' if you sold some ridiculous number of Christmas cards door-to-door. I did so but my mother asserted her authority and said 'No steam engines in this house'. Now I am much older, much wiser and, yes, I still want one! But I don't need another hobby. So I watch you perform your magic and dream.

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Like everyone else, thanks, will follow along and start my model in a few episodes. This is greatly appreciated and only possible due to you and all your efforts. Just another committed viewer. Pun intended.

[@jamesbarnes4964]

I found it VERRY useful thankyou I cant wait to get my first set of Stuart castings!

[@ShuffleSk8Ter]

There is not much interest in today's world with internet and social media and all that crap so good on you Keith to keep it going and keeping with the interest. Now for me personally cannot afford a kit but maybe find a fully machined unit and rebuild like you do

[@rabidgasfitter]

Mine should turn up on Monday, perfect timing as I should complete the final assembly of the Stuart 10H tomorrow. Have just made a small donation via paypal. I really like your videos and sense of humour, keep up the good work and keep taking the meds.

[@donstor1]

I watch videos that I like from many people. I have only donated money to one. You. I enjoy these very much, thank you.

[@rmdobson01442]

Cant wait, planning the Victoria as my next project and am awaiting your videos with eager anticipation. Thanks Keith.

[@Tocsin-Bang]

I've only ever built two steam engines, mainly because I've never owned a lathe and had to use lathes where I worked. One was an oscillator built from scratch using a plan in an old book I no longer have. The other was an S50 which I still have, it's only ever run on air. I do have a suitable boiler kit I bought about 20 years ago at a Model Engineer Exhibition.

[@injoelsgarage3934]

Mr. Appleton, truly enjoy your videos. Looking forward to this build. Thank you for your time and sharing your vast experience of model engineering . Joel

[@sonicsound84]

That slow mo bit at the end was pretty cool!

[@JoeWood73]

Thanks!

[@alexkatsaros6180]

Love your presentations Keith. Looking forward to following this construction series! Cheers from Australia!

[@Phantomthecat]

Really looking forward to this series - I'm a few months away (I hope) from buying my first model and this ones the one I have my eye on. Just need to clean up my garage and persuade SWMBO that the small mill I've got my eye on is going to be a good investment (It worked when I bought my lathe) ;)

[@drawvenmusket]

A very nice set of parts you have there Keith I look forward to the next video in this series to come in its own good time, stay safe and please keep your fingers out of running steam engines as we need you to keep making great videos about steam engines and music too. have a great day and a better tomorrow

[@alexpowers3697]

Victoria 1 is fantastic! Excellent video.

[@ericmartin9299]

Been waiting for this too and I like the 15 to 20 min format.

[@keithappleton]

It takes far too long to be a practical proposition making videos of this length. The video took almost 10 hours to complete ........ and there wasn't any real engineering work to do in this one .......

[@RaymondOreFineArt]

Made my day when I saw this series had started

[@robmurg]

I've been looking forward to this since you first hinted at it; move over ClickSpring, here comes Keith! I've sent a small PayPal appreciation to help buy the paint.

[@arassara4261]

I like your videos so much-English engineering at is best

[@steveskouson9620]

So, I'm sitting, watching a video of Procul Herum, doing A Whiter Shade of Pale. (Did NOT have video of the Leslie Speaker.) Now, I get to watch you unboxing a Stuart Engine kit. Great segue? Thought so! Keith, anyone ever tell you, that you work on steam engines like a Musician? (And, rebuild Leslie Speakers like a Machinist?) Keep them coming, Keith! steve

[@gordonburns8731]

Hi Keith, I just signed up with your Patreon account. Good luck in recruiting more supporters.

[@keithappleton]

I thank you for your Patronage :-)))))

[@malcolmpeake8893]

I am excited to see these series of videos. Keith.

[@MrBanzoid]

The Stuart Victoria really is a beautiful steam engine.

[@TheAdrianward]

I'll enjoy this as fifty years ago I did two years as a toolmakers apprentice. I then went into the merchant marine as a deck officer where I remained until retirement. I am too clumsy for horology but would like to commit the time and money to building a big brute of a traction engine. 6" to 8" depending on the prototype. This project will be educational and if I build one let me decide whether the old skills I witnessed still hold fascination. As a second year apprentice we got lots of tea making, swarf clearing, filing and scraping. After the first year we were allowed to scrape cylindrical stuff and clamp up massive virgin castings on big horizontal millers. Never have I seen them setting the big roughing fly cutters as it was back to shifting swarf. The problem is that were I to build a 1" scale three cylinder double acting marine diesel I would have to be draftsman, orange pencil man, pattern maker, foundryman, machinist and fitter. I'll keep it simple and I suspect you will teach me as you complete this build.

[@smittysmith3227]

Looking forward to following this series of your videos and I too would like to hear some of your keyboard playing as background music. Cheers!

[@joemuellerleile5544]

Thanks for doing this Mr. Appleton.

[@mog5858]

thank you for your time in making the videos keep up the good work.

[@andrewshephard5623]

good luck with engine keith looking forward to rest of it

[@KarriKoivusalo]

Very much looking forward to see more of this build!

[@drunkengamemonkeys]

this has me really excited and as always a joy to watch. Thank you

[@williamhandrigan4575]

Really excited for this series! Excellent choice!

[@mikus4242]

This is going to be a fun series!

[@kevinbrown1420]

I'm looking forward to this series.

[@mikehoffman4131]

Good videos all around. While watching I can't help but recall the film African Queen and Bogart's on board boiler rig propulsion system. Which leads me to the obvious basic questions rarely obtainable from such videos. I also do boat building and would like to know what working horsepower one can achieve from these units, or how to calculate it from the component sizes and typical costs for new models(shipping costs of these iron units must be through the roof). Or even how practical these are in open hold salt water exposure to the elements. Also, as climate and global financial situations change, more off grid folks would benefit from learning energy ratios,conversions and comparisons. But all the same, thanks for your excellent contribution.

[@keithappleton]

A Stuart 5A Steam Engine is rated at 3HP at 80 PSI Boiler pressure, that's enough for a 20 foot river launch.

[@GorhamWorks]

Very Excited about this series!

[@Wiggo95]

I just want to say that I am very excited for this series and please keep up the great videos. I personally don't have the means to build my own or support your videos in a monitory sense but I'd like to think some moral support won't go amiss. Keep up the great work and thank you for being a inspiration and putting together the best learner tutorials around!!!!

[@iyatemu]

Been waiting for this!

[@keithappleton]

Me Too .......

[@paulrayner4514]

looking forward to the rest of the series

[@frankyboy4409]

Oh nice, the series you've teased us about for some time now :)

[@AlexVeranstaltungsStuff]

Yesterday I bought my very first Milling machine! Now i can follow all those steps to build a working steam engine :D Oh dear, I need a Lathe too :(

[@mr1enrollment]

there is no end to the purchase of tooling,.... no end

[@hugo3913]

Thank you for the great video, I can not wait fro the next one you are just the best.

[@dalerimkunas]

donation sent. Thanks for all your work!

[@keithappleton]

I thank you :-)))))

[@willyck948]

I like you videos, I learn a lot hopefully enough to make my own engine. I have a question though, there a car Dobal Steam car doesn't have a boiler it utilizes a steam generator where the heat is forcefully blown into a chamber heating copper pipe filled with water that then runs to Engine, oil/water pump, Fan turbine, and condenser (like a radiator) before being pumped back into the system. My question is can a miniature version be made at home or has anyone made one.

[@keithappleton]

Yes, model boilers of this type are used in "Flash Steam" applications but non condensing as in model sizes it's difficult to remove the oil from the exhaust of a small steam engine.

[@BillySugger1965]

Great video. I see it’s titled Part #1 but can’t find the rest of the series. Is there any more of this build?

[@keithappleton]

Yes. It is currently up to Part #9 with more to come for my Patreon supporters: www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@MrPhilthefluter]

Firstly congrats on making these informative videos. You are an accomplished model engineer. I have been in engineering for all my working life ,formally trained in a large tool room. Over the years I have made numerous projects over the years ( not steam models I may add ),though they have always interested me , so l thought I’d have a go ,and at this point I would like to make a couple of points that you and Stuart Models may comment on . I bought the drawings off Stuart models and whilst as you say the are copyrighted they are not up to ISO standards with no limits and fit tolerances , this I can deal with , but from a novices point how does he know whether to make , say the piston .001 down on bore size or .005 ? Another thing Keith. I have only purchased the drawings & the two steam cylinders intending to make all the other parts , I have watched your videos with great interest and have seen you explaining on two different videos explaining why you need to check & clean the ports. I am sorry to say (& the tool room work I did as an apprentice was for a casting foundry) that STUARTS really ought to do that job before they are sold. Anyway keep up the good work you really have helped an “old timer 48yrs to be precise “with your steam knowledge.

[@davidcoghill8612]

I know that you absolutely love it when people point out all the ways you do things wrong, so I'll just mention that the knife you're using to cut open that package is NOT the right tool for the job. I always use a carefully honed pair of nail-clippers to open boxes, and if I don't have them to hand, the next best tool is a serrated bread-knife.

[@robinhackshall4244]

Loving your videos Keith. Many thanks. Thanks too for introducing me to Blackgates. I had only seen them at shows before but visited properly last week whilst visiting my son in Wakefield. But a Question: What is the difference between Paypal (I have an account) and Patreon (which is new to me). Thx. Robin

[@keithappleton]

Paypal just allows Donations of any amount that viewers wish to donate as a "One Off payment" ...... but how Patreon works is that viewers can pledge a small amount per video that is debited on the first of each month (and for that to happen I also have to post video links to youtube on Patreon - which I do)

[@robinhackshall4244]

Thanks Keith. Paypal done. Robin

[@memadmax69]

OH NICE! JUST what I needed as I am about to buy one of these. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@wgm-en2gx]

Yaaaaay! please let there be painting and bahco spanners! ;-)

[@gvet47]

Wish they would list what taps and dies you need for each kit since they are BA and I only have Imperial T&D.

[@keithappleton]

BA sizes are Imperial (British Association)

[@fromfin90]

kinda feel like not watching for a year and then have whole series in one big playlist...hopefully

[@robertyoung9988]

Is there ever going to be a part 2? I haven't got the tools for doing these things so I enjoy your videos.

[@keithappleton]

This series is up to around part #19 currently - available to view via "Patreon" www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@gh778jk]

I sat my kid in front of this video! He is about to make his first steam engine ! Paddy

[@unluckyeddy7966]

You make me want to take up model engine building...

[@MrBigdragon2009]

I've watched a few of your videos and have heard you talk about rough casted kits and fully machined kits, but are there any simi- machined kits. Thank you

[@keithappleton]

I don't think so - and I definitely can't recommend buying a "part finished" engine online . . .

[@manicmechanic1881]

Mr Appleton how critical is the ballance of the flywheel to the operation of the engine? or do they run slow enough that vibration isn't an issue

[@keithappleton]

Balance is always important but on a slow revving engine, less so.

[@josephwalk1747]

Is there any mini lathes/mills that are big enough to build one of these stuart engines?

[@keithappleton]

I would say no - too small and often not rigid enough. A Myford Lathe would be good though.

[@lysippus]

i might just do this. can i get away with buying a sherline lathe? i have been tempted to for years. or do i need a milling machine as well?

[@henrya3530]

Stuart S50 might be easier to machine if you have a Sherline lathe. Flywheel diameter is the big hurdle for many owners of mini- and micro-lathes. Some companies that sell casting kits offer pre-machined flywheels to get around this problem. As a hobbyist how many flywheels do you need to make each year? Some milling operations can be performed in a lathe but a proper milling machine makes life easier. Remember, in engineering there is ALWAYS more than one way of doing things :)

[@danieljohnson3328]

"Some people copy the plans so the original doesnt get dirty." "I'm not going to do that I'm just going to get on with it." LMAO! I love this guy.

[@claybair4904]

I wonder if a small wire rope on a drill would work

[@biglift1]

can you not blow the sand out with compressed air and after that put it in a ultrasonic cleaner ? thats how i would do this ( oil the part at once after that . )

[@keithappleton]

and of course everyone I know has an ultrasonic cleaner in their home workshop ........... :-)))

[@biglift1]

yes just drop by my place well have some beers while my ultrasonic cleaner does the job ... dunno how long it will take for your private learsteam jet to reach flying pressure but i live close to the airport in Eindhoven The netherlands . :) lol lol :) ok seroius of coarse nobody has one but i do as i flown model airplanes for many many years the old skool way making everything my selves and of coarse once in a while an stupid mistake and the nitro engine ended up nose down in the corn field . As a result badly running after a thorough cleaning , i turned my piggy bank upside down and bought an emmy emag professional ultrasonic cleaner . its been in my workshop for a very long time and cleaned carburetors pistons / engine parts / jewelery you name it its been in there. its like having a good lathe . you cant do without if you got used to that deluxe version . Now in the mean while i blabbered this box full. i am sure your learsteam jet is up to steam .. the brewskys are cold so of you go :) cheers mate !

[@keithappleton]

:-))))

[@terryrobinson9503]

I apologize for the question in advance but could this size model engine operate a small alternator to recharge a battery?

[@keithappleton]

Yes, but it would require a dedicated continuous lubrication system for continual electricity generation ...... which defeats the object of using a model engine to drive an alternator really .....

[@Kelly-ip8nn]

hi keith are you going to finish the boiler build especially the steam/oil trap?

[@keithappleton]

Yes of course, I will do some next week - I have to fit this stuff in with my work schedule :-))))

[@Kelly-ip8nn]

thanks Keith)) very keen to see the workings))

[@JoshKilen]

very nice job.

[@Gauge1LiveSteam]

I bet this engine will have enough power to run a small ice cream churn. That would be great fun.

[@morkbov]

I know this is an old thread but is it me or several "parts" of this video playlist are missing? It is unfortunate because this is a very interesting series to follow.

[@keithappleton]

This series is for my Patrons only: www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@ElectraFlarefire]

I am curious, have you contacted or thought about contacting Stuart Models and asked permission to show at least a limited set of the drawings un-blurred? They may be happy to allow this as this is good press for them. I'm sure for particular parts of this series showing bits of the plans would be very useful to explain what your doing. (And at worst they will say no and you can just continue to blurr them as you have been doing.).

[@stxrynn]

Just the bit of the unblurred was enough for me to appreciate their level of professionalism. Those are good prints. And the identification of the parts in the material list would make a mixup almost impossible to a careful builder.

[@garyfrancke1335]

How do I get to the rest of the series?

[@keithappleton]

www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@mikeklaene4359]

Had to do Patreon - PayPal internationally was being a bit sticky.

[@towzer240]

should be patreoned

[@keithappleton]

it is now ...... I had to go shopping after I uploaded the video - but I'm back on the Mac now :-))))

[@chriscraven9572]

I don't think there would be a problem showing the parts list Keith they are freely available for download from the Stuart website

[@keithappleton]

I will ask Stuart Models - I don't want any copyright issues.

[@MrPhilthefluter]

Yes the parts list . But not the detailed ? Drawings.

[@robinfryer479]

Um, I wonder if, before embarking on ‘My First Steam Engine’, it might be prudent to commit to ‘My First [Non Exploding] Boiler’?

[@HWPcville]

Do you have parts #2 and further posted under your Keith Appleton channel? I found what looks like parts #2 and further under a collection posted by someone other than Keith Appleton. Not being familiar with KZbin analytics I'm not sure if your channel would get the proper credit for views of your work if its in a collection posted by someone else. I want to see the completion of the engine but I want you to get credit you are due.

[@keithappleton]

Only part #1 of this series is public on my channel. At one time there were more which probably explains why maybe you are able to see others in other Playlists or are looking on the risky Pakistani or Russian pirate sites. (rather you than me) As far as I am aware, there are no other episodes on the official youtube. If you see one on KZbin please with someone's name other than mine, send me the link. I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[@ianlainchbury]

Hi Keith. Would you consider this an engine for a beginner to build? or ...would it be better to stick to an S50 or H10/V10?

[@keithappleton]

Absolutely - I always recommend the Victoria because it is easy to build and the parts are less fiddly to machine. It was also the first stationary engine that I ever built.

[@ianlainchbury]

@@keithappleton Thank you Keith. Will you be at Doncaster this coming year? :)

[@keithappleton]

one day perhaps if I ever get some free time - I seem to be a bit reclusive these days }:-)))

[@ianlainchbury]

@@keithappleton I know the feeling Keith :) Thank you so much for taking the time to produce all your videos though. On here and via Patreon.

[@teddill4893]

Thank you!

[@GaryGrumble]

When are you going to start painting?

[@keithappleton]

Soon, very soon . . . .

[@samuelgently7630]

How to get it all the parts or ready one let me know and prices . .

[@keithappleton]

You need to contact Stuart Models . . .

[@samuelgently7630]

@@keithappleton yes.

[@devmeistersuperprecision4155]

Where are the rest of the build videos?

[@keithappleton]

www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@NathanielKempson]

Wheres the rest of this series gone?

[@keithappleton]

www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@NathanielKempson]

@@keithappleton Oh

[@Moonblade042194]

WOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[@DAKOTA56777]

It begins, eeeeeee.

[@rabeyalaila6941]

very good this is coal fried

[@keithappleton]

It is a steam engine - not a boiler.

[@joshuareardon2635]

Where is part 2 and so on?

[@joshuareardon2635]

Please finish this series

[@keithappleton]

www.patreon.com/keithappleton

[@keithappleton]

www.patreon.com/keithappleton . . . . . Available to view currently up to Part #23

[@mc9803]

where can I buy a steam engine?

[@jimwillis176]

Hurry up Keith! Where's the next one?

[@keithappleton]

You should never hurry - it is quality not quantity . . . . oh ..... and don't forget I still have to work to earn a living ..... and spend some time sleeping also :-)))

[@jimwillis176]

Keith, You are absolutely correct. I used to rush my woodworking jobs but now I look at woodworking as a pastime. I too was born in '53. I am hooked on your workshop videos - I recently designed and built a wooden horizontal steam engine. I've never really studied the steam engine designs and I have never built one before. When I finished the engine, I looked back on some of your videos and realized I'd picked up the fundamentals by osmosis. I've never really paid any attention to the eccentrics - ("turns rotary motion into linear motion but not vice versa"). The one I designed and built is almost identical to the ones that you repair. Thank you for your excellent, high quality videos. Whilst I enjoy the painting, could we have a little more sanding and polishing? I really enjoy sanding and polishing. Best regards, Jim

[@mikeklaene4359]

Unless Stuart Models was the company that made a stink about your showing their copyrighted material, I would think that the would be happy to grant you permission to show more of the instruction sheets. May guess is that you have helped to sell more than one of their products.

[@keithappleton]

I will ask them for permission and see what they say . . .

[@mikeklaene4359]

The worst that they can do is say "NO!!" - and I have been told NO by the best.

[@dufmiester2]

Can I send an email , Love your site.

[@keithappleton]

[e-mail]

[@andypandy955]

Hi Keith I know you get a little bit of money for each ad that shows before your videos I think the ad people are getting a bit naughty as the ad I have just stopped is over 3 mins long and in one of your videos I waited until the end to be met with more ads and a cancel button. So if the ad is short I will let it run but long and I will skip. I know you may think why is he telling me this but I feel guilty skipping as I know you spend an awful lot of time producing your videos for peoples information and enjoyment. I have always been a modeller of things throughout my life and did start a model steam traction engine years ago but due to my job and finance, I had to sell the project. I left Yorkshire to live in France due to circumstance and feel I am back home when I hear your voice and dry humour. Best Regards JIM

[@keithappleton]

Thanks James, if you click and watch an advert then I get a very small remuneration per advert watched but if all viewers did that then it would add up (pardon the pun) The ads will probably run continuously so after watching one advert simply skip the next one. I have no control over this. Many Thanks.

[@towzer240]

just petreoned

[@keithappleton]

Thank you, much appreciated :-)))

[@arassara4261]

I like your videos so much-English engineering at is best

[@keithappleton]

Thank you {:-)))