Making a 'simple' beam engine from castings

[@steam212]

Mr. White, I think that you have done a FANTASTIC job! Beam engines are deceptive due to their MANY moving parts that need to be right, true, and proper. I honestly applaud you and your perseverance to stick with it and keep a good head of steam to push through to the end. Very well done indeed 👍!

[@edwinwhite933]

Many thanks for the compliments. One of the biggest probs I had (apart from my incompetence) was the castings. As they were second, second hand however I felt I could not in fairness return them to Stuarts.

[@bobrayner1093]

Congrats Ed, superb job up to your usual standard. Your honesty in correcting earlier views is highly commendable. You'd turn a turd into a cadillac. Fond regards Bob

[@edwinwhite933]

Thanks Bob. Always quite facied a cadillac especially those from the 60's with the big fins and multiple 'bullet' type tail lights. From a turd - no I don't think so. LOL

[@garryhammond7616]

Very impressive Ed. I rather like the flywheel with it's imperfection, it now has it's own story. More than anything I am always impressed with your ability to see your projects through. The finished model is very pleasing I particularly like the home made "balls out" governor, and the small fence is a masterpiece. It's only us shed engineers that can truly appreciate all the work that goes into these little engines. Your video's are always an inspiration. Regards Garry.

[@edwinwhite933]

Thanks Gary. The balls for the governor were actually made from some hardened steel balls from the front wheel drive of a Morris 1800 'land crab'. They were fully hardened and I had to anneal them to do anything to them. Reason I used them is that they were about the right diameter for what I wanted. I was tempted to do a vid on this aspect, but decided enough was enough. I didn't say too much in the vid cos I am sure the fella that sold me the castings was honest, but I think the message has to be if you buy second or third hand, look and look again and do a bit of research to see what is supposed to be in the kit. On the day I bought my heart totally over ruled my head. LOL.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Ed, Although a bit challenging it turned out well in the end... Looking forward to watching future projects... Take care. Paul,,

[@edwinwhite933]

Thanks 👍

[@paulskelton6836]

Hi Edwin, You've ended up with a beautiful beam engine, despite the trials and tribulations, well done. The three cylinder 0-8-4 should be very powerful for Gauge one, looking forward to seeing your thoughts on the inside cylinder, inside slip eccentric maybe? Cheers.

[@edwinwhite933]

Many thanks Paul. Slip eccentric for the inside cylinder is my 'fall back' option. Initially I am determined to work the inner valve gear by a conjugating mechanism from the outside valve gears. Should be fairly simple in theory, but in practise ?????

[@bobrayner1093]

Ed, with you anythings possible!!! Bob

[@edwinwhite933]

Yeah, but I still fail at transmuting lead into gold. Must keep trying. LOL.

[@stevehaynes2857]

Ed, I have a spare flywheel for this model pf beam engine. Would you like it, no charge? Steve.

[@edwinwhite933]

Steve thanks for the very kind offer. The beam engine is a completed model and therefore 'on the shelf'. I don't think I will revisit it. Hopefully you will find a better home for the flywheel than my overflowing 'bits' box full of things I may (or may not) use. LOL Ed

[@BensWorkshop]

Nice work Edwin. Out of interest what gauge is the 3 cylinder chassis? Looks like it might be 2 1/2 or smaller.

[@edwinwhite933]

Thanks Ben. the engine is gauged for my garden railway the outer track of which is 45 mm. I have pushed the engine around to check that it can cope with curves which it can!

[@BensWorkshop]

@@edwinwhite933 always good to check a train will go around!

[@edwinwhite933]

Grieves me a bit to say it, but it would not have been the first engine I built that would not take the curves on my railway! The curves are now more generous, but I have learned my lesson. It is no fun taking a completed engine apart to modify wheel flanges etc for curves which really are too small. LOL

[@hastyone9048]

Hello from NY, USA. Very informative video. Thank you for posting, I wonder if I might be able to contact you? I have a Reeves ME Beam and have some questions for you? Is there a way I might be able to contact you via email? Steve

[@edwinwhite933]

Hi Steve, good to hear from you. My e.mail is [e-mail] I will be happy to help in any way I can. Ed