| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| MFSteam |
To start Things OffHere we go then with a new topic, Model Engineering is a real passion for me. The first model I made was when I was 16 and it was a 1cc compression ignition diesel engine for use in a rail racing car. I had every intention of making the car to go with it but never got round to it. Some of you may be a little surprised that it was not a steam engine that started me off. It is my father who is a prolific builder of model engines and his guidance and knowledge got me through the build. It was the first complete model I ever made. Over the years I have made many replacement parts for toy steam engines using such equipment as Mills, Lathes, Grinding Machines and even spark erroders and as a Toolmaker by trade i have easy access to it all. My first real steam construction was the complete rebuild of a Stuart S50 Mill engine a number of years ago.It is only in the last year or two that I have made a real effort to get a few models made, it started with the construction of the Two Mamod Minor Twins This is a picture that shows most of the component parts of the prototype Twins. i made everything shown. 
This picture shows the two completed models ready for painting. 
From these I went on to make The MFTwin, a replica of the original Mamod Pre War Twin. It gives me great pleasure to say that without exception everyone who has a MFTwin is delighted by the quality and appearance. From these engines came the idea to expand on the theme with a range of Twin cylinder steam ngines inspired by the appearence of pre war mamods. There are currently three models with more on the way when time allows. 
So there you go a very brief history of my model engineering experiences, hopefully this Topic will encourage more people to to have ago and perhaps a few more members that will post. |
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| Spokesmann |
A great start MF! If I never got into art/graphics I think I would have gone into some sort of engineering trade,although I have always dabbled in engines be they steam or petrol . . . - I was told at a young age to stick to what Im good at . . . glad you did too!!
I never tire of seeing your engines, now what about that SE4 replica . . . . 
I hope you will be bringing along some of your goodies at STIA - a great 'shop window' for you! |
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| 8_10 Brass Cleaner |
MF that last engine loogs good, is it an opposed twin like the original MFTwin? I'm on dial up, and laoding the video will take a long time, any chance of more photos? | ||||
| Mamod Collector |
Very nice MF, as Mr Brass cleaner says any chance of some more stills
Could you post a pic of your 1cc compression ignition diesel engine And you say your dad is a engine builder, any chance of some of his pics 
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| MFSteam |
mostly E T Westbury designs as described in Model Engineer during the 40's and 50's. My engine is at Dad will takes pics tomorrow but it looks like this http://images.google.co.uk/imgres...g.mozilla:en-GB:official%26sa%3DG but mine is not anodised and has no tank. I'm on it with the stationary now. |
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| John Chapman |
A very impressive collection. | ||||
| MFSteam |
Here you go, i used modifyed meccano gears but everything else I made.
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| 8_10 Brass Cleaner |
Very nice, I like that, might make a smaller base for my 'Jones' now I've seen that. |
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| MFSteam |
I must say I like the compact look the small base gives it. This is going to be the standard size for the following variations of the engine. |
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| Trojanhorse2 |
I have nothing but praise and admiration for people who discover what they're good at at an early age and then stick with it! | ||||
| Mamod Collector |
Very impressed MF, engineering talent must run in your family
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| Spokesmann |
Really fascinating images MF! The flatbase twin is a real beauty . . .! | ||||
| avenger |
Nice lot of engines Guy's ! | ||||
| John Chapman |
Superb workmanship, congratulations. | ||||
| Nick |
The more I visit this site, the more I am considering buying an MF Twin.
How well do they handle firings? Does the paint hold up well? Should I get the single wick burner, double wick, or both, just to have some fun with it? Thanks in advance for the help, and please talk me into buying one of these.
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| Spokesmann |
Ill let the images do the talking... 
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| John Chapman |
Go for it Nick. They are superbly built and run like a dream. | ||||
| Trojanhorse2 |
Definitely a "future classic"! | ||||
| oldstuff |
I was going to say the Twin Vertical was my favorite, but I really can't! All of them are
absolutely superb, Ian. With the bar set so high, what's left for the rest of us mere mortal wannabees? 
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| MFSteam |
Thanks for your kind words chuck. There's plenty left for others to do . We all have our own styles, mine is somewhat borrowed from a well known brand. You have yours, who's to say which is the best? Personally I think that anybody that produces a working steam engine has done an excellent job and deserves a pat on the back.
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| avenger |
Agreed !!! |
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| oldstuff |
Man, I was just staring at that second photo of Mike's for the longest time. It's the closeup
of the top showing the safety valve, frame, pipework, etc. All his photos are great, but what an exceptional shot that is! Ian, the body of the SV looks like a terminal nut. Did you adapt it from one or turn it yourself? I like the top of the valve, too. Is it and the shaft from one piece or is the shaft soldered in? Is the spring crimped on or adjustable with a nut? So many questions, I know, but working out its construction could aid me in making better valves. |
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| MFSteam |
Mike takes some great shots, I only have a point and shoot, they are only good for taking pictures of yourself when you have had a few
This picture shows the SV, it has a one piece machined nut and a one piece moving pin. the thread allows the sv to be adjusted. It is a direct copy of the original. 
This SV is a copy of a Cyldon one. this time the moving pin is in two pieces, the stud screws into the top piece. again it has a threaded nut to allow full adjustment |
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| newts |
Chuck, here's a bowman SV stripped apart.
Should give a good view of its make up, although the photo's not too sharp 
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| Spokesmann |
MAMOD SVs
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| oldstuff |
Safety valve heaven. Thanks very much!
Ian, those are beautiful. I like those barrel nuts, very classy. The Cyldon sv really interests me. I like the two-piece shaft, plus the body seems pretty simple. Regarding the one-piece shaft of the Mamod-type valve, cutting threads doesn't enlarge the diameter of the shaft, correct? Mike, thanks for showing the Bowman sv. But may I bother you to explain it having a handle? |
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| Nick |
Mike, your pictures did do the talking!
And John, I just did! wave |
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| newts |
Chuck, i'm afraid i don't know why there's a handle SV. The earlier Bowman/wormar valves were like this, just to keep things plain & simple 
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| Spokesmann |
Good man!
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| John Chapman |
I'm certain you'll love it
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| Nick |
About another week and we will know.
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| MFSteam |
[quote="oldstuff"]
Regarding the one-piece shaft of the Mamod-type valve, cutting threads doesn't enlarge the diameter of the shaft, correct? /quote] yes you are correct, for example if you want to cut a 1/4" bsf thread you turn the diameter to 0.250". cut the thread with a die and if you were to measure the od of the thread you would find it to be 0.002-0.010" down on 1/4". |
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| MFSteam |
I dont know either but I can tell you the majority of the marine sv's had no handle. |
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| silver760 |
MF opposed TwinDo you plan to manufacture the opposed twin as you have done with the MFTwin?I'd love one of those opposed twins,absoloutely superb!! |