Mechanical Engineering Home Workshop

Having grown up on a farm with limited resources there was always pressure to fix things when broken rather than calling in outside bodies.   Spending many hours watching my grandfather and father and his brother gave me a good grounding on how to fix stuff and how to get dirt under your fingernails.

My school life centred on the mechanical engineering workshop rather than the maths and physics I should have been concentrating on but things turn out as they turn out.  Forty years later sees me retired and with a nice workshop that allows me to re-visit my mechanical roots and have fun.

Follow the sub menus to see what I have been up to.

4 Replies to “Mechanical Engineering Home Workshop”

  1. I am buildig a Merchant navy Class 5″ Gauge loco into which I intend to fit a rosebud grate. My question is what determines the size of hole in the grate. And what percentage of ratio is best 10/15% or is it just a case of suck iy and see?

    1. Hi Colin, sorry for delay replying but I am travelling at the moment. I used 4mm as a starting point and then used my spreadsheet at 15% occupancy. I did a 3D drawing based on this in Fusion and extruded it only a couple of mm thick. I printed this and checked the model was a tight fit in the firebox floor opening. I wanted to make sure that air wasn’t preferentially getting in round the perimeter. Once this looked OK I played with the spreadsheet to get the best looking pattern. It does all seem a bit suck it and see. Having run a few times I find you need a more powerful starting up fan and once up and running I leave the engine blower slightly open all the time. The fire is very bright and much better than the old bar grate. I hope that helps. Play with the spreadsheet and come back to me. Once I get a proper keyboard I might add some thoughts. Make sure about not getting air round the edges!

  2. I have a 5 inch gauge B.R. standard class 4 MTT tank engine made for Silver Crest Models. The engine has been left to me by a friend of mine who has passed away. Unfortunately the engine does not have a fire grate. I understand that the grate is made in three sections. could you advise me if you could supply such items please. I would appreciate an estimate of cost if you could supply.

    1. Hi Alan, thanks for getting in touch.
      I don’t have any experience of the Silvercrest Class 4 but I will ask at our local club.
      I will come back to you and let you know.

      Kind regards
      Woody

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