Thread: Stephenson's Rocket

Keith, Even in the grey primer, the train looks the real deal... TOP MARKS SIR AGAIN!!! Cheers, Peter

Nothing like a good support to keep things up. Really is taking shape now keith

10941_Rocket_GA.png10942_Rocket_GA.png565px-Steam_locomotive_rocket.pngI hope these help you with your project.

Thanks Roytp,

I will certainly use these as references

Regards

Keith

Hi All,

I have been working on the mercurial manometer that is situated on the front of the locomotive and up the side of the smokestack. This was to enable the locomotive driver to check out his steam pressure.
The biggest hassle (and biggest amount of time) was trying to work out a method of securing the brackets that hold the manometer to the smoke stack.
I decided that I would need to have studs in the stack and then secure the brackets with nuts on the stud. I drilled and tapped 3mm into the stack and then cut off the heads of 3mm metal threads and then filled the drilled and tapped holes with 5 minute araldite. Then screwed the metal threads in. The araldite is a very good thread lock.
The manometer itself is made out of 4mm mild steel rod. I have made up joiners out of 6.5mm aluminium drilled to 4mm.
The top section is where the gauge numbers will be on my completed locomotive. This is where the driver viewed his locomotives steam pressure.

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I have been wondering what my manufacture method will be for the boiler "steel" bands.
I made up a mock of my outer diameter of the boiler. Worked out my circumference and then I cut up an old piece of PVC downpipe I had. This is only 2.5 mm thick - so it is very flexible but has considerable strength. I have now cut my bands - will paint them, but won't install until near the end of building the locomotive.

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Regards

Keith

Looking good!!! and thanks for the last two pictures helped me with an idea I've been working on and wondering where the material needed would come from.

Hi All,

Have just about completed the front locomotive section (except for the paintwork - which is still a fair way off).

The first photo shows my completion and connection of the manometer pipework to the boiler.

The second photo is the reversing pedal on the footplate which controls the direction of the locomotive.

The third photo shows the linkage connection from the reversing pedal to the eccentric drive on the main drive axle of the locomotive.

I am looking forward to working on the tender. There is still a lot of work to do with new wheels and the "wine barrel" water tank is going to be interesting.

Regards

Keith

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Those last three picture really show the dedication and detail that you are putting into this build Keith

Keith, with your attention to detail I look forward to you describing how the valve and reversing gear on "Rocket" work, because to be honest I do not have much of a clue despite operating more modern steam engines (at least those built 50 years latter).
I am sure that in comparison to the "engine" part the tender will be relatively straight forward. The wine part of the barrel should be interesting. Are we going to see some cooper skills in miniature?

Originally Posted by Handyjack

Keith, with your attention to detail I look forward to you describing how the valve and reversing gear on "Rocket" work, because to be honest I do not have much of a clue despite operating more modern steam engines (at least those built 50 years latter).
I am sure that in comparison to the "engine" part the tender will be relatively straight forward. The wine part of the barrel should be interesting. Are we going to see some cooper skills in miniature?

Thanks Kevin,

I have a book that explains the workings (thanks Alan). Will scan some sections of it if you like.

I think I will have a go at the wine barrel manufacture - Have to at least attempt it

Regards

Keith

Well push comes to shove turn the barrel and score the staves on OK I know that is cheating

Originally Posted by Dalboy

Well push comes to shove turn the barrel and score the staves on OK I know that is cheating

It's scary Derek that you and I come up with the same idea.

I had already sketched up my barrel before Kevin suggested trying my cooper skills.

Have been online looking at manufacture of mini wine barrels. We will see what eventuates

Regards

Keith

Handyjack (Kevin)

Here is some of the information on the drive mechanism of the Rocket.

Hope it is of interest to you

Regards

Keith

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Thank you Keith and Allan. That helps to explain it.