Michigan

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Bob

Work is starting on a new 5″ locomotive for the Bristol Society – Michigan.

This will be an electrically powered locomotive with dc motors on each axle with and onboard power supply using an alternator and Honda Engine. Using the profile of an American switcher loco the engine will drop down between the bogies to make maximum use of the space available.

At present we have the chassis and most of the components to allow it to be assembled for a trial run. The body which is being supplied in basic form by Ride on Railways is awaited. A number of members have agreed to make individual components but much of this work cannot start until the body arrives.

The engine will be similar to our 7 1/4″ locomotive Thomas Telford which has proved to be very successful. If you want to learn more about Thomas Telford visit the web site http://thomastelford.wordpress.com.

Polly Progress

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Sean

Progess has been slow due to other commitments but now I’m hitting the workshop in ernest.

The base, firebox and baseweight are assembled.

The engine standard has been curved to fit the firebox, axle bushes turned and soft soldered to the bottom of the standard and the portface has been drilled/milled and riveted and soft soldered to the top of the standard.

Last night I turned the crank and crank pin, I just need to tap it 5BA now (guess what the one tap I’m missing is? Grrrrrr)

Workshop Week 12

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Alan

Well, we’ve got there. The building is basically complete. There are a few thinks that still need to be done or rectified but the shell is complete. As such this will probably be the last of the weekly updates, maybe when some of the interior is fitted out?

Workshop Week 11

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Alan

Nearly here for the basic building. Concrete pump arrived at dawn on Wednesday, unfortunately the concrete didn’t until 9am. Unfortunately the camera batteries didn’t like working at that time or perhaps it was just the cold. Still the floor and the front apron is now complete. Work continues on the gables but the ridge tiles have been completed. All the drains are connected to the soakaway and the tiles along the valley gutter need trimming-back. Hopefully complete by the end of week 12. Of course our week will still need completing; painting the walls, electrics, lighting, water/sink, the inlaid track in the floor, door cladding and probably much more I have forgotten.

Workshop Week 10

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Alan

Week 10 and very little has changed from last week, although the roof tiles have been completed, just the ridge tiles to go. Gable ends still need to be finished. Formwork for the track in the concrete floor has been trialled prior to the membrane and concrete floor being laid. Some concern has been raised over the amount of water seen below the valley gutter on Friday, awaiting confirmation that the valley has been sealed. Photos below:-

Workshop Week 9

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Alan

Morning all, sorry late again this week.

One side of the roof has now been tiled and with lots of shifting help from the Friday gang, the main doors have been installed.

Workshop Week 8

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Alan

Sorry for the delay if anyone out there has been following theses photos, weekend taken up by the children; still. Last weeks photos added below; and yes for the eagle eyed, the date stone does say 2014!

Alan Hooper

Workshop Week 7

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Alan

Week 7 and the roof goes on. Pictures attached.

Workshop Wishlist

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Sean

I’ve added a post to the Members Section Forum where you can suggest items of machinery or tooling for the new workshop, If there is specific item you want to have access to there, add a reply to the post.

I’m hoping for one of these………

Workshop – Week 6

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Alan

Another week gone and the rear door frame is in, the lintels are in and the first wall plate added. All the remaining materials appear to have been delivered, including the tiles. Photo’s attached. Please think about what you would like to see/have in this facility and let one of the Committee know; it is not all about maintaining the railway.