You don't say what size lathe you have, but it doesn't get much simpler than the Elmer's 25, which is small enough to build on almost any lathe. You can download the drawings/instructions here: Elmer's Engines, Scroll down to to "25 Wobbler – The Start Off Project for all newbies".

Here is my effort, it was built on a Unimat, and my introduction to Model Engineering. Although Elmer specifies North American screw threads, I substituted the closest metric size instead. One of the advantages of an engine like this for a first effort, is that it is built completely out of stock metal, so no need to replace expensive castings when the inevitable happens and a part needs to be remade. 

Clive

Edited By clivel on 20/08/2015 21:58:08

Hi,

For first engine I recently made one based loosely on this model :-

**LINK**

It was an easy enough build even for a beginner with just a lathe and a few hand tools.

Jason, I've been looking around for another engine to have a go at and have decided to have a go at the 'Lads and Dads' one you mentioned. I've found a bit of info about it but can't seem to find an actual plan do you know of anywhere I can see the plans ?

Many thanks.

Peter.

Hi Peter

I've sent you a PM

Cheers

Stew

Not many steam engines that need a RCB fitted

Neil