Model Engineer & Workshop Magazine | Site-Wide Activity https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/ Activity feed for the entire site. Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:17:23 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 79e377021c2c2fbf4294314ba1e4be96 Geoff Rogers posted a new Ad 4" Burrell TE boiler check valve casting. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/p/82145/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:11:02 +0100 4″ Burrell Single Crank Compound, Boiler check valve casting, ex-Live Steam Models. Six are available.

]]> 0 828cd2c292e27cdb40b5f3c26607dedb Geoff Rogers posted a new Ad 4" Burrell TE Steam header casting. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/p/82144/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:59:03 +0100 Steam header casting for Live Steam 4″ Burrell Single Crank Compound. Ex- Live Steam Models. Un-machined and three available.

]]> 0 d4b49cae69fe9226334ce436cc888646 David George 1 replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860297 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:30:40 +0100 I have no problems with telecopic guages. place in bore at a slight angle to the axis of the bore. Tighten knurled handle lock nut and tip over center to set the length only once dont repeat as you will get a false reading. Check length of probe with a micrometer and note size. check at a diferant axis to check for ovality and then further down…[Read more]

]]> d2951ef6bc2123715a8ab7cd3dbe0f84 Juddy replied to the topic A chemistry question in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-chemistry-question/#post-860292 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:29:06 +0100 Similar product here: https://greylandlimited-static.mytradespace.co.uk/uploads/52737a82c806f4613213a873eefe0a04/SDS-37-03-Concentrated-Traffic-Film-Remover-001-C.pdf

These traffic film removers require careful handling

 

]]> 9b7c66c5f24ee5c589815adfef4fcf31 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic A chemistry question in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-chemistry-question/#post-860289 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:46:24 +0100 emailed them on Sunday. No reply as yet. I’ll give it a few days the ring them

]]> 62061e63440badfb9ea61743d2b9d52d Robert Atkinson 2 replied to the topic A chemistry question in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-chemistry-question/#post-860288 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:32:42 +0100 As they appear to be an industrial supplier they are legally required to provide a a Safety Data Sheet (SDS formerly MSDS) under UK REACH legislation. Most suppliers provide these on their website. Not doing so does not give a good impression.
It would be interesting to see what they say if Duncan requested a SDS from them.

Robert.

]]> 4669dfa6ac64b4b9637ba52713dabeaf jaCK Hobson replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/page/2/#post-860287 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:03:51 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 12:20 JasonB Said:
I’m not sure how you manage that Jack

OK. You are right again. At least I’m right that the Warco ad annoys me.

And now this gratuitous waste of space (not PCB way itself) is starting to annoy 🙁

Screenshot 2026-08-11 120157_edited

I should start reading this site without my glasses  – then at least the content won’t annoy.

]]> b2a1c5a6c657d5db5cab3ccdafc43f76 Nicholas Farr replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860282 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:24 +0100 Hi Chris, been there in the far off days of work, but mostly to my overalls/boiler suit.

Regards Nick.

]]> 2c6114abcb66b52c0cdb7a803923d950 Chris Gunn replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860279 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:31:48 +0100 Nick you are right about the clothes, i have a few old sweat  shirts with holes at the lower right where the sparks hit you when cutting off in the vice. I also had half a cotton buffing wheel gently smoulder away after being set alight by a grinder spark.

Chris Gunn

]]> f2e209ab0a020e40954e970a8097f0cf zoomer posted a new Ad Denford VMC1300. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/p/82133/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:26:03 +0100 Denford VMC 1300 wanted. If you are considering selling please contact me.

]]> 0 d05949e5eea7c88705d46c2c059616f4 Geoff Rogers posted a new Ad Klinger gasket 1.5mm thick. https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/activity/p/82130/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:30:05 +0100 Klingersil C-4324 gasket material. Non-asbestos compressed fibre gasket material. Approximately 1m square and 1.5mm thick. Un-used and in excellent condition. […]

]]> 0 6d6ccf1d376f9e4b573faa28bdab523a Nicholas Farr replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860256 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 06:50:39 +0100 Hi, it’s always best to wear a leather apron when using angle grinders, as the sparks will damage your clothing, but you should make sure that the sparks are not getting onto anything flammable, or things that will be damaged by them, like glass, paintwork, plastics etc. and also any stainless steels that you may wish to use.

Regards Nick.

]]> a8d22221fa5eadec653d37649d9344fd Nigel Graham 2 replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860250 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:49:06 +0100 Expanding Chris’ point about angle-grinders, the dust is of course abrasive, but also if the range is short the incandescent particles that hit windows will pit the glass.

I learnt this having disc-cut some lengths of steel very close to the side of my car.

]]> 021915ddd1e46e89adea43bc84a55e57 John Haine replied to the topic Solar panel in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/solar-panel/#post-860248 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:29:17 +0100 Our TV aerial mast fell off the chimney on to our panels, again a slight scratch but no apparent effect on efficiency.

]]> bc1c9c9c76575ab46051111c10431b5c Vic replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/page/2/#post-860247 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:22:20 +0100 As mentioned before, it depends on what type of device, the OS and browser you’re using.

IMG_2840

]]> 537c790433461f8ba8609e28cf9605c3 bernard towers replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860244 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:52:22 +0100 Well said Nick I’m with you there!

]]> 115e7f0fd9eb464e3ec87410a4d325fe Paul Kemp replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860241 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:40:49 +0100 I don’t know the answer where coal is concerned!  I have always chucked in some sticks (dry) a firelighter and as soon as the sticks are burning well, start adding small lumps of coal (that’s on a 6” TE, on the 5” gauge stuff I take the same approach but charcoal with white spirit).

First time I steamed the 6” I used home fire brazier (I think)…[Read more]

]]> 1c7b60e3b388e87cb099125e07012766 Alan Wood 4 replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860236 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:07:09 +0100 At the local club we have had success with HomeFire EcoCoal.  You need to break it down into bite size chunks.  It burns very hot and leaves a fine brown dust in the smoke box.  B&Q stock 20k bags.

]]> d21d36002be9c6e04784ecf08b242e00 Michael Gilligan replied to the topic A chemistry question in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-chemistry-question/#post-860235 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:52:16 +0100 I find it very distressing that Joy can openly sell a product like that without widely publishing MSDS/ COSHH details !

MichaelG.

]]> f6da270cf2513f450b868be9ad32382e Nick Wheeler replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860232 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:32:23 +0100 It’s electronic devices that bug me. You know, the ones that have 73 functions accessed via combinations of presses of four buttons and a miniscule 2 line LCD display. The DIY electronic indexers are a good example.

I had hoped that sensibly sized touchscreens would help this, for example adding an on-screen number pad to enter numbers, but the…[Read more]

]]> b9a47ba9e70d68839a34c573af5eac4d duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Lightning in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/lightning/page/3/#post-860229 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:39:39 +0100 I got the system up and running in time for the steam fair, but it came back to bite me a couple of weeks ago. Not lightning this time, one of the ULN2003s failed and instead of being an open collector with a 1k pull up to 5v it started outputting the ~12v supply to the preceding signal. Arduinos don’t like 12v on their inputs, so yet more…[Read more]

]]> 26105ee648aa9c4898a4aa29b6f52232 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Solar panel in the forum Electronics in the Workshop https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/solar-panel/#post-860228 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:10:55 +0100 Just to close this off, we bought a new solar panel, all of ~£40, so we now have a new panel, a new controller and a new battery. Guess what, it works! The battery had died anyway, it wouldn’t hold charge even if I brought it home and charged it off the mains via a clever charger, and the controller was only ~£5.

Thanks to all who have put up w…[Read more]

]]> 5ae92bff7b5f8eca30cccd607387ebec Chris Gunn replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860225 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:07:40 +0100 My money would be on angle grinders, I used them a lot for cutting and grinding and sanding, and now my workshop is filthy with dust. My fault, but use them outside, and make sure the sparks dont hit your patio doors/windows.

Chris Gunn.

]]> d56d9d017d55e4067f1f149d0b5b659c JasonB replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860224 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:05:59 +0100 In that case if you don’t want to start again touch the image box, choose an image from file or camera and upload that. You can then touch the image which brings up a row of icons along the top, at the right of those icons is another X which will delete the image but leave anything else you have previously typed. Again it does it on mine but may…[Read more]

]]> e14f1b1e4616975cf7ba00e0b065d2f3 Chris Gunn replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860221 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:02:55 +0100 Michael, Good luck with the Polish coal, as said the rally guys get it, and I just got rid of 20 bags, mostly ex rallies, as I am stopping rallying. All the heritage railways I have been to recently have mountains of it.

Chris

 

]]> 4619441dcd0c8203bf34413ce85cea15 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860220 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:52:53 +0100 well it doesn’t on mine, and I’ve tried moving the white box up and down the screen

]]> efbe1c6a225b0255b8cbe1c2c0c7ae96 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic A chemistry question in the forum The Tea Room https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/a-chemistry-question/#post-860219 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:51:32 +0100 According to the empty container I found at the track it’s https://jovs.co.uk/product/traffic-film-remover-500-strong-5-liters/

There isn’t a data sheet on the interweb, I’ve emailed Jov, but no reply yet. Lots of different brands for TFR (Traffic Film Remover), some claim to be non caustic, all contain detergent. It appears the detergents work…[Read more]

]]> 51ac551cf5aef3eb8ada410a2bfb9cad JasonB replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860218 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:29:48 +0100 The X closes it with no problem on my Android phone.

]]> e56d4f475d1759b9fcff04774cadeca4 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860217 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:26:06 +0100 The problem is on my android phone, I can hit the X in the top right corner but it does nothing, and of course I don’t have an esc key on a phone

]]> a62a1d13a52d6cc082c7e779a3d69ac2 Roderick Jenkins replied to the topic can anyone make me a file? 3d file in the forum 3D Printers and 3D Printing https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/can-anyone-make-me-a-file/#post-860216 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:21:01 +0100 Good Result!

]]> ccda1021e34e50829abe90bbcb6bb145 JasonB replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/page/2/#post-860211 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:09:45 +0100 The slightly smaller 3/4″ bore 10V and 10H don’t use rings and there must be 1000s of them running with a good few doing real work like generating or in small boats. Their pistons are 1/4″ thick.

It is not much of  astep up to the the Beam and other Stuarts that use the same 1″ x 2″ cylinde, these will also happily run without piston packing or…[Read more]

]]> 89392f54114ac932eee28cd85c6a015f Nigel Graham 2 replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/page/2/#post-860206 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:47:10 +0100 Jason and Chas both mention running the engine without rings, though for slightly different reasons.

If the engine is only going to be ambling round at its prototypical 40-ish rpm on a whiff of air, not driving hefty (for it) machinery, the empty groove might function as a very simple labrynth seal.

The principle there is the sudden…[Read more]

]]> 7eeaa70ffd31e450f3ac4861682f7d3a JasonB replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860205 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:40:48 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 14:12 duncan webster 1 Said:
I don’t have any problem with the ads, someone has to pay for the forum. What I do hate is if I hit the upload photo button by mistake, the only way to get out is to close the forum and start again

Duncan, can you not click the X in the top right corner. Alternative is to hit the escape key if o…[Read more]

]]> ae06f472e977381c80940d544e1eca44 Nigel Graham 2 replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860204 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:25:21 +0100 Out of curiosity I selected the third symbol that has appeared on the Warco ad, labelled “About our ads.”

I am not sure I understood the rubric, as that appears based at the advertising and web-site trade, not we mere commodities who onlyl use them. However, its own “About us” seems to show that the “our” – ContentIgnite – is a British firm that…[Read more]

]]> a8c3d84dc44954fbc95eb8e470818dc6 Ian Parkin replied to the topic can anyone make me a file? 3d file in the forum 3D Printers and 3D Printing https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/can-anyone-make-me-a-file/#post-860203 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:50:33 +0100 Here is the final print off the file that Alan kindly made me

it still needs a gentle sanding and matt varnishing perhaps

IMG_4618IMG_4619

]]> 17701536df1cdb7826d44b756393ae30 SteveP replied to the topic New project for 2025 in the forum I/C Engines https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/new-project-for-2025/page/2/#post-860200 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:31:15 +0100 Time and motion checking up again,  they keep telling me to work harder and be more productive.

Steve

]]> ead160cf058d9e8bb4315a7259ae5494 File Handle replied to the topic What the hell is going on with the suppliers??? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/what-the-hell-is-going-on-with-the-suppliers/page/2/#post-860197 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:16:25 +0100 Went to Driffield Steam Rally at the weekend. One thing that stood out to me was that there was far less trader stands there this year. Still found gems hiding under rust and the 4 I typically buy from were there however.

]]> a148e6a0139aeff1a7d20725a34972a6 duncan webster 1 replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860196 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:12:48 +0100 I don’t have any problem with the ads, someone has to pay for the forum. What I do hate is if I hit the upload photo button by mistake, the only way to get out is to close the forum and start again

]]> d9d4d9cba6d4d195dc117639218f4e01 Bill Phinn replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860193 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:09:16 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 08:14 John MC Said:

The guy in the video uses his mic by “feel” rather than the ratchet, but is happy to rely on, what amounts to luck, for an accurate measurement, possibly?   

A man of Adam Booth’s experience is using a lot more than “luck” when he uses his metrological equipment.

“I think that the suggestion th…[Read more]

]]> ae6670c18e1acc75bde35656a2dc6e27 Michael Callaghan replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860192 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:58:35 +0100 Hi Chris, I tried all that, the little coal stock held is now looked on like gold. I have been able to order a few bags of polish steam coal which should be delivered next week. It is said to be good in model locomotives. Time will tell

]]> 8f30b6fc0419b5ca871e604b2bc9b6c2 Chris Taylor 3 replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/page/2/#post-860189 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:48:10 +0100 Clive, thanks, that is exactly what I intend to do, everything seems fairly free, and I am intending to use the two rings I bought from Stuart models only after I have made sure everything works properly.

]]> 69a1a713d2373b000b23451de62c766e JasonB replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/page/2/#post-860185 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:28:55 +0100 Andrew, that is not what I have found to be the case.

As I mentioned earlier Model Engineers handbook gives groove sizes for Model use and also shows the industry standard SAE grooves which are for pressures upto 1500psi.

Likewise to use Parker as an example as Ches linked to them if you look at page 3 of this pdf you will again see the grooves…[Read more]

]]> 04a35a6525bdfc0977e83d62bf1b3a7c Chris Gunn replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860182 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:06:33 +0100 Michael, you can still get house/steam coal, the steam rally organisers can get it, as can the steam railways, but domestic users cannot. Consider asking your U3A if any members want their old coal bunkers emptying, or go on the scrounge to your nearest steam railway, you will not need a lot. I would forget about the smokeless briquettes, I did…[Read more]

]]> 60a34983e857fa1918be19e782ba63bb AStroud replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/#post-860178 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:41:05 +0100 If you check commercial tables for O ring groove design they do not factor in the pressure to be sealed, a groove for 5 psi has the same dimensions as a groove for 2000 psi. Sealing is achieved partly by the O ring deforming slightly and at higher pressures the use of backing rings are suggested.

There are tolerances given for the groove…[Read more]

]]> 6f564f5edef46118a32412ecb4912227 JasonB replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860177 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:20:59 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 11:39 jaCK Hobson Said:

On 10 August 2026 at 11:30 jaCK Hobson Said:
nally, I think the website design could be improved and I would hope a better solution is sought and available. So, for example, on my screen the bottom banner takes up a lot of real-estate while there is still a lot of blank screen to the right of the text…

[Read more]

]]> 20a9e11b504b4834d594f1389278b0d9 Graham Meek replied to the topic Annoying Ad in the forum Website Questions, Comments, and Suggestions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/annoying-ad/#post-860176 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:06:44 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 11:09 Bo’sun Said:

On 10 August 2026 at 10:45 Graham Meek Said:
This is probably why the TV adverts have assumed a near Soap Opera quality and length these days.

 

Gray,

That’s why I watch almost exclusively BBC.  Yes, I may be missing out on some good stuff, but it realy ceases to be good when the combined length of the…

[Read more]

]]> d7fe41529f078e84b2e2f8a56d45e56d jaCK Hobson replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860167 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:55:26 +0100

On 10 August 2026 at 11:52 jaCK Hobson Said:
I prefer hand-tools for most things

Not very accurate statement… I use battery tools a lot.

]]> 85990a684e9c9d8622e896082776dcbc Clive Brown 1 replied to the topic Stuart Beam Piston in the forum Beginners questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/stuart-beam-piston/#post-860163 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:53:29 +0100 Since the piston is a good fit in the cylinder, I’d be inclined to trial the engine, preferably on air, without any rings. It’s not required to do any work and blow-by on the required low pressure should be fairly minimal.

If it’s still stiff without rings then misalignment somewhere is indicated. One area to look could be the piston-rod glands,…[Read more]

]]> 5f92754d292655937dfacb274973a452 jaCK Hobson replied to the topic Tools you hate using or just don't get on with? in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/tools-you-hate-using-or-just-dont-get-on-with/page/2/#post-860160 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:52:51 +0100 I had a cheap but big chop saw from B&Q. Initially I quite liked it but over time things broke – like the safety guard and the on/off switch. By the time I used it for the decking the ‘switch’ was the mains plug and the blade was spinning in almost free air. The stress of using it was just too much and I binned it before I finished the…[Read more]

]]> e64f94e06613f46f6cddde62e75bc6ea Clive Brown 1 replied to the topic Problem firing up in the forum General Questions https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/topic/problem-firing-up/#post-860151 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:43:43 +0100 Welsh steam coal in small quantities / sizes for models is listed on Ebay It’s a bit pricy for what it is but it might help you get a good fire going. Could be mixed with anthracite beans for running perhaps.

]]>