First simple project

[Russ BParticipant @russb]

BollAero18 ??

[Russ BParticipant @russb]

Hi,

I've got a fair amount of kit but I've never used it for model engineering or small scale building, I'm looking to effectively recruit a mate at work who I think after seeing the BollAero plans could very well become a partner in crime to begin this endless journey of scale fascination!

I'm attracted to these plans because of the simplicity of the build and low component count, I'm hoping to get him involved in something quick and easy so wondered if anyone knows of anything simpler/more impressive that might do the job? He's already familiar enough with lathe work

I'm hoping to get a Sieg C0 delivered to work to "show him" and I think I can afford to loan it out for a bit – how convenient ….

I want to make one for myself and run the engine briefly just to prove it and then take a vertical 120deg slice out on the mill and hook up a thumb paddle to spin it up just as a display piece showing the contra piston etc, hopefully I can add to this with more complex pieces over time!

Thanks in advance

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Yes its a fairly basic design so no real headaches to machine. The small IC engines and the diesels in particular do need close attention to the fit of things like piston to liner and crankshaft to bearing/casing which usually means some very fine lapping.

I'd suggest you read the threads or ME articles By Ramon Wilson on his diesel models as they show the type of fit that is required and how to acheive it.

Another simple first time IC is the Firefly Glow engine that was in ME, plans are also on the web, this is my build thread. Possibly even less parts than the Boll, same sort of fit required.

J

[Russ BParticipant @russb]

Jason,

I've had a glance though and that is an extremely impress piece of kit – beautifully finished, – I'd like to do both now……. probably make a few mistakes on the Boll before I attack that FireFly – one slip on the bottom end looks like a whole lot of work and setups wasted – and I'm 100% certain the Boll components won't turn out right first time.

I'll read your build log in full ASAP and soak it all up, it looks like a great example of what I'll need to get the job done right – thanks for that (the only negative been you've set the finished quality bar quite high there lol)

[Russ BParticipant @russb]

Jason,

I think you've changed my mind on my 1st project, that does actually look equally simple to the bollaero and certainly a much sturdier lump.

The main bearing of the BollAero did force me to raise an eyebrow, but I trust the authors judgement to use aluminium bar – did he do this for simplicity for the beginner or am I missing something

Do you think I could I make mine out of phosphor bronze, or oversize the housing and insert a PB1 bush?

Many thanks again,

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

For light use or a few test runs as you mentioned then it should be fine without a bearing. There is enough metal in the nose section that you could bore it out and fit a bearing with a small flange on the inside set into a recess. I think a solid PB nose will look a bit odd on an aero engine not to mention be costly.

This is one of Ramon's builds that I mentioned. Firefly drawings can be found here, its the WF46 ones you want

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