Looking for detailed build logs to help decide next project

[GrahamSParticipant @grahams]

Hi,

I am looking for detailed build logs to help decide my next engine.

I am looking to build a stationary IC engine, possibly either DeDion, Bonds Simplex or Daimler from Eng Emporium.

I have found a few picture builds, but would prefer detailed accompanying text.

Anyone aware if anything like this exists?

I am finding the search facility on here decidedly iffy , is it just me? 🙂

Thanks

 

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I don’t think I have seem much in the way of build threads for the DeDion or Daimler. There is one about for the Simplex possibly by Rod, I will have a look

EDIT . No it was Phil over on MEM and sometimes here too. Unfortunately all the images have gone from the thread

https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php?topic=958.0

[GrahamSParticipant @grahams]

Thanks, any detailed build logs of similar engines at all ?

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

If there is anything specific you want to see, I still have the original photo’s from my article on the Simplex.
I dont have time to re-load them all to the forum though.

I never did get round to running it, I am sure it will run but just not that interested to make the effort.

Phil P

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

What do you mean by a “build log”, though?

To me that is a detailed diary by a particular builder, so will reflect his or her specific equipment and methods.

The most you will find published are explanatory notes suggesting how the components can be made, as the author made them. The entire set might be an umpteen-episode serial in the magazine; and although potentially very helpful for that project cannot be said to be a “building log”.

Such an article is not a guide to choosing what engine to make, but whether to make that specific engine..

What it can help us decide though, is how simple or complicated, easy or difficult, may be its subject for us to make. For that we need study the drawings and ask ourselves, “Can I make that with my equipment?”

The text does, or should, add further details such as assembly notes, valve- and ignition- timings, suppliers of castings or other specifics, etc.; but the drawings should be the main source of information. One hopes.

In the end we as builders can assess any candidate project only against our own abilities, time and money, and the limits of our workshop equipment.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

The drawings are often only available at the time the castings are purchase, that is certainly the case with the engines mentioned by the OP so can’t easily be viewed before deciding to purchase. Though you may get some snipped images of the drawings within a build diary to get an idea of what they are like.

A build diary will give a good idea of what type and size equipment may be needed and also point out any problems like casting quality, are the drawings any good, possible methods of manufacture that the reader may need help with, etc

As for similar builds than any of the common split crankcase 4-stroke (and evenb 2) will give an idea of the type of work needed for these styles of engine. So look for things like Westbury’s Kiwi and Kittywake. You are also likely to find threads on forums where the members build engines MEM and HMEM would be th ebest two to look at. Although cut fron solid a lot of what is in this build of mine would still apply to any split case 4 stroke.

Little ’36 Midget Build

Must admit any of those three mentioned would appeal to me more than the Westbury designs. Also be aware that the de dion and Daimler will be in metric and possibly teh Simplex too which may influence your decision.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Found a couple for you

https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/the-dion-bouton-scale-model-1903.22534/#post-240633

https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/de-dion-bouton.19019/

https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/daimler-maybach-standuhr-1885.18991/

[GrahamSParticipant @grahams]

Thanks All.

I agree with all the above comments.

To justify the time and expense in a build of this size, I like to gather as much info as possible before starting to check I am really attracted to the design ( so am less likely to bale out when its gets tough ) and it fits my equipment and skill capabilities etc.  So a previous builders experience with it , set ups and procedures is of great value I find.

I have successfully built and have a running Hoglet. Digging deep into the archives for that project was essential for me so would like to repeat the experience 🙂

Based on my past experience I find steam based projects much easier than IC, I have many steam projects where I have just worked from the drawings with no problem. IC seems more daunting for me at the moment – I probably just need to bite the bullet and tackle a few more !

Thanks

 

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