New member from Brussels

[Jérémie NinoveParticipant @jeremieninove52516]

Hello,

After many years of delaying my début in model engineering I finally took the thing seriously and bought a lathe (Emco compact 8). Back to the 20th century, when I was a child, my father bought drawings of a 7 1/4" locomotive (Decauville) but couldn't make the project any further than some steel pieces spread over the garage. 25 years later, out of nowhere, the man just bought a pre-owned 5" simplex and I thought that was the moment to "get back on track".

My agenda would be first to learn using machining tools, by building a simple steam engine in 7 1/4" and later try to create drawings for some locomotives from the Belgian Railways (type 13, type 36 and type 99, if I don't pass away too soon).

Did you say ambitious ? "A coeur vaillant rien d'impossible" should I respond.

Thanks already for your help.

Jérémie

[Jérémie NinoveParticipant @jeremieninove52516]

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

I spent over four years as an ' ex-pat' living in Belgium , searching for anyone with similar interests. I found…………none.

There was a newspaper article , years later , that showed a man in Bulligen with an impressive collection of self-made models, so you are not alone.

I am sure you will find all the help and assistance from us here, should you need it..

Bonne fortune.

[Brian Baker 2Participant @brianbaker2]

You are right, I have met many good Belgian Model Engineers, both at Antwerp and Brussels, where the 71/4 has been held before, and is due to be held again. (I have fond memories of the chocolate factory visit!). Also should not you chosen design use Walsharts valve Gear?

Regards

Brian B

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

I am not a steam man but a warm welcome along to the forum. Any questions and someone will have an answer.

[DaggersParticipant @daggers]

Welcome to the world of model engineering, it’s always great to hear from lone modellers.

Where to start is always a difficult but nothing is impossible, many great models have been built by first time modellers.

One tip is to use metal of a known quality, this help you machine to a consistent and repeatable standard.

Do your research, GLR, Polly Models, Blackgates, Reeves all have online catalogs and ship to europe.

Youtube is a great resource “learn metal turning andrew whale” could be interesting for you, start at the oldest post and work forward. He starts with a small lathe and builds his knowledge from there.

Ask questions on the forum, no question is too basic, all questions deserve a reply.

Good luck

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Welome ! Many here will agree with your statement that "a valiant heart can achieve the impossible" indeed many have done just that – in my opinion ! There is probably no better place than here for advice on your task ! Good Luck and best wishes. Noel

PS there is the Stoomgroep Holland, though this is in Nederlands.

[Jérémie NinoveParticipant @jeremieninove52516]

Hello there,

Many thanks for your responses ! We have actually few (4) but very nice steam clubs here in Belgium (i applied to become member of the ptvf in Brussels). Newt to it the Stoomgroep Turnhout Petit train de La Louvière, and Ptittrain d'Houdeng. Of course next to UK this looks like peanuts.

The world of model engineering in here is small but there are some wonderful builders !

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