Stuart Triple

[david newman 9Participant @davidnewman9]

I have built the Stuart beam engine, number 9 and twin victoria want something a little more challenging now thinkig of the Stuart triple Has anyone on here built one, any drawbacks? Would like some feedback as the castings are very expensive. David

[david newman 9Participant @davidnewman9]

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Maybe Dave, you could design your own next project, find an engine you like the look of, either in the raw, you can get to work with a tape measure, or take it from a photo, I don't do castings, I do use cast iron, unless there are castings that can be modified to suit, fabricate it, a bit of welding and a go with the angle grinder(and mill and lathe), and a coat of paint, theres your casting.

The main reason I don't use castings is that first you'v got to make a pattern, then get it cast, all for one item, you now have a good background from Stuarts, I'm affraid that sort of stuff is a bit too costly for me.

Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 29/02/2012 07:54:06

[Paul BoscottParticipant @paulboscott25817]

I would tend to agree with Ian.

I have built a triple and though I had a sense of satisfaction when 850 hours later it worked the machining was a bit samey also as I did not run it on steam the timing had to be messed about with to compensate for the fact that compressed air does not condense like steam does.

Subsequently I have designed my own engines but it’s a lot of work especially if you really enjoy the machining following proven plans does give you a finished working model.

Try looking at Linley machines they for me have combined good difficult machining using stock bar (easy to have more at one go at a bit) with work of art looking working machines their plans are proven but just plans you have to work out how and which order you make it.

Edited By Paul Boscott on 29/02/2012 12:14:16

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I'd also take a look at some of Anthony Mounts designs, Bruce sell a lot of the castings though a many can be made by fabrication which also gives you the option to alter their size, have a look at my Benson for example.

[BERT ASHTONParticipant @bertashton57372]

Hi David,

Over the years I have made two Stuart triples, please take a look in my

album on the ME website.

I think the most difficult part of the job is machining the double throw spilt eccentric

for the IP or middle cylinder, if you decide to have a go and find that you need any

help or advice please email me.

Bert.

Edited By BERT ASHTON on 29/02/2012 14:18:12

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Hi David

I certainly like Anthony Mount's designs. As Jason says castings for many of these are available from Polly Model Engineering ( Bruce) as are a couple of his construction books. If you can get to the Bristol exhibition in the autumn he is usually there with many of his engines and is a very interesting and approachable guy. I'm at present working on his Trapezium Connecting Rod engine which offers a few more challenges than the Stuarts I've done ( but not as many as the triple I think!) . If you look through his range I think you will find one that matches your need for a challenge and is also appealing to you. I think most of his designs have been published either in ME or in that "other" model engineering publication.

Do let us know what you decide.

Regards

Norman

Edited By NJH on 29/02/2012 14:50:52

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Just to add that the ones that Polly/Bruce don't do are produced by Cotswold. The Mconie will certainly keep you out of mischive for a while.

If its a marine engine you fancy then Reeves also have a few to choose from.

I have also seen the Stuart Triple made without castings, the cylinders being machined from a block of CI and the base from either CI plate or even alloy

J

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