Stuart Beam engine - see text for source.

Hi, I'm back again after a long break.  I have managed to get a reasonable workshop up and running and I will post a few articles and photographs of developments in a little while.  The main picture here is not of my engine but a lovely example of the same Stuart Beam, which I 'borrowed' from IndianaRog and the Temple of Steam - here.  If he wishes me to remove it, please contact me and I will comply.

I have now started a few projects, I tend to keep two or three on the boil as it helps to keep my short attention span concentrated.  Also I lost my lifetimes collection of tools, equipment and materials in the fire which destroyed my garage/workshop.  Hence, when I realise I haven't replaced something, I often have to postpone work until I can order replacement tools and /or materials.  Also I have been making a few workshop aids and tools as I go along as need demands.

At present I am  concerned with refurbishing a Stuart Beam Engine and Boiler.  These were obtained from a friend some years ago and a second friend offered to refurbish the poorly made model.  Unfortunately that 'friend' was not very reliable and left the model in component form after stripping it down to the last nut and bolt.  I took the model back and stored it for a while but it was in the garage fire.  I managed to salvage the main parts i.e. the column and beam, the main base and flywheel plus crankshaft as well as the cylinder.  Most of the other parts were wither lost in the fire, too badly damaged to repair or simply badly made.  The boiler was badly damaged but I have put that aside while I concentrate on the main engine itself.