MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
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MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Hi all, you loco builder:
I decided that i would like to build a Wendy steam loco from the now long-gone MEG steam. After obtaining a set of plans and giving them a good looking over i decided to move forward with the build. After some research and reading more about MEG steam it was found that the original engines were built with just a lathe (NO MILL). So, I have changed some things from the original design but am following the design fairly close as it is a solid design and why reinvent the wheel. The first parts i had water jet cut out are the side frames and some plates that make the frame stretchers, only thing i changed was i added two holes above the rear axle slot to mount the weight shaft, and made the rear frame stretch from 3/16" steel plate instead of 1/8", I did move the holes that mount the journal box plates because i am going to make them in one piece like a horse shoe. I scrounged threw the steel in the garage for all the angle that was needed and cut them all to length, I used 3/16" x 1 1/4" angle for the 4 corner pieces instead of 3/16" x 1" and 1/8" x 3/4" angle on all the other parts. The cab floor mounting bracket is were i found the first mistake on the prints they call out to make the mount 8 1/2" long and mount it 1 3/4" from the end of the frame, but if you do this and drill the holes in the floor where they call out you will miss the front hole, the bracket is too short. I plan on making the floor longer so i lengthened the mount to 12" and mounted it 1 1/2" from the end of the frame, problem solved. Next is to weld all the angle to the frame. I started a cylinder pattern along with a core box but it's far from done, going to try Cat tail foundry i here there good to deal with.
Well until next time happy railroading
Matt
I decided that i would like to build a Wendy steam loco from the now long-gone MEG steam. After obtaining a set of plans and giving them a good looking over i decided to move forward with the build. After some research and reading more about MEG steam it was found that the original engines were built with just a lathe (NO MILL). So, I have changed some things from the original design but am following the design fairly close as it is a solid design and why reinvent the wheel. The first parts i had water jet cut out are the side frames and some plates that make the frame stretchers, only thing i changed was i added two holes above the rear axle slot to mount the weight shaft, and made the rear frame stretch from 3/16" steel plate instead of 1/8", I did move the holes that mount the journal box plates because i am going to make them in one piece like a horse shoe. I scrounged threw the steel in the garage for all the angle that was needed and cut them all to length, I used 3/16" x 1 1/4" angle for the 4 corner pieces instead of 3/16" x 1" and 1/8" x 3/4" angle on all the other parts. The cab floor mounting bracket is were i found the first mistake on the prints they call out to make the mount 8 1/2" long and mount it 1 3/4" from the end of the frame, but if you do this and drill the holes in the floor where they call out you will miss the front hole, the bracket is too short. I plan on making the floor longer so i lengthened the mount to 12" and mounted it 1 1/2" from the end of the frame, problem solved. Next is to weld all the angle to the frame. I started a cylinder pattern along with a core box but it's far from done, going to try Cat tail foundry i here there good to deal with.
Well until next time happy railroading
Matt
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
I think that is a good build. I've seen several of them running. They were finished out to look like different style locomotives (English or American), and used different wheels, domes and cabs, but the basic running gear was the same. They all seemed to perform very well. Good to start with a design that you know works and has been successfully built many times before. Good luck to you.
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
I agree, I'm going to do a wood cab and change up the tank. I have been kicking around different wheels not sure yet.
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Hi All,
Well i made a little head way, got the frame parts all laid out and read to weld, a good friend of mine is going to TIG weld everything togetehr in a day or two.
Well i made a little head way, got the frame parts all laid out and read to weld, a good friend of mine is going to TIG weld everything togetehr in a day or two.
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Hi everyone:
Have been making a little head way on the Wendy. Got the frame sides back from welding and got the front and rear plates cut out, started to assemble the frame parts so the middle frame spreader can be welded and the rest of the brackets welded on as well. I did make the propane burner for the boiler it's about 17,000 btu
Have been making a little head way on the Wendy. Got the frame sides back from welding and got the front and rear plates cut out, started to assemble the frame parts so the middle frame spreader can be welded and the rest of the brackets welded on as well. I did make the propane burner for the boiler it's about 17,000 btu
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- Bill Shields
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
$50 worth of propane in the picture at today's prices.
Burner looks very good, as does the entire project.
I have a friend in the UK that built a Wendy with a Myford 7 lathe (with lots of attachments), drill press and lots of experience.
Burner looks very good, as does the entire project.
I have a friend in the UK that built a Wendy with a Myford 7 lathe (with lots of attachments), drill press and lots of experience.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
I haven't filler a propane bottle in a little over a year so i might be in for a shock. My hat is off to the guys who have built these engines with just a lathe and hand tools, just proves if there is a will there is a way. I found a picture of the burner online and the builder used the V shape i added the center row of burns to get more of a half circle and man is it HOT HOT HOT.
Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Be sure to add a hefty angled baffle/arch plate just being the rear flue sheet, at the front of the burner.
That propane fire needs the flow interruption to prevent it from directly escaping the firebox through the flues.
The baffle acts like an arch, moving the flames toward the back of the firebox, up, and then forward under the crown sheet.
This also lengthen the combustion path allowing more complete burning before exiting the firebox.
After adding an arch/baffle to my locomotive's firebox, the boiler steamed faster, better, and used less propane.
And no more stinging eyes...
RussN
That propane fire needs the flow interruption to prevent it from directly escaping the firebox through the flues.
The baffle acts like an arch, moving the flames toward the back of the firebox, up, and then forward under the crown sheet.
This also lengthen the combustion path allowing more complete burning before exiting the firebox.
After adding an arch/baffle to my locomotive's firebox, the boiler steamed faster, better, and used less propane.
And no more stinging eyes...
RussN
- Bill Shields
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
And a way to control the incoming air. Too much air will only cool things off.
The only air it needs is what it burns...more air hoes not make hotter as with coal
The only air it needs is what it burns...more air hoes not make hotter as with coal
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
- Bill Shields
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Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Can you take a photo of the business end of the boiler?
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: MEG steam Wendy Reconstuction
Skyloop:
It's good to see another one being built.
I selected my drivers and cylinders from Allens Models, actually from an unfinished Ten Wheeler.
Can you share where you found your burner picture and info? I am still in a quandry over that.
Have you included some idea for a pilot for the burner yet?
Scotty
It's good to see another one being built.
I selected my drivers and cylinders from Allens Models, actually from an unfinished Ten Wheeler.
Can you share where you found your burner picture and info? I am still in a quandry over that.
Have you included some idea for a pilot for the burner yet?
Scotty