Simplex
I started on Simplex after I read the articles serialised in ME back in the 80's.
At the time I was making the frames for Ivatt in 31/2" gauge with a very basic workshop comprising of a bench vice a draw full of files and an electric hand drill. Once I saw Super Simplex and realised how I could modify it for myself I was hooked. I had to start there and then. I bought castings from Norman Spink as soon as they were available. A set of castings with gun metal cylinders for less than £100, those were the days!
I still have the Ivatt frames in the scrap box!
Over the years we have moved home a number of times and changed jobs too, so the workshop, which has gradually expanded with the aquisition of various tools and machines, has spent quite a few years in packing boxes.
Progress, over the years, has been slow and as you probably know on a project like this it's 'one step forward, two steps back'. Making tools and jigs to hold and make parts, like bending rolls to roll the smokebox because the cost of brass tube was prohibitive.
At the time I was making the frames for Ivatt in 31/2" gauge with a very basic workshop comprising of a bench vice a draw full of files and an electric hand drill. Once I saw Super Simplex and realised how I could modify it for myself I was hooked. I had to start there and then. I bought castings from Norman Spink as soon as they were available. A set of castings with gun metal cylinders for less than £100, those were the days!
I still have the Ivatt frames in the scrap box!
Over the years we have moved home a number of times and changed jobs too, so the workshop, which has gradually expanded with the aquisition of various tools and machines, has spent quite a few years in packing boxes.
Progress, over the years, has been slow and as you probably know on a project like this it's 'one step forward, two steps back'. Making tools and jigs to hold and make parts, like bending rolls to roll the smokebox because the cost of brass tube was prohibitive.
Simplex Brakes
I have been studying the brakes as shown on the original Super Simplex and listened to some who have said that the front brake hangers foul the cylinders. So, I decided to address this problem and I believe there is enough room and I have produced 3D drawings to demonstrate this. By changing the way the rear cylinder covers are attached to the cylinder block with recessed bolts rather than the studs and modifying the size of the brake blocks.
My next job is to draw and work out how the the draincock actuator linkages will look.
My next job is to draw and work out how the the draincock actuator linkages will look.
Engine construction stand
In order to make work on the chassis easier I have decided to make a stand of some description. After lots of scouting around and asking around on various forums I have started to combine all of the ideas and things I've seen into something on paper and start making. Here is a picture of the stand in use.
I have now finished the engine stand in the photo gallery are some pictures and in the drawing section are some drawings of the parts to make it. Why I didn't make one from the start, I don't know, it has made life so much easier.
With many thanks to Colin Abrey for his help with an article he sent me of the stand he built and I have adapted.
I have now finished the engine stand in the photo gallery are some pictures and in the drawing section are some drawings of the parts to make it. Why I didn't make one from the start, I don't know, it has made life so much easier.
With many thanks to Colin Abrey for his help with an article he sent me of the stand he built and I have adapted.
3" Burrell tender
The tender is made from locally sourced 1mm sheet steel - cheaper than the specified 1/16" brass sheet a specified in the Plastow drawings, when it's painted you'll never know the difference!
The tender is shown here in the top picture attached to the dummy hornplates this made life easier moving it around the workshop and the fact that my brother had the boiler 240 miles away in Kent.
The tender is now painted and in Kent waiting to be united with the boiler.
The tender is shown here in the top picture attached to the dummy hornplates this made life easier moving it around the workshop and the fact that my brother had the boiler 240 miles away in Kent.
The tender is now painted and in Kent waiting to be united with the boiler.