BAGRS Basic project engine

For the last few months  have been getting all the materials I needed to start this project.  Its something like a Thumb Thumb steam engine.  I saw this on the web a few years ago and really loved it but never had the guts to try it because it was live steam.  Now that Im out of diapers with the live steam Im more comfortable at attemting to build this.  It looks like a fun project.  Here is the link for those intrested:
http://www.panyo.com/project/index.htm
SO far I have all the materials required to build this and wood all cut.
I pinted out the plans ect for the project and put it all into a binder.

All the materials

Today I started to build the main frame.  Once the glue dries Ill post some photos.

Shawn,
This project engine is a fun and easy build, it does run well and a few changes it can be made into a suitable tram engine or anything you like.  I have built two, good luck.
Any questions please ask.
Steve

Thanks for posting the link Shawn, I've got a Unit steam engine sitting in the workshop:
http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/Unit%20Steam.htm
 
and now that I've seen that things like lubricators are available, I think I've got myself a new project!
 
I look forward to seeing how you get on with your build - and perhaps pinch a few ideas!     

Interesting project Shawn good luck with the build keep us posted with loads of pic's

steveciambrone


Shawn,
This project engine is a fun and easy build, it does run well and a few changes it can be made into a suitable tram engine or anything you like.  I have built two, good luck.
Any questions please ask.
Steve

Steve thanks Im sure I will have ?'s for you.  You have any pictures of what you did to yours?  Would love to see them. 

Old Tom


Thanks for posting the link Shawn, I've got a Unit steam engine sitting in the workshop:
http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/Unit%20Steam.htm

and now that I've seen that things like lubricators are available, I think I've got myself a new project!

I look forward to seeing how you get on with your build - and perhaps pinch a few ideas!     

Tom I cant wait to see yours when you start.  Neat link to the engines.  We have one here in the US (forget the name)  they make the engines for building a class a climax.  When I get better at this I might try building a Class A Climax. 

Shawn,
Here is the Youtube link to a video of mine.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_r1doDEak4
 
I have made some changes to the original model as you can see from the photos and the video. They are a lot of fun to build and run. I get about 18 minutes of run time on mine with the gas burner conversion and still have some water left in the boiler. It gets lots of favorable comments when running from the public.
 
Charles M
 

Charles M


Shawn,
Here is the Youtube link to a video of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_r1doDEak4

I have made some changes to the original model as you can see from the photos and the video. They are a lot of fun to build and run. I get about 18 minutes of run time on mine with the gas burner conversion and still have some water left in the boiler. It gets lots of favorable comments when running from the public.

Charles M

That's my sort of loco!  Excellent slow running, I just love it.

Charles very cool.  what gas burner did you use?  I was thinking about adding one to mine.   Here is a link to some burners
http://www.minicastings.com/burnersbixburners-c-243_88.html?osCsid=4328a2c5d74e07fddcac2975e13aaff1
 
 

Shawn,
I used the BIX010 listed on the webpage you provided. At the time I built mine, the round burners weren't in stock yet. The rectangular burner works just fine . You can turn the flame way down and it glows a dull red. They provide plenty of heat and no spills of alcohol to worry about. I have the same unit in my Wilesco tractor and have run for an hour on just one fill of fuel. With the BAGRS I only run for 18 minutes as this leaves about 20 milliters of water on the bottom of the boiler. I always run mine using a stop watch since I went with the gas burner and it is consistent on water usage . I also changed the material for the boiler wrapper to .015 shim stock as it was  stronger than the .005 stock supplied in the kit. This allowed me to fasten the boiler down to the frame of the model and not have it fall off when picked up.
 
Charles M
 

See the pics
Toby is a variation of the project loco with a Saito marine engine and boiler. 

Attached Image(s)

You tube link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysZ7DMlWX_8&list=UUXBnvAPrxSsJijIQ-3YbemA&index=28&feature=plcp
 

Very cool guys.  Whats the main difference using the sterno vs gas burner? 

Shawn,
Main difference for me is it is easier , cleaner . No spills to worry about setting on fire. Alcohol fires are invisible in daylight when  burning. I also can use the " tail end " of the gas can to fill the smaller tank on the BAGRS. I always had a little that I couldn't get out , now I have an engine that uses this up too. Gas is very controllable and is out instantly when I turn it off. On this little boiler on the Midwest Engine unit I didn't want to run this risk of un-soldering something. I also only have to have one fuel source for all of my engines. 
 
Charles M  

With this engine you can easily start with sterno and then change to a gas burner if you want to later.
Sterno won't spill but liquid alcohol will.  I use all three in my loco fleet.
Steve

Last night I got the main frame together.  Today I did the planks over the main frame and added the the boiler base plate to the bottom.  (Im using basswood for the main frame and decking).  So far it seems to be an easy and fun project.  Waiting for the glue to dry takes the most time.  My next step is to cut to squares into the decking for the chains and then start addiding the journals, wheels and sprokets. 
Bottom with the boiler base plate

Main frame with the decking.

I spent the last few evenings working on the engine. (After the kids went to bed)  Progress is going faster then I thought.  Have been spending about an hour at night on the days  I work.  So far its a fun little project and I already have some ideas for the next one I plan on doing (something on the ends of a Class A Climax
I got the holes drilled and filed down till they were squared.

I attached the journals to the main frame and added the wheels.  I also added the sprocket and chain to the wheels

The next step was to build the idler assembly.  I had to cut all the brass pieces and bend the bracket.

Then all the pieces were put together forming the idler shaft assembly.  he bracket was secured to the main body and the primary chain was added.

Next step is the steam power. 

Did a little more work today.
I started with the engine

and also added the lubricator

Engine was attached with the chains.

I had to solder a bracket to the bottom of the lubricator

I also attached the lubricator but pic did not download will have t try again later.  Next step is the boiler.

heres themost updated shot with the lubricator attached.

Shawn,
I hope that your engine was machined better than mine was. Mine had swirl marks in the bore and the piston fit very loosely. The blowby wouldn't let the engine run. I had to polish the bore and remake the piston. I turned the piston down and used a piece of brass tube to form a new piston surface that would fit tighter in the bore. I also made the skirt on the piston longer to provide more bearing surface for the engine cylinder . Now I have an engine that works very well . I only use Roundhouse oil in the lubricator as the hole is sized for their oil .
Charles M