Scatchbuilding machinery

[pwranta193]

Okay, while I wait for the oil paint washed to set on my other gig, I will start up the research for my next project.  I've only recently stumbled across these pics and I'm sure ya'll would have seen these before, and I'm going to put in the links simply because he has stated pretty clearly that he doesn't want his images copied or used without consent (no connection to the guy at all - I'd love to have one or two of these prints - but couldn't afford them in the sizes I'd want ):

http://www.mattkierstead.com/royal-mills/machine-shop-interiors
http://www.mattkierstead.com/royal-mills/royal-mill-building-machinery

The project as it stands now is to scratch/cannibalize a turbine, a turbo generator, and a fire pump akin to the ones used in this mill.  A good friend in the tank building world (Jon Lange, the gent responsible for the fine painting of the tanker figure with my halftrack) and I have been noodling over making some industrial scenes for 1:35 - and potentially 1:48th scale with the original intent of creating a couple of Stalingrad vignettes.  While still having an eye towards that goal, playing with making the drill press in 1:16th has opened up one of those doors into the dark spaces of my brain.  Ideally, I'd like to make something that I can cast in resin as I've convinced him that we can become rich - Rich, I tell you!!! Oh - sorry... actually, I primarily want to be able to have multiples if we go to a large layout.

So, I want to be able to make these in 1:35th and potentially in 1:48 (there are a ton of newly done vehicles in 1:48th scale in the last two years - and little in the way of backdrop), and have zero knowledge or plans to go from.  I can do a pretty good set of drawings by using a little photo interpretation (any one have any guesses on how high the paint line extends in the photos above???), but would like to make my stuff based on at least a rough knowledge of the components and theory behind them.  Jon was in the black gang as a merchant seaman and can get me through some of this, but can anyone suggest some good geek friendly historical, design or art books on the topic?  This can run the gamut - there are very few decent shots of the Stalingrad tractor works prior to being turned to rubble for instance - so I'm looking for similar stuff in other countries; or examples of old gear designs, etc. - any ideas would be welcome.

I'm starting on the turbine using PVC pipe/fitting today, so something to show before too long.

Russ - if you are watching - going through your site, I saw something referring to an Industrial Edition... is this something you make - and can I still get one (some?).

Dave - looks like I'll be needing hand wheels

Last but not least, the sum total of my "precision" power tool is my rechargeable Dewalt drill and my Dremel.  The first serves as my lathe, but its time for something a little more robust.  Ideas for the novice?

Thanks guys for your indulgence - I realize this is all over the map - but am open to any ideas here.

Paul "stepping in over his head" Ranta

[SandiaPaul]

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-history/

Check out the above forum for more reference pics. There is lots of good stuff but you will have to hunt around. Most, but not all is North American stuff, there is some euro stuff there too.
Also at the same site check out the forum for scans of machinery manuals, they usually have a drawing or 2 and good pics.

Here is a link to one:

http://pounceatron.dreamhosters.com/docs/

I love the idea, being a machinery nut myself!

Paul

[DaKra]

Paul, nice to see you here.  I'd be glad to help on handwheels and gears.  LMK when you have a prototype.  

Dave

[Malachi Constant]

If you enter a google image search as follows, you can scan thru the photos on the site without opening all the threads ....

Search parameters:
site:practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-history/

Or you can refine that by adding a (space) and whatever search terms you like at the end ...

Cheers,
Dallas

[finescalerr]

About the Industrial Annual: It is one of three books I publish each year. The current issue just went into the mail today and subscribers will have them starting next week. I do not sell retail (that includes back issues) so you can pick up a current issue in mid-April from a local hobby shop or from Caboose Hobbies in Denver, Colorado (info on the web).

You also will be interested in the Modelers' Annual, still available at some stores.

Sales of the books pay for this forum.

Russ

[pwranta193]

Friggin' excellent all.   

This is perfect, and beyond what I was hoping for - thanks!  I knew there had to be a site of like afflicted weirdos catering to the industrial side of things, but had no idea that it would be so deep and comprehensive. (do train guys have the same sort of strange afflictions and arguments that tank guys have over things like the right shade of Dunkel Gelb, or the defining feature between a D and A model Panther?  Remind me to show you the mystery fitting on the front of the M4 Sherman that still hasn't been solved as to function) That drill press per Paul's link is really tempting...

The site really looks like it will have more information that I can consume, and will result in more excessive time ooooh-ing and aaaaw-ing over potential build ideas and other people's gear.  I'm still having a hard time recovering from the dollhouse guy's slide show last night     

I'll spend some time on research and decision making and get started on something...
Russ, I'll get on the book ordering (I also saw the Google implosion string last night, so was working my that way anyway) - appreciate the how to get there from here.  I'm new but I'm gonna be invested.

A bucket of thanks - details to follow.

Paul

[eTraxx]

I just finished scratch-building an O scale engine and pump for my pump house. While not up to the high standards on this forum it will be inside the pump house and visible only through the windows and door - so I figure 'good nuff'. Thought it was applicable for this thread. Ha. I placed an order yesterday with Dave for both his small and large gear sets .. so next time I won't have to build my gears from old VCR bits and pieces.

[DaKra]

Yes, train guys argue over "nail holes" and Floquil driftwood stain... but there aren't many train guys on this forum.    

Ed you did a great job with the stuff you had on hand.   

Dave

[Bill Sartore]

Yes, train guys argue over "nail holes" and Floquil driftwood stain... but there aren't many train guys on this forum.    

Ed you did a great job with the stuff you had on hand.   

Dave

Don't forget those kit Manufacturer's that are so detail oriented that they are compelled to provide instructions on hot-dog and hamburger assembly 

Bill

[finescalerr]

Way to go, Ed.

Paul, they're right. We don't have many more train modelers here than modelers of other subjects because, at the heart of it, we all are modelers. That means we think a great model of a tank is just as cool as Doris' Sovereign of the Seas, Chuck's abandoned gas station/garage, Jester's ... uh ... whatever it is that he models, Gordon's locos and tractors, Fichtenfoo's bizarre gizmos, Virgil's cars, or Ken's lumber carriers.

Personally I find that extremely refreshing. Don't you?

Russ

[jacq01]

   Paul,

   a very good source for information on machinery is Google patents.  If you built belt driven machines, set a time period in advanced search and type of machines and a lot of details, including ( mostly on scale ) drawings.  I have used it to work out and scratchbuilt all the sawmill machines in the large sawmill I built.

  Jacq

[BKLN]

When it comes to scratchbuilding machines we should not forget Christophe LeCorre. He does some remarkable work. I am not sure if he is a member of this forum, but he would be a great fit for sure.

Here is a link to a french forum with some of his work:
http://teamtrack.xooit.com/t135-MACHINE.htm

No need to understand French; the pictures speak for themselves.

[Junior]

When it comes to scratchbuilding machines we should not forget Christophe LeCorre. He does some remarkable work. I am not sure if he is a member of this forum, but he would be a great fit for sure.

Here is a link to a french forum with some of his work:
http://teamtrack.xooit.com/t135-MACHINE.htm

No need to understand French; the pictures speak for themselves.

Some amazing work there. Reminds me of the days when many manufacturers of 1:1 work also had a very skilled model builder. In the US even the Wilamette factory made like 1:20 models of Donkeys etc. Thanks for posting.

Anders

[pwranta193]

"This leads me to believe that I am not the first to embark on such an endeavor", says he.  Apologies for the late response.  I've been fighting off a bit of the winter crud and transitioning to a new job so a little focused in other directions.  My daughter has a diorama book report to work on this weekend... must not take over...

Cripes - that is some glorious work.  I see that they have interspersed some of Spencer Pollard's work in their as well, one of my favorites from the traditional side (well traditional for me  ).  I'm kicking myself for not tearing down that DVD player for parts we just sent of to the city recycle center.  I did spend yesterday AM cannibalizing an older generation of digital camera for bits... Ken H. if you need a micro flash unit, a video screen or some lenses, let me know

Beautiful references... my head is swimming with trying to match misc. parts at hand to designs (Jacq - I didn't even know of the existence of Google patents before coming here - and hadn't looked until yesterday - awesome)... or planning and fabricating from scratch?

Ed - Nice little motor - and it will look great inside the pump house... my window box was done with the same rationale... in my case, I had seen Chuck's version and wanted to try for something with a less abandoned look (while trying a bunch of things out), but am not quite sure how yet to make the glass look dusted/work stained. 

Anders - which Willamette factory are you referring to? I live in the Willamette Valley and grew up being drug around to their 20 century operating cousins.

Again - thanks to all... I'm picking a design and starting work now 

[Junior]

 

Anders - which Willamette factory are you referring to? I live in the Willamette Valley and grew up being drug around to their 20 century operating cousins.


Paul, I was referring to the Willamette Iron & Steel works in Portland, Oregon. In Merv Johnson´s book In Search of Steam Donkeys (p.240) there is a fantastic model of a donkey probably 1/20 scale built by the above factory in 1907.

Anders