tools, materials & knowledge for model makers
Engine build and author: Dick Barnes Build of a Gas Engine based on a Joe Webster design. The original plans came via the internet as a free download from Joe Webster in the U.S.A. It appealed to me due to it being a bit different to a lot of other engines on show. It was … Read more
How often do you browse the internet looking for model engine kits and plans, sadly too many hours. There are a number of model engine kits and plans available and I thought I would try and list some interesting sources. I’ve listed them by engine type. Feel free to email me ideas to add editor@glue-it.com … Read more
My initial thoughts for the conrod for this single valve poppet engine were to make it from mild steel as I could make it thin to make it light, but an aluminium conrod would have a bigger cross-section for a given weight. The conrod, abbreviation of “connecting rod”, connects the piston to the crankshaft. This … Read more
This is the initial process of machining the piston for my single cylinder poppet valve engine. This piston is being machined out of cast iron, I can hear the screams of how heavy this will be and the resultant vibration when the engine is running. However, a cast iron piston and liner is one of … Read more
I had a major catastrophe with the original brackets when I tried to solder them using Durafix. The problem was just how was I going to recover from this situation. I’ve spent too much time on this poppet valve engine just to throw it all away. So, new brackets, a cleaned up crankcase and another … Read more
I’m struggling with the cam design on this transitional engine. My original thought was around machining this camshaft block that bolts down to the I-beam and two cams hang over the side of the engine to drive both inlet and exhaust. Now I’m having a re-think that this should really use eccentric cams like a … Read more