Burrell Builder's
Frequently Asked Questions

Burrell Builders Home

Every web site seems to have one, hence this page. If you have a question send it via my contact page.
 

Question Answer
What is Burrell Builder's Diary? It is the pages of this web site containing a detailed kit by kit account of the construction of a 1/3 scale Burrell Traction Engine kit supplied by ModelWorks.  Kit accounts may be accessed through the diary front page.
Who are ModelWorks? ModelWorks are an British engineering company who supply a range of ready machined steam engine kits.  Kits are supplied one a month over a period of 1 to 2 years. See ModelWorks Website for more info.
Who is Burrell Builder? Burrell Builder is the pen name I have adopted for this web site. More info on the about page.
What is Burrell Builder's connection with Modelworks? I have no special connection with ModelWorks other than being a customer for the last 18 months.
How big is the finished model? Large!  The completed Traction Engine will be 6 feet long, 31 inches wide and will weight just over 1/2 a ton.
Could anyone build the Burrell? The Burrell kit will not suit everyone. Some practical ability is needed though not necessarily engineering.  More info  
Building the Burrell is a serious commitment in terms of time and money.  Absolute beginners should consider joining a Model Engineering club. 
link to a list of clubs
Do I need a lathe? No:  More info
Is the Burrell a working model? Yes!  When finished the Burrell will be a fully working miniature traction engine. The engine will be fired by coal and be capable carrying the driver and pulling a useful load.
How expensive is the Burrell Kit? See the Modelworks website Burrell page for price and availability.
Where can I get help?
  1.  ModelWorks offer free technical support for kit customers. Some customers have found it can take time and perseverance to get problems resolved to their satisfactions. 
  2. There are three forums covering ModelWorks kits where questions can be posed/ experiences shared with other kit constructors.
  3. Join a Model Model Engineering club.  link to a list of clubs
Where can I find plans for a Model Traction Engine? The are a number of suppliers who sell drawings and casting for several different traction engines. I have listed several UK based suppliers here.
Where can I buy castings to make a Model traction engine?
Can I link to the Burrell Builder's Web site? Yes! The more links the better.  I suggest the link is to the site's domain www.fodenbuilder.co.uk alternatively www.burrellbuilder.co.uk for the complete Burrell site 
May I copy text/pictures from the Burrell builder's web site. Please contact me for permission.
 

The questions below serve as a glossary 

What is Etch Primer? Many non-ferrous metals such as Aluminum and Brass, on exposure to the air, immediately form an invisibly thin oxide layer that impedes paint adhesion.  Even if this is mechanically removed it will reform before the surface can be painted.  If ordinary paint is used direct it is likely to flake.

Etch primer contains some acid that removes the surface oxide layer enabling the primer to get a good hold onto the base metal as it dries.

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