Readers of the Burrell Builders Web site may be asking themselves the question
"could I build the ModelWorks Burrell?". While I
can't answer that question directly I intended to add pointers here to
help answer the question. Building the Burrell is a serious commitment in terms of time and
money and the kit will not suit everyone. The comments on this
page relate to the Burrell kit.
Do I need a Lathe/Mill?
Readers of this site might have
noticed that I have and use a well equipped workshop. So far using
my Mill, Lathe or Pillar drill has been an indulgence rather than a necessity.
I have been through the kit 1 to kit 8 accounts and listed below how the
"problem" could have been solved with limited
facilities.
| Machine Used |
Kit /Part |
Alternative |
|
Mill |
Kit
2 Axle
Axle oversize |
The waste material to be removed was in a
hidden part of the model and the neatness/accuracy of removal was
irrelevant. Without a Mill I would have cut the boss off with an
hacksaw and cleaned up with a file. |
| Lathe |
Kit
3 Rivet Bolts
Bolts undersize |
Modelworks would have replaced
the defective parts by return of post. |
| Pillar
drill |
Kit
3 Perch bracket
Hole misaligned |
My preferred alternative would
have been to file the hole in the correct direction using a
small round file. It would have been slow but the end
result would have been better than I achieved drilling out
oversize with the pillar drill. Using a power drill would
not work as it would have jammed and I would not have been able
to hold it. |
| Lathe |
Kit
7 Drift
Made drift to aid assemble |
Instead of using the lathe to
make a drift I could have found a nail of suitable diameter. |
| Lathe |
Kit
8 Water Lifter
Not able to get adaptor to finish vertical when screwed on
fitting. Thread not undercut. |
I was unlucky that the adaptor
finished just past vertical thus requiring almost a complete
turn. This is a "hard one to solve" so after trying to
force it round and concluding it would not go I would have
contacted ModelWorks for support. |
What tools are needed?
While a constructor with limited facilities is unlikely to get away
without buying any new tools the expenditure involved will be modest
compared to the costs of the kits. In the table below I have listed
some of the essentials.
| Tool |
Why so useful |
| Workbench |
A stout bench and
working space where things can be left is essential.
The completed model is large and will weigh half a ton. Once
complete it can only be moved by rolling so don't build a Burrell
in you front room (it won't fit through the door) |
| Vice |
There is so much
stuff that needs to be held to work on it would be unthinkable to attempt
construction without an vice. My 4" engineers vice came
from B&Q for about 15 quid. |
| Spanners |
A set of metric ring
spanners particularly 8 and 10mm. A few BA nuts have been
used so a set of BA spanners could be useful |
| Socket
set |
I find a 1/4 metric
socket set useful. So far I don't recall using anything
larger than 10mm but there are more kits to come. |
| Metric
Allen Keys |
A lot of the hidden
screws have recessed hex head. They do the job well but you will need
a set of Metric Allen keys. |
| Files |
You will need some
good files. I have tried files from local retail/consumer
outlets and they are not up to much. Best to buy from trade
or model engineering suppliers. With practice excellent
results are achievable and it is often quicker than setting up to
use a machine. |
| Power
Drill |
I have found it
useful to use both wire brush and flap wheel in a power
drill. The domestic power drill can be pressed into service
but I managed to wear one out. |
| Mini
Drill |
I have found it
useful to use little grinding stones in my mini drill to grind
away bolt heads and the like. |
| Angle Grinder |
Not my favorite tool
as I find it hard to control. I know I have used it a bit
but I am struggling to remember where. |
Painting
See separate notes
Does a builder need to be an
engineer?
The short answer is no. Building the Burrell is not as easy as
putting together kit furniture though the Burrell Instructions are better.
Common sense and an ability to make things with your hands whether or not
in metal would suffice. Most of the tasks left to the Builder
are cosmetic. The finish on many of the non functional
parts is as they left the machine and they will need cleaning up before
assembly. This takes me several hours per kit so don't expect it to be
quick. Determination and patience will be required to get the best
results.
Back to the furniture analogy. Imagine furniture
kit in which the timber was in the state it left the saw mill and supplied
unpainted. Components supplied to their finished size with all the holes
etc drilled. If it were assembled in the raw state the furniture
would be functional however time spent sanding and preparing the raw wood
would greatly enhance the end result. With furniture there are
sometimes compromises to get something in a box for home assembly similarly
with the Burrell.
Alternatives
A good secondhand Traction Engine can be brought through a dealer.
Expect to pay around £10K for a 4" Burrell in ready to rally
condition. Try Station
Road Steam and this site usually has a number of engines. This route should be cheaper than the Modelworks Kit but
will deprive the constructor of the pleasure of building the engine.
Part
build models are sometimes listed which have all or most of the machining
completed.
Other ModelWorks Kits
ModelWorks supply a range of kits however the detailed comments on this
page relate to the ModelWorks 4 inch Burrell Kit. I have built the
ModelWorks POP and have found the quality of the Burrell
parts, instruction & support much
better. The POP instructions were often baffling and in a few places
wrong, this despite Winson
having run the design before and ModelWorks building a control
model. I hope the Burrell is indicative of a new bread of high
standard kits from the ModelWorks stable.
Join a Model Engineering
Society
While it is possible to build the Burrell "solo" when it comes
to operating it the support of a Model Engineering Society will be essential.
Here is a link to a list of
clubs. Less experienced constructors will be able to get help
and advice during the build. Most societies are very friendly
and provide another avenue of support to the novice constructor.
If you are a builder and would like to
add or comment on these notes please contact
me so that the best advice is available to prospective constructors. |
