13 articles
I thought i'd have a little break from Tich for a bit and have a go at another Oscillating engine. The Stuart ST (also known as the S.T. Oscillator) is a classic beginner’s model steam engine from Stuart Models. It’s a compact vertical single-cylinder double-acting oscillating engine with a 7/16 in bore and stroke, standing only about 2½–3 in tall, with a 1 in diameter flywheel.
Tucked away on the dramatic shores of Dorset, just a mile or so south of the bustling market town of Bridport, lies West Bay - once known simply as Bridport Harbour. While the village itself draws visitors with its pebble beaches, towering golden cliffs, and starring role in Broadchurch, there's a quieter gem here that whispers of Victorian ambition and bygone journeys: West Bay Station.
Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast within Exmoor National Park, the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth have long captivated visitors with their dramatic landscapes. Perched high on the hill, Lynton offers sweeping views, while Lynmouth hugs the harbour below. For over a century, the most thrilling way to travel between them hasn’t been a winding road or a steep footpath — it’s been a true marvel of Victorian engineering: the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
A few days ago, we finally made the trip to the National Railway Museum in York — and it completely lived up to the hype. As a train enthusiast (my partner isn't yet, but im working on that!), I’d been looking forward to this for ages, and the museum delivered an unforgettable experience.
This past weekend, my partner and I found ourselves stepping off the train at York Station, suitcase in hand and full of anticipation. En route to the National Railway Museum just a short stroll away, I couldn’t help but pause in the grand concourse and soak it all in.
Yesterday I made the trip down to Newton Abbot Racecourse for Day 2 of the inaugural South West Miniature Engineering Show, and what a belter it was. If you’re into model engineering, steam, or just appreciate incredibly skilled craftsmanship, this new event deserves a permanent spot in your calendar.
Enter LBSC's "Tich" — the legendary 3½" gauge 0-4-0 tank locomotive that has introduced thousands to the joys (and frustrations) of building a working loco from scratch.
I was reading Fred Dibnah's "Age of Steam" book recently and he mentions Thomas Newcomen and Dartmouth. It struck me that I had visited the Newcomen Memorial Engine when last in Dartmouth, so I thought i'd write a brief post about it.
Enter the Brass Wobbler — a small oscillating steam engine kit of materials I picked up here from eBay. For about £52 delivered, you get a bundle of brass bar, rod, plate — everything needed to machine your own shiny wobbler from scratch.
After getting Elizabeth chuffing happily on the bench, and the heroes engine spinning away, I wanted something simple to build confidence before tackling anything more complicated. Enter Simple Sam from Stan Bray's Making Simple Model Steam Engines.
The first project in Stan Bray's excellent book Making Simple Model Steam Engines (Crowood Press, 2005) is a modern take on Hero's Engine (also known as an aeolipile), the ancient steam reaction turbine described by Hero of Alexandria nearly 2,000 years ago.
After finishing my setup and some practice pieces, I decided Elizabeth — the horizontal oscillating steam power plant from that book — would be my first proper running steam engine.
My name is Andrew, and this is the online home of my model engineering adventures.