Smoke box end plates

Frames waiting for cylinders

Frames

We need to repair the club furnace before I can have a fresh go at the cylinders. Also christmas has got in the way a bit, what with grand kids ect.
I am looking forward to starting again in the new year, firstly with a trip to Leeds for a supply of Sunbright coke for the furnace

Casting Sunday 09/12/07

Pot in lifter

Care required

Pouring Bronze

Sundays casting was not a hit as problems with bronze reacting with sand due to wet sand or bronze to hot. Must read Terry Aspins book some more. We need to look into additives for more success I think. As we are only involved in a part time hobby I am sure more practice will bring success

Casting cut in half to show cast ports

Core boxes

Cores in place

Cylinder pattern & cores

Leek & Manifold Locos - Starting from scratch

I first saw a 5" Leek & Manifold Model at the Midlands Show and fancied having a go. I started by finding a set of fine outline drawings to a scale of 1 1/2"- ft. I am now looking for detail drawings if anyone knows of any.
The project started sept 06 and now comprises frames with wheels and bogies fitted. We have a foundry at our club Wrexham SME and this week has seen the first pair of cylinders cast, one ok and one failure. will post some pics when I find out how.