New build Showman's

Hi all looking at ordering the 4 inch Burrell Scenic Showman’s engine in the next couple of weeks, so may be sending a few question out there as I go. Have notice people do modify bits and was wondering what kind of skills and tools maybe required, I do appreciate it depends on what the modification is.

Reposted as as posted in wrong forum 1st time

Hi,

first of all welcome.

If you have any questions, please ask, this is what this forum is for. And remember there are no stupid questions only stupid answers and you will not get them here.

Modifications: There are quite a number of modifications, small and not so small, depending on need and possibility. Best check out the build diaries of some of the engines, I‘ve spend hours to read them and still find more „inspiration“

As for tools, Lynn has compiled quite a list of tools, others added some more; check out
https://traction.forumotion.com/t1366-tools-for-the-job
Should give you a good base.

Hope this helps, else please ask.

Cheers

Elwood

Hi Elwood,

Thanks for your reply and recommendation, I have looked at Lynn's post and think I can tick quite a a few of the tools off, so good start.

Cheers,

Merv

Hi and welcome to the world of STW
Hope you enjoy your build and TAKE your time its not a race LOL it took me 4 years to build my showmans . I did lots of wee mods on my engine

Hi Mark, yes will take my time, I do have the pleasure of already owning a 4 inch Dodman SCC, so have that to play with while I build the showman’s engine.

Merv

You can see my showmans on the news feed under Scottish steam

So give it a few years and we might see you at Amberley Miniatures which is normally held in September

https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/whats-on/

Will be up at Amberley in September with the Dodman, have taken it there quite a few times now, lovely place to run around, and being only about 5 miles from home also helps

Oh well I'm sure we've bumped into each other without knowing it then

Welcome aboard.

Another full roofer in the stables. Excellent. As said before take your time. The Showmand and Road loco are very mature designes now so rairly should there be a problem. Yes you may get a few problems with components but they will be sorted by STW. Remember a question is only silly if you already know the answer.

If your on the Facebook. There is also the Steam traction world engine owners page. I amongst other lurk here and on Facebook. So an answer is usually not far away.

Welcome take your time and enjoy the build. lots of ideas here on the forum. The most useful tool I found was an angle grinder with a flap disc. When I built my Road Loco I really did only have hand tools not even a pillar drill. I did get an engine crane to lift the boiler and for rear wheel fitting.

Well deposit paid, factory trip booked in for a couple of weeks time. Hopefully pick up a kit or two while I am up there.

Lovely trip up to the factory today to see Dean and have a look around the showroom and factory floor, very impressed with both. Pick up to kits 1 and 2, while up there and Dean even recommended a lovely pub to take the wife to on the way back, which put me in the good books.

................and so it begins

Finally got around to painting the front wheels and axle


, quite pleased as first time using a spray gun.

Well done if this is your first time with a spay gun. Looking good.

Hi Lynnr,

Thanks for your comments, yes first time spraying, did have a bit of guidance as one om my steps sons works for Rolls Royce in their spray department, so has the skills and knowledge to guide me through it. Wanted to get the wheels sprayed prior to our long awaited holiday, but with work commitments and prepping and showing our 4 inch Dodman, haven't seem to have the time to spend on the build. Was worried as the masking tape had been on the wheels for at least 6 weeks, so didn't, want to leave this on while away, surprisingly it came of fairly easy, so that was a result.

Really enjoying the build and the guidance on here is fantastic, so thanks to everyone that has already built their engines and showing us the way.

Merv

Having found myself with a bit of time during the working day to look through all the wonderful photos and comments of everyone's engines and it started me thinking about lining out. I thought I saw a post the other day that gave a link detailing the width of lines on a showman's (but as much as i try I cant find it now) I did remember to copy the link regarding the gold leaf, so will be following that one closely. I am going for the Ex Mayor colours and have realised that this does seem to be a complicated scheme to undertake, so an advise would be welcome.

Merv

Hi Merv
Was this the post ??
https://traction.forumotion.com/t773-coach-lining?highlight=lining

Hi Simon,

Yes that the one, thanks.
Did look to see there were any copies of the book available as seems quite an interesting book, but seems none are for sale at the moment that I could find.

Merv

Merv.p wrote:Did look to see there were any copies of the book available as seems quite an interesting book, but seems none are for sale at the moment that I could find.

Hi Merv

I’m new here. I’m looking to put a deposit down on a DCC next year, but have been doing a lot of reading and planning. I found this site that sells digital copies of the Burrell Style book is available here:

https://camdenmin.co.uk/products/burrell-style-1900-1932-digital-edition

Simon D

Hi Simon,

Welcome on board, that a great link thanks, I will be down loading that tonight. I will say you will not regret putting a deposit down on the DCC and starting the journey on building and owning an engine. The kits are so well made and do go together with out much to do to them apart from a bit of fettling here and there and cleaning. Having found myself with a bit of spare time at work to look into the forum in more depth, the more I realise how much information is on here regarding the kits going together along with photos. The best way I found to find stuff is just to look at people who lots of posts and replies then click on there name and then just search the topics they have.

I you get the chance to go on the factory tour I would highly recommend it, just be prepared to want to put a deposit down there and then.

Merv

Merv

Thanks for the welcome! Glad I could be of help. Yes there looks to be lots of good advice here, which makes me slightly less nervous about embarking on a project like this.

I’m only about an hour away from STW so will have to avoid a visit until I have my deposit together. By the time I do that I guess that I will probably get in on the 2024 batch (assuming that goes ahead). In the meantime I will just have to content myself by reading more of the posts here!

Cheers
Simon