general production update: june 2013

another week with not much to show as we have mostly been finishing off parts you have already seen.

i have been sorting out the material orders for the last traction wagon kit, the next 6inch foden kit (the smoke-box ) and the next 2inch burrell kit.

and we have just received all the parts for our two 6inch foden control models back from the powder-coaters. our apprentice "mark" is busy putting these back together and i'll get some photos when they are done.

a few photos...

the last part for the foden 4inch steering kit was done, allowing that to go out...



nearly at the end of the showmans dynamo kit, just finishing the last few parts but proceeding with caution to make sure it all fits and runs true...





and another batch of 2inch boilers have been machined...



more next week

spoiling you now with a midweek update. we basically want to show the Showmans customers that we are making progress on this kit. we are not going to rush this because if we don't get the shaft extensions on the motors correct a couple of wobbly pulleys will spoil these stunning models at the last hurdle.

just a mater of time now, will be next week i guess

Whats the shiny thing made from.  Electric!

Looking excellent..

I have to agree the attention to detail is excellent and what sets these apart. Its what really makes them "class winning" models and as you say you have come such a long way it is a pity to spoil them just to rush the last bits out. It looks like a nightmare of a kit just to work out what to fabricate let alone actually make it, buts thats why I choose kit not scratch, I wouldnt want to work out how to turn an alternator into a showmans generator.

I have to agree with these comments. Simply stunning. To me though, these are not models - they are a superb piece of quality engineering and I personally think there not many engineers around that can make to this standard in there own workshops. First class and well done to all you guys and gals at STW.

Rick

no, i haven't forgotten the update this week, im having along weekend

we finally managed to get the showmans dynamo/exciter kit out last week. this was much more involved than we thought, i spent two days just putting the modified motors back together !! but i think its gonna be worth the wait...















mark the apprentice has been busy on the newly painted 6 inch foden control models...







and parts are now arriving for the smoke-box kit.

it's mostly laser cut parts...



and these are the chimney bases...



laser cut parts for the next traction wagon kit are also in.

and the machine shop has been busy on stock items. 2inch burrell parts mainly.

beading...





smoke box name rings...



and tender corner fillets...

probably see most of you next weekend at the Banbury show. just about all the staff will be there at some point over the weekend just milling around so if you need anything or have questions just ask.

I'll be there on the Saturday with Ian. Mark and Dave are there on Sunday. i think Harry the new wielder is there both days and of course Steve and Dean will be there all weekend although probably with sore heads on sunday

I could do with two new tow pins as I seem to have lost one and one is a bit too short after I cut it. Is it best to phone?

Any idea off time till next 6" Foden kit is ready:D

yeah, best to phone for any parts.

no,cant say at the moment when the next kit will be done

We are still waiting for a couple of castings to be delivered that are part of the smoke box kit. I have mentioned to Steve about sending it without and just sending the smokebox, smokebox ring, door etc plus chimney and chimney cap and hen forwarding them on but he's a little relucant to.
If they are not in within the next week so not to delay things further that's what i will be looking to do.

All the best

Dean

cheers dean

I've just received the last "generator kit" & boy, "WHAT A BEAUTY".......... Attention to detail is stunning!!! I just hope I can do it justice!!
I can now see why it took so long to get this one out the factory door. Well done!!
I'll post photos of progress on my build thread as soon as I get the chance to work on it. This really is "The icing on the Cake", so once again,
A big thank you to all you very talented people at STW.

Regards,
Tony

getting paid to build up steam engines, sounds like a pretty lucky apprentice imo

hi hows the boilers for 4" coming on thanks richard

just a quick note to say the next 2inch kit will be leaving the factory on thursday.

Harry, the new boy, is working on the next batch of boilers and progress is going well. i'll get some general photos for tomorrow and will include a full update on the boiler situation plus the work started on the 6inch Foden smoke box kit and the next 4inch Burrel kit and hopefully the wood for the next traction wagon kit which is due in any time