16 year olds first project - HELP!

[JoelHoughton]

Hi guys, my name is Joel and I am 16. I have experience in petrol engines and machines like lathes etc, and have bought myself a chassis and a boiler of a Juliet type one with Stevensons valve gear for £400. I have never really done anything like this before, but I am going to join a local club tomorrow, and would really appreciate any help I can get, as I really need someone to talk me through this and give me some pointers.

I have attached some images, but the general condition of the boiler is good, and although its relatively grimy, looks in-tact and plugged from the shell test. I have just one concern - there appears to be a dent (pic 2, in front of the dome) of approx 2mm depth and 22mm diameter, which concerns me as I am worried that it wont pass its shell test again.

Additionally, I need a safety valve, regulator handle, water gauge etc. Should these be machined or can I buy these? I also need to complete the plumbing and build the water tanks and running board, along with the boiler saddle and funnel. I imagine there is a lot else to do that I also have not already spotted.

In terms of the chassis, the valve gear and eccentrics seem to be in good condition, with certain components such as the axles having light surface rust. The axles seem to turn by hand with a medium amount of friction, although I have nothing to base it on whether this is a suitable amount, and I also have not lubricated any components.

There is also no plumbing from the pistons, or the lubrication box, so unfortunately I cannot try the chassis on compressed air. How would I start plumbing this in? I am slightly worried that I am out of my depth, but I suppose I have a lifetime ahead of me to complete this thing, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all

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[LNR]

G'Day Joel, and welcome to the forum.
I think you have made the right decision to join a club, and I suspect your best advice will come from talking with someone there who can actually inspect what they are looking at rather than pictures.
I would also prioritize getting someone (preferably the club boiler inspector) to look at the boiler to judge it worth proceeding with. To have to build a new boiler alters the whole project. Not trying to be a prophet of doom, but you can never tell what the inspector will think of the dent, and build quality until he sees it.
Hope it all goes well. Presuming that the chassis has never been finished and given reasonable machine work it should be in good condition (the surface rust should clean up).
Good Luck with the project,
Grant.

[ge_rik]

Welcome to the forum, Joel.

I'm no expert on live steam, but Grant's advice sound like a good plan of action. Fingers crossed for you about the boiler.

And welcome to the hobby. It sounds as if you already have some very relevant skill sets

Rik