A worrying trend for the future

[Andy51]

For most items we can take measurements from original parts, and look at sources such as Phil Irving's 'Tuning for Speed'. He gives detailed instructions for making parts, including heat treatments, some of which we may need, and for others we can interpret materials and tolerances from similar parts. One of the problems we might have is the disappearance of some of the steels originally used, e.g. Jessops G2 or KE 965; these were mostly incorporated into the EN system during the war. I have looked in vain on the internet for the original specs of some of the old specialist steels to pick a modern replacement. Perhaps Corus or large steel stockholders could help? The task of making stuff such as drive axles, etc, cannot be that hard, surely? I work on the Mid Hants Railway and they regularly re-create parts for century-old machines for which the specs have long gone. When it comes to most cycle parts, like speedo brackets, etc, ordinary mild steel was specified. An example from 'Tuning for Speed' is the manufacture of a new crankpin, where he gives full details of steel, heat treatment and tolerances. We could also seek advice from people like Phil Pearson, who makes many Gold Star engine parts for competition and they seem to stay in one piece. He would know specs and may even give us his manufacturing contacts if we approached him as a club, as we would not be in competition with him. Hitchcock also make performance parts and would have similar contacts. Andy

[ajscomboman]

I think the point has been missed here. I/we can get anything made as a one off as the company will be dealing with an individual for personal use. The problem I'm encountering is the minute you ask them to produce parts in batches for use by others and international purchasers they shy away. It's down to liability concerns from what I'm being told. If specs cannot be provided from an official source, such as the factory literature or a drawing by a professional design architect they're not interested. That was the end of several conversations, no if, buts or maybe's!
One company I spoke to wouldn't even manufacture for me even if I gave them specs as I have no official qualifications in engineering, regardless of the fact that the original sample part would be with them to use as a guide.

[Rangy65]

Hi Rob i can get these 017095S BRAKE ROD SPRING.(STAINLESS) shows no stock & 022743S KNURLED NUT BRAKE ADJ. S/STEEL shows no stock. I will bring the samples and news on the other parts to the committee meeting.

Once i have the Ok how many 100's do we need?

Seems to still be a lot of metal bashers in Brum!!

Also i have a contact for all our Bronze bush requirements - as you state though need good originals or drawings.

I was also advised that there are modern materials which are equivalent or better than the metal that was used back in the day.

I am also attempting to get a full list of the 1000 odd parts already available for G15 & P11's.

Prices for stock items & costs for manufacture are the next negotiations so i will bring a full update to the committee meeting on the 24th Feb.

Cheers
Steve

[ajscomboman]

Ok Steve I'll have a word with Mr B and Gary to ensure there is no cross over and get back to you.

[Rob Harknett]

We're looking a little bit more advanced than that Rob. For mainshafts, cams and followers etc they'd need to be exact spec's, working tolerance , material to be made from specified. They companies want far more than is generally available and won't manufacture on simple hearsay. If it was that simple we'd have no problem. I think even the Pre-war gear you have had made in the past you'd not get done nowadays.

This was just the most simple of drawings Rob, It is all I needed to give my mate in the works office, to write a file for me while I waited, to programme a machine to cut out the plate. Some of the dawning's made by the person that was his trade, will programme a CNC machine. I never checked the list I sent you as to what parts they were for are available. A guy in Germany has no problems in using to make the prewar parts e group members want. Other parts suppliers in Europe also use them.

[G15 Roy]

Andy are you saying that you can get drive axles made if so we can let you have samples.

[G15 Roy]

If any of you can find a company that can make studs and special nuts and bolts and chaincase screws this would be a great help. Samples can be supplied.

[SPRIDDLER]

The task of making stuff such as drive axles, etc, cannot be that hard, surely?

Not of any immediate help I guess but here's a most interesting read on the drawing and manufacturing processes for making a G3 engine in 1944....:

http://archives.jampot.dk/editorial/Roa ... ug_44).pdf
Crankcase drawing anyone?

HW crankcase half drawing.JPG

And another 50's interesting interview with the 350 and 500 designer on engine mods and materials including mainshafts and crankpins..

http://archives.jampot.dk/editorial/Roa ... _Baker.pdf

Including.......:

G3 steel specs.JPG

C

[56G80S]

In this, my fifth and final career, I work in the FE sector. My College "merged" with another training provider with a wide range of kit used to train young people directly and on behalf of companies such as GSK, Hitachi and others.

The subsidiary training provider has lathes, milling machines, shapers and all the old kit as well as CNC/CAD and 3D printers.

FE Colleges and Universities (Teesside being a leading example in the engineering and development front) are keen to provide students with the "real world" challenges. Although they may not get into batch production, they may, perhaps, be prepared to investigate material, produce acceptable modern drawings and do some testing work. One of our Board of Governors is Production Manager for NIFCO which supplies to the car industry for example.

Could this be worth a go? Like Birmingham, Teesside is still proud of and continues to train for it's industrial manufacturers.

I'd be happy to give it a go.

Johnny B

[Rangy65]

If any of you can find a company that can make studs and special nuts and bolts and chaincase screws this would be a great help. Samples can be supplied.

Hi Roy do we use Clay Jones of Acme Stainless. I thought he may of once supplied AMOC?

Acme Stainless - Mr Clay Jones.PNG