[modeleng] Re: [modeleng] Re: [modeleng] 3½ versus 5

I am going to go against the trend and advice 3 1/2" IF, and only if,  you 
have a track or club,  that accepts that size.

The ML10 is an excellent lathe, but it is small, and will limit what you can 
build.
Unless you farm out some work, the lathe size should be the deciding factor.

In 5", I expect you could manage Ajax, but even Simplex might be beyond the 
lathes capabilities.
(I would need to check on the drawings to be sure.)
I dont know about Sweet pea, as I havent seen the drawings. However, it isnt 
one of my favourites.

3 1/2" is smaller, lighter to carry and easier to transport around.
They can haul a decent load, and many engines regularly haul a dozen or more 
passengers round club tracks.
Look at the results for IMLEC and you will see what 3 1/2" engines can do 
and how well they run.

The other advantage is that the cost of materials is less. Ruin a casting 
and you only need speak nicely to the bank manager, not go down on bended 
knee !!

At the end of the day, what you build should be what you can run, and, most 
importantly, an engine that you like the look of.

Alan Stepney

http://www.alanstepney.info
Model Engineering & steam engine information pages

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