S.M.L. 32 Twin Cylinder Steam Engine

The instructions for this model were first published by Meccano Ltd. as Super Model Leaflet (SML) no.32 in 1929.  A scan from original instructions shown on the left. I wanted to build this model  ever since I bought "The Meccano Super Models " published by New Cavendish and written by Geoff Wright over twenty years ago. At the time I had no where near enough parts required to build such a large model. The model calls for a large range of perforated plates but a bigger problem was the non availability of the Channel Segments P/N 119. This part was discontinued by Meccano in the 1930s, 32 are required for the rims of the two flywheels.  I wanted to use the Channel Segments as these give the flywheels a more elegant appearance than the large flange rings suggested as a replacement by Meccano when  part number 119  was discontinued.  Replicas have been made since then notably by William R.(Bill) Inglis* from Australia, during the 1970s and sold widely.  Unfortunately these were also discontinued. Bill made a new  batch recently and I managed to acquire from him the 32 required and had them powder coated in 1950s mid-green. So a long cherished ambition could then be fulfilled and construction begin.  * Sadly Bill passed away May 21 2009 a great loss to the Meccano world. I have modified the design in several ways:- parts used that were not available when the model was designed , such as flexible plates, more solid looking bearings for the crankshaft using semi circular plates and girders, the cylinders are constructed from flexible plates rather than the skeletal construction of the originals, the valve cylinders I built from 2 hole x 2 hole angle girders actually non standard parts but I could have used regular girders and flat girders to achieve the same effect, connecting  rods have been "beefed up" by using four layers of perforated strips. The model is now finished pictures show the various stages of construction much along the lines of the original leaflet. Base frame and engine base and cylinders constructed. June 17 frame and engine base brought together flywheels crank shaft and connecting rods  temporally fitted. July 8 Flywheels, connecting rods pistons all assembled, aligned and operating. Motor drive fitted July 20 Boiler constructed and assembled steam pipe fitted completing the model. One riddle of the construction for me was the 9 hole strips for the piston slides, The throw of the cranks was just to long for the slide not hit the bolts at each end I overcame this by making a ten hole strip.  Another builder has since told me he never came across this problem I imagine my problem was probably not closing up enough on the slotted holes. Many of the rods also needed to be of non standard lengths, this was not mentioned in the instructions. Although filing flats on the crankshaft rods was but I did not find I needed to do this. . . Although the design is over 75 years old its a nice model to watch running,  it even sounds like a steam engine with a lovely swish from the piston slides,  cross heads and a good whirr from the governor. I think it particularly suits the post war red and green colour scheme. The model is driven directly through a coupling by a Bull 9 volt geared motor.

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