This model of the Stothert & Pitt Beam Engine is a 1/12th reproduction of the full size engine, which is still in existence, and preserved in Bath University.

Stothert & Pitt were manufacturers of steam engines in their Newark factory in Bath. This particular engine was exhibited in 1867 at the Paris International Exhibition.

The model is supplied as a kit of castings and blank bar stock. A comprehensive 99 sheets of drawings give the modeller the dimensions and assembly positions. Every part will require some sort of machining or finishing. The finished model will sit on a hard wood plinth, I will probably leave that until near the end of the project when I begin to assemble everything because one of the flywheel bearing blocks will be resting on the plinth.

The power will either come from steam, air or electric, I haven’t decided yet, although I would prefer steam, it would be more practical to use a battery and small electric motor via a pulley to achieve movement.

Painting will either be very impressive or a bit bland, I hope to achieve a good standard of paintwork using an airbrush or just by using a fine brush.

Keep watching I will be updating regularly.

I’ve actually started the Stothert & Pitt beam engine! I’ve had the kit for three years so it was about time I started it! There is post outlining a bit of information about the Stothert & Pitt company in the left margin.

It should look something like this when completed:

It’s a big project so expect a haphazard approach to uploading onto the small workshop site, because I’m not the most computer savvy bloke!

But anyway, here are a few photos of progress so far. The base has been marked out and drilled ready for threading. The tapered pillars complete with feet and brass finials are complete. Top plate is complete, and I’m part way through the cylinder bottom plate.

Progress so far: The base has been marked out and drilled ready to accept the cylinder, posts, bearings etc.

These are the four tapered beam support posts, they will have brass finials on top and a square base. They also need  1/16″ wide slot machined down their length to accept a decorative arches made of laser cut plate.

They fit onto the base and support the top bearing block which will hold the beam and bearings in place.

These are the four brass finials for the tops of the tapered  columns. These will also need a 1/16″ wide slot.

This is the cylinder base being machined on the Mini lathe. There is some more work to do to make it look more decorative.

Future posts will include photos and descriptions on machining the parts.