A Turntable for the Triple Expansion Engine.
by John
I have not weighed the Bolton 9 triple expansion steam engine, but I would guess that it is 20-25lb. (weighed it. 25.5lb)
Access to the various bolt on bits and pieces has become increasingly difficult and tricky, and involves frequent repositioning of the engine.
I removed the bolt on base and that has improved the situation a bit.
Then I had a brainwave, thought bubble, inspiration whatever, and I tried a ball bearing turntable…. you know….. one of those Chinese restaurant middle of the table gadjets.
It is incredibly useful!
Here are some pics and a video showing it in place; just a demo of the engine at its current (unfinished) stage. I think that the turntable might become a frequently used tool for heavier models.
The Bolton 9 on the turntable
And the latest additional bits… non return valves on the water pumps.
johnsmachines 
Hi John,
thats a very goor idee to use a turntable with that weight.
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Great work, I too have a half built engine. It came to me via a friend and had no con rods .did you make yours from scratch.? The supplier could not find any casting and is not sure if there were any
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Thanks Patrick. I did get some castings for the conrods. But to be frank, I think that it would be easier to make them from bar stock. I would start with the holes and use them to hold the bar stock to a sacrificial plate. Then mill away at the contours.
John.
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