John R. Bentley 2011.

Constructing the Reversing Gear (page 3):
the Connecting Links

-  for the Stuart Compound Launch Engine  -

Milling the small end on one of the two connecting links


Marking out the two ends of each link for two different sizes of holes



(this is just a guide to keep my wits about me - I actually located holes by the graduated dials on the axes handwheels)



Four holes drilled to size





Using the mill to mark out the hubs







Large and small ends clearly marked







This was going so well that I also marked the edges of the links with the cutter







In the vise and ready to start hacking







Unlike the drag links, there are two sides (top and bottom) to mill deeply







That is not rust on the vise, it is just strange lighting







Long tedious work by the time all this milling was done!







Ready to start the hubs







Top and bottoms of each hubs will be done separately







Milling away the end portion of the web







Clearing between the two links so the small ends can be milled around a pin







This is much the same as on the previous page







The twins are still connected







Reaming the big ends 3/16" to match the reversing shaft







Still not separated from its twin, but I tried it in position to see how it will look







Here are the two connecting links ready to be cut apart with a hacksaw







Finishing the small ends after separating







I used the side of a 1/4" cutter to mill the hubs to length







Here is a view of a connecting link on the pivot bolt sandwiched between the drag links







The two completed link assemblies





Next Page The making of the the reversing lever assembly

Engine Construction Pages:

Castings, Materials and Fastenings

Soleplate

Cylinder Block

Top Covers

Bottom Cylinder Covers

Steam Chests

Crosshead Guides and Bracket

Crankshaft

Eccentrics

Flywheel

Connecting Rods and Crossheads

Main Bearings

Pistons

Fittings: Oil Cups

Fittings: Drain Cocks

Fittings: Exchange Pipe, Flanges and Glands

Stephenson Link Reversing Gear (page 1)

Stephenson Link Reversing Gear (page 2)

                 Stephenson Link Reversing Gear (page 3)  - this page

Stephenson Link Reversing Gear (page 4)

Stephenson Link Reversing Gear (page 5)

Completing and Erecting the Compound Launch Engine

or

Compound Launch main page

Main website home page ModelEngines.info




© John R. Bentley 2011.