Hi Folks, PM engine finally arrived, took 4 days to get to UK and 2 weeks clearing customs, £21 import vat, Parcelfarce also took £8 'handling charge'. It seems so unfair that you can import enough fags to start a bronchitis epidemic, and pay no duty, but a little model steam engine attracts extra duty. Anyway, moan over I am most pleased with it, and the steam fittings are excellent and all good value for money. The main casting is now painted a nice crimson, just a bit of cleaning up to do, hands are a bit shaky and painting was never one of my favorite tasks, I usually get more paint on me than on the job. I pressed the sleeve bearings in with a clamp and a couple of aluminium blocks, meant to use the boiling and freezing method, but forgot to do it before painting and didn't want to boil off my paintwork. In the absence of a 0.1875 reamer, I used a sharp, new 4.8mm drill, turned by hand as the shaft seemed to be an interference fit and needed easing, I now have a nice running fit with inly about 6 thou play (checked with a dial gauge). I have ordered some hex bolts for the throttle securing plate as when the engine goes into a boat, it will be easier to adjust with a spanner, rather than try to get in with a screwdriver. John Coleman from PM is really helpfull, and will happily answer any questions. Due to the lack of a compressed air supply, I will be running in on steam right from the start.Cant wait to get it going, I may even put it in my Victoria instead of the little SVS engine.
Cheers y'all
Nick
