I don't think this belongs in the traders section, as I don't consider myself a trader. But Colin can move it to wherever he sees fit.
I am the model engineer who helps Richard (Bunkerbarge) out sometimes, to make those impossible to get hold of parts.
I do it mainly for the challenge and to help out fellow modellers. I have been there, and know just how frustrating it can be getting that certain piece machined up or modified to your own specifications.
I am not interested in custom prop shafts or thousands of 5 ball handrails, people can get them done by artisans who's livelyhood depends on it.
But I am willing to take on the challenge of most other things, especially steam related. If you have a broken steam engine, and if you have the drawings, or a good or damaged part as a sample, I can most probably make the part for you. To get you on the water again.
Almost any one off's (or maybe just a few) I can most probably help you out with.
I am not a commercial enterprise, but also I am not a charity, so costs to keep the workshop turning over and material and postage costs have to be taken into account. You will soon realise that with average costs in a commercial workshop costing well over £50 per hour, or part of, then my lowly donation scheme can put your parts within reach.
I am partially disabled, so sometimes things can take a little longer than normal, as it depends on my health at the time. But normally I can get most small items turned around in a couple of days. If it is going to take longer, I will tell you. If I don't have the raw materials in stock, it can sometimes take a couple of weeks to get it delivered.
This is a top end restoration I am doing on a gents model steam engine, who gave me permission to use it in a post on a site I frequent. Just to show the sort of things I can make and do.
http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=1054.0It is in fact a lot further on now, and I haven't done the final post, but I am hoping to have it ready to go back to the owner tomorrow.
So if you do need help, don't be afraid to send me an email or PM. I gave up eating fellow modellers years ago.
Bogs