Bregazzi

This is a project that represents a bridge between the worlds of fine scale model engineering and full size steam engines. Born out of a desire to own and drive a full size engine, and lack of spare time and facility to enjoy modelling, this represents the builders idea of what an early 20^th century small estate tractor might have looked like.

The front, larger, wheels are driven through a gearbox from a ride-on lawn mower. The engine, a Stuart Turner 5A, originally powered a small steam launch.

The boiler, a K Series, by Alan McEwen, is coal fired and is designed specifically to power the engine used in this machine. The rear wheels and steering are from the same lawnmower as the gearbox.

The chassis is steel and is bolted to the boiler support plate and also to the steering and gearbox sub-frames. These sub-frames have also been donated by the lawnmower.

Whilst looking quite substantial at the moment there is still a considerable amount of work to do.

·        Brakes and steering to finish

·        A rear pick-up body to design and build

·        A water tank to sit between the frames

·        Everything to be plumbed in

·        Final painting and finishing

·        Fire to light

The project has taken two years to date, and hopefully will be complete within the next 18 months.