W.Allchin steam traction engine

[un1corn]

This is probably the most complex project I have done to date, It took almost as long to assemble the parts as it did to create them.
The file is far too large to include here regrettably.

[un1corn]

More screenshots.

[chrisb]

This is very impressive. Can you tell us more about how you modelled it? Which workbenches did you use, Part/PartDesign? Did you use an assembly workbench?

[vocx]

I think when making complex models like this a minimum of information should be provided by the author, something like

• number of bodies or individual parts
• time to model
• time to assembly
• separate files or all in one file
• Assembly workbench or not
• source. Is this from a manual, book, magazine? Is this an actual part that you have physically?
• size of file. Files with many parts are easily in the 15 MB to 30 MB range.
• FreeCAD version. Surprisingly, many showcasers build their models with an old version of FreeCAD. Maybe it's because they take several weeks to finish their model, so they need to use a stable version, and can't be using the most recent one. I remember seeing complex models like this one, and the author saying they made it on 0.17 or earlier.
• Computer specifications. Related to the file size and number of parts, maybe it makes sense to mention the resources needed to model a complex assembly like this. Does the computer have 30 GB? Top of the line CPU and GPU? I have built models with hundreds of parts and the file size is 15 MB, and it already struggles with 12 GB RAM. But my computer is definitely not the most powerful.

I think adding this information would be great. It also saves time for those people who will ask those questions anyway.

[triplus]

Beautiful.

[mlampert]

There are no words to accurately describe the joy I get from looking at those screenshots. THANK YOU!
And please feel free to post more ....

[Rana]

Amazing , impressive work

[ppemawm]

This is probably the most complex project I have done to date

Fantastic, absolutely fantastic.
Thanks for the screen shots, un1corn.

[un1corn]

Re information requested
I started this model on 7th July 2019 and completed the assembly on 20th October.
There are 723 individual parts + 20 sub-assemblies + several calculation sheets, template models for LH/RH parts and inner formers where the thickness and or extrude tool would not cope.
I am using FreeCad V0.18, parts created mostly in PartDesign and Sketcher WB's and assembled with A2plus Workbench V0, 4.25.
Items such as the spoke and spud screws and rivets were generated where possible as an array in Draft WB which made it easier to import and position in the assembly.
The source of these and the greater majority of the model plans of the images I have posted were sourced here:- http://www.vapeuretmodelesavapeur.com/telechargements4/ courtesy of JDW Draughting services, 12 Brightwell Street, Papakura, New Zealand.
Julian De Waal is very helpful if you need to contact him with any questions.

Bear in mind that as I am now 76, well and truly retired, have some mobility issues and have been widowed for close to 10 years, I have plenty of time to devote to these model, I wish I was still in the position to physically make them.
I have attached a PDF sheet showing the details of my PC etc.
I hope this answers most of the questions raised.

[chrisb]

Thanks for the information. As there are several discussions about assembly this is a valuable demonstration of the capabilities of a2plus.