Large Scale Central

Mik's 2018 Joe Bussing

The MIK - Annual Build Challenge
#1

I will attempt to build an early 20th century wooden oil derrick. After doing some reading and internet searching I’ve come up with the initial design for the tower. Everything seems to be based on that so I’ll build it first. These derricks were typically built out of 2X12s with bracing every 8 feet. Typical height was 72 feet so when I scaled it out it was three feet high! I’ll have enough wood, but will have to take stock of what is left after its built. I’d like to incorporate a platform, walking beam and some piping.

I am using a 7 1/4 by 3/4 redwood fence plank. It’s been in my shop for about a year so it should be dry and hopefully won’t be subject to a lot of warping. I’ll need to cut off and dispose of a 1/4 inch strip in order for it to meet 2 X 4 square inches (1.5 X 3.5 = 5.25 square inches).

Tomorrow I’ll strip the wood for the tower.

#2

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a picture so here goes. Here is a preliminary sketch of the tower.

#3

It worked! Here is a picture of the three foot diagram I’ll work from.

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/Miktowerdiagram.JPG)

#4

Joe… Typically the length of drill pipe was 30 Ft. During the drilling process… The derrick had a cable hoist that was fed down thru the top pulley and picked …Up the horizontal pipe off the drilling floor and stood it up vertical and it was then screwed together to the last piece in the hole to create the string. To get the new pipe vertical, on one side of the derrick the cross bracing was way higher up the side then the other 3 sides, to allow for clearance as the pipe was stood up.

This area also allowed the removed pipe to be extracted from the middle of the rig when needed.

Dave

#5

That’s good to know! So I should leave room for a 15 inch pipe (1/24th scale) to be hoisted from horizontal to vertical on one side of the derrick.

#6

Yup… Up thru the legs of the derrick.

Dave

#7

#8

Thanks John. This helps. I’m still trying to figure out the cabling and drive belts.

#9

Well, if the bore is done, and the well is now pumping oil, then you don’t need the cables and pulleys. That’s the way I built mine, when it was producing and most of that extraneous stuff had been removed.

#10

Thanks David. That’s a good option.

#11

I ripped the lumber last weekend (about half of it) using my trusty table saw and Rockwell Blade Runner. I use a small belt sander for more precise fitments. Here’s a couple pics of the tools.

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1938.JPG)

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1943.JPG)

I really like the Rockwell Blade Runner. Basically, its a skill saw mounted under a table. It’s great for small cuts and I can even rip long pieces if they are under 1/2 inch thick.

#12

Here’s a few pics of the derrick under construction.

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1950.JPG)

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1957.JPG)

Sorry about the picture on its side…

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1958.JPG)

#13

good start

#14

I finished the crown block, pulleys and crows nest yesterday. Still needs some cleanup and detailing, but I’m pleased with the results.

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1960.JPG)

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1963.JPG)

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1968.JPG)

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1970.JPG)

Here’s a pic of the crows nest siting (temporarily) on top of the derrick with a 1:20.3 narrow gauge refer in front for perspective.

Sorry it’s still sideways…

(http://largescalecentral.com/FileSharing/user_2932/Big%20Joe’s%20Pics/IMG_1974.JPG)

Next on the agenda is building the walking beam.

#15

Okay well this is awesome

#16

What’s the rush???

Great start!!!

Been too cold, my hands hurt… oh my.

#17

Nice work, Joe. I like those pulleys. Where might one get his hands on some of those?

#18

It is great to have all that detail at the top where people will notice it. Nicely done!

#19

Thanks guys! The pulleys are a collection of nylon “finish” washers and nylon spacers from True Value ($4.73 from my $30 budget). I glued them together with E6000 and sprayed them with an all purpose primer before painting them. Next up is the walking beam and the band wheel. The latter has me a bit intimidated. I’m going to try and laminate scale lumber together and join with faux metal plates. I don’t have a good way of sawing a circle so I guess I’ll use the Blade Runner to get close and then do a lot of sanding.

#20

Your derrick and pulleys look terrific.

When I built my crane I started off trying to use nylon washers, spacers and even checked out pulleys that are used in sliding closet doors but I settled on stacking 2 different sized fender washers.

Do you have a cable in mind? I used the thickest black line they had at my local fishing shop. I believe it is 80 pound test and it looks pretty good.

Is the band wheel another pulley? I bet you could find something to use in Tru Value. I was roaming the aisles the other day at my local hardware store and a clerk asked if he could help. I told him what I was trying to do (putting a valve into a tank so I can drip solution from my track cleaning car) and I think he was sorry he asked.