'Making My First Ranalah Pattern' | Reviving History (Episode Three) 

Many years ago I visited a small foundry near Frankfurt in the then West Germany. As we walked through the pattern shop, the guide said "Oh, please do not steal the measuring rules here because they will be useless for you. What you think is one centimetre is actually approximately one-third longer to allow for shrinkage of the castings during cooling". At this factory, when the castings were broken out of the moulding boxes, they were each given a rough clean-up, sprayed with red-oxide paint and stacked outside in the open. They were left outdoors to "season" for five months minimum before being brought back into the main works for machining.Keep up the good work Dominic. Stay safe and well.

Hi Dom,i first used a Ranalah English Wheel,when i was in the RAF,as an Airframe Technician Aircraft,I can Remember using one at RAF Abingdon when i was on Buccaneer Majors 89 to 91,then using the same wheel,in 2002 to 2011,at RAF Lyneham Station Workshops.Thanks for rekindling my memories

seriously fella people like you make me proud you wont let this country forget its roots ,nothing more british than an English wheel id love to buy one from you one day.

What a fantastic series of videos Dom, what you are doing is to be highly commended mate👍 A company I worked for 20 years ago rented the 'Planeing shop' in the old Vulcan Engine Works in Newton-le-Willows where we designed and built conveyor systems for all manor of industry. We were well known in the industry for 'one offs' whereby the item needed was not available off the shelf. It wasnt unusual for me to do a 'back of a postage stamp' rough drawing to take into the cad designer and great things came from that source. I have the dubious accolade of engineering and constructing the very last piece of equipment to come out of the Vulcan works, sadly the entire site is now a housing estate. Your enthusiasm for the past resonates with me as it nearly broke my heart to see that great works mercilessly raised to the ground. I kept one momento, the plaque off the last wall crane ever to be used there. Not much, but, like the plaque you received from Ken, it means a lot to me. Keep up the great work Dom👍👍

It's quite funny. I was speaking to the Wife last week saying that there are smiths out there who still use Hammers made over 100yrs ago, and it's a shame they no longer made. Absolutely over the moon with the fact you are bringing them back.

Thankyou Dom for taking us on your exciting Ranalah journey and also showcasing the unsung craftsmen hidden away on small industrial estates. One of the best RU-vid channels.

Good to see someone with real enthusiasm. Fascinating stuff, Dom.

Wow! I have exactly the same table saw as the wood suppliers, and CNC machine as Paul in my imaginary workshop where I work on imaginary projects with imaginary friends. Your videos just get better and better.

Omg Dom. Thank you so so much for letting us come along on this amazing adventure. I so look forward to the next update on this story. My favourite YT Channel. Many thanks again. Kind Regards Chris

Brilliant to see your progress, Dom - you have such energy and enthusiasm that I am carried along with the excitement. It's almost like we are part of the project. Thank you!

Cascamite......thats a name from the past, I used that at school fifty years ago for veneering and jointing.....loving the series..👍👏

Ken, what a star for sending you that plaque! Well done to him. CNC stuff is always fascinating to watch, no matter what it’s producing. Keep up the great work mate, can’t wait for the next video👍

Hello Don, The pattern looks good... that was very kind of one of your viewers to send you the Ranalah sign... be sure to let us know anything else you may learn about to... See you on the next one... Take care. Paul,,

Very fascinating. I’m loving all behind-the-scenes trade stuff the average person wouldn’t get to see 🤓🧐

Very cool project but I’d think you’d be just a little bit excited about it. 😉 Your enthusiasm is contagious Dom. You’re infecting us all. Definitely something the world could use more of.

A fascinating video for a relaxed Sunday afternoon Dom I look forward to th casting !!

I have only just started watching your channel due to the Triumph restoration, and I am now so hooked on the Ranalah project, well done!! Lovely to see your enthusiasm.

As we live across the pond, as it were, we were late finding the "Repair Shop." But that wonderful show has lead me to your channel, and I am just engrossed with your new project. Thanks for the needed distraction, and history lessons.

In the words of my dad " it's above my pay grade " but I'm really enjoying being on this journey with you Dom 👍🏼

Never heard of the English wheel till I came across your videos. On RU-vid I found Eastwood, Proshaper and Lazzemetalshaping all worth a look.

Another great video Dom, another day closer to completing your very first Ranalah Wheel - lovely to see Lucia popping into say Hi - 👌😊

Hi Dom. I've spent 25 years using CNC machines, mostly lasers and press brakes and at 67 yrs old I wouldn't be working now without them. There accuracy and quality of cut is amazing. Always look out for these uploads. Highlight of my You Tube week. Keep em' coming

i worked in a woodyard for part of my career, but that yard was beautiful, thats the only way i can describe it, amazing, make me want to go back to working in that job, although i no longer think my back could take it !

Very cool! Bet that timber yard smelled amazing. Can’t wait to see the foundry!

This is a great Dom, I'm watching, listening and learning and your shed loads of enthusiasm is infectious, is it next Sunday yet??!!!!👍🏻

The casting will be great to watch as it's very intricate with recesses, so will be keen to see how that works when taking the template out of the sand. There's bound to be a knack to that.

I used to be a pattern maker for a well known kit maker and we used Lime, it is very fine grain so you can get the detail. The CNC cutting the wood out would have put me out of a job but what a fantastic machine. great video, thank you

It is such good fun to be caught up in your enthusiasm for this project. Your excitement spills over into the videos and I never thought I’d be anxiously awaiting the next episode of something like this.. however I do feel for the clients whose Land Rover coffee bar has been put on the back burner, they must be very patient.

Hello Dom, another cool video. One baby step closer! Few more bits and you're ready to go! Cheers Simon

I've not seen or heard of Cascamite glue for years!, I used to use it in model boat making 40 years ago! Great video...

It's fantastic that we get to come on this journey with you Dom , your enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious. Thank you 😎

Hey Dom,I know a lot of old engineering tools made it out to NewZealand in the early days.Will keep a lookout for any related parts,or even a wheel!!.I’m hooked mate,can’t wait for the updates. Cheers

I was wondering why you could not use an original cast piece as a pattern, thank you Dominic for clearing that up. It all makes sense to me now.

Good show !! You're on your way. Good score on the Ranalah sign.

Good one Dom. What a ride you are taking us on! Thanks so much.

Great video Dom. I’ll echo other fans by saying your enthusiasm comes thru in your videos. Loving the Ranalah sign.

Brilliant adventure Dom! Can't wait for the next episode and all best wishes to you on your venture!

“Wheel get there” wheels good pun Dom. I know nothing about engineering etc but am really enjoying the journey with you. I guess that’s good filmmaking

Love what you do. I see the joy in your eyes. Onwards Dom!

What a pleasure watching these videos by you Dom. Nick Rodgers Metal Sculptor

Terrestrial TV is almost dead, this is the way to be entertained with honest real content, well done Dom keep it going

Dom, absolutely fascinating, I am loving this series. What a lovely place you bought the wood from, I could spend a lot of money in a place like that. 25 years ago I 'acquired' 20 oak desk tops 4x2 from my old classroom. The legs were beech which I have turned into lots of varieties on my lathe, and made numerous items from the desk tops. Watching the computer cut outs was fascinating, Technology has left me behind!! Keep these fascinating videos coming. Steve Williamson

This is exciting. I'm sure I'll take one when they become available.

Awesome, thank you Dom, I really look forward to watching your videos so keep them coming

I used to watch the pattern makers when I worked at the foundry. I never understood why they were wood and not just make the mould from the steel rolls. Thank you as I was asking the question to myself at the beginning of this video.

By a complete coincidence, I fabricated a lower cradle just yesterday for my Ranalah! I made it from steel, to take my 2” wide lower wheels/anvils. There must be some spooky algorithm going on for your video to me on my RU-vid feed... good work by the way Dom! 🤙

Hi Dom 👋 as the guy before said, I haven't seen cascarmite used for ages. Good stuff ,the super glue of its time , great video again mate ,looking forward to the next one ,also can't wait to see you doing the large wooden former 👍 that will take some doing . Regards Frank

great to see the update on the ranalah english wheel dom and what a cool sign you was sent :)

Ranalah had a boat yard at Wotton on the Isle of Wight, They made fast patrol boats for the navy and airforce during the war and then sold similar boats to the public afterwards. I wonder if that plate would have been fitted to a boat.

This is one of the best series on RU-vid for sure! Thanks Dom and can't wait to see the next update!

Great update 👍🏼 Great to see the progress

Fantastic Dom. Be grate to see the next video

I like how you do it in your lunch time, brings back memories resorting cars in my lunch break. Keep it up

I understand all about draft angles and the importance of them as well as fillets on casting patterns (I am not an expert). That wood place is a treasure trove I wish that was near me as I build wooden models

The other day i saw a program on tv , they were at the factory in the Isle of Wight where they make new spitfire fuselages, im sure they had a Ranalah in the workshop..

Amazing stuff Dom. I am learning about things I had no idea of. Your joy is infectious 😜

Hi Dom long been a fan of repair shop and lately your Ranalah adventures videos however its the red biplane on your bonnet of your Landy 110 I'm commenting on, and I'm convinced its a Phil Ramsey Pitts maybe S2a got one in the loft, foam wings covered in obechi and a grp fus, from the late 80's had loads of fun with it, cheers

I'm surprised that you've been advised to use Beech. It's the worst wood for movement if there's a change in surrounding moisture. But since you've used it. I'd suggest that it gets sealed incredibly well. I know you'll put a few shellac coats on it (I've seen these usually in reds and Orange colours) Don't let it ever get damp. Because it will split on you. Most of the casting plugs I've seen are made in mahogany or Sapele. Jamie

Different materials require different expansion rates built into the pattern. Thus a pattern for a Cast Iron part will be a different size to a pattern for a Brass part, its not a lot but it makes a big difference as the size increases. This part appears to have been created in 2D CAD, if it was created in 3D CAD such as Solidworks all the expansion rates, draw angles, edge and fillet radii, Prints for Core Boxes etc could be created from the one master file. Pattern would need minimal clean up and finishing. Also why Beech, traditionally Jellutong was the favourite for patten making or the modern Polyurethane Pattern making Block? Cascamite was used to glue up the DH Mosquito fighter bomber.

Hi Dom, I've designed a few casting in my time but I really can't see how you are going to use that pattern to make an impression in the sand to cast the part. I'm sure you're going to need at least one core. Perhaps two copes and a drag? but that would have been easier if you hadn't glued them together. I look forward to you proving me wrong! I really wish you every success with this venture. Kevin.

Great progress Dom and watching that CNC machine was fascinating. Looking forward to seeing the foundry at work. Kind regards, Richard.

I'm a 35 year in Machinist trade, I find your Ranalah project very interesting,

Great Vlog as usual, really looking forward to the casting 👍

As always, educational, interesting and entertaining. Good luck with the casting!

Brilliant video Dom, looking forward to the next installment.

Well done Dom . Good luck with the next episode .

When you make the pattern for the main casting as well as the company name I think you deserve to add your signature to the casting. After all it’s your achievement now. Steve

Brilliant Dom. Looking forward to the next episode. I wonder how Ranalah got its name?

Great Ranalah! & love the wood yard :)

Enjoying your Ranalah journey Dom

Loving the updates. I saw a company online called Roach Manufacturing Ltd in Romsey near Southampton. They build old vintage car body shells and in one of their photos (of an HRG1500??) there is what looks like a #Ranalah wheel in their workshop. Keep up the good work!!

I look forward to watching your videos, Dom. Such enthusiasm 🌞 And talent.

Hi Dom, just watched your latest Vlog. Once again absolutely brilliant. It just shows how much passion you have for your job 👏. Keep up the great work.

Nice one Dom , love your passion mate

Your enthusiasm is infectious!

Ranalah's a good word. Very satisfying to pronounce

Guys, it doesn't really matter where the model is made from.... There are such things as casting cores to deal with cavities and such. 3D printing surely made stuff easier but is not the only way to make a model. Don't forget they made quite intricate stuff before there was rapid prototyping or 3D printers. + it's nice to see the craftsmanship on how it used to work.

Fantastic video! I love watching your videos, so interesting and entertaining. Keep at it 😎👍🏻

So nice to see the whole journey keep up the great work

The repair shop should be filming/ funding this project ! Very interesting !

Great video and love the enthusiasm. Really excited for the next instalment.👍🏻

Loved the wood yard. You are one talented man

Hi Dom, I Don't know about you I'm very excited , things are looking up , Stay Safe All the Best Brian

Hi Dom. A random thought about typefaces. I wonder if they ever got a copyright on the design? If so you now own it. If not maybe you want to own it? Equally, I would hate you to run into copyright issues later. Maybe Lucia or the rest of the team have some expertise you can tap into? It is such a pleasure to watch you on this channel, more power to your elbow as they say. Whoever "they" are!

Yay the first part to be recast can you see any old casting lines or makes on the part you removed to copy !

Fascinating video Dom, wonderful following your journey with the Ranalah.

Well exciting Dom! You have me hooked. Cant wait for the next episode!

Hi Dom, Thanks for your great video's Your enthusiasm for the Ranalah wheeling machine is brilliant. Can I ask about your welding bench it looks a really good. What sizes and make is it and where did you buy it. Any chance you can give us a closer look at it. Thanks

Going to pick up a Ranalah in the morning. Just hope it fits my trailer.

Dom I'm loving the channel. You are always so upbeat and positive. I am worried when do you actually stop to eat as all the videos I've watched of yours are on your Repair shop lunch break. 🤔😂

Dom, great stuff! Would it be an idea to bolt the Ranalah main casting to a large board increasing it's footprint to help prevent a topple over? Alan

Dom, I love the project, I really do. My concern is that there's no market for a reproduced cast wheeling machine.

It will be impossible to remove that pattern from a sand mould as made with those appatures. I have made many wooden patterns in the past but 3D printing is the way to go now. All the draft and fillets can be added with CAD, export the file and a 3D printer will make the part. All that waste wood too.

Another cracking video, I was totally absorbed watching the latest developments.

Awesome Dom. More power to you.

What a fabulous ride👌

Nice episode, and you’re moving it all on apace. Like you, I’ve never cast anything, so my ignorance might catch me out. However, I think that pattern being glued up in one piece is going to cause some problems and need modification or it will probably be impossible to ‘draw’ it from the sand-mould. Still, exciting to see it all taking shape. Les

Had you ever considered Jelutong for your pattern making ? It’s very stable, knot free and comes in large boards.

looks like an AXYZ 3m - 2m . not the biggest available Dom but great kit for standard size sheets

Hi Dom, I am loving your channel and binge watching....Question, I know that the pattern has to be bigger than the finished part ( I seem to recall 2-3 % shrinkage from long ago when I was in colledge) but could you have just programed the 3d printer to scale up the size the appropriate amount and not had to go thru the cost of making the pattern in wood?