The Home Machinist!

Very sorry to hear. Dave made a significant contribution to the hobby not only through his work but also through his videos. I learned a lot from them and I'm sure many others did too. R.I.P.

I love that "Steamin' Up" video and have probably contributed a couple of dozen views to the total. It's great to watch when I can't get to the club track, but want to enjoy the sights and sounds of live steam.

Thanks, everyone, for that information. Now that I've gotten a couple of good suggestions on where the trouble could be I'll see if I can't get her running. Will update you with my findings...

I didnt think it was binding due to expansion because I was able to spin it by hand. Maybe there is a slight increase in dimensions somewhere and it doesn't take much to foul things up? No its not meant for steam just air. But for the price I thought it was worth taking a chance. Got it from Ebay ye...

I bought an inexpensive Chinese "steam turbine" to play around with, in the hopes of using it to power a turbo generator. It works just fine on air but not on steam. When I apply steam pressure it turns very slowly, eventually grinding to a halt. Since I have no knowledge of steam turbine ...

I received a pair of safeties from Dave Sclavi and finally tried them out. They are excellent. The first one lifts consistently at 120PSI on the button with a satisfying pop. The re-seat is sharp and tight and there is no weeping. Glad someone is supplying the hobby with high quality products. I str...

Dave, I just sent you a PM to reserve a pair of safeties from the next batch. Thanks.

One disadvantage of firing-up with compressed air is that every live steam track seems to have a different fitting on the end of their hose. Since there's no standardization you have to carry around an assortment of fittings in your toolbox, and piece together a working combination "on the fly....

an injector is an injector is an injector. they all work on the same principle: part science part black magic What gets me is how old Hank Giffard figured it out in the first place. Back in 1858 they didn't have the computers and scientific instruments we have today to do much of the brain work. Wh...

It seems to me that coating the tender with epoxy or some other product, if not done just right, could actually make the situation worse and hasten its demise. If water should become trapped between the coating and the metal it will rust through in no time. The fabricated liner seems like a great so...

I use these for my water and propane connections. going on 6 plus years with flawless service http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/311504666249?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true Great tip! These looks like the quick-disconnects made by Rectus in Germany which, unfortunately, are nearly impossible to get...

Phil, I"m glad I was able to find them. I did wonder about the pull apart as I know they are not at all designed for that. They don't break or crack?? Pete They will tolerate a few cycles of being yanked apart. However, my understanding is that they will eventually break if this is done on a r...