The Home Machinist!

Quick update, the bolster pattern is done, and casting will commence tomorrow. I will post in the sales section when I have multiple sets ready to sell.

First test cast of the side frames, I'm pretty happy with how they came out. The bolster pattern is almost done, I expect to start production by the end of the week. Not quite as detailed as I wanted, but I just couldn't manage the smaller details, I tried two or three times but lacked the tools and...

Thanks, after a minor correction to the master, they are coming out completely clean, so onward and upward with the working pattern. The bolster master is almost complete as well.

Just for a teaser, I have been working on patterns for T-frame Bettendorf trucks. I am nearly done tweaking the master pattern, and will be starting on the bolster this weekend. I'm pretty happy with it so far, the nice thing about this set of castings is that I think they will be able to be finishe...

So everyone is clear about what the "Candy bar" whistle posts are, here's a short pictorial of how to finish them up. Couldn't be easier, all you need is a hacksaw, drill, and file. Or a sander of some sort, up to you. First pic shows how big all three are, I looked at the last picture I posted of t...

Finally got back out to the foundry and started getting some production work done. I now have a saleable amount of my "Candy Bar" whistle posts, with more to come tomorrow. One dozen PRR keystone bars are ready for sale, 3 oval bars, and a couple diamond ones. I will be casting more tomorrow. Price ...

Both sets tentatively spoken for...

After two years I am finally down to my last two kits. Not sure if I will make more, especially at this price. They are still $50, if you buy both they will be $40 apiece. Again, last two kits.

Very nice, I'm guessing that is the corebox for the light?

A couple of videos I just made, I am going to finish this set up in the next month or so and hopefully all you real machinists can have a good laugh at my expense. I am also going to use this to improve my video skills, hopefully the last "reel" when I am done will show a marked improvement in quali...

It might be in operable condition, but I believe that the owner has some serious medical problems and hasn't run it in a few years. The Crooker machine, #64, is also at the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, and is probably runnable, but I think the boiler certificate has expired, or the family doesn'...

I have a few signs still available for sale, if I don't show a pic please refer to earlier pics in this post. I have 1 oval PRR crossing sign, 1 oval New Jersey variant crossing sign, 3 PRR hatchet yard limit signs, 2 UP flying vee yard limits. $15 plus shipping per sign. I have 3 RPO mailbag warnin...