The Home Machinist!

I use accetalyne gas quick disconnects for propane as they are designed for a reliable seal with fuel gases.

They are available at welding supply houses.

Hmmm, it's been quiet on this subject ... I know there are at least 1/2 dozen tracks out there using full-time signals, including, I think Maricopa, LA ... and, of course Illinois Live-steamers (BDD? ) ...

Everybody out Christmas shopping?

I'm wondering how many tracks (private, club, park scale, etc.) have automatic signal systems with track-circuit train detection, specifically, how many tracks have systems that: Support train separation only (i.e.: not bi-directional) Support full-time bi-directional running (predominately passing ...

Can you make the male part longer to get more thread? You might be able to grind the back side of the die to get closer (don't suppose you have a surface grinder?). Since you said that you reversed the die I assume that this us not a pipe thread. You could turn off the hex from the male, thread the ...

In my old Hudson (now sold) I had 6 or 7 (can't remember exactly) 1/4" copper coils that preheated the water from a duplex steam water pump. There was a bleed valve between the coil and the boiler check. I could get steam out of the bleed valve! So, yes they can recover a lot of heat!

How does a automatic signal system handle multiple train sections within a block? It depends on the system and what the system uses for the term "block". In my system, a "block" is one or more (usually)bi-directional, detected track sections between "head-end" signals. The "head-end" signals contro...

The relays I have are overkill, .... I think a 6 volt, 1 amp trigger circuit is going to be the magic number such that wet tracks won't trip the system, a train closing the circuit will reliably trip it, and yet it's a safe power level to have across the rails. .... Be aware that, depending on soil...

I like your system Chuck, I think it would work great for a larger multi-user private layouts or clubs. Multi-directional done any other way would be a myriad of relays diodes and wiring amounting to a huge rats nest of mess and still subject to limitations as one circuit somehow has to have priori...

What many hobbyists don't realize...automatic block wayside signals (and even cab signals) do NOT indicate the presence of another train! Signals are used to convey TRAIN SPEED...as defined by the RR operating rules. .... Carl B. I'm afraid that 99% in the hobby think the exact opposite (which is y...

Another advantage of a good automatic signal system is that it should "do the right thing" even when engineers "do the wrong thing" - like back out of a siding into the block they just exited or pass a Stop (Red) head-end signal, etc. This adds a level of protection for others when someone (accident...

Can I elicit some opinions on the acceptable level of complexity of signals on a live steam railroad? I would like to hear any horror stories about making things to complicated or perhaps success stories where in application of "Prototypical" heads achieved the desired result without confounding th...

Has anyone found a solvent or cleaner that will wash away steam cylinder oil & coal ash? ... Anybody found the "magic elixir"? Ummm, do what I do in my Northern - burn propane :-) ... somebody had to say it :-) ... (Don't get me wrong, I know full well the reasons for burning coal - I burn coal in ...