The Home Machinist!

I've built several, in HO scale:) They are available in several types actually, the models I have are a string of three with two shared trucks. Then there are ones in pairs, and others with trucks on each end like normal rolling stock. On my models, the shared truck is attached to one half and the o...

Aluminum has a much larger expansion rate, and I wouldn't doubt that the lumpiness shown is due to the track getting "tight" and having no where to go except up. When figuring expansion rates, heat in direct sunlight has to be considered, not just ambient temperature. Here in the northwest it's very...

I found some bushings that were pretty affordable, ~$1.50 each, 3/8 x 1/2 with a collar on one side. So I'll press these into the point rails at the pivots and where the tie bar attaches and use bolts through them. I figure anything I can do to reduce maintenance and prevent the points from rusting ...

Those diameters relate to 36" wheels in 1.5/1.6" scale. Too small for me, got me all excited for a second there.

The difference you found here in this thread is due to pipe vs. tubing, two very different sizes. Tubing is measured by OD, pipe is measured by flow size through the pipe, typically plus a bit, and then pipe threads are far larger. When tapping a 1/4" NPT thread, it's drilled ~7/16". 1/4-40 thread, ...

I shaped and welded up the point rails for the turnout after work today, I'm planning to grind some of the welds smooth and then get them in the mill to cut the long tapers on Wednesday. Also a question, should I use bronze/brass bolts for the pivot points of the point rails? I'm thinking they would...

It's great to see Allen step up and use some of the latest technology in their offerings:)

Where one would use 18ga steel you'd probably want to use .080" aluminum for equal strength. 5000 series has decent strength, it's all about the shape and structure underneath though when dealing with any sheet metals. With a good epoxy primer and paint I think it would be pretty tough. Btw, you hav...

My simple relay and diode system defaults to green, yellow indicates the 2nd block ahead is occupied, and red = next block occupied. The system, or block, isn't going to know if it's one train or 4 or a piece of rolling stock that came un-coupled from someone's train. Something is making the connect...

My setup is in the woods, but I'm using non-treated lumber ties(will be soaked with a linseed oil and tar blend) and steel flat bar rails. It's pretty wet here, so I'm planning on having the tracks up on a layer of 5/8" clear gravel so the ties aren't sitting in any water or mud. This is going to be...

Ok, I hope that works. Definitely test it on some scrap before committing. I thought around 400-450*F the zinc started to go, but I'm not absolutely sure. I know I got sick welding and grinding on zinc at one point. Have you looked into aluminum? I know it's expensive right now but it might be worth...

The relays I have are overkill, I bought a 5 pack of those 40 amp automotive ones with the plugs/pigtails it was ~$13. Using two of them and one diode per signal, I'm able to set up a signal with R/Y/G aspects. As for the detection circuit, I'm leaning towards these little relay gizmo's on amazon th...