The Home Machinist!

When I was in high school in the late 60's they were starting to phase out the shop classes then. I had to argue with the guidance counselor to let me take them since I was deemed to be in college prep, but I prevailed. They were what got me into a career of mechanical engineering and this great hob...

Hi, nice to see another steam engine comming to life. I built an Allen Ten Wheeler and the drawings were quit good. I did lay out the more complex parts on 2 d cad, it allowed me to dimension off of convenient datums for machining. Reguarding fasteners, I recommend using stainless steel, they do not...

The Minnie made the trip down to Florida from Connecticut in the back of my Dodge Grand Caravan. It passed hydro and was steamed for the first time last Saturday. Adjusted the safeties and set out on the track at Ridge Live Steamers. Ran in forward gear with a slight pulsating squeak. Upon switching...

The boiler should not be made from brass, use copper or bronze. The zinc in brass dissolves into the water over time and it becomes porous and weakens. Brass works for piping, tubing and external fittings, that can be easily replaced if they age out.

Ross Grant and myself plan to get an early start on Thursday. All are welcome to join us.

Rob

You can get 1 1/2. Test gage in several pressure ranges from McMaster Carr for around $15 plus shipping.

Look forward to see you all in a couple of weeks. Remember you welcome to Thursday if you want.

Rob

I cut a slot with band saw in small diameter wood dowel and slip a small piece of rag in it. Put some brass polish on it and spin it with an electric drill as I push it and out of the hole.

Rob

It's a 2-4-2. The trailing wheels do not show up in the photos due to the width of the 2 1/2" scale cab. And yes it definitely needs the trailing wheels for balance. It would be a rocking horse with out them.

Rob

I used the graphite tape from McMaster Carr. It works fine. It dose not last as long as the graphite yarn packing. Fine for 1 1/2" scale packings. But the strands of yarn are easier to install in 3/4" scale..

Rob

More pics.

Here are the finished pics. I decided to go with maroon red and black, and leave the stainless ateel boiler jacket and aluminum stack in finisheb.

Rob