The Home Machinist!

RESEARCH Like any planned out project, one normally begins by a little bit of research. Or in the case of this project...as much research as possible to acquire dimension, details and other facets of these cars not easily seen from the photos. Original drawings for #5 and #6 no longer exist. However...

Madelblue...are those 1.5" scale x 7.5"" gauge? Because of the "abbreviated" track, the gauge looks larger. Otherwise, thanks for looking on. Will be interesting to hear back from you as this build project moves along. Carl B.

Well Bernie...Tuscan red is one of those colors that's not red and not brown, but could be almost any shade in between. Here's an idea to try...Rustoleum red primer and cover that over with semi-gloss clear coat. Have used this technique on different parts of my locomotive and a stock car I built fo...

Well guys, it's not like I haven't been sitting around doing nothing. Thought I'd create another "build log" for other Chaski hobbyists to follow along. Once again, something different from a locomotive build project. This "build" started long ago. Found a fellow club member (some 25 years ago) that...

Anthony, Sorry to say I'm not in the market for any of your products at this time. However, have to add you have an VERY IMPRESSIVE line-up of hardware available for the live steam hobby. You're to be commended for your dedication to the needs of hobbyists AND to design/deliver properly sized inject...

Dick...Not sure if this will help you. Bill Hays's Trainmaster is in Michigan Central colors...not CNR. Believe Bill's loco is battery powered not gasoline. Either way, here's a photo of Bill's loco from August last year. Carl B.

Assembled a couple of the clam shell doors for a friend that models 2.5" scale several years ago. He got the castings from Tom A along with his RGS #20...but one of the sets had (2) doors of one sty le...and (0) doors of the other style (yes, the doors are different). Tom A got those from door casti...

There's no better way for someone to ruin your personal experience than to shower you with ill-placed negativity for your first or last exposure at a track. Hopefully, those types of people are few and far between. Have a friend that contributes here on occasion. He has a great response for the mode...

Best suggestion I can give someone when considering "how to transport equipment" in an SUV, pick 'em up truck or trailer...stand around the loading/unloading facilities at their home track...or at other tracks. WATCH what others have done. Ask questions (ask if you can take photos). Make mental note...

Hello Anthony...cast, machined or ready for sale...even your waxes are impressive to look at! Kudos to you and the skills you've manged to perfect to deliver a working scale replica. Realize there's already a substantial amount of time invested just to have waxes ready to be cast (btw...do you mount...

Chris...getting cross-eyed trying to follow your 3D 3D drawing. Safe bet there's holes you'll have to drill...and then plug. Even the Van Brocklin water pump shown in the photos above has a couple of those. Something to consider (cause you didn't mention)...if you're looking to pump air, you'll need...

Chris...I'm assuming your question is in regards to the steam porting. Using the photo DaveS provided (similar to the 1st photo you posted), steam enters the pump from the right...and enters the right side valve chamber. There is a steam port that runs across the face of the pump (the horizontal bli...