The Home Machinist!

Thought that looked like Tom Miller's depressed center flat with the transformer. Didn't realize Tom had sold that off. Glad to know it has found another "caregiver". That's the 2nd transformer to be built...patterned after this original... xIMG_0341.JPG Was contacted several months ago by some folk...

Ron... Couldn't imagine why someone in AL would have an appreciation for a Northeast Corridor loco...until I saw family history. Found the following photo on line. Knew I had seen this pix before. Might help you a little... quill-fig7.jpg Photo most likely came from the Pennsy Electric shops in Wilm...

Saw your thread title. Is this in regards to fabricating a check valve...for an injector? ...axle pump? ...crosshead pump? Reason for asking, had a problem several years ago where repeated pounding of the stainless steel check ball against the brass for the exit check valve seat, eventually pounded ...

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. Where: Red=stop. Yellow=approach at less than full speed. Green=proceed at limited ...

When in doubt, search McMaster-Carr. While they carry some straight copper tubing, you'll find a better selection of brass tubing with various wall thicknesses. Call in the morning...usually get next day delivery. Carl B.

Anthony... Sorry to say, I'm not in the market for injector(s) at this time. There's no doubt though, you have created an impressive line up of injector hardware to fit most hobby miniature boiler needs. You are to be applauded for your efforts to fill a much needed niche. The quality of products co...

Joe...have had this discussion with several persons here and elsewhere. Your recount of working in the shop while humorous...brings one word to mind...ORGANIZE! Got to the point where stuffing parts, fixtures, supplies and other in boxes was good for stacking, but it became an endless game of "hide ...

While my local club requires at least (2) means of boiler feed water, the loco I've been running for 18 years has (4) ways of getting water into the boiler. Primary feed water is accomplished using an injector. After that, there's a steam powered water pump, an axle pump and a tender hand pump. On o...

Just purchased a 12 volt horn on Ebay...includes horn, mount and compressor. Something like $17. Before the purchase, inquired about the pitch. Not the volume...the horn was advertised at 150 dB. The response was 105 to 110Hz. Haven't seen anything lower advertised on-line. As BDD eluded to, 1st gen...

Greg...so sorry to hear the news of Cal's passing. Thank you for capturing Cal's "life and times" in your post. There was no doubt, Cal was a true gentlemen. Willing to take the time to share his knowledge and experience with anyone in need of information in many subject areas. His background spanne...

If you go back in the Disc. Live Steam archives...believe it was Issues 29 & 30 that was a 2 part series on "assembling" turnouts. Nothing was really mentioned about the turnout design per se. The use of jigs, fixtures and gauges will go a long way towards repeatability in your turnout construction....

Still haven't gotten an answer to your question? Typical real life tie dimensions: 7" D x 8" W x 8.5' L. Depending on the RR, tie dimensions might vary from what was considered the "standard tie dimension". Depth and width were pretty much dictated by what the mechanical tampers could handle. I will...