The Home Machinist!

Bill, it's funny you say about the chassis being 25%. I was going to mention something along those exact same lines in my original post, but I didn't want to sound too depressing! 😄 I couldn't agree more, and as noted I find the building process and the incremental progress to be very rewarding. I t...

Hi all, This past weekend I found myself in need of some 3/8 × 5/16 model reducing union tees for my 2-8-0 project, 3/8"-40 model taper pipe on the run and 5/16"-27 model taper pipe on the branch (aka "bull"). So I made some. The union part is actually half of a PM Research union...

Hi Mike,

I will take them, PM sent.

Sincerely,
Adam

Bill is not wrong about Teflon, its perpensity to "cold flow" is well documented in the literature and gives us fits in the industry. However, attached is a photo of the Teflon o-rings that are used as the seats in Anthony's starting valves, and the Teflon seals I have in steam service on ...

Hi Chris, Congratulations on your test run! Unfortunately, as alluded to above, the problem you encountered with the Mercer starting valves is a "known issue". I have a vague recollection that Dave mentioned the issue in passing in one of his many videos, or perhaps it was when I was chatt...

I appreciate the kind words, gents. Yes, it will run in 2024; I can't wait, either!

I have some thoughts on the Elesco pump, but because of the highly visible external check valve bodies I think a faithful reproduction will require some fancy investment casting and coring. Should be fun!

That's a Superpower Detail compressor, it's built as a functional unit exactly according to the Superpower Detail prints. But as has been well documented here on this forum, the design has fundamental issues and it won't work more than a few strokes. I intend to work on a fully functional compressor...

A few more.

Hi folks, As has been widely reported on Facebook, with the Cabin Fever Expo this past weekend in Lebanon, PA I decided to have some fun and bring down my locomotive under construction. It is 1.5" scale, 7.25" gauge (for the moment, 7.5" drivers are in the works), coal-fired. Castings...

Hi Nyle,

I just sent you a PM.

Sincerely,
Adam

Hi Jack,

I will take a set of 1-1/2" scale valves.

Sincerely,
Adam

Consider using Resbond 907GF from Cotronics: https://www.cotronics.com/vo/cotr/ca_putties.htm "2300°F Resbond™ 907GF Adhesive & Sealant This moist, creamy putty is easily applied from standard caulking cartridges and air dries at room temp. 907GF is resistant to most chemicals, solvents, ox...