The Home Machinist!

All excellent points and perspectives. The comments from everyone obviously justify the effort of asking the questions, as there are no end of issues to consider. I have to balance budget, functionality, ease-of-use, ability to maintain, and most importantly suitability to the task at hand, which is...

Thanks for the tip about the saddle clearance! I will most certainly keep that in mind. I also have to chuckle at your last comment concerning building a locomotive with something that was around during WWII. I have much the same sentiment actually. I like the idea of working in old technology using...

Or Allied Electronics is a good source. Their catalog is over 3 inches thick, and has quite a few options. Bound to be something there!

Here is the link: http://www.alliedelec.com

Bryan

Yes, a quick change gearbox is definitely a must. An "avoid" list is certainly valid as well! I appreciate the feedback on size. I know there are some who would probably recommend going with a larger swing, but 10" is about what I was thinking, at least to get started. Also a good poi...

Hi, I will ask a rather basic newbie question, but try to be somewhat focused! I am brand new to live steam railroading and concurrently, to the machinist craft. Keeping in mind that I intend to build in the 1.5" scale, I would like some recommendations regarding general makes and models of rel...

Bill, Thank you for the advice. I have certainly come to pretty much the same conclusion over the past week. I agree with every single point you made, particularly the social aspect. I must say that beyond the draw of the aspects of railroading- the sights, sounds, and smells of the live steam hobby...

My father was a steel worker, but a handy-guy that learned to be a cabinet maker. He was obsessed with accurate measurements, and used old fashioned hand crank drills and yankee screwdrivers. He built a 'pumpkin seed' hydroplane, with steam bent oak ribbing, and a plywood skin. A bout a zillion bra...

Thanks for that advice. I do understand what you mean about a long-term project like a locomotive build being "work" for someone. As for me, here is an example of how I like to work. A couple of years ago, I got around to building and installing some wall-length bookshelves in the home off...

Pontiacguy, I do not disagree at all! For a first build, I would definitely start with something simpler. I can see the partial chassis disaster if I were to try something beyond my means right now. And I certainly agree that having a locomotive on the track beats the pants off of a mess on the benc...

Tristan & Vic, Thanks for the replies! I have perused the Discover Live Steam site quite a bit. The club listing is what I was going off of actually when I posted my search for a club. I was hoping to find one a bit closer to home. It looks like the CALS is going to be it! Tristan- After conside...

Hello, I would just like to say that this is my inaugural post in this forum. I trust it will be the first of many to come. Bottom-line up front- I am looking for a nearby live steamer club to join! I live in the Manassas area in northern Virginia, but am having trouble locating a club that is local...