The Home Machinist!

Unfortunately, I now have experience with buying engines like this that have sat outside for a number of years. I'd be concerned about seized valve gear and valves, making moving it a bit more challenging without removal of some of the valve gear, and main rod just in case the pistons are seized. I ...

I would suggest the IRM Pullman library. I have worked with them in the past with success.

http://www.irm.org/history/pullmanlibrary.html

J.R.

Just sent you a PM.
J.R.

David: I sent you some detail shots of the frame this morning. LE size may be right, but the design, including spring rigging, is completely wrong. Using a LE frame is really not the way to go. I do not have a wheel drawing but again have measurements and pictures. I just bought brand new wheels for...

I think I have enough data to create the frame rather than mess with a LE frame. Again, take advantage of the simplicity including the suspension. The tender frame for example is all wood. I have a 1907 Herschell-Spillman which is very similar to the Cagney with the exception of the block and boiler...

I have often thought of a half scale Cagney, especially as a first project due to their simplicity. If seriously interested contact me off list as I do have drawings and other design information.
JR May
Jrmay@monmouth.com

Thanks for the lead. I did join the 18" group not long after dragging the Coffman home and it was quite helpful. I think my plan at this point is to do a bit of clean up work to the engine, perhaps repair the valve gear and then see if I can find a new home for it. I don't want to loose my focu...

Steve: > What scale is that, about 4" to the foot? Assuming standard gauge, 4" scale is not a bad number, but I'm not sure the engine is built to a particular scale. Its only about 42" high and 30" wide. Although I have not really looked too hard, it has an SP look to me. Not sur...

Rich: Thanks for the lead. I am a subscriber to the parktrains and grandscales yahoo groups and have hit them up for leads. I have also scoured the net for information on Coffmans and actually have quite a bit of information on the company, the design, and the people who built it. I even found some ...

While bigger than what is normally discussed here, I thought those in the New England area may be able to help me out here. I picked up an 18" gauge Mogul recently from a seller here in NJ. In tracking its history, it was built in 1947 (or so) by Oscar Coffman, most likely in Flagstaff, Arizona...

If its what I suspect it is its actually 15" gauge and is a Herschell-Spillman judging by the cast steam dome cover and taper of the boiler.
J.R. May

Off hand, have you checked the lubrication side of things? What are you using for cylinder oil? Sounds like something binding from lack of oil.

J.R.