The Home Machinist!

Chris - you are correct. There is no provision for a min rpm -- or idle speed in this setup. To go, you run the electric motor when turns the pump. When you stop, the pump stops. No idle speed. I see a trend towards replacing the vane pump with a geared pump (if 2 votes is a trend!). I will keep &qu...

I want to clarify that the solenoid is an electrically operated, 3 position valve. My choices are Fwd, Back and center where the oil from the pump just returns to the tank. The check valve on the return line was added by me in hopes that somehow the oil would be running backwards thru the f/r valve,...

John, I added a path in red to the drawing. Is this where you meant I should add the check valve???
Thanks.
Dale.

The check valve has been checked several times and is clean and working correctly.

I am helping a friend with an electric / hydraulic problem. The locomotive has an electric motor, controlled by a speed control. The Electric motor turns a hydraulic pump (Eaton V10 vane pump), which goes thru a solenoid used for forward / reverse / bypass to the motors. I have attached a flow diagr...

I know that a whole bunch of plastic couplers were sold at the Train Mountain Triennial in 2015. They have been out there now for 2 years. I have no stake in this company, but am just wondering how they have held up for people. I have had a set on 2 of my cars and so far have not had any problems at...

I have used a set of plastic couplers that I picked up in 2015 at the last Train Mountain Triennial and have been surprised and happy with how they have worked out. At $20/PAIR, they are a great deal. It really depends on what you are pulling. I have them on my caboose. http://www.eprailsystem.com/

The manufacturer graciously offered to replace the bearings for the cost of postage and suggested that I make sure the bearings fit tightly into the trucks. I am looking forward to being back on the rails shortly.

All 8 bearings on my trucks have destroyed themselves. Each bearing basically split around the middle and the needles then fell out. Fortunately the failure did not damage the axle - but my tender did not roll real well. I am trying to find a source to replace the bearings - they have "INA BCH ...

There is some welsh coal being sold on ebay - 20 pound boxes. I have not seen any there for a really long time. Not really large enough to run larger engines, but really great for the smaller g-scale stuff.

Is there a chance someone from the referenced Mid-South club could offer some additional info and possibly pictures or diagrams on the way the trucks are set up on the riding cars? Or if anyone else has sketches or photos, those would be great also. This started as a simple question but has gotten p...

I read an article recently that just mentioned the term "built in stabilizers" when referring to 7 1/2" riding cars. I felt that I was supposed to know what they were talking about, but subsequent searches have not helped me figure it out. Can someone explain what they are referring t...