The Home Machinist!

runningboard.jpg I need to replace a running board on an engine (LE American), and would like help finding a source. It is pressed aluminum, meaning you can see the same pattern reversed on the back side. It is thin, probably 1/32" thick, and I need to find a piece about 4" by 19". I...

Thank you. That is exactly what I needed. I will try my one local magazine distributor this morning, and if that fails, I will give you a call.

Thanks!
Dale

Apparently there was a recent article in a magazine talking about using Teflon rings in a live steam locomotive (in my case it is for a LE American). Did anyone see this article and does anyone know a source for these rings?
Thanks.
Dale

The repair originally started because of a bad tube. The boiler has had the tubes removed and inspected and will shortly be welded back together, re-tubed and put back into use. In this attached photo, you can see the "wall" has been removed and water flow will be a lot better now. This bo...

Sometimes it takes 2 years to solve a problem, and now I have final closure to this problem. As a quick recap (so you do not need to go and reread the previous 10 pages - although they are very interesting), the problem was on a 1 1/2" propane fired Mogul, the water would drop in the sight glas...

Thanks Steve - that is a good looking example and I will study the photos carefully. I am trying to figure out how to finish a fiberglass f-unit and looking to see what was used as vent covers, etc. Can you tell me what kind of material you used for the side vents??

Thanks.
Dale.

I just recently got a raw fiberglas f7 body - in unfinished condition. I was looking to connect thru PM and then e-mail with anyone who has finished an f7 a-unit. I am looking to learn what was used for the vents on the side of the body, what you did about windows, what you used for vents on the roo...

I have a 1 1/2" LE Atlantic runnign on propane. My draft, which is created by 4 small holes in the petticoat, is rather noisy. I need the draft, but was wondering if there is any way to make it quieter, and less obtrusive? I do not posess great machining tools, or skills so cannot do a highly m...

I am looking for the maker of the steam water pump in the attached photos. I would like to have the pump serviced, as it has never worked since I got it. I am looking for name and contact info if possible.

Thanks.
Dale.

This is a short video of the Railroad Supply American CP173 running.

CP173 photo

I am pretty convinced that the screws and tools I drop reach 88mph before hitting the floor. This explains why when you search and search for something and cannot find it, it suddenly shows up at the place you already looked, but in the future! See?? Simple!