The Home Machinist!

There is a nice little 16 inch gauge gas-powered switcher up for auction on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254011147803

Regards,
Daris

Did you see that 9" gauge 4-4-0 for sale? Looks like whoever built it had access to a bronze foundry because the wheels, cylinders, rods, etc... are all bronze castings.

How does one ask questions to the ebay seller regarding the 16 inch gauge switcher? My question is: Is it possible to regauge to 18 inches? The underneathe photos do not show enough detail.

Chris Smith

Chris,

On the right side of the Ebay page is Seller Information. You will see where it says Contact Seller....click on that, then you will see Select a Topic....click Other and ask your questions


Nyle

Didn’t look real closely at the underneath pictures, but usually going up in gauge, you could move the wheels from the inside of the frame to the outside of the frame. Otherwise, you have to alter the width of the frame.

Glenn

I had looked at this little locomotive some years back when it up for sale by a local antique shop. Its unusual. Its quite small actually for its gauge, but the kicker is the tiny wheels and sharp edged square flanges. The wheels pass through openings in the body under the motor so regauging to 15” gauge, which is what I was looking for, I felt would be tough. I researched the motor and found some issues there as well so I walked away from it as I did not want yet another project in the garage. I probably should have picked it up as the price was reasonable, like $1500. It just seemed to lack something in my eye. For the right price, its probably a nice start on a little 16” gauge critter.

Hi J.R.,

Did you ever discover who built the loco?

Glenn

Glenn:
No idea who built it. No indications on it.
J.R.

Nay , nay. Its a cobble job and not a good base for improvement. It looks like a ten year old designed it. In my critical eye it would be way tooo much work to tear it down and improve what would be a minimum for my eye. I have seen some ugly and cute contraptions, and this thing is ugly.

It is my opinion taht any kid that can build a bicycle can make a go cart, and therefor a 4 wheel shifter/switcher/hand car. Having a lathe is not needed, it can be farmed out. The rest is a system of bearing blocks axles and drive details to get the movement. It can be pretty rough and still make the rails sing. A steamer, is another class for fit and finish or it wont work. Just that simple.