First time builder.

mjahn · Post by **mjahn** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:29 pm

I concur with Fred and Tim. These machines take time to build so if you don't build the one you want you may not get back round to the one you want... I know a couple builders who've talked themselves out of the design they really want. Don't be scared of building a big locomotive as your first build!

Mattaniah Jahn

Hudson Honey · Post by **Hudson Honey** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:38 pm

jump in with both feet and build an old northern or Hudson.......I did......and loving every minute of the progress. nWith Mike's new revamped castings doing those is a breeze and the print redraws are top notch.

Pamela

Kimball McGinley · Post by **Kimball McGinley** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:59 pm

If you want decent sized loco or a good puller there is no reason to build something as complicated as a 4-8-4 or shay in 1/8 scale. 2-4-0, 2-4-2, 0-4-2-T etc. locos are becoming very popular in 2-1/2=12" or even 3-1/2=12" scale for 7-1/2" gauge track. That works out to about 1/5 scale and 1/3 scale, roughly! These are basically locomotives in which the prototype was 36" or 24" track gauge. You end up with a 300 to 700 pound loco and only have to make six wheels, for example, on an 0-4-2-T and no tender trucks either! A lot of money and aggravation can be saved not buying all those model pipe fittings and valves and gauges and such also, as standard 1/8 and 1/4 pipe is appropriate and readily available!

Bill Wilkins · Post by **Bill Wilkins** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:14 pm

Check out this Yahoo Group for Allen Models. A treasure trove of info.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AllenLocos/

You will also see my Wabash Mogul #569 and lots of photos.

BGBill

FredR · Post by **FredR** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:56 pm

Who's that moderator?

Harlock · Post by **Harlock** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 1:07 am

Dale Jay Dennis is the moderator.

It's a fairly low volume but targeted group. Very useful for Allen owners. I've been on it throughout the construction of the Chloe and it yielded some good information.

jb bergman · Post by **jb bergman** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 1:27 am

You guys, ( and gal) are great! Had a great conversation with Mike from "Little Engines", We talked abount engineer size and comfort. We talked about my shops capabilities too. Now I would like to discuss the 2 1/2 scale locos. I might be interested in Tom Artzbergers Rio #20!
Anyone build one? What else is out there?
I am having a great time with this. Great advice so far. I will only build that which appeals to me. Thanks to everyone.
I plan on going to the Midsouth Live Steamers meet next weekend, just to get around a track again. I used to go to the Maricopa track years ago, any excuse to go! That's when I lived in Phoenix.
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!
A very grateful, JB Bergman

kvom · Post by **kvom** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:28 am

I've recently seen Kevin Doe's 2.5" scale narrow gauge engine in action, and it's a really impressive piece of work. Kevin told me he took 3 years of close to full-time work building it, so that's a consideration. It also weighs over half a ton loaded. With tender and cars he uses an enclose trailer to haul it to the tracks.

So things to think about, aside from an engine you think looks good, is time to build, cost of materials, and transport.

I'm building the little Kozo A3 in 7.5" gauge (with build thread here), and I think it will still take me the best part of two years, with about $4K invested (having the boiler built). Of course, I'm not the experienced machinist that you are.

Our club, the CSP&P in Canton, GA, is having a meet th weekend of May 13. There will be some larger scale engines running if you want to make a field trip.

Fred_V · Post by **Fred_V** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 7:59 am

jb bergman wrote:You guys, ( and gal) are great! Had a great conversation with Mike from "Little Engines", We talked abount engineer size and comfort. We talked about my shops capabilities too. Now I would like to discuss the 2 1/2 scale locos. I might be interested in Tom Artzbergers Rio #20!
Anyone build one? What else is out there?
I am having a great time with this. Great advice so far. I will only build that which appeals to me. Thanks to everyone.
I plan on going to the Midsouth Live Steamers meet next weekend, just to get around a track again. I used to go to the Maricopa track years ago, any excuse to go! That's when I lived in Phoenix.
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!
A very grateful, JB Bergman

a friend in south Alabama is building the RGS-20. it is a nice size engine, not too much bigger than 1.5" scale but still easily transportable. the RGS-20 is about 6K for castings and Marty Knox built his boiler. his name is Pete Machin and he will be at Mid South; look him up. Kevin's K-27 is a lot to deal with and costs about 30K for all the castings.

jb bergman · Post by **jb bergman** » Fri May 20, 2011 6:19 pm

Hello everyone,

Well, after much research and internal debate, I have decided on the Little Engines, Pacific 7.5 gauge. I am really looking forward to this project. I have waited about 30 years to start. I want to thank everyone of you that contacted me with ideas and opinions. I look foward to new friends and building advice.
JB Bergman

Andy Rafferty · Post by **Andy Rafferty** » Sat May 21, 2011 7:50 am

I may have met you at Sugar Farm in the past. I should have read your posts more closely, Coffee hasn't kicked in or maybe I need another cup. Check your messages. Andy

jb bergman · Post by **jb bergman** » Sat May 21, 2011 12:22 pm

Andy,
You were (are) the HVAC guy? We went and looked at your lathe together before you moved, right.
JB Bergman

The Home Machinist!

First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.

Re: First time builder.