The Home Machinist!

I appreciate the encouraging words. With the project I got the castings for the smokebox door, chimney, dome and safety valve cover along with the safety valve and bushing. I didn’t get any of the other materials for the boiler but there was the start of the formers for the back head and firebox. I’...

More progress has been made on my Juliet. The frame is now complete and everything rolls smoothly. I’m glad I decided to remake the buffer beams. It took more time but I’m much happier with the results. 20240421_082604_resize_3~2.jpg 20240423_194607_resize_40.jpg Next task: winding the suspension sp...

I appreciate the help. I would rather use what works than spin my wheels on what doesn’t.

I’ve been doing some research. It looks like there is a place about 20minuts from my house that I can get ethanol which is great. In my search I also came across some comparisons between methanol and ethanol. The comparisons are mostly as a racing fuel but it seems that methanol and ethanol would be...

Bill Shields wrote: ↑Wed Apr 17, 2024 10:04 am not sure how you would get it in / out of a Juliet 2, what with the arch and all....

I think I can work something out. Fortunately the area under the firebox is pretty clear except for the axle. Since I am still early in my build I can make allowances for installation.

This I just what I was looking for! Thanks

Bill Shields wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2024 7:41 am i get my methanol from a racing fuel supplier: $50 for a 5 gallon can.....very pure....burns clean with very little odor....

other stuff, won't ignite in the burner I am using....

Are there any good plans out there for a burner and tank setup for burning methanol?

I managed to get the corner brackets riveted to the buffer beams. I took my time with the job to make sure I had everything aligned and square. Unfortunately, I don't have the correct tap, so I'll have to wait a few days for the taps to come in so I can finish attaching the buffer beams to the frame...

This engine will be built as a tank engine. However, a set of hornblock casting were included with the project. The original builder may have been planning to build a tender to go along with the engine. I prefer the industrial shunting engine look though I may change my mind and add a tender before ...

This is the kind of information I’m looking for. I love to share what I’m doing but it’s great to get feedback and advice before I get into a jam. The axle pump eccentric for Juliet 2 is on the front axle leaving more room under the fire box than on Juliet and significantly more room than on Tich. S...

I spent a little time tonight working on squaring up the holes in the buffer beams for the coupling hooks. I ended up having to order a tiny square needle file to complete the job, but it worked great. A square broach would have been even better, but I could not find one for less than $80. It was ju...

The new buffer beams are pretty much done. All together I took me about 8 hours. It is work I was not really expecting but I'm much happier with the new ones. Now I need to get some rivets ordered and get everything assembled.