The Home Machinist!

You mentioned European locomotives and the fact that you like them. Have you considered building a European locomotive first to give you some experience building live steam locomotives? And no...it is NOT weird running a european locomotive here in the US. It is not unheard of. Nobody complains whe...

So after some research the two closest tracks to me (both 7-1/2 Gauge) have a turning minimum turning radius on 50'. This fact eliminates the Challenger, and the Big-Boy. It also eliminates the Alco Northern but the Alco Hudson (Little Engines) and the Consolidation (Allen Models) are still in the r...

let me ask a dumb question...based on having done this for 45+ years 1. are available funds ($$) any sort of limitation with regard to cost of castings and machinery / tooling? if so...throw out a ball park number.... 2. how large is your workshop or location where you intend to put this model? 3. ...

Echoing what Bill said earlier... I think you should NOT build a UP Big Boy as your first locomotive. That's like saying you're going to build a space-shuttle as your first experimental flying air plane, or completely fabricate a 1/4 scale small block Chevrolet engine for your kid's go-kart. Do you...

Following, great job

One thing to consider is, what your goals are. For some people, the objective is to complete the locomotive, so they have something to run. A means to an end. They want the camaraderie of participating in and sharing a common interest. Others are more interested in the building project itself, and ...

start with something small.. you have NO IDEA how much work it is to build an articulated locomotive and how many decades it will take to finish if you are just getting started. I'm sure you're right, but that's exactly what I'm looking for. I'm not looking for a short term project to get me on the...

Hi, If you are considering a Big Boy or Challenger, go to the Union Pacific Historical Society website. There you can buy on a CD all the full size drawings to build either a Challenger or a Big Boy. Those CDs are one of the best bargains you will ever see anywhere. Also use Google to look up Tom M...

Hi comebackshane, For the full size mill, do you mean Acra instead pf Arca? I looked at the Acra website and their machines are quite impressive, especially when you see they are 2 axis CNC. Even the smallest of them would be more than big enough for your purpose. I have been doing this since the 1...

Regarding the full-size lathe: I have owned an Atlas lathe for about 45 years. It definitely has its limitations, and having run a 16” lathe, can appreciate its advantages. But the reality is that most of the parts to be made are small. If you have access to a big lathe for wheels and other big job...

Hello everyone!!! First let me apologize for the long post but I want to layout my whole story. I recently retired from the Military and honestly I have hated it... I'm so bored that it's literally driving me crazier than I already am. My shrink told me to find a hobby, so after months and months of...