The Home Machinist!

The sand traps are scaled down "Pennsy" style and scratch built. Pressure is pretty low. The electric air pump is really a bubble maker.... not a compressor. If you have compressed air on the engine already, use a small needle valve to let just enough air into the traps to lift the sand ou...

Yes, it is me...

I'm hoping to get to PLS for the Labor Day meet. I'll bring drawing copies along, or if you are coming this way before hand, I'll get them copied for you.

Short cell phone video of operating sanders on my Facebook Page.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=36 ... 9023711327

I think you will find that Viton O-Riings swell up under steam. They work well in stationary use, for sealing between two surfaces that do not move, but to use Viton for pistons or valves, we have found it to cause problems.

We've got working sanders on our K4, and I can get you drawings to build Pennsy style sanders. We use finely screened casting sand and we have enough to last our lifetime. Originally we use a squeeze bulb to "puff" air into the traps. That got tiring on Mill Creek RR mountain division, so ...

Bark comes from the following sources. (Not the same as efficiency.) I could care less how much coal and water I use. 1. Large pistons 2. Large balanced hollow bored piston valves 3. Large supply plumbing. 4. Remove the "exhaust" ports. They are not needed and do not exist on real locomoti...

I just received my copy yesterday and I know others around me have had theirs for a week. I have no idea why there are such differences in arrival time.

Indeed, a fine looking and fine running locomotive. I'm anxious to run it again!!!! He can park it in my enginehouse anytime. This also shows how a "proper" paint job, and the skills and eye of a professional photographer can create such a level of realism. The few details that are not qui...

Andy, Congrats on the new hardware. Now you can make more stuff faster, and bring it to the TVRR to run. ( Next time you're here, we'll hand you the keys to #612) 8) I was going to mention that I have installed a Shooting Star DRO on my Bridgeport and also on my Clausing lathe. I bought them both at...

I don't know what is "proper", but I'm quite happy using the dimensions and relationships found on the prototype drawings. Our K-4 nozzle, petticoat, and stack were done in the same angles and proportions as the "real" K-4, right off of a PRR erection drawing. It makes more steam...

No, in that picture the paint is brand new out of the body shop. I wanted to have some "Builders Photos" before is got dirty and started to look like a real steam engine. The K-4 was professionally painted in the winter of 2003/2004 by a local body shop. The owner is a friend, and gracious...

After this discussion of plated side rods, I thought I'd post a pic of another set of nickel plated bronze rods. (Dave and Dan should both recognize these rods....) These were plated at a local shop for $100. Since we had all the prep work finished and the holes did not need to be plugged, they were...