The Home Machinist!

The side frames are approximately 24" long with an approximate 18 1/2" center to center axle distance. The wheels are 8" tall overall with a 7" tread. Gauge is 18" but can be built at 15" to 18". Double tapered roller bearings on the axle ends makes for extremely low rolling resistance. Sprung and e...

If there was a way to grease things without getting grease all over the hands, that would be an advance in grease gun technology Livabroad, There is a way to keep your hands clean while greasing. NO, it's not wearing gloves. Find someone else to grease for you. Think Tom Sawyer whitewashing the fen...

Steve, Axes come with different length handles for different height users. This means, you get one that feels good to you. A single cutting edge axe is called a "single bit", a double edged axe is called a "double bit". I prefer a single bit axe. It seems easier to control. You also have a flat back...

Dianne, This is a link to ratcheting tubing wrenches. They are an open end, ratchet wrench. https://www.ebay.com/itm/8mm-to-19mm-Tubing-Ratchet-Spanner-Combination-Wrench-Set-of-Key-Ratchet/173361742604?hash=item285d2a430c:m:mPHzRqqC4wZQXKEMy7HRTmA I hope the link works. I don't know what size you n...

John, You are 100% correct. If a person was to engineer a super elevation for a specific curve (train loaded with passengers), he would have a lot to consider. The end result would be a perfect ride for the passengers under the exact design conditions. Under any other condition, the riders would not...

When in doubt, seek professional assistance. Doug VanVeelen was a Civil Engineer and authored books on building railroads, particularly hobby sized. A professional's perspective was mentioned above as the super elevation amount requires careful calculation based on Speed, radius, and weight of loads...

Mark,

Thank you for posting the notice. Very sad to hear but not surprising. I had helped proof read all three of his books. I know he was not in the best of health. Still sad to hear.

Terry

I sure understand about using a router jig. If you're going to use 40' or greater radii curves, and you're NOT running any long wheelbase locomotive, you probably will NOT need to expand the gauge in the curves. 40' for standard trucks and small wheel based locos should work just fine at standard ga...

Ryan, Square edges on groovy track have always been a problem. The wear you are worried about is exactly the problem many groovy track enthusiasts have to deal with. The best answer it to round the inside edge, preferably to match your flange to tread radius but anything close will be good enough. N...

Yes, Loctite does have a shelf life. BUT, it stays very usable for many years past the shelf life date. 10yrs, I don't know about. I would spring for a new bottle if the application is important. If it's just an everyday thing, I wouldn't worry about it, go ahead and use what you have. I know that b...

I'm sorry I am not familiar with the Little Mach Shop plans,,,,,BUT if you're building your own, you might like to check out Jeremy Schmidt on You Tube. He has built the absolute best belt grinder I have ever seen. I would like to purchase his plans and build one for myself. It's both a horizontal a...

While I understand the reason for alternating bolt direction on full size railroads, is it necessary on Grand Scale railroads? Full Size: Approx. 1" diameter track bolts with 100 TON rail cars. Grand Scale: Approx. 1/2" diameter track bolts with 1000 POUND cars. Has anyone seen a Grand Scale derailm...