The Home Machinist!

The old full-sized 8K oil tank car I used for refueling steam locomotives had wooden running boards.
Always did and still does.
RussN

I have used spray on ACE hardware store lacquer on brass for the past 16 years. Still looks good after years of abuse.
See the brass on my Ten Wheeler. Photo from 2018. Lacquered is 13 years old in the photo.
RussN

I made some progress today installing the speed/distance computer on my Mikado.
Some parts made; brackets and mounts planned.
RussN

I suspect weight was a deciding factor in choosing aluminum for the entire rod. My engine is stock per design, except that the students used it ti research static balancing by adding machined weights to the ends the cranks. Results are not highly evident, due to the small size of the engine and its ...

"I think I mentioned earlier that I plan to make those bearings out of brass instead of aluminum. Somehow aluminum just seems wrong."

Wrong maybe, but 5 years of extensive use has proven the efficacy of the aluminum!
RussN

Nice looking crankshafts + parts. You do quality work. If I ever made another crankshaft for these engines, I would use your technique. Funny that your bearings got glued in place too! No harm no foul. None of us here have EVER done that. Right? I just tore into my old Moriya engine today. The knock...

Thanks for keeping me from remarking on that fact...

RussN

Argument for keeping your axle pump: My steam background is also includes decades of full-sized standard gauge steam locomotive operations, restoration, and maintenance. My Allen Ten Wheeler has -a stock designed axle pump, -one SuperScale economy injector, -one steam pump, -and one tender hand pump...

Carl: Perfect timing! Thanks for those pictures. I came in from the shop to post a request for pictures! I have a similar disc of plastic already being machined. Your mounting method on the axle is quite simple. Any "imbalance" in the disc from the mounting ears is not of significance to the weights...

Reporting back already... The bicycle computer I have can be adjusted for wheel circumferences between 0mm to 3900mm! So no problems there. With new batteries installed, everything works. The 4" diameter tender wheel has a circumference of 319 mm, which entered into memory easily. And preliminary ha...

MikeM: KLS just enjoyed their first public running day last Saturday, in over a year! Do check their calendar and visit them for inspiration. Boiler certification is a well defined process with KLS, with lots of assistance available. Don't fear it. The first time through involves Washington State De...

MikeM: Welcome to this community. Have you connected yet with Kitsap Live Steamers (KLS)? They will provide invaluable and endless help and inspiration. You will also discover (or already have) that you are surrounded by many talented Live Steamers in the region. I lived in Seattle for 4+ decades an...