First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Where users can chronicle their builds. Start one thread and continue to add on to it.

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FLSTEAM
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by FLSTEAM »

The trick to getting it finished is doing something every day, even if is only putting a screw in.
That is one less thing to do tomorrow.

John B
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NP317
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by NP317 »

Nice work. 'Bodes well for the rest of your project.
Feels good to see progress, yes?
RussN
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backyardrails
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by backyardrails »

Adam
Here's some motivation for you. :D
Bernie
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JBodenmann
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by JBodenmann »

Hello My Friends
Here is a story about a Raritan. One spring meet at LALS Mike Getscher had this very cool little 3-1/2" gauge Tich. Now thats a tiny engine! I was privelidged to run the tiny engine around the inner loop a couple laps. What a hoot! But you better hold your jaw right, a tiny spoonful of coal every twenty or thirty feet, but not too much, or the fire would go out. Make sure the axle pump is set just right. The grate in one of these engines is only about two inches by two inches. So you really have to be on the ball. Mike ran alongside and topped off the tank with a Dixie cup...yes a Dixie cup. Too much fun. Now here comes the part about the Raritan. After running the Tich I was lucky enough to get to run Andy Romers Raritan. Now compared to the Tich, the Raritan was a big ol' friendly brute. Very forgiving and easy to fire. Small is a comparative term. Most would consider the Raritan as tiny. But compared to the Tich, as I said it was a big friendly brute. I think a Raritan is an excellent choice for a first build. Big engines are no more fun than tiny ones.
See you in the funny pages...
Jack
Fastadam
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by Fastadam »

I am still making slow but steady progress. Sometimes only 5-10 minutes at a time before being redirected to a random household task, but it's progress so I'll take it. I managed to get the pilot and tender axles completed over the weekend. All of the small wheels have been faced and drilled. Next I will mount the wheels on a mandrel and turn the tread profile.
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Bill Shields
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by Bill Shields »

it all adds up....keep a log....
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Mike Walsh
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by Mike Walsh »

Great progress! Turning wheels is probably one of my favorite tasks... Especially in Cast Iron. Turning 15" diameter steel tire-d drivers, not so much, but I have done it anyway....
SteveM
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by SteveM »

Definitely keep a log.

When my dad built his tank engine, he wondered after it was all done how much time he spent on it.

When he started the Allchin, he kept a log and he was at about 2,000 hours before he was no longer able to work on it (about 95% done).

Steve
Fastadam
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by Fastadam »

I tried silver soldering brass for the first time. I am pleased with the results, so far. Still lots of little bits to plug away at.
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Harold_V
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by Harold_V »

Fastadam wrote: Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:34 pm I tried silver soldering brass for the first time. I am pleased with the results
You should be! The joints are exceptional in my opinion. Well done!

H
Wise people talk because they have something to say. Fools talk because they have to say something.
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NP317
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by NP317 »

Agreed!
RussN
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Re: First steam locomotive build-3/4" scale Raritan

Post by FKreider »

Yes that looks great!
-Frank K.
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