Still around

Hello everybody,

just a quick still-alive-update. Things are changing around here, new job (again!) and a new home.
I don’t think I’ll be able to make any progress with the locomotive before november.

Just wanted to let you know.

Saddle Construction

Hey everyone,

Saddle template
Saddle template

got some progress and some pictures!
I started constructing the smokebox saddle. Since I own neither a lathe nor a milling machine I’m trying to make virtues out of necessities and hone my manual skills. The first step was to make a gauge for the saddle’s curves, so I could construct two symmetrical and identical parts.

Trailing Wheel Revision

Hello everyone,

here’s what happened the last few days.
First off, I constructed a simple tablet-like working space, so I can work on small parts in the living room without having to clean up everything afterwards. In the future I will saw new parts in the workshop, then take the half-finished parts and the fine tools to the living room, combining the best of both worlds, so to speak.

Trailing Wheel Bearing

Hello there,

Drills holder
Drills holder

it’s 8 am, thunderstorms are rolling in after a week of intense heat (thermometer topped at 110 °F) and I can finally spare some minutes to keep you updated.

Last week I ordered a whole set of small drills, so far I had a very limited stock. Now my options are quite unlimited when it comes to making threads and clearance holes. I spent some time in the shop building a neat set of holders.

Trailing wheel

Hello all,

Filing down the axle's diameter
Filing down the axle’s diameter

reshaping the cylinders is taking some time, pictures will follow. In the meantime, I could actually spent some time at the workshop.
I don’t own a lathe, so I took on the trailing wheel with a file and a plan: since this particular wheelset can’t be disassembled, I’m trying to build a vice-like bearing. I aimed for reducing the axis’ diameter from 5 mm down to 3.5 mm with a 1/10th mm tolerance (that’s 1/256th inch).

Cylinders Redesign

Hello folks,

today I looked on the last picture I posted and compared it to the prototype’s photography. I have to say I’m positively unhappy with the cylinders’ current dimensions. From my point of view they should be scaled down by at least 10%. This would still meet the required cylinder stroke and give the machine an overall better proportion.
Furthermore, I took a closer look at the trunnion (what little could be seen on the photo) and it seems to me that the trunnion’s diameter matches the cylinder’s diameter. So I will give it another shot and redesign the cylinders.

Pictures will follow as soon as I’ve got anything to show.

Drivers Dummies

Howdy,

Dewey Bros. Status Quo
Dewey Bros. Status Quo

just a very quick update before I’m going to sleep.
I fixed the misalignment on the cylinders, thanks again Frederic from railroad-line forums for mentioning it!
Tonight I just messed around a bit and patched together some very quick’n’dirty drivers. This screenshot serves no purpose whatsoever except providing a bit of eye-candy. Enjoy!