1949 Reading Steam Freight Locomotive

[bj383ss]

Hello Guys,

I started a new project today. This one will likely take as long or longer than the truck. I am using plans from Gatto supply. Here is what I have so far. I decided to do the last step first.

I made the rails and all the cross ties. The rails are 36" long and the cross ties are 3 1/8" wide. I started to glue it up but it is very tedious. I got a few of the cross ties glued before I called it a day.

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Bret

[bj383ss]

Here is a pic of the exploded view and what it will look like when it is finished, that is if I can make it look like the picture.:D

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Bret

[Yonnee]

Man, you are just a machine...!!

[crowie]

Wow Bret,
I was amazed with the detail & excellence of the truck;
But this steam train & tender is "out of sight".....
Looking forward to seeing your progress, thank you.
Cheers, crowie

PS - Please make sure that brillant truck gets completely finished off....

[Grandad-5]

Subscribed.
Looking forward to this.

[drivesafe]

Hi Brett and that looks impressive, wish I had the patients.

What is the scale as it looks close to G scale?

[bj383ss]

Hello Drivesafe,

The plans say it is approx 1/38th scale. So I guess that is close to O scale. It will be 35 inches long with tender and about 4 inches wide. The driver wheels are 1 7/8" If that helps scale it any.

Bret

[crowie]

G'Day Bret,
I think you are on another winner here.
Blokes, trains & woodwork; just the right combination.
Looking forward to the WIP photos.
Cheers, crowie

[drivesafe]

Yep, about half way between.

1/48 = O gauge and 1/32 is the smaller G gauge.

Can’t wait to see what you make after having a look at your truck.

VERY jealous!

[bj383ss]

Spent a little time on the train today. I made a jig for gluing up the track that was a godsend. I have to thank Dallas Martin and give him rep as I found the idea for the jig on his website.

http://dallasmartin.shutterfly.com/360


Basically I ripped 2 grooves the length of a piece of 3/4" plywood that was spaced the correct distance apart. Then I added a fence on one side to butt the ties up against. After making this jig I glued the entire track together in less than 15 minutes.
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Track all done
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I also started the wheels but didn't get far.
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Again thank you Dallas,

Bret

[crowie]

Great start Bret.
Very good work on the Track Jig.
Cheers, crowie

[bj383ss]

I started out great this morning working on the train. I got the main frame made and then several of the suspension components. But then I got distracted by the lathe. Oh well.

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Bret

[Dalboy]

Looking good watching this with interest:2tsup:

[bj383ss]

Knocked out a few more pieces today. Most of the main suspension.

Frame with spring pivots, spring arms, Bearing blocks, and Frame axle plates.
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Springs
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Springs glued on.
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Front Frame
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Main frame, front frame and rear frame
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Thats it for now
Bret

[crowie]

Wow Bret,
This surely is a big project with so much fine deal, looks good.
Well Done!
Cheers, Crowie

[bj383ss]

Crowie,

I had to buy some +2.00 readers I was having trouble seeing well at the bandsaw.:D

Bret

[crowie]

Crowie,

I had to buy some +2.00 readers I was having trouble seeing well at the bandsaw.:D

Bret
LOL - That's an old mans issue, not a young blokes - LOL

[drivesafe]

I had to buy some +2.00 readers I was having trouble seeing well at the bandsaw.:D

Had to do the same thing to be able to look at PCBs

Brett, welcome to the joys of getting older.

[bj383ss]

Few more pieces made. The rear frame is done. Made the rear tongue assembly.

I cut the notch in the main frame to deep. The rear frame set a little low. Normally not a big deal but I was afraid the cab might not line up. So I made a fingernail thin spacer glued it on and refiled the notch to the right depth.

Here you can see how much it is off.
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Spacer
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Spacer glued on.
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Notch filed back to right size. Mistake hidden:D
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No more gap
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Tongue Assembly
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I may have to buy a light to put at the bandsaw! LOL

Bret

[wheelinround]

Late in but looks brilliant already:2tsup:

[crowie]

I may have to buy a light to put at the bandsaw! LOL

Bret

LOL Yes Bret
Some additional light on the subject is always helpful when sharp moving bitty things are involved.
I have the scars to prove it and now have extra lighting everywhere.
Looking good.
Cheers, crowie

[Grandad-5]

Hi Bret,
Is this the point where I tell you your eyesight now is the best it'll ever be?
It goes downhill from here.
Nah....I'll let you find out for yourself.

Great job so far mate.
Cheers
Ji m

[Dalboy]

Looking goooood Bret a well recovered piece of work will not see that in the end:wtg:

[munruben]

Just caught up with this. wow here we go again. :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[bj383ss]

Ok so I worked on the train all day. I made the firebox. Then I decided to go ahead and give the boiler a try. I feel like the hardest part of this build is over.

Here is the firebox. I clamped a piece of wood on the side flush with the top and measured the radius for the cutout.
http://images59.fotki.com/v255/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4368-vi.jpg

I cutout the waste on the bandsaw and then sanded it on the OSS
http://images45.fotki.com/v153/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4370-vi.jpg


Boiler
I glued up two extra long blanks and ran it throught the planer on all 4 sides until it was perfectly square.
http://images56.fotki.com/v1298/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4367-vi.jpg


Holes drilled on top and slot cut. Sides cut to 45* on bandsaw.
http://images9.fotki.com/v1541/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4373-vi.jpg

Ready to go on the lathe.
http://images58.fotki.com/v612/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4374-vi.jpg

First test cut. I used the cross slide to make the boiler. It had a piece of tooling in so I took it out and sharpened with a grinder. It is double sided. The other side I ground into a 1/8" square like a saw blade to cut the recesses.
http://images51.fotki.com/v303/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4375-vi.jpg

http://images58.fotki.com/v156/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4376-vi.jpg

Here it is several hours later. I took a break and ate lunch. Had a small nap.
http://images58.fotki.com/v132/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4377-vi.jpg

Here are all the recesses cut.
http://images51.fotki.com/v282/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4385-vi.jpg

All finished sittin in its new home
http://images44.fotki.com/v301/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4387-vi.jpg

http://images53.fotki.com/v249/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4388-vi.jpg

http://images54.fotki.com/v104/photos/4/1710564/10171617/DSCN4390-vi.jpg

Its not perfect but I'm happy with it.

Bret

[crowie]

You're certainly a hard worker and a bit hard on yourself too.
That looks great, especially for a new boy on the lathe.
Well done, Bret.
Cheers, crowie

[Dengue]

I took a break and ate lunch. Had a small nap.

How old are you? Deteriorating eyesight and a nanny nap? Crikey!! Well and truly on the downwards slope :(

Keep those photos coming please, they re terrific - this is something not many of us would ever see in our lifetime, so it is great to see a record of how it is done

[munruben]

What's the hold up with the loco Bret, Scania out of the way, no excuses now, time for some progress.:)

[Dalboy]

He's stopped for another cuppa and a nap:sleep5:

[crowie]

Fair go there, he's only a young bloke with a full time job & family to support.......
He'll need his cuppa & nap at this busy end on the year....

[bj383ss]

Well John as you will see in my other post I have started another small project. I didn't know I had to update so often. LOL :D

The main reason I haven't done much on the train is I need a chuck for my lathe as I need to make a bunch of round parts and dowels. I have asked Santa for a chuck and a dust collector. So I guess I will have to be a good boy until Xmas. hehe

Bret:2tsup:

[crowie]

Good boy until Christmas?????
You need to have been a good boy for the whole year.....lol....

Good luck with your Santa request.

[munruben]

Well John as you will see in my other post I have started another small project. I didn't know I had to update so often. LOL :D

The main reason I haven't done much on the train is I need a chuck for my lathe as I need to make a bunch of round parts and dowels. I have asked Santa for a chuck and a dust collector. So I guess I will have to be a good boy until Xmas. hehe

Bret:2tsup:Well I hope Santa is good to you.:D

[A Duke]

Well you all know what they say in the classics.

"If you can't be good be good at it."

[Scott]

Subscribed. Being patient until after Christmas is going to be hard, everyone feel like passing the plate around to get him a chuck?

[crowie]

Subscribed. Being patient until after Christmas is going to be hard, everyone feel like passing the plate around to get him a chuck?
Well done Scott,
How much are you starting the hat with??
Bret surely deserves it after the effort he put into the Scania Truck whick gave so many a heap of joy & inspiration.
Cheers, crowie

[bj383ss]

Thanks guys but Im pretty sure Santa is going to take care of me. Seeing how he is using my money to buy my gifts. LOL

Scott just for you I will work on some none round parts so you can have some updates before Xmas. It will be my Xmas present to you. Just have to finish the garage first.

Bret

[Scott]

Thanks guys but Im pretty sure Santa is going to take care of me. Seeing how he is using my money to buy my gifts. LOL

Scott just for you I will work on some none round parts so you can have some updates before Xmas. It will be my Xmas present to you. Just have to finish the garage first.

Bret

Oooh, ta for letting me off the hook with Crowie there Bret, look forward to the updates :2tsup:

[crowie]

Oooh, ta for letting me off the hook with Crowie there Bret, look forward to the updates :2tsup:
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[bj383ss]

Ok guys small update. And it is before Xmas. Hope this fills your quote Scott.

Made some small pieces for the boiler, front boiler rest, finished shaping the firebox and added trim. Drilled the holes on both sides for the rails.

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Front Boiler rest
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Superheater
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Superheater, Smoker, and access cover
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Firebox with trim
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Happy Holidays Everyone,

Bret

[Scott]

Thanks Bret, think that's enough till Christmas. Enjoy yours and hope you and your family have a very wintery festive season.

[crowie]

Life is so good.
While appreciated Bret's craftsmanship, we can have fun stirring one another.
Bret, the train is looking awesome mate; great detail & attention to finish even at this stage in the build.
Thanks for AGAIN taking the time & effort to produce such great WIP photos & notes.
We'll look forward to seeing the New Year installments after Santa Claus has brought you the necessary goods to continue on the lathe work.
Have a very safe and Happy Christmas with family & friends in the Lone Star state.
Christmas Blessings from "On Top Down-Under" on the western side of the Pacific.
Cheers, crowie

[wolflrv]

Looking awesome as usual!! Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!

[Dalboy]

Bret the train is certainly looking good look forward to you next instalment:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:


we can have fun stirring one another.

Why are we here if we can't have a bit of fun:harhar:

[Yonnee]

As always, you are setting the bar higher and higher for the rest of us. How the heck do we keep up!!
Bret, and everyone else, I hope you & yours have a safe Christmas and a productive New Year.

[bj383ss]

Surprise another update.

Got some time in the shop tonight made the catwalks, and milled and cutout parts of the cab.

Catwalk parts 3 pieces per side. Bottom part has 15* taper and the top part is 30*
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They rest on the boiler rest and the firebox.
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Front Cab wall
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Bret

P.S. I have noticed the forum is uploading pics alot faster. Which is great for pic heavy jerks like me.:D Not sure what was changed but :2tsup:

[Scott]

Now you're spoiling us! Thank you.

[crowie]

Top job Bret,
One can see the train really taking shape in one of the photos.
Cheers, crowie

[wolflrv]

ok...I give up...how the heck did you do those tapers on such small stock?? Mini-tablesaw or something?? Looks friggin' great though!!

[bj383ss]

Wolf,

The tapers were made on my tablesaw. Just started with an extra wide blank to cut the tapers. Then I ripped them to size. I think the piece I started with was about 2" wide. Then I ripped them to 7/16". Most important thing is I have a zero clearance insert for cutting angles so the small parts don't fall in the gap and get thrown at me.

Thank you guys for all the comments. I am started to get a little more into this one as it starts to look more and more like a train.

3 more days til Xmas can't wait to watch the boys open their gifts.

Bret

[wolflrv]

tablesaw -- check
zero clearance insert -- check
enough experience to figure out the easy way to do it -- still working on that project!

Thx man..you make it all look so easy!!

[bj383ss]

Knocked out a couple of more pieces.

Sand Dome
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Steam Turret Cover
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Cab Rear
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3 more days!!!

Bret

[Ozkaban]

Just came across this thread. Looking awesome so far.

Watching with interest :cool:

Cheers,
Dave

[Dalboy]

This is coming along just fine. Am I jealous no well YES I REALLY AM :cry3:

Well Bret we will be ahead of you for Christmas by 6 hours but behind those in Australia who are 10 1/2 hours ahead of us here in the UK

[bj383ss]

Made the Roof and the floor this evening. Mocked it up and put it on the frame. Something is not right as the roof is suppose to be higher than the steam turret box. Not sure what is missing. Hopefully the cab sides will put everything in the right place. It is really starting to look like a train now.

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Its unfair that UK and Aussie will have Xmas before we will but oh well nothing I can do about it.:D

Bret

[crowie]

Its unfair that UK and Aussie will have Xmas before we will but oh well nothing I can do about it.:D

Bret

Why is Australia First; because we are "On Top Down Under" - lol...........
Make sure you see the New Year celebrations & fireworks on the Sydney Harbour, specular ..............

[wolflrv]

Ya might ask the Smurf if he's messin' with your train while you're away at work...he probably sawed a piece and now it won't fit right...ROFL!!

[bj383ss]

Nah Handy wouldn't do that. He's my shop helper. Wish I could get him to do work while I was away. :D

Bret

[Scott]

Oooh, we're so spoilt with these updates before Christmas, thanks Bret!

I have a couple of plans from Gatto myself and yet to make a start, do you find the text and plans hard to read?

[bj383ss]

Scott when I first started studying them a year ago it seemed almost impossible to build. But my advice is just jump and start. It starts to make sense once you start doing it. I have actually found the train to be much easier than the Scania truck. It would be even easier if I was cutting out the layout for marking the parts but I don't want to ruin the plans.

Bret

[Scott]

Scott when I first started studying them a year ago it seemed almost impossible to build. But my advice is just jump and start. It starts to make sense once you start doing it. I have actually found the train to be much easier than the Scania truck. It would be even easier if I was cutting out the layout for marking the parts but I don't want to ruin the plans.

Bret

Thanks Bret, I suppose I'm a masochist as I started with the Grader, close to 16 pages crammed with parts. I'm quite excited though, I've been pouring over the plans for the last hour and I'm trying to get my head around the project. If I can make a Clayton Bower clock, I reckon this will be ok. Thanks once again for the advice :) And Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[bj383ss]

The last 2 evenings been working making the 8 driver wheels. I was able to use the center cutout waste from the Scania truck tires.
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Chucked them in the lathe and turned the hub and the curb.
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Next I cut off the wheel on the bandsaw.
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Then I put them back in the lathe and cleaned off the excess from the backside.
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The train is riding on its on wheels.
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Bret

[crowie]

The last 2 evenings been working making the 8 driver wheels. I was able to use the center cutout waste from the Scania truck tires.
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Chucked them in the lathe and turned the hub and the curb.
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Next I cut off the wheel on the bandsaw.
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Then I put them back in the lathe and cleaned off the excess from the backside.
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The train is riding on its on wheels.
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Bret

Good to see you back in the shed on the tools, Bret.
Nice job on the wheels....
Cheers, crowie

[bobman 58]

i thought you had been a bit quite lately bret good to see you back working on the train its looking good

[Foeg]

Hi Brett,

I will watch with keen interest , keep it comming
Regards
Bryan

[PATCH3198]

THAT IS LOOKING FANTASTIC Bret but don't you ever sleep

[bj383ss]

Patch I do sleep alot. Like 9 hours every night. LOL. Crowie Bryan thanks for the encouragement. I have been lazy for the last 2 months and I am glad to be back in the shop.

Worked on the wheels some more made all the rims out of maple. Could not successfully figure out how to make these on the lathe so I made them with holesaws and then glued them on the drivers and finished them to size on the lathe.

Layout
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Had to cut the outside diameter into the wood a little so I could reference after the center was cutout.
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Pretty rough cut but easy to make them smooth with the lathe
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Jig I made to chuck them in the lathe. Just a carriage bolt through a scrap.
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Next up drill all the holes, and make the counterweights and pivot arms.
Bret

[crowie]

Patch I do sleep alot. Like 9 hours every night. LOL. Crowie Bryan thanks for the encouragement. I have been lazy for the last 2 months and I am glad to be back in the shop.

Worked on the wheels some more made all the rims out of maple. Could not successfully figure out how to make these on the lathe so I made them with holesaws and then glued them on the drivers and finished them to size on the lathe.

Layout
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Had to cut the outside diameter into the wood a little so I could reference after the center was cutout.
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Pretty rough cut but easy to make them smooth with the lathe
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Jig I made to chuck them in the lathe. Just a carriage bolt through a scrap.
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Next up drill all the holes, and make the counterweights and pivot arms.
Bret
I want to take exception to that comment in this posting Bret.
I don't think their's a lazy bone in your body.
You organize and do things right, more of the time, first time.
What you month sport.......LOL.....
Keep the photos, notes and patient careful work coming.
You do good work and provide great inspiration & encouragement.
Cheers, crowie

[Dalboy]

Hi Brett good to see you back on track with the build of this wonderful model:2tsup:. I am looking forward to the rest of the build

[bj383ss]

Thank you Digger and Crowie. Crowie maybe I'm not lazy but sometimes I feel like I am.

Worked on the driver wheels for 2 hours tonight. Got all of the holes drilled and 3 of the wheels filed out. They still need a little more sanding. What a bear of a job!

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Bret

[crowie]

Thank you Digger and Crowie. Crowie maybe I'm not lazy but sometimes I feel like I am.

Worked on the driver wheels for 2 hours tonight. Got all of the holes drilled and 3 of the wheels filed out. They still need a little more sanding. What a bear of a job!

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Bret

They look great Bret.....Keep up the good work. Cheers, crowie

[bj383ss]

Finished the wheels tonight. Mocked them up. Made all the holes and slots, counterweights and pivot arms.

Jig I made for drilling the holes.
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Half of them done.
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Counterweights
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Still have some fine tuning to get the counterweights to fit good.
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Pivot arms layout. Made an original and them copied
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A trip to the bandsaw.
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After sanding for about 10 minutes
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Mockup
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Next up is the side rods and piston rods.
Bret

[PATCH3198]

looking great but take some time to sit and relax and admirer your work because it is worth it I wish I could work that fast

[crowie]

Wow Bret, you've certainly have a full head of steam up now.....FULL STEAM AHEAD!!!
You patience's is to be admired, with attention to detail, top job mate.
Keep on down those tracks.
Cheers, Crowie

PS - Sorry for the puns, my head hasn't been too good this week & I'm just lashing out with some bad "dad humour".....I hope you can enjoy the laugh.

[bj383ss]

Haha Crowie. Patch I am in really no hurry. Just my normal pace. I do feel like I need some catching up to do since I haven't worked on the train since Xmas.

Truth be told back at beginning of January I was working on the cab parts and I made the roof 1/16" too narrow which normally wouldn't be a big deal but the cab sides fit flush so it was very obvious. I tried to take a shortcut and shorten all the cab parts to fit the roof but I mucked them all up. Then I accidentally knocked the entire train off the workbench and it hit the floor. Nothing broke but I was disgusted with it so I put it away and worked on some shop upgrades. I didnt post any of this work on the forum as it was not up to par. Last weekend I got my motivation back due to the forum and jumped back in.

After I get done with the driver wheels I am going to remake all the cab parts

Thank you all for your comments and support

Bret

[PATCH3198]

Bret I know what you mean by taking a short cut I did that once and ended up getting married :roll::roll:

[Handyjack]

Looking good.
At this moment I bet you are glad you are not making a 'Mallet', but then again with a production line system it would not take much longer to "turn" out twice as many wheels.

My preferred scale is 12" = 1 foot.

[bj383ss]

Wow Patch what was the none shortcut!:D

Well made a few more parts today. The wife is recovering from back surgery she had Wednesday so I am on Family patrol. Still got to work about 3 hours in the shop today in between chores and request.

I made the side rods for the left side.
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Rear and front go on first and then the middle rod.
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Then I made the piston rod and the washers that go between the rods.The piston rod goes on the #2 driver which has the bigger counter weight.
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I also made the cylinder valve chest for the left side. Using a dado blade for the groove, router to roundover and then cut it out on the bandsaw.
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I found some really cool phot0s of of engine #2100, #2124, & #2124. There are only 4 of these beast in existence today. This model is pretty accurate I think
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Bret

[bobman 58]

hi bret thats going to look pretty impressive when finished

[bj383ss]

Handyjack,

I looked up a mallet train. Good God they are twice as long as this train. The one I was looking was a 4-10-10-4. Thats alot of wheels and side rods to make! I have a really cool train book and it has the Union Pacifics "Big Boy" which was the longest steam train in the world. 133ft. If I built that in "O" gauge it would be almost 7ft long!

Bret

[bj383ss]

Worked on the train for about 3 hours today here is what I got done.

I made all the parts for Chest/Slide/Crosshead for both sides.

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Slide and crosshead glued up
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The assembly mocked up on the train. Yeah everything lines up!
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I also remade all of the cab parts except the sides. Ran out of time. The new cab looks much better though its hard to tell any difference in the phots. The roof is in line with the steam turret cover like it is suppose to be.
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Here is a photo of the old roof you can see it is sitting about a 1/4" lower and where the cab windows have real bad tearout.
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I also started a little experiment thanks to Jim.
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Thats it for now.

Bret

[bj383ss]

Made a bunch of parts for the boiler wanted to make them all but ran out of time. Was a nice quite evening in the shop the boys are staying overnight with Grandma and Poppa. I still miss them though.:rolleyes:

Stack and Dome
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Steam Generator, Check Valve and Breather
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The top is getting busy with parts.
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Next up the hand rails and the front of the boiler.

Bret

P.S. sorry for the crappy photos had to use my Iphone. Some borrowed the camera.

[crowie]

Made a bunch of parts for the boiler wanted to make them all but ran out of time. Was a nice quite evening in the shop the boys are staying overnight with Grandma and Poppa. I still miss them though.:rolleyes:

Stack and Dome
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Steam Generator, Check Valve and Breather
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The top is getting busy with parts.
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Next up the hand rails and the front of the boiler.

Bret

P.S. sorry for the crappy photos had to use my Iphone. Some borrowed the camera.

Yes Bret so much down to my standard now.....the photos that is.....lol...
The photos are okay, they show what you're doing and how it all fits together.
THANK YOU.....and well done, keep up the good work.
Cheers, crowie

[bobman 58]

its really taking shape now bret i just wondered how many carriages will you be making will you be making the three additional carriages

[bj383ss]

Thanks Crowie. Had fun with that one huh.

Bob I do want to make the train cars. The gondola and caboose from Gatto. But I don't want to make the passenger car too many seats to make. Instead I want to buid a boxcar from scratch. This will be at a later date though. As soon as I am done with the train I am going to start on a 32 deuce Hot rod built from scratch.

Bret

[crowie]

Thanks Crowie. Had fun with that one huh.

Bob I do want to make the train cars. The gondola and caboose from Gatto. But I don't want to make the passenger car too many seats to make. Instead I want to buid a boxcar from scratch. This will be at a later date though. As soon as I am done with the train I am going to start on a 32 deuce Hot rod built from scratch.

Bret
Just wanting to remind all that this toymaking is for fun and relaxation.....Enjoy....
I just love the detailed notes & photos, thank you..

[Hermit]

Hey Bret. I'm along for the ride too, now.
Been so busy checking out cars that I hadn't visited this thread before.:doh:
What a massive task.
You're doing well. Keep up the good work.:2tsup:

Let us know how your ebonising tests go, too. (What timbers?)

[bj383ss]

Thank You Steve. Haven't done anything with the ebonizing yet. But I plan to use Walnut. I want to use it on the tires for the 32' deuce

Only worked about an hour today. The boys wanted to go see their Grandad (and Grandmother). I made the front boiler plate, the rivets, the light and the number plate.

My dad gave me some new 1/4" tooling HSS stock for my lathe. He also showed me the correct way to grind and what reliefs should look like. He has been a machinist (manual lathes) for the past 40+ years. He also showed me how to adjust my crossvise. I have been getting about a 10/1000th in. taper over a length of 3" when trying to make doweling. It is now only 2/1000th in. tolerance which is more acceptable.
209965209966

Boiler plate
209960

Mocked up on the front.
209961209962209964

Bret

[crowie]

Thank You Steve. Haven't done anything with the ebonizing yet. But I plan to use Walnut. I want to use it on the tires for the 32' deuce

Only worked about an hour today. The boys wanted to go see their Grandad (and Grandmother). I made the front boiler plate, the rivets, the light and the number plate.

My dad gave me some new 1/4" tooling HSS stock for my lathe. He also showed me the correct way to grind and what reliefs should look like. He has been a machinist (manual lathes) for the past 40+ years. He also showed me how to adjust my crossvise. I have been getting about a 10/1000th in. taper over a length of 3" when trying to make doweling. It is now only 2/1000th in. tolerance which is more acceptable.
209965209966

Boiler plate
209960

Mocked up on the front.
209961209962209964

Bret

G'Day Bret, Wow it's certainly coming along.
You brought back some awful memories of having to shape & sharpen all manner of tool steel while doing my navy artificer-ship....yuk.
Cheers, crowie

[Hermit]

Thank You Steve. Haven't done anything with the ebonizing yet. But I plan to use Walnut. I want to use it on the tires for the 32' deuce

Loving this build.

Just wanted to say, with regard to ebonising, when you have the shade you want, it's a good idea to moisten or wet with baking soda solution and let it soak in to neutralise the acid, then a rinse off with tap water.
To reduce the grain lifting, wipe with a sponge after sanding but before ebonising, to lift the grain, then sand lightly again and into the solution. Like with stain, you can sand lightly afterwards, but not too heavily, so get things as good as possible first, to minimise the risk of sanding through.

Keep up the great work.

[TKO]

I am astounded that this is in wood, for me it's brilliant,:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Edwin.

[Hermit]

I am astounded that this is in wood, for me it's brilliant,:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Edwin.

Ditto (Latin for 'what he ^ said')

[Dalboy]

Certainly making headway now, looking fantastic Brett.:2tsup: As always look forward to the next batch of photo's and progress

[bj383ss]

Thank you guys for all the kind comments. Keeps me motivated.


Made a few more parts today. Made all the handrail mount extensions and got the handrail mounted which is 3/32" brass tubing I got from the hobby shop. Also made the bell mount and the bell.

Spent about an hour fine tuning the lathe and was able to get it within .0001 tolerance over a 6" span which is pretty good for a 91 year old lathe and an amateur turner.

Then I made a bunch of dowel
210433210432

Brass tubing
210434

After that drilled the 3/32" holes in each end of the dowel and then cut off each end 1/2". Did this 9 times to make 18 extensions.

Here is the mockup.
210435210436
210437210438

Layout of the bell mount
210439210440

The bell mounted and mocked up. I'm not done with the bell. May redo it. It is made from Pecan.
210441210442



Thats it for today.
Bret

[crowie]

Wow Bret the train is just looking more and more really, ready for the rails.
If I may suggest; how about a "brass bell" to complement the brass tubing on the side.
Keep up the very good work and top photos, thanks.
Cheers, crowie

[bj383ss]

Sounds like a good idea Crowie. I have looked online for about 15 minutes and not been able to find a small scale brass bell. Anyone know where to find one?

Bret

[Hermit]

Sounds like a good idea Crowie. I have looked online for about 15 minutes and not been able to find a small scale brass bell. Anyone know where to find one?

Bret

Bret, exactly what size bell do you need?

I haven't found one small enough, but I'll see what I can find.

Your train is looking f... fantastic. The brass tubing really helps it look like a real train.

[Hermit]

There's this one, length 4cm, (1.57"), width 2.5cm, (1"): -

210526

SOLID BRASS SMALL BELL KEY RING (V16) | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLID-BRASS-SMALL-BELL-KEY-RING-V16-/150822012556?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item231db1468c)

_____________________________

Check this out, too. Although it's in an Oz listing, the item is in the US. 3 bell sizes, by the look: -
Solid Brass Open Face Sleigh Bell Door Hanger Parade Chime in 4-colors & 3-sizes | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solid-Brass-Open-Face-Sleigh-Bell-Door-Hanger-Parade-Chime-4-colors-3-sizes-/330741820782?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7dbe6ce568)

_____________________________


I did an Australian eBay search for 'small brass bell'.

I hope one of these will do the job.

Edit: Try here too: - http://www.bellsonline.net/smallbells.aspx (http://www.bellsonline.net/smallbells.aspx)

The one in the pic above is way too big.
Just remembered I had the plans and checked - a 1/4" diameter bell is needed.

[crowie]

There's this one, length 4cm, (1.57"), width 2.5cm, (1"): -

210526

SOLID BRASS SMALL BELL KEY RING (V16) | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLID-BRASS-SMALL-BELL-KEY-RING-V16-/150822012556?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item231db1468c)

_____________________________

Check this out, too. Although it's in an Oz listing, the item is in the US. 3 bell sizes, by the look: -
Solid Brass Open Face Sleigh Bell Door Hanger Parade Chime in 4-colors & 3-sizes | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Solid-Brass-Open-Face-Sleigh-Bell-Door-Hanger-Parade-Chime-4-colors-3-sizes-/330741820782?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7dbe6ce568)

_____________________________


I did an Australian eBay search for 'small brass bell'.

I hope one of these will do the job.

Edit: Try here too: - http://www.bellsonline.net/smallbells.aspx (http://www.bellsonline.net/smallbells.aspx)

The one in the pic above is way too big.
Just remembered I had the plans and checked - a 1/4" diameter bell is needed.

Well done Steve.
I had a bit of a look and didn't find any, but I was looking under "G Gauge" Model Railways.
The first one you've found is just down the hill from me [20mins drive].
Cheers, crowie

[Hermit]

Still looking. There were some 'Indian Hippy Brass Bells On String', but the bells were engraved. Shame, they looked about the right size.

Bret, this one's a miniature dollhouse bell-shaped candle snuffer. Sort of close to your wooden bell in shape. Doesn't give the exact size except to say 1:12 scale: - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dollhouse-Miniature-Candle-Snuff-Clare-Bell-Brass-1-12-Scale-/190681569556?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6581d914

These look OK, too. Quite a range. Some are 7/8" high, $6.95/dozen: - http://www.ventana-catalog.com/loosebrassbells.htm

Think 'jewellery' and 'dollhouses'. I even ended up at a belly-dancing supply site.

Another - this looks real good, a dollhouse miniature gold-plated brass schoolhouse bell, $6.69US, $4.45US deliv, 3/4" tall : - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Miniature-Clare-Bell-Brass-Schoolhouse-Bell-DOLLHOUSE-/120780545961?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1f14dfa9