Recent content by 428Bird

Man I just ran across this build and read the entire thing in one sitting. I ordered the book and am anxiously waiting it's arrival. I do have a couple of questions though; 1. Does the book have dimensions for 1.5 scale, or did you just double everything? 2. You mentioned that you needed to...

That's Awesome!

Wood, maybe coal depending on its availability. I haven't put much thought in the design lately, this thread went cold until you replied.

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't decided on a height. The firebox will be limited by the boiler inside diameter, which is 16 inches - that's 1.39 square feet, below the Texas limit of 2 square feet. Britt

1.5 inch per foot is 1/8th scale.

1:8 scale, that's 1/8th inch per foot right? In that case, the scale 567 bore would be 1 inch. Britt

What scale do things running on a 7.5" gauge track use? We could get some general engine dimensions (bore for example of 8") by scaling known dimensions down. Just to get an idea of amount of material needed, ease of machining, etc. With the exception of the 567-U (which had a cast block top)...

Curious if anyone has ever tried to build one. Apparently the blocks on the full size engines are welded up, not cast. I was watching some live steam video's earlier and noticed that the diesel locomotives were either ran by battery, or a little gas motor. Just curious. Britt Bettell

Hope you fellow Houston guys are weathering the storm well. So far, all is well at the casa Bettell.

My first project was a couple of drill and tap guides. 3/8 and 1/2 diameter. Pretty easy to make.

Awesome! Always a good thing when it's something simple.

Same here. It took me six months to go through my lathe before I was satisfied. Now I know every bolt, nut, gear and bearing in the entire machine.

Good luck with it. I've found that there is no better way to get to know your machine than to tear into it with repairs/improvements.

What kind of lathe do you have? I've got a 16 inch Holbrook, and a Bridgeport I'm currently working on.

Wow, we should create a local, southeast houston club!