New member, new builder.

[bettina]

Hi folks,
I am from England.
Have just got myself a myford 7 lathe.
under guidence, I am building a guage 1,
coal fired loco.
My next venture after this, is to build my dream loco,
A three truck Shay, in 5".
would have loved 71/4 but its just the sheer size / weight.
Nothing unusuall in that except
I am, 62 and female....
finally about to embark in model engineering, an ambition which
has been with me from the age of 12, but sadly no opportunity.
Instead, I raised 7children and have 23 grandchildren.
So now is MY time.
I love Shays...any photos..or direction to Shay sites
would be greatfully received.
Some here, think me mad, more so for wanting to attempt
a Shay...O..and did I say..I want to make my own gears.
All of the parts in fact.
So pleased to have found this forum.
Bettina.

[trainlarry]

Welcome to the board, Bettina.
It is never too late to realize our dreams, and I am glad your time has come. Usually, newcomers to machine shop work are recommended to start with a small, simple project to get to learn techniques, their equipment, how to use measuring tools, etc. You have some guidance you say, which is a good thing. Suggest you join a model engineering club in your area if you have not already. May I ask what gauge 1 loco you are building? I am scratch building a gauge 1 loco also, with free plans available on the internet.
Concerning Shays, www.shaylocomotives.com/ is a site devoted to Shays, and www.nelsonslocomotive.com/Shay/shay.htm is a builders' log of a Shay built in 7.5" gauge. The book,Building The Shay, referenced in the builders' site, is an excellent book, explaining step by step the process of building the Shay on the books' cover, including how to cut your own gears. Well worth the purchase price. Camden carries it.
Keep us posted on your progress.

Larry

[bigc691]

Bettina;

for my first engine, I went with the gene allen mogul. for its size and weight, it is a real workhorse and is fairly simple to build. if you make the journal boxes really sloppy in the pedestals, it will run on pretty rough track. it needs to look like a duck waddling down the track. in other words, real loose. mine was built to run on seven and one half in track, but figures are supplied in the prints for seven and one quarter inch track. it took about four years to build just working on Friday nights. I have built several more of these engines both in 2-6-0- and 4-6-0 arrangements.

good luck. by the way I am 67 yo, and I have another one started whenever I get into the mood to get back out to the shop

cecil
USA