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Post by jessebanning on Sept 11, 2006 18:15:38 GMT -5
I am starting to build the A3 in 3/4" scale. Can build everything out of steel to increase the weight and traction?
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Post by siggy on Sept 11, 2006 18:42:23 GMT -5
You certainly make it all from steel but your assumption is incorrect about the weight.
According to Machinery's handbook the weight for each is:
360 brass = .307 lbs/in^3 1018 or A-36 steel = .284 lbs/in^3 101 copper = .323 lbs/in^3
So, you will have a heavier model if you use the suggested brass instead of steel. Oh the other hand, you will likely find that steel is less expensive than brass is.
Robert
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Post by pkastagehand on Sept 11, 2006 20:01:09 GMT -5
I have been working in steel (tender frame and trucks so far) but will use copper and brass for the tank and all parts in contact with the water due to rust issues.
I was thinking steel for most of the loco too with cast iron for the "tee" and the cylinders. But again copper for the boiler as called for.
For me the choice is about money. I've got a lot of steel and some chunks of cast iron around to work with. When I don't have the right steel it is cheaper to buy than brass. I'm not worried about the weight. If it pulls me around a track OK, if it doesn't that's OK too. I'm building it mainly for the project, not as a unit to "play trains" with.
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Post by jessebanning on Sept 24, 2006 16:20:59 GMT -5
i saw some photos of various A3 locomotives on this site I think, but i dont remember how i got there. It was a photo album. Does anybody know what I'm talking about?
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Post by Ed Hume on Sept 25, 2006 7:18:38 GMT -5
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Post by jessebanning on Sept 26, 2006 12:49:17 GMT -5
Thank you!!!! The pictures are awesome!!!
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Post by jessebanning on Sept 26, 2006 17:26:24 GMT -5
Is building the boiler out of steel with copper flues a stupid idea?
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Post by Ed Hume on Sept 27, 2006 12:25:05 GMT -5
Jesse,
I forgot to mention Robert Sigler's A3 pictures on Dan Kautz's site - be sure to look at his visitor page. He has a video of the tender assembly.
I don't have experience with any other boiler type than copper. I suggest you either start a new thread, or post your question on the A3 Boiler thread - you will get more readers and a better chance of a good answer. Also you want to indicate the size you have in mind. Steel becomes a better choice the larger you go.
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Post by jessebanning on Nov 18, 2006 12:57:38 GMT -5
I'm going to try to have the side frames flame cut on a burn table.
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Post by efbernardc on Nov 29, 2006 1:03:51 GMT -5
I've been working on an A3 3/4 scale since last January. Am now working on side and drive rails for locomotive.
Tender is all finished. I'm trying to find track in 3/4 scale for displaying it.
Anyone have any suggestions?
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Post by Harlock on Nov 29, 2006 4:43:42 GMT -5
Hiya Efbernardc, On page 4 of this thread, Siggy posted the following in regards to my same question about track: "I purchased the brass rail at my local hobby shop. It's standard LGB rail that comes in 1.5 meter lengths (LGB part number 10005). The brass was relatively expensive but they have it in aluminum too. I cut the ties out of cedar and stained them then spiked the rail to the ties using Micro Engineering large track spikes. " So I guess you can get the LGB rails separate from the ties. Also, I found this online resource: www.svrronline.com/TrackandRail.htmlIf you scroll down, you'll see a place where gauge 1 / 0 rail is available separately from the ties, and again you can assemble yourself to the correct gauge on the ties. The LGB stuff is probably oversized for it's scale, and I guess that's why it makes good 3 1/2" gauge or 3/4" scale track. Personally, for a small section of track, I'd love to be able to just buy ready made track...I have enough work with the engine itself as it is. But I think us 3 1/2" gaugers are pretty rare - not enough to rate a large commercial market, unlike 7 1/2" gauge. As for your progress...wow...that's going quick. I assume you dedicate a good amount of time towards the project. Alas, my life is full, and the project is slow, but I'm determined to keep a steady level of progress.
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Post by efbernardc on Nov 30, 2006 0:08:00 GMT -5
Thanks for the response. I'm retired and it's my full time project. So I put lots of time into it. It would go faster if I didn't need to refabricate so so many parts.
It's my first machining project and I'm realy enjoying it.
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Post by climax on Oct 29, 2007 19:06:01 GMT -5
Hello! I'm new to this support group but I am looking forward to reading what all of you have to say. I have just finished a Kozo Climax in 1.5 in. 7 1/4 ga. I started it 11 years ago and have worked on it off and on in between other projects. I fired it for the first time in June. After a few changes I tried again in September at my club's fall meet ( Adirondack Live Steamers) in N.Y. I was very pleased with the results. I was told that if you stay with Kozo's basic design you won't go wrong. That I found to be very true! This was my first steam loco and it fires and runs great! I did make some changes, mostly in materials ie. 01 tool steel for the valve linkage parts, bronze bushings in the cross boxes, and other small things. I must say that this was the most rewarding project I have ever built in my shop at home. I hope that everyone else who takes on one of these loco's has as much fun as I did.
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Post by Harlock on Oct 29, 2007 22:48:03 GMT -5
Climax: Congratulations on the completion. We would all love to see photos if you have them. It's inspiring to us!
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Post by Russells on Jan 23, 2008 19:41:10 GMT -5
Fellow Builders,
Did anyone other than me go to the Cabin Fever Expo? I expected to read something about it by now. There were two "G" scale live steam layouts operating and several larger live steam engines in various stages of completion there to look at. I even met two gentlemen with a Kozo A-3 at almost exactly the same state of construction as my own. Two of the nicest guys to talk to, and I walked off without getting their names. Shame on Me! All in all, it was a great way to spend a Winter Saturday.
Russells
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