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Post by silversanjuan on Mar 24, 2013 1:49:07 GMT -5
Well, here goes... Been a dream of mine since I was a kid to build a live steam locomotive. I found references to Kozo's books on the web, and it seemed like the best place to start. So I picked up a copy and I've read it cover to cover. Studied the drawings for days. Then started cutting steel. I've started with the tender to build my skills. I've got some machinist friends at work who are showing me the ropes. And, here's my progress to date: Here's a shot of my lathe with tender wheels from the first chucking. Here's five of the wheels after the first chucking. Work done on the arbor. And, here we have all eight tender wheels completed, with one set on my first completed axle. I'll finish up the rest of the axles. Then I've got to buy some materials for the frames and journal boxes. Good times! ;D Todd
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Post by phutcheson on Mar 24, 2013 12:11:47 GMT -5
Todd, Nice start ... Will be following your build. Pat H.
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Post by kvom on Mar 24, 2013 19:03:57 GMT -5
What scale?
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Post by silversanjuan on Mar 24, 2013 23:15:14 GMT -5
Thanks guys. This will be in 3/4" scale, as that is the limit of my equipment. I'm building this with a MicroMark 7x14 mini-lathe, and LMS mini-mill. Today I finished two more axles. I hope to order material for the arch-bar trucks this week. I also need to order some material to make a height gauge. Another aspect I enjoy in this hobby is making my own tooling. Good times all around.
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Post by Harlock on Mar 27, 2013 16:05:12 GMT -5
Very nice finish on the wheels and axles. I'd like to come back around to my A3 now that I have some better machines. I've been in large scale land for a while with two other engines. Once I stop making rolling stock for those I'd like to get back on the A3.
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Post by silversanjuan on Mar 27, 2013 22:20:21 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. I was just looking through your gallery yesterday and wondering what was happening with your A3. I do like your other two engines as well. Very nice looking machines.
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Post by Ed Hume on Mar 28, 2013 14:01:52 GMT -5
The workmanship looks really good - you are off to a good start.
Also, you are doing a good job on the photography!
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Post by silversanjuan on Mar 29, 2013 7:54:43 GMT -5
Thanks Ed.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 1, 2013 11:41:19 GMT -5
I started on my fourth axle this weekend. The bore on these last two wheels is oversize. These were the first two I made and led to my discovery that my tailstock was bad. Consequently the holes I drilled were off. So I bored them out oversize in hopes that I could salvage them. Well I found that the bore isn't straight through the wheel because it wobbles on the axle. Fortunately I have two spare wheel blanks. So, I started making two new wheels. And, I can still use the axle I started since it can be turned down more to fit the new wheels.
I also ordered some material for the next steps. I'll be using Ralph Patterson's plans to build a height gage.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 8, 2013 9:58:14 GMT -5
Finished the two spare wheels and the fourth axle. So, all the tender wheels are complete. Just need to paint and assemble them to the axles.
Working on a height gauge now. I'll also be making the wiggler center finder, angle jigs, bending tool over then next week. Then it is on to making the journal boxes and bearings.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 11, 2013 16:35:31 GMT -5
Question... what is an acceptable modification to the thread specs that Kozo calls for in the A3? Can I substitute 2-56 and 4-40 for the 1-64 and 3-48 that he calls for in many places?
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Post by Ed Hume on Apr 12, 2013 7:31:29 GMT -5
There is not a general rule. You just have to use judgment. If you reduce size, ask yourself if there is enough strength. If you increase size, ask yourself if the fastener will look too big.
Other problems can occur when increasing size such as hex heads getting too close to obstructions to use a nutdriver. Also, make sure that there is enough material for tapping the larger size. You can make smaller size nutdrivers by screwing socket head cap screws into a hex rod and turning down the screw head diameter.
You will not find 3-48 screws at the hardware store but they are obtainable from the usual suppliers.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 12, 2013 8:41:57 GMT -5
Thanks Ed. I went ahead and ordered some 3-48 and 1-72 taps from Victor Machinery. Also, found that Micro-Fasteners had much of what was needed in these two sizes. Orders are placed. So, I should be making progress on the truck frames by next weekend. This weekend will be spent making tooling.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 19, 2013 10:17:20 GMT -5
Just received a bunch of materials, screws, and taps. Should have some progress to report over the weekend.
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Post by silversanjuan on Apr 28, 2013 22:28:57 GMT -5
The springtime "honey do" list has been keeping me busy. Along with making the height gauge to mark parts. But, that is almost done. I just need to finish the base on it. But, just to show something here.... This is all the material for the Archbar truck frames and the tender frame. Hope to have some actual progress on this later in the week. Todd
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