Re: steam oil vs koi ponds
My steamer runs right by my pond, but I am the only steamer for hundreds of miles, so only one ever goes by. I can't see it being a problem. Jerry
Re: No Brown Out here
Salty, if you go on I-80 any across Nebraska, stop in and steam. I live in the country and have lots of room to park. Jerry Barnes Lexington, NE 308-324-3004
diesel
In the Omaha World Herald yesterday, they said that the Union Pacific RR is the biggest user of diesel fuel in the world. We have 3 mainline tracks going by a half mile from our house, averages a train every 10 minutes, sometimes three at once. Jerry
laying track
I used Sunset Rail(Was Garich back then!) code 250 and their tie strips. I set up my bender outside on a sawhorse. Once I had the rail set, I went to a flat area and slid the rail into the ties, or ties on the rail, whichever worked best. I used the whole tie strip, did cut out the end of a tie where ever there was a joint. Then, carried the whole 6' section over and installed it. I used the Hilman type clamps on the joints. I like the look of the code 250 a lot, but wonder if the larger profiles aren't better to use outside, little stronger maybe? Ties look heftier also. I"m not sure if they still have it, but they had two rail tie configurations, main line and narrow gauge-which had fewer ties, spaced more apart than the main line. I used crushed gravel that the local gravel pit grinds up to put in their asphalt mix. It's quite granular and really tamps down nice and hard, don't use 'pea gravel' or anything that has round edges for the ballast. I used 2000 lbs of it this year, so buying the chicken grit could be expensive! hope this helps some, Jerry(Nebraska steamer)
track bed fix up
I had a party (of one) this easter weekend, put down 2000 lbs of crushed gravel and leveled and tamped the track. The body is complaining, but I had a 'sparkie' go around fine yesterday. Will try the shay, when it warms up again, was snowing this morning! Ah, Nebraska! Jerry
Re: Distilled Water Deviations-Dehumidifier water
>How about dehumidifier "distilled" water. Any information on that being OK I've read in the past that it is fine to use and I've used it myself. Getting to be that time of year, mine has been kicking on lately in the basement. I"ve got plenty! Come on down. Jerry
Re: New Member Introduction
Welcome Don, I'm also a teacher(art) and a steamer-but live in Nebraska. Good group to join. Jerry Barnes
chemical stains
A sculpture buddy gave me this: You asked about what chemicals to use to color bronze? Today there are a lot of chemicals. The three main chemicals are- Sulfarated pot ash =BLACK- Feric nitrate=BROWN- Cupric nitrate=GREEN. These are the three earth tones. You can make a lot of colors from these three. Heat is used to speed up the chemical reaction. Depending on how strong a mixture of chemical and water you make and how much heat you use will determine the shade of color you will get. It is difficult to do the same thing twice. Did you know the Orientals in the olden days, before chemicals, used to urinate in a sand pit, then bury the bronze into the sand and let it set for a day or two, the chemicals in the urine will give you a beautiful Green patina. They would then rub the piece of art with their hands and the oils from the hands would coat and protect the bronze. Tried it, it works! Jerry
Hi temp spray paint
I had pretty good luck using high temp spray paint on my shay. Has held up pretty well. I used regular One Shot sign paint on the domes and light and that has held up well also. I did leave my cylinders the brass color though. Sears automotive has quite a range of colors in the hi temp paints.(I own no Sears stock!) Jerry Barnes(the lonely Nebraska steamer)
Re: Brass Coloring
>Brass can be coated with a patina, in numerous colors ( black - green >-brown etc.. ) I've colored my bronze sculptures with patina's, not sure they will work on brass. Some I used you just brushed on , some you would hang it over the fumes. Seems like I used muriatic acid on one? Can't remember, has been a long time ago! I'll ask a sculpture friend on mine. jerry
Re: oscilating
Mike Chaney did the engine for my shay, using two of his oscilating cylinders, he may have some cylinders left to sell, might check with him. Jerry
Re: Equipment and weather
We just had another blizzard here in central Nebraska, the only way I can tell where my layout is at, is by seeing just the tops of my Alberta Spruces sticking up here and there. We had no snow last winter and I ran all the time, now we've had over 3'. What happened to global warming? We need more steamers to warm the air! jerry(buried in Nebraska)
graphite pencils(was Russian)
Artist pencils are graded from 2B to 6B(sometimes 8B) The larger numbers are softer. You can also get graphite sticks in the same range. They are about 1/4" square and would be more sutitable for a larger item, such as a locomotive. I use the soft pencils on the plastic military models of Vietnam guntrucks that I make-gives a nice metallic 'sheen' to guns and worn metal. Jerry(lonely Nebraska steamer)
rocks
Here in the Platte River Valley, we have nothing but sand and flat ground. So I had to truck in lots of soil and tons of rocks to eleveate my track some to get some relief in the terrain. So, be thankful for what your area has to offer. Jerry
409
409 is a Chevy engine of 60's vintage that really hauled and the Beachboys sang a great song about them! sorry, couldn't resist, Jerry
Re: Latest issue of SitG
Ron's a great, honest guy and you'll get what you paid for, that's for sure-every issue! Jerry
RE: Machine Oil
The best oil I've found is from Sulper Steam, it's called Bearing & Lubricating Oil(not the exact name, but something like that) , it is pretty viscous and holds onto my shay's u-joints and gears real well. I use one of their hypodermics to apply the oil, it comes in pint can-so buy it with a friend and split it up. I think I have a lifetime supply! I even use it on my old jukebox. You can access them thru Steam in the Garden's site at steamup.com I think.
Re: gauge/scale controversies - Don't read them.
Tony I'm more humbled now! jerry
gauge/scale contreversies
All this gauge/scale stuff gets pretty boring. It's been discussed ad nauseum everywhere on the net, let's try to keep it off this one spot-please! Everyone has his/her opinion and I don't think anyone has ever changed anyone else's mind. I just like to have fun with it and not get emotional about personal preferences that one may have(or not, in my case) about scales/gauges/rivit counting. humbly Jerry
Re: Cabooses @ 1:32
New Bright's caboose is 1/32nd, you would want some new trucks for it and weather it some but it should look okay. Jerry
Re: raised letters
Scenic Woodlands makes dry transfers still. Most hobby shops carry their line of rr stuff. could get it custom made by Larry Larsen(see ads in mags) if he's still going with that. jerry
Re: raised letters-etching
I have done art etchings on zinc and copper plates. Nitric acid will work on both of them. You can use a wax block out-called ground(get at an art supply store) to cover the areas you don't want to be etched. Be sure to add the acid to the water to dilute it, not the other way around! On etching plates I used around a 12:1 solution. Bubbles will form that you should gently brush away with a soft brush every few minutes, this will give you a cleaner edge. As time goes on, the acid will 'undercut' the edge of the resist area. If you are etching the letters below the surface of a master, you could cover the whole area with the ground, then scratch thru the ground, exposing the metal and then etch. If you are etching around the letters, make them a little larger than you want them to be, as the undercut might make them a little smaller. Jerry Barnes
soldering alternative
I used J&B Weld to put the domes on my shay, they've been on for several years, one is now getting loose. I also used it to put on the clean out plugs, etc. and they hav held on well, as has the light brackets, etc. They are all Trackside Castings, Ozarks will melt! I discovered the hard way, now they are only on my cars I built for the shay to pull. Jerry Barnes
Re: TURNTABLE
>I am looking for turntable ( 45mm gauge, more than 80cm long ). >Please tell me how to get it. > > Jun, The latest issue of Garden Railways has a set of plans to build a turntable. Might check it out. Jerry Barnes
Re: Accucraft EXCELSIOR
Anyone have a picture of this new locomotive? Jerry Barnes
Re: Allegheny Investor Club (A.I.C.)
Where can one see a picture of this gold-plated loco? What's amazing is that I'm sure they will all sell to people who don't have to blink an eye to write the check. Must be nice. Jerry
Graham Twin
What experience does anyone have with the Grahmn Twin? I know some shays/climaxes have ben made using it. What is it's reliability, endurance, etc? just wondering, Jerry
Barnes Bio
I have my 2nd layout in our new house in the country. It's been up for four years and all the plants have grown in pretty well. It has a pond, tunnel trestles and bridges. A few small clay buildings I made are the town. The layout is elevated a foot above the ground. My only steamer is the Shay I made, using a Roundhouse boiler and an engine that Mike Chaney made for me from two of his osscilating cylinders. I made the trucks, frame cab, etc out of brass or wood. It runs very well and has been very dependable. I also have some various 'sparkers' that I scratchbuilt and are battery powred. I have a McKeen Car, a Climax and a UP passenger train set that I built for the Aristo FA-s to pull. I am an art teacher in central Nebraska. You are welcome to drop by, if you are traveling on I-80, I am just a couple of miles off the interstate in Lexington. I am a loyal subscriber to Steam in the Garden and Garden Railways. There are a few other layouts springing up around the state, mostly in the east but a few out here. No other steamers though. One has a Steamlines Shay that doesn't work and a Frank S that he never runs.
roundhouse boiler
I got a Roundhouse boiler for my shay and it's worked great from day one. I think Vance got a basic kit with the boiler and chassis for his first locomotive. Good way to start, then you can make your own for the second-although I've never got to that stage yet. I seem to be content with one steamer. I got a good price through the roundhouse dealer in Maine-goes my Smokey, I think. Jerry
Re: How I blew up a butane/propane filled tank
You can get the propane/butane tank mix by the case from Cross Creek Enginering(see ads in Steam in the Garden) very reasonably. With what a steamer costs, I don't feel that we are spending a lot on fuel. Now, the price of gasoline is another matter. Jerry
Re: PCLS web site up ...
If they tell you, they have to scald you with steam! So be careful. Jerry > >So, who is El Presidente? > >Jim
Re: Deck for elevated track ...
How about that new product called Trex for a deck. It's all plastic stuff in 2x6 size, should be great. Comes is 16' lengths. Our local lumber yard has it. Jerry
want to unsubscribe.
Can anyone tell me how to unsubscribe? School is out and I want to shut this down for the summer-like the list, but won't be here to get it. Like to know today, Friday, if anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it. Jerry [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Ruby first run
Wow, you got the baptism of fire, all in one lesson. Get this many burns in the navy? Sounds like you are having fun-that's the whole idea. Jerry
Re: Live steam on Peter Stuart's RR
>Hello Listers. > >Peter Stuart has a superb SM 32 empire in Rye Victoria. Live Steam >and battery R/C. > >Here are some URL's for pix I took whilst I was testing some new RCS >R/C. Wow, great pix and great layout. Now, I'm depressed, my layout doesn't look nearly that good, but it's coming along. I think we got the algae defeated in our pond!! Darned stuff. School will be out in two weeks,(:-)) then I'm going to level the track and try running the Shay again. It derailed a few times at different spots the last time I tried running it. The ground has settled, so I'm finally going to force the old fat body to do some work on the roadbed. Groan! If anyone is coming thru Nebraska this summer on I-80, you are welcome to drop by run your steamer, or just chat. I also collect old 45's from the 50's for my jukebox. Anyone have any to sell? I especially like records from local groups of that era-not necessarily any famous people. Especially you overseas chaps. Any of you guys Vietnam Vets? I was over there in 69-70. At this time 30 years ago I had 3 weeks left on my 'vacation' over there. I was a Lt. running convoys from Qui Nhon to Pleiku. Didn't see any steamers over there though, saw some in Germany. You can contact me off list at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jerry
Re: radio control
Lots of steamers use the RCS system and I've always heard good things about it. You can e-mail them direct with any questions. They are on LSOL all the time, Tony is anyway. I don't have it, my steamer is manuel control, some of my 'sparkies' are controlled by the Aristo TE. Jerry
trains on TV
Anybody see that Awesome Machines(or some such title) yesterday on The Learning Channel(or Discovery). Showing old trains that people actually owned. I never realized any private people would /could own a locomotive. Some pretty awesome machinery. It would be cool to have your own locomotive. Jerry Barnes Nebraska
oil(was Steam problems....
>Is there a good way to get the steam oil out of the can and into the little
>bottle? {:/
>
>Trot, the frustrated, fox... (I wanna play wit my train!)
>--
Get a syringe from a Vetinary supply store(or Sul.Spgs) Get a larger one
also for your boiler filling. You might have to put a short length of
silicon tubing on the end. Both work pretty good. I have 3 sizes, the
smallest is for my gear oil for the shay. That's good stuff to get from
Sul. Spgs. also.
Jerry Barnes
Nebraska
Big Boy Steam
Anybody know if that outift in Texas ever got their Big Boy project going? I never heard, used to be talk of it on another steam list. Clark, didn't you know something about it? Jerry Barnes Nebraska
Re: FILLING THE RUBY BOILER
I use a large syringe I got from Sul.Spgs. to fill my boiler in the shay. I always preheat my water in a large, insulated coffe cup that has a lid. I just use the microwave, and the insulated cup holds enough for two runs. I have some silicone tubing on the end of my syringe, so I just poke it thru the hole on the lid of the cup, and suck up the hot water, works fine. I can't run the shay again until I level out my track. I put it in 3 years ago, elevating it some and the earth has settled , and things have gotten a little crooked. So, I'm going to pull up the track(it floats on the gravel) and level everything out good, tamp it down and put the track back down. Jerry Barnes Lexington, NE
Re: Track questions
I used Garich(now Sunset?) code 250 track and staggered the joints. It's held up fine for me for over 5 years. They sold me some brass clamps with it that are sort of like the Hilman clamps-probably not necessary, if you aren't running track power-I'm steam or battery these days. I used those switch kits(MRE?) that are sold in GR for the switches. Sunset(Sun Valley?) has switch kits also for about the same price. Jerry
Re: Whistle
There's been some good articles in Steam in the Garnden on whistles, one in the latest issue, can't remember the author, but he's thinking about making some to sell-down the road. Might check it out. He's had several in this last year or so. Jerry Barnes NEbrasaka
Re: does anybody know how a Steamlines smoke generator works, please?
> >I have been given what I think are the parts for a Steamlines smoke >generator. I think that it was fitted to the Shay. > >Can anybody please help with advice, or preferably a sketch or image >of how it all fits together?? Most people block off this function anyway, if you can get it to run , you are doing better than most people. It is not a good engine. Clark Lord is the expert on these, but he even sold his! Jerry
Re: Butane Fuel
I think the best source for fuel is Cross Creek Engineering-they have an ad in Steam in the Garden. You get a case of big cans. It's butane, plus 20% propane. A case will last a long time. I got mine last year, so I'm not sure of prices-old brains! Check him out. Jerry Barnes Nebraska
Re: Diamond Stack for Ruby
>Does anyone know where I can find a diamond stack to fit on my Ruby? I've >checked my Ozark Miniatures and Trackside Details catalogs (both over a year >old) and did not find anything. > >Don Plasterer Apparently, TD just put one out, have to get a new catalog. Jerry
steam plume fix
When I built my shay, I had the exhaust down in the smokebox, and got a very small plume of steam. I added a piece, getting the exhaust up into the stack and -Voila!(sp?) I had a great plume, worked for me anyway.. I have a funnel for the stack, the exhaust pipe comes up to where the funnel spreads out. I have a brass screen resting in the top, this hides the pipe. I used a Roundhouse boiler Jerry Barnes central Neb.
Re: Elevated Track
> >(is it most of us are getting too old to be crawling around on the ground >or bending over?) > I made my layout about a foot off the ground, it is part of the garden, so it is elevated on dirt, trestle and bridges. I like the RR to blend into the landscape and look natural . It would be a lot easier to adjust and fiddle with your controls, if it is elevated on poles. None of those out h'yar in the plains. Jerry Barnes Nebraska
lettering
>Ok, here's a question. You say to use the stabilo pencil to lay out your >lettering. The part that I question is painting over the wax base pencil >letters. I'm not saying it won't work , but I do question it. Unless of >course I'm wrong about the technique. > >Phil.P. Reading,Pa. > > Hi Phil, I read about this years ago and had the same questions, but never had any problems with it. I don't understand it either, but it works. Jerry
Re: Oscillating in-line twin/track base
Mike Chaney made my osscilating twin for my shay. He used two of his cylinders that he used to make and put them together for me. If he has any left, he might make you one. I like the action of the oscillators, cracks me up, as it goes. I love it Mike! Ran it this weekend. Discovered my track is getting pretty bumpy, with winter frost heaves and such. Major track work to be done this spring. Anyone put any dry concrete powder in their base and wet it down, to make it more permanent? How does it work out? Proportions? Jerry
Re: hand lettering
Being an art teacher I got into a sign business also: Here's some helpful hints, I learned over the years. An easy way to do weathered looking lettering, is to use a Stabilo pencil. You can get this wax base pencil at Art or Sign supply stores. Drawing lightly, you can easily erase your mistakes with water or alcohol. You can also use it to lay out your lettering, then paint over it. Scotch tape, burnished down with your fingernail, works real good for masking the top and bottom of letters that go straight across. Then, you can start your straight stroke on the tape, drag it down and end on the tape on the bottom. Peel it off , as soon as you get through lettering. Clean the area to be lettered with alcohol. Curved letters are slightly taller and descend slightly below straight across letters. Vance is right, on lettering a curved letter, twirl the brush between your fingers as you go around a curve. Good brushes are critical, a gray squirrel lettering brush is your best bet, you can get them in real small sizes, at sign supply shops. They cost, but are worth it. You can't do decent lettering with a bad brush. We do most of our signage anymore with vinyl, using a cutter hooked up to the computer. A local sign shop could cut you the letters(they will all be in one strip, with all the letters together, making a word, not seperate letters you stick on.) They will of course, look new. They can also cut it and weed out the letters, leaving what you put on as a stencil, then stipple or spray it and then, peel off the stencil. My wife has cut me letters as small as 1/4" high for my train cars. You can get the lettering(vinyl) in many colors. feel free to ask me any other questions. Jerry Barnes NEbraska
Wood Cab
I've had a wood cab on my shay, that I built, for 3 years. I've never had any problems with it getting signed, or any other heat related problems(the derailment is another matter!). So, I don't think you have to worry about it catching on fire. The Maxwell Hemmens used to come with a wooden cab also, as I recall. Vance's cab looks to be well designed. It even has a friend near here thinking about getting a Ruby, that would double the amount of small scale steamers here in central Nebraska! There is a big contingement of the hernia size steamers here in the state, with two tracks. Jerry Barnes
Re: Selling an Engine
>OK List > >What is the best way to sell an engine through the mail to someone you don't >know? Hey, we're all honest here, by the way I have some good seafront land for sale cheap, in Florida. I restore jukeboxes also and was talking to a guy about getting parts from him and whether he'd take a personal check. He said he would, but when he gets bad checks, he tells everyone in the jukebox community and the guy can never get any other parts. Of course, you aren't getting your money back. E-bay has some sort of escrow service at their site, not sure if it's only for them or not, might check that out. Jerry Barnes Nebraska
Re: New roster
>At 10:23 AM -0800 1/18/00, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >>Would there be any way to have the bio included in the list? > >What sez the group? Is this desirable? > > Sounds good to me, Jerry Barnes the lonely Nebraska steamer >
Re: Not at Diamondhead
Hey, I'm still here, doing my semester grades at school. 3 years till I retire, then I'll be there! Jerry
Re: Build? Save money? Tell on Vance!
Vance, I remember your article in GR. I was going to build it, then heard of people having problems. Guess that was the ones you talked about? If one follows the instructions, will it come out okay? I will give it a shot again, if you say so. I think I can follow directions-most of the time! What size of battery charger is good? I have a small one, and a large one. Be nice to have the machine. Really appreciate your web site, have to get back and see the Ruby stuff. thanks, Jerry
Re: Steamlines osimotor(alternative) shay and J&B weld
Check out the latest issue of Steam in the Garden. There is a nice article on dropping a Grahmn two cylinder engine into a Geoff shay. Might consider putting one in your Steamlines. I've got one(Steamlines) that belongs to a friend, never could get it going. The Grahmn engine is supposed to be real good, only read great things about it. Don't have one myself. Might in the future! The shay I built has a two cylinder engine that Mike Chaney made for me. Still runs great Mike, good to see you on the list. I used J&B weld to attach the domes to my shay boiler wrap and also for the bell. Been on a long time, one seems to be getting a little loose. Tried super glue and loctite first, and they fell off , after a few steamings. Good stuff. Jerry Lexington, Nebraska
Re: Ruby run time
Dave, With a larger fuel tank, is the Ruby in danger of running out of water before running out of fuel? Or, is there that much extra water in the boiler that having more gas is still ok. What burner modifications were made? Might order one of these yet. I also use the 70-30% butane/propane mix in my Roundhouse boiler and have had no problems. The water tank I made to put the gas tank in sure helped to smooth out it's running, especially in colder weather, although I use it in the summer also. Jerry
Ruby run time
Ruby owners, Ron Brown said you only get about a 10 minute run out of them. Is that true? If so, I see new fuel tanks and water pumps in their future. Be a hassle refilling it all the time. Like to hear your experiences with it. Clark? Jerry
Oils
Hi guys, On my shay, I use some oil I got from SSprg. It's Bearing and Motion Oil(I believe) The stuff really clings great to the gears and holds on well. It comes in quart cans, so probably a lifetime supply. Works great though, I recommend it highly. I use a syringe I got from them to apply it. I also use a big syringe for putting the water in the boiler. I usually pre-heat my water in the microwave, in a big insulated, coffee cup. Holds enough for two steamings. On my layout, I've always used metal cars and trucks-either the banks, or some of the metal body models they sell. This summer, I tried a plastic model truck kit, it has held up well to 100 degree Nebraska summers. I did have a lead weight in it. Anybody else use plastic models on their layout? Jerry
Re:1/32nd caboose was- MDC box cars
>Hello list, > > >Now to solve that pesky problem of the lack of a 1:32 scale caboose >anywhere on the market... > >Richard, The caboose in the New Bright sets is about 1/32nd. I repainted and weathered a garage sale one, I also put glass in the windows. It came out looking okay. If you put new trucks/couplers on, it should come out looking pretty good. Another thing I've read about is to glue wood strips on top of the plastic, for better texture and make it a little bigger. I've been using coffee stir sticks. They are cut to just the right side for wood siding on cabooses/freight cars/coaches. I've seen new sets for sale in the local wal-mart. Out where you are, there is probably a dealer with the stuff and you can buy just a caboose. They sure are ugly, in their stock paint and chrome. By the way, my shay is still running great. How's your project coming? I'm finally getting some shay truck/journal castings-I think. At least, that's what Chuck told me! steam on, Jerry
Re: And the House Burned to the Ground
Thanks Clark, I'm with USAA also(30 someodd years). Glad I'm covered! I used to race RC cars(gas, 1/8th scale) and had to get insurance thru ROAR for that. Guess there is no national organization for small steamers. Maybe there should be. Jerry
