Re: FAQ site updates
Hi, It unofficially starts on Monday the 13th. and ends on Monday 20th. You can expect very little sleep, consumption of adult beverages if so inclined, breathing prodigious quantities of polluted air, seeing many and varied pufferbellies, and be amazed at the bizarre gathering of such a varied group of so called human beings!
Re: Fn3
McGrath wrote, and Spenceley answered, they spend their time counting Kermit speak! Rivit...rivitrivitrivitand on ad nauseum! and they play with Barby Dolls! Do Ken and Barbie co-habit the combine? This is model railroading? I guess they are trying to Keep their steam up!!!
Re: Steam oil
You guys are putting the a-ccent on the wrong syll-able!
Re: Steam oil
Hi, The proximity of the steam oil reservoir to the boiler, and the general heat of the locomotive should make 600 acceptable from a temperature standpoint. I've been using it for over 12 years and have had no problems. Be sure the oil contains lard or animal tallow. Usually 5% on most good steam oils. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: R/C question
Hi, Some thoughts and observations on R/C for alcoholicser alky fired loco's! The Aster Mikado is easy to R/C. I made a little fitting to go over the existing handle and connected via turnbuckle to the servo mounted with a strip of blackened copper to the cab floor I have found I rarely need to adjust the blower and have not put a servo on it yet. From an operational standpoint, Mr. Lunkenheimer has decreed that road engines, i.e., K-4, Hudson, Mikado, etc. DO NOT GO IN REVERSE! A yard switcher brings their consist to them and they main line it from there. Geoff's observation about the degree of bending for tender mounted controls can be overcome with a flexible piece such as piano wire or the spring core material from old speedometer or choke cables (if you are so inclined, you can buy a new replacement cable at K-mart, etc.), etc. This works especially well if you are controlling the round handle on many aster throttles. A fork at the end of the wire or spring goes through the holes in the round handle, and a similar fork fits into a round servo plate or the holes in opposing arms on the 2 or 4 armed attachments. Another approach is to use square tubes that telescope with ball fittings on the ends since there is usually a straight line path from servo to control even with the engine going around a curve provided the extension can telescope. Really, it's a piece of cake' -- dang, this diet is killing me. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: clearance
To quote Maurice: Ah yes, I remember it well... Keep your steam up! Walt
clearance
In anticipation of future traffic gains on the SWAMP RR, Mr. Lunkenheimer, CFO, wishes to expand trackage and install a passing siding and a switching yard. Is there a standard for the width of 1:20.3 locomotives? The switching yard will probably only have a 1 clearance (actual, not scale) between car sides. Are there any standards for car widths in 20.3? Keep your steam up! Walt, Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate PS If anyone out there will admit to having a Bachmann Sparkie Mogul, what is the overall width of the loco?
Re: clearance
Thanks, I put it on the favorite place list this time. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: instant Aster collection
Nero fiddled while Rome burned, Geoff fiddles while his Aster burns! Keep your steam up! B. W. Lunkenheimer PS we will be off line for a few days starting Monday. Third attack on The Hernia from Hell. Will also be closing out the AOL account. Don't need another mortgage, don't need to enlarge anything, and hate to take pills, and I don't give a DxxN who's wife or girlfriend just got a web cam! New address will be: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
supplier
Hi, I've never done business with these people, but a friend here in Naples has and was satisfied with the results http://www.metalsupermarkets.com Keep your steam up! Walt
?virus
Hi, I've received two worms recently. Both from members of the live steam persuasion. The non-list friend also sent me this message after he found out he had the worm in his machine: because you are in my address book, you may have this virus -- it is called (jdbgmgr.exe) and is not detected by Norton or Macafee. Here is how to get rid of it: 1. Go to start, click on the search or file folder option 2. In the file folder option, type the file name jdbgmgr.exe 3. Be sure to search your C: drive and sub-folders 4. Click the find or search buttons 5. The virus has a teddy-bear icon with the name 6. Go to the file or edit bar and select delete. If you find the virus you should contact all the people in your address book so they can check and notify their addressees. The teddy bear was in my D: drive. Maybe Dave can comment if this is valid or just a figment of some one's imagination. Keep your steam up! B. W. Lunkenheimer and Associate
Re: HOAX, was Re: ?virus
Hi, Thanks, no only myself, but about 10 others in this area that have messaged me about getting the virus also. For all the more I use the machine, I guess I can live without the Java applet. Walt
Re: Is the list on line?
or maybe they are gun shy! I got a posting last week that looked like a list posting from a name I recognized. Turns out he did not knowingly send it, and it was one of those virus worms. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: death, taxes wives (was scale autos)
1. But he had FUN building the boxes and shelves! That's the real goal if you stop, step back, look around and smell the flowers...if it don't smell like flowers, maybe that person has an allergy and likes another smell. 2. An awfull lot of effort goes into building the elevated track sysyems. Most of them will be a major pain in the posterior to disassemble and get off the property after the funeral. Seems like most of us forget SCALE when we build these things. How can you justify 4 x 4 PT posts every four feet to hold up a loco that weights less than 50 pounds? I could disassemble the SWAMP RR in one day with one helper. The 1 1/2 PVC legs would all fit in two trash cans. The recycle guy would love to have the aluminum frames, and the plex could be recycled again. Alternatively, two people could dismantle it and relocate the track elsewhwere. Lots easier than moving concrete clocks, 4x4 supports, 2x6 stringers and 1/2' or thicker plywood. 3. Unless there is a major change, all worldly goods will be donated to charity with the proviso that Mr. Lunkenheimer cared for. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: death, taxes wives (was scale autos)
Keith, The Barber's chair reminded me of an incident at my shop. One of my customers had a dental supply business, took in trade-ins on new items, etc. Somewhere in my readings about unrelated subjects and trivia, I learned that a Dentist chair was supposedly the first chair to be designed ergonomically. Obviously the dentist wanted the patient to be relaxed and comfortable. Dave said he had some oold style chairs with the hand pump, etc. I acquired them at a very VERY reasonable price. At first I thought of making welding jig platforms out of them so you could adjust the height to suit the work being done. Also thought one would be nice beside the milling machine with the very heavy rotary table on it. The height could be adjusted to match the table and the rotary could be transferred without having to lift the dang thing. That left three chairs at leisure and that's exactly what I did with them. Restored two as lounge chairs for on the lanai, and the third one got a nice marble top to serve as a place for libations, snacks, etc., between the two chairs. A very prominent interior decorator here in town saw them under construction and used every derogatory word he could think of to tell me what a stupid idea that was. Over the next two years, I bought and refurbished quite a few of the chairs. They sold for very rewarding prices and the original decorator sold six of them, of course claiming that the whole thing was HIS idea. Later the early electrical ones sold very well and one became a locomotive repair bench for me -- until a customer offered me more for it than I could afford the pass up. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunk's Asst.
Re: Track Help for Ferdinand
If you are going to hand spike the rail to the ties, be sure the spike goes all the way through the tie ans sticks out the bottom side. This helps prevent the spikes from backing out. The roofing nail phenomanon. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: Track Help for Ferdinand
Hi, I do not know where they came up with that 5% figure for nickel silver alloys! That is way too low judging from my experience over the last 15 years with code 332 nickel silver rail. My track is 280 feet per round trip and there is only one electrical connection. Lighted passenger cars look just as bright at the far end as they do where the electrical connection is located. Running sparkies has never been any problem, there is no detectable slow down at the far end. I do clean my track each spring after the pine pollen season. It is a pleasant looking brown color with a hint of gray to it. If you consider the internal conductivity AND the fact that N/S patina is also conductive, compared to brass or aluminum, the N/S is by far superior. Yes, it is expensive, but the best always costs a little moreat least that is what the madam always says.. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: Track Help for Ferdinand
The original said best of ANY metal. There was no qualification that he was only talking about Ga 1 rail. Walt
Re: Track Help for Ferdinand
Aluminum is NOT the best conductor!
Sad
I was perusing Marc Horovitz's steamup page when I learned that Dick Shafer had left us. I met him when he was the guide for the live steam tour of Colorado after a GR convention there eons ago. He was a great guy and an avid live steamer. His artwork will be missed in future DH meets. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: boiler insulation
Hi, Could Fibreglass (woven or matting) as used in boat building be used as lagging? Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Lathes for Live Steamers
This just proves you do not have to go all the way back to 1916 for a good machine. I'm perfectly happy with my 1917 Seneca Falls Star with factory risers to make it a 12 x 48. Included was a taper attachment, coolant pump, and a mill/drill. That big forward/reverse lever allows you to cut threads without using a thread dial. A newbie talked me out of the mill drill for more than I paid for both machines. I then bought an ENCO knee mill with DRO's and have been happy ever since. It always amazes me what people will do when they hear Make me an offer. I bought a collection of steam whistles from a fellow. I made an offer and he must have known how much was in my checking account, because he asked for $200.00 less than the balance. He got his asking price and was glad to make a good deal. I later found out that one of the whistles was worth three times what I paid him for all of them, and another one was twice as much as that. He's one of my best friends to this day. We both felt we had made a good deal, and neither one of us knew there were some sleepers there. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: Cricket Safety Valve Thread
Hi, A few years back I had to replace the safety in one of my Cricket's. At that time Mike said he bought the safety's from someone in the British Isles. That may help you narrow it down a bit, but not much, they have at least three standards do they not? Keep your steam up! Walt PS If a Cricket safety overheats, some part on the inside is soft soldered and the solder melts allowing the spring to shoot part of the safety into the surrounding wilderness, never to be seen againand another part is rattling around in the boiler and I've never been able to shake it out either.
DH 2003
Hi, Had a note from Jerry - Diamondhead is a bit soggy, but no structural damage, etc. At the present time all is go for January, unless Keep your steam up! Mr Lunkenheimer's associate
confirmation
Hi, Saw a note in the L.M. Boyd Revisited feature in the local Daily News--- The first motorcycle -- two Frenchmen, Pierre and Ernest Michaux, built the thing in 1869 -- had a steam engine. Is this the one SOtB COHEN was referring to in an earlier post? (SOtB = South Of the Border) to differnentiate him from the Island Doctor Abe Cohen. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: confirmation
Vance, I suppose if it was a tricycle or a bicycle, or even a uni cycle and you put a motor on it, it technically would be a motorcycle, buy not necessarily a Harley! The Naples Daily News carries L.M. Boyd REVISITED, which is obviously reoprints of the originals. It is a must read for me 5 days a week -- I do not get the paper at home, just at work.
Re: OT: Re: Lucinda (was Sammy exhaust tubes)
According to an article I read in a book about the derivation of sayings: If one got rowdy and boisterous, the tavern owner would say Geoff, mind your P's Q's meaning he had imbibed enough pints quarts. Apparently in the pre-history of imbibing (i.e. shortly after G was weaned) English beer mugs often had a whistle built into the handle or rim. This was used to summon the barmaid after Geoff became rowdy and boisterous. Thus to refill your mug you often said Wet my whistle. Keep your steam up! Lunk's associate
Re: Flying Scotsman scale weight
I think Myrna was a Loy, not a Lloyd..at least that's what I've been told, not being as experienced as Geoff Link's associate
Free to Alky's
Hi, For those of you that use Alcohol, here's a freebie for you (no Geoff, not to drink). Check the name on the fire extinguishers at work or in the Public Library, or your local pub. The service company throws away the CO2 cartridges many of use in the bicycle inflators that we extinguish the alcohol burners in the live steamers. These cartridges must be replaced every year or so even if they have not been triggered! The guy that services the Depot extinguishers gives me a handful of them every year. Saves Mr. Lunkenheimer about $2.00 or $2.50 for each cartridge we use on The SWAMP RR. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate PS Even though lovable ole Goeffy claims to be 'Anglish' we all know he has some Scotch in his blood, eh wot?
Re: Free to Alky's
Hi, Haven't priced them recently at K-mart, but a year ago they were the same price as one of the local bike shops, a little above $2.00 each. Last week the bike shop was asking $2.50. K mart does not use national pricing, local manager can use some discretion to raise prices except for regional advertised prices (trash mail inserts). Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: MTH
What ever it was, I'd never want it on the SWAMP RR! Walt
Re: fuel
Jim, Thanks for the info on the fuel. Don't think I'll be able to get North for September, have an appointment with Cleveland Clinic at that time. Keep your steam up! Walt
fuel
Hi, Just got back from a working vacation. While in Pittsburgh, PA I visited the home and shop of one of the volunteers for The Depot train project. He has been building and running race cars for quite some time. Recently he has switched from alcohol burners to gasoline. He said the alcohol they used was very hot and gave me some to bring home and try in the Mikado, etc. Does anyone have any background on this type of alcohol? what proof is it, do they use any additives that may be injurious to the loco or the operators? Any input would be appreciated. Keep your steam up! Walt PS while at the LCCA convention we had a chartered train from Pittsburgh to Altoona and return. For the second time in my life I was able to ride over Horseshoe Curve both ways in the same day. Also visited the Portage Railroad and the Trolley Museum in Washington, PA.
Abe
Hi, Talked to Abe and Joan Cohen last evening. Hadn't talked to them for a few weeks due to travel. Abe is able to get around pretty well using a four legged cane. His speech is much improved, until he gets excited, then the words slur quite a bit. When he gets to a word he cannot say, he is able to spell it readily. The arm is slowly gaining mobility, but not nearly as fast as the leg improvement. Therapy is now three days a week instead of five. The round trip driving from Marco to Naples 5 times a week was getting to Joan...it is not a pleasant commute. Keep your steam up! Walt
Real live steam
Hi, I had some business to attend to at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA and since it is so close, naturally I had to visit The East Broad Top RR at Orbisonia, PA. As you may know, (and I'm sure Kevin would be glad to tell you more) EBT is the sole remaining narrow gauge RR still operational east of the Mississippi RR. Had a nice talk with Stan, the manager for Kovalchik(sp?) Salvage Co. based in my home town of Indiana, PA. They were only running three trips a day on weekends only now. The trackage to the grove is getting pretty rough and some of the buildings seem to be sagging more now than ever before. Stan, and I'm sure everyone else, is glad Smokey Bears are no longer involved with the operation but business is definitely slower than in the past. The State of Penna. funding is still simmering but is not something that will happen next week. Because of time constraints I did not get a chance to ride the extended trolley operation there and did not get a chance to visit the Friends of EBT site. As live steam enthusiasts, we should support sires such as EBT whenever possible. Kevin, can you post the EBT address if any of the list members would be willing to join? Keep your steam up! Walt
dibond
Hi, I'm getting ready to put the surface on a set of aluminum frames (PETS type) to be used at The Naples Depot. I had previously decided to use Dibond or Alucobond manufactured by Alusuisse, in Kentucky. I looked them up on the net and it appears that they have become part of Alcan. I contacted a distributor in the Tamps Bay area and got a quote of $135.00 for 5' x 10' sheets of 3 mm material. This material is an upper and lower sheet of Aluminum sandwiching a black composite material. It is very rigid and from all reports is virtually inert when exposed to weather. This stuff is usually used for the fabrication of displays, signs, and is used as a skin on buildings, etc. I'm, going to shop a few other distributors on Friday and see if the $135 is in the ballpark. I'm estimating that each completed section will weigh less than 12 pounds each. The weight is important to me since the MD told me I am not to lift anything heavier than a 12 pack! I'm sure very few list members will be interested in this, so if you would like to be advised of the progress and result of the project, please contact me and I'll put you on an address book list for that purpose. Mr. Lunkenheimer has decreed that tomorrow I'm to begin repainting the existing SWAMP RR frames to restore their original Mack Green finish. They have not been touched since installation in 1996. Since it is not wise to apply paint to wet surfaces, I'll steam in the AM until the dew is off - hopefully it will be overcast and stay wet noon! Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
fires
Does anyone know if the forest fires have damaged the LIVE STEAM operations of the Durango Silverton, or any of the other operations in CO or AZ? Have any of our Ga. 1 live steamers been adversely affected? Locally, our fire restrictions have been lifted, 5.75 of rain in one day took care of that! Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer associate
Re: Tender Hand Pump
Arthur, Does the pump cost as much as the locomotive? Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: MACHINING CAST IRON (was MATERIALS FOR PROJECT)
Hi, Keep your eye open for an old treadle sewing machine base. Should be easy to hook up to the lathe. Are there any jewelers or watchmakers treadle lathes still on the market? Keep your steam up! Walt
pinch rolls
Hi, Watch the local shop auctions. I have a Pex, Stow, Wilcox # 100 set I picked up at an auction for around $50.00. May be a little big for some shops, they are about 3' wide. The front two rollers are vertical with screw adjustment for material thickness. The left side has a latch disconnect so that pieces rolled into a circle can be removed without damaging the formed metal. The back roller is adjustable to control the tightness of the curve. It is also differentially adjustable so that cone shaped pieces can be formed. There are also wire bending grooves on the front bottom roll. Also watch for tinkers tools the hand seamers and rollers used by tin smiths and sheet metal workers for making all sorts of goodies. They often go for very low prices because they are not amenable to computer control, thus a semi-skilled human is required to operate them. Keep your steam up! B. W. Lunkemheimer Associate P.S. No, ours are not for sale at this time.
Re: brakes and shears (was pinch rolls)
Hi, There are literally hundreds and hundreds of small machine shops being liquidated these days. After W.W.II there were many machinists returning home with newly acquired skills in the metal trades. Many of these guys started local machine shops. Some grew to large firms, many stayed small. The same is true of the Korean War Vets. Do a little math and you find that these guys are well into retirement age. Our modern society frowns on hand work in a dirty, dangerous environmental and generally wont encourage their kids to get into it. Also the fact that it is not digital makes it a dinosaur. 'If it ain't digital, it ain't worth hauling away! If you are willing to look for it, it's out there. I'll take experienced American iron any day over the new imported stuff on the market now. My 1947 surface grinder is not for sale, neither is the 1930's horizontal milling machine that I converted into a pyramid roller to make the PETS frames. And my 'estate' will have to find a home for my 1917 Seneca Falls lathe. It is old, it is cheap, it is good, and it has experience! (sounds like G...f) Keep your steam up! Walt
request
Someone E-mailed me about locomotive carriers and I accidentally deleted rather than saved the request. Please contact me again off list. sorry for the intrusion on the list for a non-steam post. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Aster Reno
Hi, You are not alone, mine is 11 also. Keep your steam up! B.W. Lunkenheimer, CFO, The drySwamp RR (we need rain!)
progress
Hi, I stopped by the hospital to visit Abe and Joan this afternoon. Today was try out day. Abe and Joan went to their condo on Marco Island to see if they could manage to 'do the necessities' at home rather in the hospital. As a result, Abe will be going home next Wednesday, but will be coming back to town three or so days a week for continued therapy at a rehab center. Fortunately the center is next door to The Depot, so we will be able to visit more frequently. Abe's speech is improving, but polysyllabic words are often unintelligible. He is able to lift his leg about six or so inches. Unfortunately his right arm still does not seem to be responding. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: bronze assay
Harry, What is the composition of SAE 660? On pages 2140 and 2141 of Machinery Handbook 24 are listed 28 Bearing and Bushing Alloys. There are no numbers in the 2xx, 3xx, 5xx or 6xx series for bushing bronze. Maybe I need to get a new handbook. 24th Edition was in 1992. I must admit that there are still more than a few pages out of the 2543 that I have not read! Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: bronze assay
Hi, You could try the do some de-zincification using common swimming pool acid -- HCl or often called Muriatic acid. Nitric acid is very dangerous to use, it is a 'skin eater' acid. Muriatic does not eat your flesh, but the fumes can be hazardous to mucous membranes, eyes, etc. Put some small pieces of the questionable bronze in the acid and let it stand for a few hours. If there is Zn in it will fizz and after a while the bronze will be more the color of Copper. We use gallons of HCl to clean brass after it has been stripped with aircraft paint stripper to remove lacquer, varnish, poly, etc. NEVER put a piece that is 'brass plated' in the HCl bath. 98.753% of plated lamps, etc are diecast zinc with a very thin copper strike before the thin brass strike(plate). In just a minute or two, the Zn will be gone! As a grad student I spent some time working with radioactive isotopes to measure nutrient uptake and translocation in plants. We were required to wash our hands before leaving the lab with conc. HCl. Stings like H... in a cut or scratch, but otherwise it's not fatal. I'm sure there are more humane methods now, but way back there in the 50's we wuz on the upside of the lernin curve, you know! Keep your steam up! Walt (FORMER soil chemist/physicist)
Re: bronze assay
Hi, Red Brass is usually Cu, Sn, Pb Zn, Semi-red brasses have a little more Zn. Yellow brasses have from 58 to 72% Cu and as high as 40% Zn. Many of the manganese and silicon bronzes contain Zn, up to 34%. There are over 20 pages of Cu alloys listed in Machinery's Handbook, along with all the screw pitch dimensions, etc, etc, etc. If you are going to be building or modifying live steamers, you should probably buy a copy. The price used to be around $60.00 for a new edition. However, the older editions still have basically the same information, just don't have the new fangled fasteners, etc. in them. Wish I could say that I'd profit from your purchase, but sadly I'll remain a po-folk. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Dr. Cohen
Thanks, Abe Joan will appreciate it. Walt
Dr. Cohen
Hi, For those of you that know Abe Cohen (the 'Island Doctor' from Long Island, NY and Marco Island, FL), I regret to report that he suffered a severe stroke three weeks ago. I have visited him a few times, but since I have a late season cold have not spent much time there, and stayed a good distance from Abe. I spent about a half hour with Abe Joan at the hospital today and I'm pleased to report that he is able to carry on a very limited conversation (mostly about trains and very short words) but is unable to use his left arm. He has VERY limited use of his left leg but he is able to move it slightly. That is an improvement over the past two weeks. For those of you so inclined, a little intervention from a higher authority would be appreciated. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Boiler Tubing
That would be something. At 62' 9 31/32 travel per revolution, how many RPM's would you plan on running? Anything over 168 RPM would set a new steam locomotive speed record. Keep your steam up! B. W. Lunkenheimer
Re: Thin Steel Sheet
K Any automotive parts shop should have shim steel in sheets or rolls. very inexpensive. Keep your steam up! Walt
model engineer
For those of the cuppa: persuasion: At The Depot we often get boxes of stuff that belonged to grandpa or great uncle Osgood and The Depot should add this to their 'collection.' Today I found this little booklet in one such box. THE MODEL ENGINEER SERIES MODEL BOILER MAKING NO. 69d Designing . Making . Testing Percival Marshall Co. Ltd. London. A Practical Handbook on the Designing, Making, and Testing of Small Steam Boilers by E. L. PEARCE revised by V. W. DELVES-BROUGHTON No where in this 70 plus page booklet can I find a date of any kind. There are advertisements for The Model Railway News Clockwork, Steam and Electric. Published the first of every month. Another advert for The Model Engineer everybody's journal of MECHANICS, ELECTRICS, MODELS, TOOLS. Published every Thursday. Does anyone have any idea of how old this may be? Even though the pages are tan and the edges and margins are quite brown and brittle, it must surely be younger than 'dogfood Geoff' Keep your steam up! Mr. B. W. Lunkenheimer
Re: model engineer
Hi, The one we received must be a later edition. The cover price was 9 d. The author was Pearce, b ut it was revised by Delves-Broughton. Guess that makes it a mere child, undoubtedly younger than Sir Geoff. Thanks for the response. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate, Walt
Re: List Down?
I would like to recommend my solicitor for the Labrador. Keep your steam up! Mr. B. W. Lunkenheimer, CFO The SWAMP RR
Re: Friend's saddle tank project
and whether yiu cross your legs at the knee or ankle. B.W. Lunkenheimer
Re: What to use for soldering/brazing SS?
Hi, Looking under nonferrous alloys in Machinery's Handbook, there were 47 listed plus 7 more for aluminum bronzes. If they don't have zinc, they have some Pb. Any preference? Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Torch
One great advantage of the oxy-propane combo is you do not get that danged soot all over the home shop. I won't allow it here (at home), but at the shop it's OK. Keep your steam up! B.W. Lunkenheimer, CFO The Swamp RR
Re: Torch
It is not so much when turning it off, it is when you are lighting it and getting the flame adjusted that I get most of the smoke, especially if I've just changed tips. Walt
Re: Torch
It is not so much when turning it off, it is when you are lighting it and getting the flame adjusted that I get most of the smoke, especially if I've just changed tips. Walt
steamed snowbirds
Friday afternoon turned into an impromptu snowbird steamup at The SWAMP RR. The Island Doctor, Dr. Abe Cohen of Long ISLAND, NY and Marco ISLAND, FL ran his Daylight. Bob Cushman of Bedford, NH and Sanibel, FL operated his Forney and Harry Quirk of Springtown, PA ran his 1970's vintage Aster French Mikado. There is a world of difference between the highly detailed French Mike (Boxpock wheels, much piping, etc.) and the recent Aster USRA light Mike. I've never previously seen a locomotive of Harry's that did not perform flawlessly, and this was no exception. Harry's son is manager of The Bahia Mar Resort Marina on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, FL. He arranged a comp room for Harry and Carol at The Registry Resort in Naples. I warned Harry that a tip of less than $20.00 per bag would be sneered at. The dinner buffet was $31.00/plate plus gratuity. Harry and Carol can now say that they spent the night under the same roof with a former US President, George Bush and his family. If you ever attend a steamup at The Swamp RR we cannot guarantee you will share the roof with such famous persons, mainly because the Quirks only get down here once a year. But if you will settle for less notoriety, former presidents and equally prestigious persons are rather frequent here in the winter. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: Steamlines/ Gardenrailway World
Hi, I believe it was '93 that Tom visited DH. We were selling a few of his Barclay models. I was first interested because the grandson, and namesake of the Andrew Barclay of Barclay Locomotive Works was a friend of mine. I found Tom to be quite knowledgeable (I was a neophyte then myself), willing to share, and truly dedicated to live steam. I'm sorry to say that one of our countrymen was instrumental in the demise of the project by making false assurances that resulted in Tom making some financial commitments that fell thru by the duplicity of the US friend. I'm glad to have known him and learned from his experience. True, he could be a little trying at times, but then who among us is absolutely perfect? Keep your steam up! Walt
SitG
Hi, The US Mail must be like snowbirds, they flock to Florida! The SWAMP RR received the SitG issue 63 almost two weeks ago. Obviously we enjoyed seeing two PETS tracks. Robert Hekemian's track with 20 foot and greater radius curves is really great to run a train on. A gauge 1 loco almost looks like HO scale when it is at the far end of the track. Mike Moore has put together a very good portable track. I'm sure the guys in the NE enjoy running on it. The setting at the Pennsylvania Live Steamers site is really nice. By the way, a Cricket can also pull the 14 car consist while it pushes another, except it is not as fast as the Daylight... Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate.
Re: Las Vegas Spring Steamup
Clark, Seems you are providing everything except round trip transportation - was that just an oversight? Keep your steam up! wishfull thinking, Mr. B.W. Lunkenheimer, CFO The Swamp RR
Re: Mogul or Ten Wheeler Frame plans
Hi, RR Museum of PA P.O. Box 15 Strasburg, PA 17579 At least that was where it was last September 3rd. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer, CFO The SWAMP RR
Re: Other boiler related topic
Richard, Look in the housewares dept at the hardware store, they often have small diameter brushes with long handles. Try the sporting goods stores that handle firearms, they have gun cleaning rods of various diameters, brushes, cleaning patches, etc. Hoppies #5, I think, might help dissolve the residue. I know it helps clean a gun barrel. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: 5 or 2
This brings up a point I've been wondering about. Is it better to drain the boiler after each run day, or fill it to the top, or just let is stand the way it was when you dropped the fire. Obviously there is a difference to be considered re boiler material, but what experiences can you guys relate? I'm somewhat more concerned about the ferrous boilers on the 7.5 loco's at the Depot, but the recent experience with the shay that had been partially filled with water for 10 years wasn't exactly an endorsement for partial filling! Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate (Walt)
Re: Boiler storage
Geoff, Care to join me in some meniscus research? We can try to determine if the depth of the solution, or mixture, in the glass changes characteristics of the meniscus as the level decreases. Because you are an expert in how to decrease the level of the fluid in the glass, I'll expect an 'in depth' report on your extensive research. Giving our all for scientific observation to promote the live steam community! Keep your steam up! B. W. Lunkenheimer
list problems?
Hi, Some time ago list members were having problems when switching to AOL v.6. The Depot is considering upgrading to AOL v7.0. Have any list members made the switch, and did you experience any difficulties i.e. compatibility with [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hey, this concerns live steam INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's Associate
Re: OT: Re: list problems?
Dave, Do you think that was an Apple/Windows problem? I have AOL5 and it is getting fouled up. We were thinking of upgrading to 7 rather than change accounts completely. Walt
Re: more DH pics (not found)
Vance, Also not found, but this time it did not cause the machine to freeze. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: more DH pics (not found)
O Geoff, you warm the cockroaches of me hearth, or some such thing! Keep your steam up! even if those of us who must do honest toil do not get to see the pictures Lunk
Re: DH Room
Hi, I'm sending the track and the rest of the gear out to DH with Abe Cohen. I'm sure Mike Moore or some of the other guys will do the honors. Walt
Re: bead blasting
Trent, Any idea what the freezing point is for the vinegar? Might take considerably more time in the far frozen North! Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: bead blasting
Jim, Take advantage of the environment: Gather walnuts locally (they will probably be Black Walnuts, better than the thin, pale English ones) Pulverize shells with sledgehammer, etc. Put shell material and wheels in a suitable container, seal the top. Remove all outer clothing except for long johns. Stand outside holding the container with the wheels and walnut shells. After a suitable time, depending on the temperature and how reactive you are to the chills you will have clean wheels -- a Yankee version of the Vibratory Abrasive Finisher. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer
DH Room
As of 8:23 PM EST a room became available at the Ramada Inn, Diamondhead, MS. It was supposed to be downstairs, non smoking. Good Luck. The CFO of the SWAMP RR said I have to stay here because of the unprecedented rainy, cool weather. Also have an Exec. Comm. Mtg. and Board of Directors meeting plus three Revenue Run Days at The Depot. At least I'll still be running trains! Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: Flamability of Truck bed liners as track covers
In a message dated 1/1/02 1:29:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: (http://www.nonslipcoating.com/). another thought: This does not sound like it is the same as the speedliner product. In this case, I wonder if the ground up rubber (old tires?) is really an asset. Seems to me it would produce a coarser, more irregular surface that would tend to trap dust, pollen, fly ash, etc., on the surface and might be more difficult to flush off during a rain than would a smooth surface. In this area anything that would retain pollen would be a no-no. Pine pollen can really screw up roofing, even aluminum roofing and siding. The pollen is apparently a 'high energy' food and mold, mildew, etc., really proliferate on it. Where is the perfect product for our use? Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Building a live steam track
Steve, What is the fire rating on the liner? Will an alcohol dribble fire cause it to melt or burn? Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Alucobond
Hi, You can get more information from: Alusuisse Composites, Inc. P.O. Box 507, Benton, KY. 800-626-3365 www. alusuisse-comp.com Dibond is similar to Alucobone, but the Aluminum is .012 (or maybe .010) rather than .020. Comes in 4' x 8' and 4' x 10' sheets. This stuff looks really great. If drumming is a problem, I'm sure foam could be added to the underside between the frames. The KY office can advise of local distributors, etc. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Module vs. other
Hi, A few points to ponder regarding modular tracks: Having a custom made cart to store the system and also to get it to the point of display is very handy. I built such a cart for the track I used to bring to DH. It is wise to keep the width of the cart to less that 34. Otherwise you may not be able to get it through some doorways. I was able to carry the track in the back of my van and used two pieces of aluminum U channel as an unloading and loading ramp into the van. Using the seat mounts in the floor of the van made it easy to strap it down and a little modification of shoulder belt attachments also helped. I feel it is a good idea to keep the system as light in weight as possible. After all, there will be no need to design this to handle weights of more than 10 or 20 pounds per section of framework. It's not like we were going to have elephant parades on the track! Light weight makes it much easier to handle and allows the use of womenfolk and youngsters to handle the sections. I think the fastest the track was ever set up and taken down was at a Larry Smith meet when four of the Florida ladies did most of the work. (It is difficult at times to get them to stop their Domino tournament.) Using rail joiners that have the screws mounted vertically really speeds up the job. I cut the rail sections to the exact length needed and in the five or six years it was in use there was never any problem with rail ends matching up. When selecting the rail to use, go for robust, strong stuff rather than trying to be prototypical and use mini rail. Code 332 rail will take more abuse and allows a wide range of flange depths to use the track. You never know what will show up at a big meet. Some of the really antique steamers have wheel flanges that make sparky flanges look anemic. As far as legs or supports are concerned, you are really making a structurally stable closed figure so no more than one leg is needed per location for one to two foot wide sections. The three and four foot wide sections had one leg centered at each end, and two legs in the middle - each one being 6 to 10 in from the outer edges. This also helps cut down on the tripping problem when two legs are used with an even wider base that sticks out beyond the width of the top of the structure. Using 1 x 1 x 1/8 square tube or 1 x 2 x 1/8 rectangular aluminum tube proved to be more than adequate for our needs. Some time this Spring I intend to use Alucobond on a set of frames to make a 40 by 60 portable track for The Naples Depot. I'm estimating that each section (nominal 8' length) will weigh less than 10 pounds each. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: Module vs. other
Elevated vs on the ground: I doubt if you will find many of us geriatric steamers willing to crawl around on the ground to do much steaming. Secondly, and in my mind most important, elevated tracks get the trains up closer to the eye of the viewer. In many cases we are trying to please an audience of 'non-steamers' and maybe get a convert or two to join our ranks. I think it is much more pleasing to be able to see the sides of the trains rather than see a lot of box car roof tops, etc. Isn't it much more interesting if the audience can actually see some rod action (if you run them slow enough, that is) closer up than to see some snakes in the grass? Keep your steam up! Walt
plastic heavyweights
Hi, Mr. Lunkenheimer bought a string of heavyweights for the SWAMP RR. He was not pleased with the fact that they did not have full diaphragms, or anything looking like them between the cars. Those thin things they are equipped with just leave too much gap between cars. The quickest thing we could come up with, relying on the 10 foot rule, was to cut some pieces of the dark gray or black foam that is often used to pack photographic equipment, etc. If you cut a piece of foam that is about 50 percent thicker than the gap you can just push it in place as the cars are coupled. We also removed the factory couplers and used the resulting U ends to be receptacles for pins made of bent aluminum rod. Easy to get in and out, and the inserted piece of foam sort of hid what we were doing. We are really not working with museum quality scale models here, so the ten foot rule and a couple of Buds later, no one is the 'weiser' -- if you know what I mean. Keep your steam up! Walt
Perfect Conditions
Hi, It usually only happens on a week day morning when I have an early appointment with a client or a volunteer and cannot stay home to take advantage of it! Those rare mornings when the temperature is in the low to mid 60's and we have a dense ground fog. Well, today was a rare exception, and I was prepared for it. The three truck shay was lubed, watered, and fueled up by sunrise, even though you could not see the sun. The steam plume was awe inspiring, at least for this Ga. 1 live steamer! I had finished a new set of log loads for the (gasp) LGB disconnects. Nine cars loaded with two to four inch diameter logs hooked behind the old Sierra type coach that serves as the crew car for the SWAMP RR logging division. Of course the four wheel bobber caboose was on the rear end. We still need a saw car, though. The church affiliated high school located across the street from the SWAMP RR headquarters finally got around to pruning their greatly overgrown plantings, and I graciously helped them dispose of some of the debris. The SWAMP had been pulling 'Scheffelara' (sp?) logs, but they were getting pretty ratty and the hollow centers of the Schef didn't look very realistic. The new logs are very heavy since they were only cut Thursday or Friday. The total consist weight about 16 pounds but has a drawbar pull of about 1.25 pounds. They appear to be a Ficus spp, but then of course I was a soils major in college and never really dig get to lead a Hor-ti-culture. Now the question, does anyone have a simple formula for converting dead weight load to draw bar pull? That is your assignment for today Mr. Phelps, If you should accept it, the agency will not .. PS I suppose that old geezer up in Northern Californicus gets lots of these foggy days. Some people have all the luck, and he doesn't even have to worry about driving to work in it. Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: K4 firing
Hi, My first Ga.1 steamer was a K4 I bought locally back in '89, 0r was it 90?, maybe '91. Sounds like the typical K-4 arrangement. There are two K-4's here now and I have had two others. I consider myself a novice compared to the Quirks and their experience with K-4's. Very definitely use the tank valve for regulation and leave the burner valve set at a comfortable level. Warm water around the tank is a great help. Personally, I use an old Crock Pot - you can pick them up for two or three bucks at garage sales. I have a timer on one so it comes on early enough so I have warm water when the sunrise steaming begins. The pump spray bottle for the Goodall valve means I fire up much quicker. Water from the crock pot (not distilled) is used to warm the spray bottle water. If you are fully conscious, putting the gas can in the water for one or two seconds gives the tank a quicker charge in cold weather. Even though I wear two hearing aids, I can still hear the change in the pitch of the burner, and add WARM water accordingly to the tender. I made a 1 diameter knob with a stem having a hole and slot to fit over the gas control valve. I have a mark on the top so I can register the amount I'm turning the valve. It's still the same old rotten valve, but I get greater control of it. NO, Messieurs Quirk, I DO NOT leave the big knob on the valve when the engine is running, and I do NOT leave the pump handle in the tender sticking up like a #$c# in the air. How many of you remember the plants that vined down over the wall at DH? Remember at DH2 how my K-4 gas hose sprung a leak and created a flame thrower that burned them off in an even line for many feet? That taught me that when you buy a used locomotive you ALWAYS replace the hoses, especially if it has not been used for a time. Ah yes, I remember it well Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
sight glass!
Hi, Today we finally got Mr. Lunkenheimer's three truck shay to operate as it should. You may recall we bought this months ago and on it's second steaming the boiler failed. Jerry Hyde secured the new boiler and the necessary parts. When we disassembled the old boiler to salvage the steam regulator (throttle) we found it was corroded in place and some parts of it were broken. We then delved deeper into the old boiler and found that there was a large accumulation of very fine black material, much like finely ground carbon black, in the boiler. If you put it in a class and stirred it up it looked like India ink. With the help of a veteran live steamer that happens to live next to I-10 in a state with a long name, we put the boiler back together but had difficulty getting the water glass in place. Didn't get it steamed up on that try. After some problems getting the new steam valve properly seated, time for a test run. On the second lap there appeared to be an explosion on the back straightaway. The loco stopped immediately. I ran out and shut off the gas. The waterglass had broken just above the bottom packing gland. Put in a new glass and gently tightened the packing glands, and the thing broke right at the packing nut. Had to order more glass from Jerry Hyde. For the third try, I turned a brass rod so it was a snug slip fit to align the two fittings. Had to sacrifice half of the bottom lock not to get the fitting close enough in line to insert the glass. Another break! I immediately inserted the guide rod and found that the top fitting was out of alignment, it was angled out away from the boiler. Apparently it is slightly off top dead center of the boiler and when the boiler built up pressure, the long armed fitting was moving enough to break the glass. I decided to slightly reorient the fitting using a long threaded rod to get it perfectly in line. Installed the fourth, and last glass, last night. Shortly after sunrise this morning, Lunk I steamed the Shay up again. Nothing happened during steamup. Safety popped and the throttle was opened, away it went. After the first tender full of water, I added some cars and ran at a higher pressure reading. All in all, ended the steaming day (after 6 hours) and everything held together. At one time there were 26 full size cars behind the shay and it was doing it's thing. Man, a 26 beer car train looks NEAT! Well, actually it was 24 beer cars with a coal car that is a coupler conversion car and also carries some road supplies, and a work train caboose. After a five hour break, I fired it up again this evening for an hour or so, and no broken glass. Maybe, just maybe, we finally got a runner. Mr. Lunk was exhausted by the end of the day. He made many trips from the steaming bay to his bench in the middle of the yard where he watches the trains. Some days are just better than others... Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer's associate
Re: Regional Call/uncontactable poms
Hope he takes his 'gum boots' off before he goes into the house. That deep humiliation he's standing in can get pretty rancid, especially if it is steamed! Keep your steam up! Mr. B. W. Lunkenheimer
Re: Where's Salty?
Hi, Salty was at the Pennsylvania Live Steamers Labor Day Steamup. Not sure where he was headed from there, but knew he wanted to spend a few more days in the Philadelphia area. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Found: a new source for materials.
What are credit cards? Walt
Re: Ozoned Distilled Water
In a message dated 11/16/01 5:08:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: http://www.ozonepurewater.com/about_wt.htm They did not make it clear to me how small a particle the filter was able to trap. Local water treatment guru told me that some of them are little better than sand filters. We installed a 150 GPD reverse osmosis unit at The Depot for supplying water for the 7.5 gauge live steamers. Is it truly ionic in it's capacity? I guess the best test would be to boil a gallon of it down in a clear Pyrex flask and see if there is any residue. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: Track rail bender
As I said in a previous post, I have never heard of any acid rain pitting. I have seen chemical pitting, most likely caused by fertilizer, and I have seen results of dezincification on brass rail that occurred in Calif. some years ago at one of the garden RR displays that was up for an extended length of time. The Istra 332 rail was closer to 20% Ni. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Track rail bender
There are some differences in N/S rail. The code 250 that I have seen seems to be made of an alloy that is lower in Ni than the alloy I used for my 332 rail. Aristo may have changed suppliers for the latest batch. Profiles have to be very carefully drawn to match the profiles and tolerances set by the buyer. Quality control has been a problem with many marketers with the switch to offshore suppliers. I have not heard of any pitting in my original 332 rail, and there was an extensive layout in the LA area, although some was destroyed by a volcanic eruption when a gas line going to a scale volcano developed a leak and the accumulated gas exploded and did some extensive damage to the layout and the side of the house facing the layout. Some of my own rail on my track has been out since 1991. It has weathered to a nice dark color and is still in perfect condition. I'm sure Mr. Polk will rectify the problem with the bender/rail mismatch. Please keep me informed. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Track rail bender
I have never seen any pitting on any rail due to acid rain, nor have I had any customers report it. There is also the possibility that if fertilizer was broadcast in the train areas that there may have been some adverse reactions. This is particularly true of blended fertilizers where they physically mix ammonium nitrate (Oklahoma City), potassium salts (Cl, NO3, SO4, etc.) with various phosphate sources (single acid rock phosphate or triple super acid phosphate, etc. If the track is electrified, there may be galvanic or similar reaction going on. I recall somewhere in S. California that there was a problem because they ran the trains in the same direction all the time and one rail essentially disappeared because of water, fertilizer and DC current doing a number on the metal. Another good reason to keep the ballast below the foot of the rail. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Messages on this list
Maybe if the corn was very dry and then soaked in inkahol it might work.. Although I cannot imagine Goeff soaking corn in gin. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Messages on this list
Hi, One of the most satisfying uses of peat is when the barley is dried and prepared to make the malt that is used to produce Irish or Scotch Live Steamers Fuel! Various peat deposits impart different tastes to the end products. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
Re: Garden Railways Mag
When you consider the number of subscribers that are live steamers compared to the number of sparkies type subscribers, then you might get a clue as to the allocation of space. Mark Horovitz is probably the first editor in the US to promote live steam. I believe the first Side Street Bannerworks gathering was for live steam and that later became the annual National Garden Railroading Convention. There is something in the business world that sort of dictates that if you do not go where the money is located, you won't go very far. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Track
Hi, You may also want to check the price of the nickel silver rail Aristo markets. The advantage of N/S over stainless is the fact that the N/S takes on a very nice patina that looks very prototypical. On the other hand, now that the alloy has been changed, the stainless steel rail will virtually always look like toy train rail. If you are going to use track power to illuminate passenger cars, caboose lights, etc. the patina on N/S remains conductive. Keep your steam up! Walt Swartz PS I do get a royalty from Aristo on rail benders, but do not receive compensation for rail or other products.
Re: Project Locomotives
Me TOOO! Keep your steam up! Mr. Lunkenheimer
Re: Meths vs Gas
I've used the sodium in the alcohol many times. never noticed any problems. Contrary to popular opinion, there has been no buildup of any kind. I think people associate yellow flame with poor air supply and sooty burn. If you are using the shellac type thinners, which are many times petroleum based, there can be some carbon buildup, but it is not due to the sodium. Keep your steam up! Walt
Re: Messages on this list
I wonder if Vance found the site or if it found him! Keep your STEAM up! Mr. Lunkenheimer
Re: escutcheon pins
Jon, Try a lamp repair shop. The Crystal wires are about that size. I have used them to simulate rivet heads. Most are brass, but some are brass plated steel. Keep your steam up Walt Mr. Lunkenheimer
Re: Boilers
Harry, What would you predict the results would be if the boiler was very hot, almost dry, and water was introduced? This was the apparent reason for the traction engine failure recently resulting in loss of life. Obviously size is of great importance here. Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk
