So I’m not yet totally sure as to what exactly this is gonna be, probably a Mikado or USRA Light Mountain–but it WILL end up as some sort of locomotive. I was given a ton of extra bar stock/sheet metal/various other stock, so I’m just picking random chunks that look like they’ll work. Where I am so far:
I honestly don’t think I’ll have the whole engine done by the end of the month, but I should at least have a rolling chassis. Will keep you guys posted.
Robbies in
Robbie hate to tell you this but here is a Quote from Miks post
“Subject(s): structure, non-rail vehicle, or mini scene.”
I could be wrong but I think a Engine is a rail vehicle.
Now Robbie keep in mind I did not go to Wash U so I could be wrong on this.
Anyway keep us posted on your build and dont make it two big other wise you cant run it on my RR.
I think mebbe we’ll give Robbie a special dispensation on topic, since as this is his first challenge… Besides, I REALLY, REALLY wanna see if he can make this thing come together for less than $10!
Whoooooops–did not see that. I thought Mik had the RPO for the challenge–maybe I’m just getting old and senile.
And I definitely think I can–I have a ton of Bachmann 4-6-0 wheels and essentially an unlimited supply of metal.
Geoff: It has approximately the same wheelbase as your 2-8-0. Theoretically it’ll run on R3. I’m hoping and praying already…whole frame is about 18" long, I foresee adding some front and rear depending on eventual prototype.
The RPO is for MLS… so far, if anybody took up the challenge over there, they are keeping the build a low profile.
For here I’m torn between 3 very different ideas.
Look like a tender yet?
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/2a181b89.jpg)
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/12c29227.jpg)
I still have to bend the tender wrapper and countersink the screws. Probably going for a wood end beam.
Robbie how many rivits will it have? 
dont you just love a smart a%*
Geoff George said:
Robbie how many rivits will it have?
Weeeeell, if I’d riveted the tank brackets on instead of spot welding, it’d have six rivets… Update:
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/50293da3.jpg)
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/9e6a7d5b.jpg)
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/011af08d.jpg)
Tank isn’t attached yet–trying to decide whether I spot weld it on or leave it removable for battery/RC purposes. (Hmmm, tender tank as an antenna?)
Make L brackets and attach it with screws up through the floor… you’ll thank yourself for it later
The L brackets in there are already welded to the floor–I’m probably going to make a lift out top instead of making the entire tank removable. Much easier to do from my viewpoint.
Cool…metal work!
You build it how you see fit and we’ll just watch it grow!
Keep us updated
Robbie Hanson said:But harder to make weatherproof. Mebbe ears on the inside corners and screws through the floor? At least then any water can get out?
The L brackets in there are already welded to the floor--I'm probably going to make a lift out top instead of making the entire tank removable. Much easier to do from my viewpoint.
Not to mention rust from condensation inside the tank, agree with Mik, gotta have some place for the moisture to go.
Nice metal work Robbie.
Condensation? Uh, this is an electric engine…though I’m going to paint the entire thing, even the inside of the tank. It should be fine.
Robbie at least your not making this one out of Legos.
looking good. Look forward to seeing it done and running. Should look good on the club layout.
Shuddup Geoff, don’t diss the Lego…the Climax now has inclined cylinders Test fit of trucks…with the wide center frame, there’s not really a way that this’ll run on less than R3. As if a Mikado on R1 is a good idea anyway.
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f225/simracerworld/657396e0.jpg)
EDIT: And I should probably add that the list of possible locomotives for this tender has now increased to include a upsized Little River 2-4-4-2.
Long time no update:
Trucks are mounted. The top of the tender is complete (though as of yet is not welded in). I’ve started on the rear frame for a Little River-based 2-4-4-2.
Progress IS being made
Do you need any extra data on the 2-4-4-2s? http://www.ironhorse129.com/Prototype/Mallet/Skookum/Skookum.htm http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/
(http://narrowmind.railfan.net/BLW/BLW-malletarticgoodfor.jpg)
This may also be handy since you are using metal http://www.smegworld.org.uk/spaf/mallet/log/malletlog.htm
