I have a Locomotive project I started a few years ago. It is a 4-4-0 built from a extended Kalamazo boiler and Kalamzoo motor block. The drive rods are still the same length, however when I lengthen the boiler it moved the pistons forward. the standard side rods for Kalamazoo are to short. Would love to make some from brass or aluminum. Has anyone made their own and what material used ?. Thanks for all the input and help… Travis
I once made a 2-8-0 out of B’mann 4-6-0 parts with a new brass chassis. I had to extend the side rods, so I used brass rectangular tube to connect the old bearings. A small 00-90 (?) bolt at each end held it together.
Serious machinists use steel and cut new rods to size.
I laser cut side rods out of acrylic for someone on one of the forums. I think they may have been for a Kalamazoo or Hartland. I think it took two tries to get them right (he mismeasured). Worked out well for him.