Large Scale Central

Devon's MIK 2021- Compressed air loco

The MIK - Annual Build Challenge
#1

So thanks to Ben I am delving into yet another scale, Fn2. For those not in the know this is 1:20.3 scale models run on 32mm track (O gauge). Since my layout theme is a 1:20.3 Fn3 narrow gauge, it works. I have no more plans than to just dabble in this. I have always had a future plan for expanding the outdoor to have a long spur to a mine that would then come in above my current layout and dump into an oar bin for loading into side dump hoppers I have. Since that is a blank slate, and would have need for more track anyway, it really makes no difference if the track I put down is 32mm or 45mm since they won’t be innertied. I even have an old O gauge motor block. So this challenge was tailor made for a small mining tram locomotive. So without further ado here is the napkin blueprints for the Procrastination, Daydreams, & Unfinished Projects (P. D. & U. P.) locomotive #19 “COVID” in Fn2. Its a knock off of a Portor 0-4-0 compressed air loco that I will be adding an additional tender to. This will be RC/Battery and the tender will hold at least the batteries and hopefully the little RC board I have if I can find it.

Here is the prototype I am roughly after made by Porter.

#2

I have already had to spend $4 on the little stick on pearls for the Rivets. The thought of drilling that many holes with a pin vise through tin to do my normal sewing pin rivet would have taking the entire five weekends and we all saw what happens when the shank of one of them sewing pins gets away from you. Besides I need two different size rivets and the pearls I got will make for a better larger rivet. The small ones I will likely use sewing pins. The plan is to build a AA battery holder that will be round and hold 8 AA sized batteries. Will run for now on regular Ni Cad store bought AA but eventually would like to convert to Li Ion AA sized batteries and a charging port.

#3

How about doing it in 7/8’s(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

#4

John Bouck said:

How about doing it in 7/8’s(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

I have a motor block already set aside. I have plans to build at least one novelty 7/8ths just to say I did it. I want to come see your layout John and it seems that entry into the club requires you bring a 7/8ths train to run. Maybe a 7/8ths Malley???lol

#5

That looks like fun!

#6

No entry requirements that I know of…The SE run day will be open to anyone who wants to drop by.

#7

Thinking outside the box … eh…can (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)I love it. And, we will be counting the rivets (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

#8

Dan Hilyer said:

Thinking outside the box … eh…can (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)I love it. And, we will be counting the rivets (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

Between the loco and tender there are a bunch

#9

Devon;

I have always had a fascination for compressed air locomotives and “thermos bottles,” that is fireless steamers. I will watch your build with interest.

Had a compressed air toy race car as a child. It looked like a 1950s style Indy 500 racer. I remember pumping like crazy for five or ten minutes, then I would flip the air valve to the turbine on the rear wheels. That car would take off like a scalded cat, but it was all done in about ten seconds!

Best wishes, David Meashey

P. S. Had a thought, but it could be dangerous. Build a locomotive that could run off the the CO2 bottles used for pellet and paint guns. A friend tried to build a powered pinewood racer that would be propelled by a CO2 gun bottle, but the car kept going one way and the CO2 bottle went a different way!

P.P.S. Compressed air and fireless were also used for tie treatment plants and other facilities that were dangerously combustible. Before electric power generation became plentiful, compressed air locomotives were favored in coal mines.

#10

Devon Sinsley said:

Dan Hilyer said:

Thinking outside the box … eh…can (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)I love it. And, we will be counting the rivets (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)

Between the loco and tender there are a bunch

Well, maybe between all our fingers and toes, collectively, we can keep up (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#11

When this starts careening like a let-go balloon, I hope there is video of Devon squealing and trying to get out of the way!

#12

Sorry this will be a model of a compressed air loco not a real one. I have enough trouble hurting myself I don’t need a rocket propelled bullet.

#13

Devon,

The Navy used these things out here in the munitions bunkers up to about WWII. Maybe this thing could support the local arsenal on your layout, and you could do it up in US Army colors?

Eric

#14

A munitions train would be kinda fun. But I have another direction already planned. But that is intriguing.

#15

4 more days??? I am getting the itch.

So I am abandoning the soup can and switching to an aerosol paint can. I need my air tank to be longer. Still a tin can. I have gathered most all of the bits and pieces I think I will need, located the Viper ESC I was looking for to operate it R/C. I have to admit I cheated. I didn’t even realize I cheated until after I was done cheating. The motor block I have was built in such a way that the side rods between drivers were simulated; they only physically attached to one driver not both. Well the drivers were not quartered and thereby would not be able to have proper side rods. So I used a puller and pulled the driver off and quartered it and pressed it back on. So I did physically do some work on the model. Beyond that I have mocked pieces up and the motor block, ESC and Rx will fit in the air tank just fine and the battery pack will go in the tender. I have a solid plan for making the domed ends of the air tanks by cutting the ends off the cans and fitting them with blocks of wood and then turning the ends on my lathe. I think I have a plan to re-gauge a set of Gary Raymond wheels for the tender down to 32mm and be able to cut the shaft down and reshape the end to fit in the journals. If what I have planned doesn’t work I might have to make brass axles that I can turn down on my lathe but hopefully not.

I have planned it to death and need to start building.

I have decided a way to keep myself entertained while I wait. I will need a test track so I am going to build a Pizza a la Vic out of some off brand O guage sections Steve had that don’t fit Atlas or Lionel track. I have enough of it to make a 30" diameter pizza. For now it will simply be a test track but some day I may do a diorama who knows.

#16

Atta boy Dev!

Cliff

PS: A beer can and needle valve might be an interesting project for a spare loco chassis someday…

#17

He stole my Fn2 thunder. >>

Can’t wait to have this pull my tanker.

#18

That is one cool looking Porter. This will be an exciting build.

#19

I’d not ever thought of an air locomotive having an air tank tender, cool! (https://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#20

First days progress. Can cut. Ends turned on the lathe. Motor block preped and R/C components installed. Front frame extension completed. Rear frame extension started.