Mike Boucher

There's a prototype for everything, including a loco in "unpainted brass" http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=266047&nseq=7

Sorry for the slight diversion, but I love this photo: I don't remember where I got it from, but I really want to get the rolling stock to be able to replicate this photo in 7mm... I've already got Slater's kits for the 3 3000 gal tankers, only problem is that I got the transfers for the blue "Express Dairies" scheme, which doesn't seem to be correct for this photo. Need to get a 2000 gal, and Slaters also does the clerestory brake van. As I've always liked black 5s, that was already on my wish list...

Great work there. I've got to get back working on my GER horsebox, and these photos of your seat will really help me... Care to elaborate on how you got those nice flowing bends?

That 08 looks fantastic. Looks dirty and used but not ready for the scrapheap. I really like the "ground level" 3/4 view where the train is coming in from the left of the frame. Great job!

Glad to hear your mother is doing better. Sending thoughts and prayers she has a quick recovery.

Not to pick nits, but Ophir wasn't really a loop. It was a "horseshoe curve" Here's a map: http://www.ghostdepot.com/rg/mainline/san%20juan%20branch/ophir%20loop.gif There was a 3' gauge loop in Colorado, it was the Georgetown loop. Here's a pic: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Georgetown_loop_1899.jpg

Not that one, but I build one of Jim's GWR Loriot kits as my first attempt at etched brass. Great little kit for a first timer, and not very expensive either... I did a write up about it on the "old forum" at http://www.rmweb.co....php?f=8&t=46653 and continued on the new at http://www.rmweb.co....ched-brass-kit/ His instructions are excellent. I would suggest that you download his "O gauge kit building FAQ" booklet as well. It was very helpful to me: http://jimmcgeown.co...oklet%20pdf.pdf Mike

Hi Martyn, Hard to explain in a short post how to use a lathe! But, there are plenty of books available which will explain things much better than I could. I've recommended this book before on other threads: http://www.sherline.com/bookplug.htm Here's a quote from that page: "Naturally, Sherline tools are featured throughout in the examples, but the rules of machining apply to all types of equipment and sizes of projects. Information is given on selecting materials; using a lathe and a mill; measuring and measurement tools; cutting tools; joining metal (welding and soldering); using accessories for threading, indexing and gear cutting; setting up a home shop; contests and information resources for machinists and much more. Plans and instructions for several simple projects are provided for beginning machinists." I cannot recommend it highly enough, its a fantastic resource, and my lathe is significantly larger than a Sherline (I've got a 10" South Bend with a 4' long bed). For example, my model engineering club ordered 50 at once (so we could get a discount) and they were all gone after 2 meetings. My father was a professional machinst for 40 years, and he refers to his copy occasionally. Mike

Amen to that. I still have the pair of safety glasses with flute marks on them from when an endmill broke, bounced off the lens, and wound up about 30 feet across the shop... I would say a lathe. You can do milling on a lathe with the right attachments. Its damned difficult to make a flanged wheel on a milling machine. Mike

Hi jazz, Haven't been reading your thread for a while. Love those LNWR beer vans! Gotta get me a couple of those! Mike