Re: Tips page

Tom: Yes, the video, Raising Steam, and the factory manual both produced by Roundhouse suggest the use of motor oil. Possibly, the use of machine oil is now preferred over motor oil. I do recall from one of my emails from Bob at Rio Pecos that he suggested 3 in 1 oil. Sadly, I lost all of his

Seeking Links

Hello, I am seeking links for my page at http://home.att.net/~jsb.pennsy/links.html If you would like a link to your site from my links page, please contact me offlist. Thanks, Joe Betsko

Digital Cameras Action Shots

? Thanks, Joe Betsko http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net

Re: Sunday steaming

Phil, In this picture http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/9452/3.jpg , are the coaches in the back kitbashed LGB? Or...? Thanks, Joe Betsko Kathy Phil Creer wrote: - Original Message - From: Carl H. Malone, O.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam [EMAIL

Re: guidelines

Hello, Those darn lawyers. Argh Regards, Joe Betsko, Esq. :-) Admitted in Pennsylvania http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net "David M. Cole" wrote Of course, Vance is right. It's called the "fair use doctrine" by the lawyers ... causing the news group ow

PLS

Bob, Do you have the black Pearse Colorado with R/C? BTW, I think I'm the other PLS (associate) member who uses R/C (on a black Roundhouse Lady Anne) aside from the fellow who runs the Wada live diesel. Most everyone there runs manual Asters and Mamods and R-H's. Regards, Joe Betsko Near

Sammie Sightings/Opinions

Fellow Steamers, Has anyone seen the new R-H Sammie in person? If so, could you offer a review? Thanks in advance. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net/tips.html iMac

Re: Sammie

George and other Sammie owners, "George C. Werner" wrote: (SNIP) In a recent message, Joe Betsko asked for comments on the new Roundhouse Sammie. I ran mine extensively at Diamondhead last month where it received considerable favorable comment. I find it to be a robust little

Re: Ruby tips (was New list member)

write: .Plus, and I have no steam oil yet. Is there anything I can Isn't there anyone close to this guy who could spare a little steam oil? I would but it is a long ways from Oregon. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer

Sharing Knowledge

Exchange at the top. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don’t do windows!

Aster Screwdriver Kit

. Does anyone know if there is to be another American offering but less than the Mike? How do people like their Aster Mikes? Thanks in advance -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http

Argyle Philadelphia?

Fellow steamers, Has anyone put together an Argyle Philadelphia screwdriver kit? If so, can you provide any comments? Otherwise, can anyone comment on the Philadelphia in general; e.g., reliability? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net

Re: Aster Screwdriver Kit

is it, steamers? Geoff. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don’t do windows!

Re: Where do you guys find Butane?

starting to loose hope. :/ Trot, the fire-less, fox... -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html

Re: Great photos

://www.alphalink.com.au/~rcs/pics/CoalFired24-06.jpg http://www.alphalink.com.au/~rcs/pics/CoalFired24-07.jpg http://www.alphalink.com.au/~rcs/pics/CoalFired24-08.jpg Hope you enjoy them. Best wishes, Tony Walsham. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http

Re: Sammie mods

make it look more model-like. Add a headlight, some smokebox dogs, a more detailed number plate, you get the idea. With a sound running engine, all you have to worry about is the nit-picky stuff. -vance- -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http

Simple R-H mod to valve gear

and you will see what I mean. -- Yours Aye Tag Gorton Longlands Western Railway Co Trematon Office Saltash Cornwall iMac + Amiga -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http

Re: Simple R-H mod to valve gear

Fellow steamers, I did the valve gear modification. The before picture is on the R-H site for the Lady Anne. The result and after picture is at http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net/valvegear.html Despite my best efforts to blunder, it still works! -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala

Sharing Ideas

still trying to develop a roundhouse of ideas for others to use and enjoy. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Aster Alcohol

Hello! I note that Aster primarily supplies locos that run on alcohol. Does anyone know why Aster prefers alcohol? And I'm not taking about Beefeaters! :-) I understand that alcohol offers some advantage over butane in cold weather. Are there other advantages? -- Regards, Joe Betsko

Re: Aster Alcohol

Thanks for all the replies. It's good to have the knowledge. Regards, Joe Geoff Spenceley wrote: (SNIP) Joe, Advantages of alcohol firing: Here are a few: -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live

Re: Where we've been ...

//45mm.com/ Pacifica, Calif. USA List Mom: sslivesteam, the list of small-scale live steamers mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html

Mikado Cylinder Block

ve the (N2) nuts seems to work. The reverse leads to not enough threads exposed to receive the nut. So, which end of the cylinder stud goes in first? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardenst

Re: Aster Mikado Valve Setting

; however, the right side is a different story. To get the valve setting just right, is it a matter of tweaking the right weight-shaft arm and/or the right return crank? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live

Re: Aster Mikado Valve Setting

with pins #9. Bring part#19 vertical and lightly snug the setscrews(chances are you will rotate that slightly on the weigh shaft after assembling the cab and hooking up the reach rod.) At this point you can begin timing the valves. Jim -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala

Aster Mikado Air Tests

the packing compound cures. How is this done Thanks, Joe -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac

Aster Mike Progress Page

Hi! For your amusement, I have added this page... http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net/aster.html for you to surf. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live

Re: 100 percent butane

slivesteam, the list of small-scale live steamers mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardenst

Aster Mikado Reverser

to 1/3 forward. Can this be remedied? I'm afraid that if I tweak it I will affect the valve timing. Or is it just a matter of tweaking the reverse arm (4-19)? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http

Aster Mikado Reverser

. It still runs on air. In doing a semi-air test to make sure everything still moves, I learned that the regulator valve control is on the right hand side, not the left as the instructions state. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer

Aster Mike rolls off assembly line!

! Also, I am pleased to report that my wife did help me build a tender truck and the trailer truck. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Re: Aster Mike Progress Page

n building this locomotive. It appears to me that he has entirely too much money and time on his hands, along with a very understanding wife. How did he manage to train her like that? (It must have something to do with being a lawyer.) :-) Salty (green with envy) -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsy

Alcohol

. There was no clean burning claim on the label. I presume that Klean-Strip costs more because it has been processed enough to have the quality of clean burning fuel? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http

Re: Where did it go?

gentlemen point me in the right direction as I don't seem to be able to find it? Salty -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Re: Ruby first run

s going so fast that it left the tracks and was heading for a four foot fall to the concrete patio deck. Fortunately I managed to catch it before it hit the deck. Managed to get more burnt fingers too. Salty -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.ho

The mysteries of steam...

Now, I have to order track and railbender because I can't chase it down very well with an ale in hand :- -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming

For Sale

if interested. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don’t do windows!

Re: For Sale

ger Grand Teton Everglades Steam Excursion Co. (formerly the Westline Mussel Rock Railroad) http://45mm.com/ Pacifica, Calif. USA List Mom: sslivesteam, the list of small-scale live steamers mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Rail

1:32 Live Steam

Aster to the roundhouse but my wife is the CFO. My wife might let me live on borrowed time if Aster were to come out with an American mainline engine in kit form for under...gulp...$ 3K. They are quite nice when built up and fun to run. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway

Re: Entry Level Live Steam - We need 1:32 models.

t. Others described some 1:32 enthusiasts as "Scale Nazis". Casey Sterbenz Best wishes, Tony Walsham. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live

Re: egroups small_scale_steam_models

! You're doing a great job. Later, Trent -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I

Re: Ruby Page Update

I welcome your comments and suggestions, especially when it comes to the roof. The darned thing warped on me. Not enough to immediately make me want to redo it, but if someone has a way to do a nice wood roof, let me know. Later, K -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Rail

Re: Aster Mikado Springs

four rearward ones. That way it would help the slightly leaning backward affect also. Your thoughts? Chuck Walters http://home.twcny.rr.com/cnylsrs -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardenst

Re: Aster Mikado Springs

orks great for the Mike, Hudson, K-4, etc and even Abe Cohen's three truck shay will benefit from it's installation. Keep your steam up! Walt Mr. Lunk -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardenst

Re: Aster Mikado Springs

physics! Keep your steam up! Walt Lunk -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I

Aster Mikado water line hose

rubber line that works. It certainly will work to fill a tender. I'd rather fill a traditional water tower with it and lower the tower nozzle to the tender to fill it though. Phil.P. Reading,PA. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http

Re: Machine Oil

- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don’t do windows!

MTH Live Steam?

e electric version; the latter indicates two hits - one RTR and also a kit version. http://www.MTH-Railking.com/find/index.htm If you want another source of live steam engines or 1:32 rolling stock, let MTH know. For the fun of it, I added the electric version to the "wish list." -- Regards,

Steaming Again!

Fellow steamers: I took a couple of hours off from work to do a little track construction and to do a little track QC with my British saddle tank. Below is the proof... http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net/Feb26_01.html Better weather is around the corner! -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA

Track Roadbed and Operating Pit

effect in the middle. Has anyone bothered to put in PVC piping for drainage? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Fuel for Cold Days

a hard time keeping the fuel warm and then the locomotive will not operate. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit

ipe would eventually surface? I suggest something removable to keep the feet off the concrete(?) floor. Door mats made of recycled tires is a possiblilty which comes to mind. And something to keep the butt off the concrete wall . . . Just a couple of thoughts . . . Charles -- Regards,

Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit

ngineering) is hand spiked in redwood home made ties, the brass (LGB)is in plastic. All rail is bent on site. mike --- Joe Betsko [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Charles and List, This page shows some of the progress I made today http://www.gardensteamers.com/track_install.html Right now, I have

Re: Track Roadbed and Operating Pit

ll the way around. With an undulating yard I vary from 6" to 44" off the ground with the main steaming area 24"-30" up. No site work necessary! Jim -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer f

Re: The Joy of the Mikado Axle Pump

Hi, Ok, I got the screws out after putting the eccentric rod assembly into a vice. It's just a bad omen and I am not looking forward to connecting the check valve to the bypass valve with the water pipe. Joe Betsko wrote: Hi, The Mikado Axle Pump kit has been a real treat so far

Re: The Joy of the Mikado Axle Pump

you remove the screws? Thanks and stop laughing -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html

Re: The Joy of the Mikado Axle Pump

om: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Joe Betsko Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2001 8:48 PM To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam Subject: The Joy of the Mikado Axle Pump Hi, The Mikado Axle Pump kit has been a real treat so far. I am trying to get the screws off the ecc

Re: TEST

. Would someone please reply that I know it is working. Thank You. John -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http

Re: Decals

Railroad of New Jersey and Pennsy possibly??? Thanks John -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html

New Isobutane-Propane Mix

. I just missed their customer service hours. The chart seems to indicate that it outperforms other blends. As soon as hear more about the blend and clear the ice on the track, I will see how it does. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net

Mikado Axle Pump Help

valve. My question is how many threads should be seen between the lock nut and the compression fitting? I see two maybe three - is this about right? And did a set screw come with the eccentric cam in the original kit or with the axle kit? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd

Re: Mikado Axle Pump Help

Jim, Thanks, P-4s I have! Jim Curry wrote: Joe: I can't help you on the assembly or mounting of the pump but you should have some P-4 setscrews for the eccentric in the locomotive kit. If not, Jerry Hyde can supply you with the two you'll need. Jim -- Regards, Joe Betsko

Re: New Isobutane-Propane Mix

Hi, I followed up on the IsoPro fuel. It is 80% isobutane and 20% propane. It does require an adaptor. I hope to try it tomorrow after work. Joe Betsko wrote: Hi, I saw this new fuel at my upscale camping store at the aptly named Camp Hill Mall. It's called MSR IsoPro at http

Re: Mikado Axle Pump Help

Hi, For those who completed the Mikado Axle Pump Kit... It was tough getting the compression fitting onto the bypass valve. How many threads should be seen between the lock nut and the compression fitting? Thanks in advance... -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway

PLS Run Day Schedule for 2001

Hi, I have posted the PLS run day schedule for 2001 at http://www.gardensteamers.com/pls.html I hope that some of listees here can make it to one of the meets. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http

Re: Mikado Axle Pump Help

ch better than the original method. Walt -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey,

Comments on Axle Pump Notes Page Sought

for the pictures after final edits to save on loading time. http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net/mike_pump.html Thanks in advance! -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share

Re: Comments on Axle Pump Notes Page Sought

! Just my thoughts, but: ASTER - - are you listening?! Chuck Walters - President Central New York Large Scale Railway Society http://home.twcny.rr.com/cnylsrs -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Joe Betsko Sent: Saturday, Marc

Routing Mikado Copper Water Pipes

connection on the end plate on the engine's lefthand side. For now, I have tucked the excess vacuum hose in that space so that it lines straight up with the connection... Any other ideas? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice

Re: Routing Mikado Copper Water Pipes

as described seems really neat. I think I fill the tender with distilled water about three times per run. It was well worth the effort. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Joe, I crossed mine over in an X shape to make things easier to work with, and alignment was much better. Walt -- Regards, Joe Betsko

PLS Meets Info

Hi, I've put together the beginnings of a visitors guide for the PLS meets at http://www.gardensteamers.com/pls.html with links for hotels, maps, run schedule, etc. A food list will be added soon. -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net

Steamy Adventures to Begin...

Hi Folks, My wife received her Lion kit today. She was thrilled to find out that the first step involves assembly of the cylinders! Nothing like starting out with the important bits first. Hopefully, she will get it done in time for one of the PLS run days. -- Regards, Joe Betsko

Lion, Gel Stain Link to a Pix

Hi, I am thinking about using gel stain to match the color in this pic of a 5" gauge Lion http://www.btinternet.com/~chrisheapy/smes2/105-0557_img.jpg Has anyone tried using gel stain on their Lion wrapper? Anyone strongly advise against it? -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA

Re: Cheddar Loco

... -- Regards, Joe Betsko Pennsylvania USA Bala Cynwyd Railway: http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net Primer for Novice Live Steamers: http://www.gardensteamers.com/tips.html Share Live Steaming Tips: http://www.gardensteamers.com/exchange.html iMac - Hey, I don’t do windows!

Hello

test. I will have to renew my SitG subscription. I have to believe the Lion Tamer article offered operation pointers. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas. Joe Betsko http://jsb.pennsy.home.att.net http://www.gardensteamers.net (parked domain for now) eMac - I don't do windows.

painting brass

Hello, In looking through the archives, I found this very informative post: http://www.mail-archive.com/sslivesteam@colegroup.com/msg06877.html In the just making sure department, we are going to paint the Aster Lion's boiler cladding a gloss brown color. The cladding is brass and quite

Re: painting brass

Okay, now we are cooking. We are baking the painted brass for four hours at 250 degrees on a pizza stone (upside down). We are using Rustoleum Satin Cinnamon to approximate the wood look on the Lion. I could not find the color in a spray which would have made the process easier. We used

Re: painting brass

, 2004, at 8:31 PM, Joe Betsko wrote: Okay, now we are cooking. We are baking the painted brass for four hours at 250 degrees on a pizza stone (upside down). We are using Rustoleum Satin Cinnamon to approximate the wood look on the Lion. I could not find the color in a spray which would have made

Aster Lion. Done.

Hello, We finished the Lion today and ran it on air! Generally, it should take only a week of evenings to put it together. Painting the boiler casing a wood brown color really makes it look nice. We hope to run it by next weekend. Is it better to use a syringe, as supplied, or a modified

Scale in Mikado Sight Glass

Hello, I have given my Mikado a thorough cleaning. It has not been run in about a year. While cleaning the cab, I noticed a clear ring (three-quarters round) stuck in the middle of my sight glass. It's not silicone because I used the white stuff. Is this nothing to worry about? I recall

Re: Scale in Mikado Sight Glass

Hi Geoff, Straight vinegar or some mix of vinegar and distilled water to clean the boiler? Thanks, Joe On Dec 28, 2004, at 9:55 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Joe, Me again!-can't you take the top cap off the sight glass fitting and clean the glass with a Q tip? I doubt the ring you describe

The Vinegar Special

Hello, I have got a couple runs in so far today. It is a very nice day in Harrisburg, PA. I had to correct some track laying issues while running the Mike on distilled vinegar. In so doing, I learned first-hand that vinegar steam is nasty to inhale. Well, it is for the good of the

Re: The Vinegar Special

I just completed a five hour steamfest. I did switch to distilled water to flush out the vinegar half way through. I discovered I have an over-eager safety valve that releases pressure before the Mikado reaches its working pressure of 3 to 4 kg/cm. All in all, it was a great day. Happy New

The Lion's First Run

Hello, We ran the Lion for the first time this morning. It needs a few more hours to get broken in. Since our three little kids kept us going all day yesterday, we did not uncork the champagne last night. So we had some upon the successful run of the Lion. Works for me! It is quite an

Re: Boiler washing

Unfortunately, life's priorities got in the way I did not run the engine for about two years. I left a little water in the boiler, thinking why let it go to waste when I'll be raising steam the next weekend. Well, that next weekend turned out to be this weekend. I bought a large bottle of

Aster Lion Axle Pump Interest?

Hello, Last week, I emailed Geoff Calver about an axle pump for the Lion. He forwarded my inquiry to the builder of the axle pump as shown on the G1MRA website http://www.gaugeone.org/story_behind_the_axle_driven_wat.htm . This morning, Markus replied. Unfortunately, he is out of the kits

Re: Aster Lion Axle Pump Interest?

to make any of the kits, his booklet would walk you through making the pump yourself. royce in SB Joe Betsko wrote: Hello, Last week, I emailed Geoff Calver about an axle pump for the Lion. He forwarded my inquiry to the builder of the axle pump as shown on the G1MRA website http

Re: Aster Lion Axle Pump Interest?

Geoff, The Lion does have its learning curve. As a consolation when adding too much water through the tender inlet, it does raise steam quickly. Hopefully, I will not need a holster for the fan on a permanent basis. Regards, Joe On Jan 3, 2005, at 7:25 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Joe, Thanks

posts and frost heave

Hello, I bought some western red cedar, 2 x 4's and 4 x 4's, to begin construction of the elevated line. I have moved some plants, drawing some inspiration from this picture: http://www.gaugeone.org/images/LNWR.jpg but on a smaller and more manageable scale. The line should be about 30 above

safety valves on mikado

Hello, I ran the Mikado for a few hours today. My three year old was not happy with it running in reverse mostly. I tried to explain that I have to break it in again in both directions - it just wasn't working with her. Oh well. Anyway, I installed two new safety valves because I had to

Re: safety valves on mikado

Geoff, How do you adjust the safety valve? Do you insert a tool of some sort into the two slots on top that are opposite each other and turn? Does a clockwise turn raise the pressure at which the safety valve vents? Thanks, Joe On Jan 9, 2005, at 3:50 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote: Joe, I have

Re: safety valves on mikado

Geoff, Thanks! My new one adjusts nicely. Now, I understand the point of the paint on the safety valve. I am going to tweak it so it vents between 4.0 and 5.0 bar. I was reading the SitG article about adding a whistle to the mikado. The article recommends 5.0 bar for the optimal whistle

Re: safety valves on mikado

Geoff, Aster instructions for the Mikado just state that the working pressure is between 3 and 4 bar. There is no mention of maximum boiler pressure. The instructions are inconsistent as to what pressure reading the safety valve should vent. The instructions inconsistently provide that the

Re: safety valves on mikado

Geoff, I am not going to Diamondhead because it is bad timing for work. I figured Aster Hobby USA would be unavailable until after Diamondhead - sorry to be confusing. Have a good trip. Joe On Jan 10, 2005, at 9:30 PM, Geoff Spenceley wrote: JOE, OK, Better E mail Aster as you first

For Sale: Two Roundhouse Engines

Hello, I have two Roundhouse engines for sale. One is a black Lady Anne and the other, a blue Katie. Both are in excellent condition and remote-controlled. Please email me to make an offer at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Regards, Joe