Hello Everyone, I am a steam locomotive enthusiast and have always been fascinated by the inner workings of machines and the process of building something from scratch. That's why I decided to embark on a journey to build my very own 7.25" gauge Tinkerbell class steam locomotive. On this channel, I will be sharing my progress and documenting the process of building a steam locomotive from start to finish. I will also be sharing tips and tricks I have learned along the way, as well as answering any questions you may have about home machining and steam locomotive building. Whether you are a seasoned machinist or just starting out, I hope you will join me on this exciting journey. Thank you for your support!
Thanks Alan, yes it’s coming together, not too far I hope running on air now. When I get back I have plenty of little projects on it to keep me occupied. But running on air is the current objective. Yes we are enjoying the island, it’s hot, it’s sunny, private pool, beer, good food and with the family! All the best, Matt 👍🚂
Awesome Matt!! Hope you're enjoying your holiday! Lots of good techniques there... Have to remember those. One thing. Do you have a collet closer setup for your lathe? One of those would be a huge time saver for you. The four jaw works, but collets are so much faster, though slightly less precise. Keep up the good work. Hope you didn't get a sunburn!
Hi Jeff, yes the holiday is good thanks, plenty of sun and chilling by the pool! I bought a set of collets and collet blocks that you can set up in a four jaw but I wasn’t impressed with the accuracy. Need to look into them further. I’m enjoying setting the four jaw up, keeps me good practice for more complex jobs further down the road. All the best, Matt 👍🚂
Unbelievable ain’t it….. a holiday! How dare I 😂😂. Although, I hate sitting doing nothing, sometimes you have to sit and do nothing to heal, relax, mentally recover etc…. and you may as well do it somewhere hot, with your own private pool, and lots of beer! 😂. All the best buddy, Matt 👍🚂
Coming along nice, Matt. You should consider getting some 120 degree spotting drills (assuming your drills are ground to 118 degrees). I think they are more effective than using a center drill myself.
Thanks @MyLilMule, much appreciated as always. Yes my drills are 118deg, I do have spotting drills on the list of purchases yet to buy when funds permit. Will have to move them up the list. All the best, Matt 👍🚂
Another great video. Have you tried masonry drills on sticky Phosphor Bronze. I sharpen the front and the sides of the carbide business end. As the hole shrinks the sides of the tip also cut. Makes a big difference 😀
Hi Julia, no I’ve never heard of that to be honest. Usually I get an undersized drill for the hole and regrind the tip so it’s no longer central, something I was taught by an old machinist. Will have to note that one down and give it a whirl. All the best, Matt 👍🚂
Thanks Paul, we are getting there, one day it will be in steam!! Day one of holiday and I’m already sunburned 😂. Think I’ll stick to the shade and beer from now on, plan the work schedule for the channel 😂😂. All good fun. All the best, Matt. 👍🚂
Thanks Matt. Yet another superb vid showing us some more of your excellent engineering skills. It makes me wish that in my younger days I learned how to be a machinist. Until the next one. - Fletch -
I'm now suffering from garden railway envy, a fabulous construction and beautiful Garden. Knowing how much work it takes to keep my own small efforts running this is a great achievement from the owner and a real kindness to open it up to the public.
Hi Simon, me too, and I don't have a railway in my garden. It's an amazing piece of civil engineering when you see how it fits in the landscape on the side of sloping garden. The owner is a really nice chap, and without a doubt well worth a visit on any future open days. All the best, Matt 👍
It’s nice to see the two river class locomotives Afon Glaslyn and Tarn Beck, I saw them when they visited the Scottish Model Engineering Trust (SMET) for the 7.25” Gauge AGM in 2019 I think it was. Beautiful engines very powerful and comfortable seats for the driver! I got to sit at the controls of Afon Glaslyn
Hi Mark, Yeah its great to see them together again, I first saw them at Leyland SME at the 7 1/4" agm in 2009, which is where I feel in love with love and from that moment I wanted to build my own 7 1/4" loco!! So the rivers are the reason I'm building a loco! All the best, Matt 👍
Hi Chris, This video is only the tip of the iceberg to how amazing the place is, to be able to visit and see how incredible it is was an honour, no video can do it true justice. All the best, Matt 👍
Hi Craig, nope they are coal fired, although the media will make you believe we are going carbon zero….. we are still helping the trees grow by burning coal 😉. All the best, Matt. 👍
Eureka moment ‼️ Matt, all those beautiful machined handles… of course… silly me… it was built in the middle of the twentieth century eh? Quality endures. Restoration was nicely done, in what I’d call a ‘vintage-respectful’ manner 🤣🤣🤣 Love ya work mate Regards Robert
Well, the headboard is for the name of the train service, the locomotive Flying Scotsman was named after the train service the flying Scotsman in which it pulled. Many other locomotives pulled the train service throughout the years
Thank you for your kind comments, its really appreciated. Yes I think if something is worth saving it should be saved, hate the throw away culture of todays society. All The best, Matt 👍
Thanks Mark, much appreciated. Yes I agree, if something can be saved, it's worth saving. I hate the throw away culture the world has turned into. All the best, Matt 👍
Hi Timothy, not a bad idea, I shall keep that in mind if it doesn't free up. The eccentric now comes out without taking the table off so that would make it easier. All that best, Matt 👍
Exactly oldog! The world is a throw away culture now, and people are obsessed with buying/acquiring new inferior models!! Nothing wrong with the old! All the best, Matt 👍
Thanks Allison, much appreciated as always. Ohh I have much more planned… but little time to do it 😂. More to come don’t you worry. All the best, Matt 👍
Not much of a machinist myself, but the rotary table tip that stuck with me is from blondihacks: make keys for it so it registers on your mill table, which makes setup a lot faster and easier.
G’day and greetings from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 Matt, you have done a terrific job on restoring that rotary table and a great size. I only found out about your channel not that long ago, I have a 8”” rotary table and it has a broken shaft in it which I would like to restore as well. I have enjoyed watching you bring this back to the living. I have subscribed regards John😊
Hi John, thank you for the subscription and your kind comments are very much appreciated. The rotary table has turned out great, I’m really pleased how it operates. It was very enjoyable to project to undertake. That will be an interesting exercise make or even repairing the shaft. Thanks again, All the best, Matt 👍
Another informative "Chivers" video. Nice one Matt. The offer to regrind any mill tools still holds. Sad to see that the "South Western cardboard box" no longer resides on the shelf behind the right hand side of the mill...
Thanks Paul, Ive been nipping in and spinning the handle and I think its definitely getting looser on the minor stiff spot I had. Can't wait for a job to turn up so I can use it. All the best, Matt 👍
I have a small rotary table about this same size. On mine, the worm and gear sit in an oil bath. Not a lot, just enough to cover the bottom 1/3 of the worm.
Yes this definitely has a dip where the worm is, and I pumped a lot of oil in, which I forgot to film, need to swap the zerks on it as they aren't great. So the worm should 🤞🏼 be in a bath of oil. All the best, Matt 👍
Thanks for watching Craig, if they are the stops I think your on about, they should be their but they have been removed before I bought it, its on the agenda to make or buy and replace. All the best, Matt 👍
Hello BC, hope you're well. I'm currently using a GoPro Hero 8, with a few upgrades such as the media mod, and external mic's. Its ok but I really want to upgrade before end of the year. All the best, Matt 👍
Thanks Robert, The final instalment of the rebuild is out now and it looks different... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nBJuq-A-T6M.html . All the best, Matt 👍
Hey Matt, another great video. You might pass on to "Dumbass", after seeing the closeup of his hand it appears his skin looks a little dry. I would suggest maybe he switch from WD40 to hydraulic fluid or maybe even Way oil if that doesn't work. Cheers from the West Coast of the US.
