Latest projects June 2026

[bob turner]

I am almost finished with a couple projects for Maroon, and now considering which way to leap.
My first leap - yesterday - was to paint the last bare Harriman Ten-Wheeler - photos later in that thread (need decals).

So I have several directions to aim, as usual - finish the Erie Berk (which is 95% done), maybe work a bit on the Light Harriman Pacific . . .

But this morning I choose the big 4-12-2 - time to finish, test-run (maybe a Youtube video), paint, and decal. I think I am close - a couple of handrails that I want to replace with steel, add handrails to the tender, media blast and paint - you get the idea. Here is the "before" photo - you have seen it before, but it costs nothing to re-post:



Tender trucks are Lionel - I had forgotten where they went. Gresley gear was a gift from Jay C. Rods are from my masters, now in the care of Bob Stevenson, but done by Dennis, who has a boiler for one of these giants somewhere.

[sleepmac]

Bob, that is a monster. Are any of the drivers blind?

Dan Weinhold

[up148]

Bob, that is a great scratch built model. Your boiler bands and clamps look great and the boiler taper really capture the correct look. What a beast that was back in 20-30's.

[bob turner]

All drivers are flanged. I am still studying it - haven't touched it in seven years. It did run on my outer loop back then, so I shall re-lubricate and test in the next couple days. Tonight I am working on the tender.

My thread, so I am going to do a little truthful product disparagement. I have been a great fan of Micro Fasteners - they provided a lot of my cap screws, which I use in place of those beautiful hex head steel screws I would buy from Betty Cole by the hundreds.

Last year I placed an order - took them three months to partially fulfill it, and they kept the $ for the parts that never came in on back order.

New owner - so I selected only items they said were "in stock." Nope - a month later the only thing they shipped was stuff I could get from Amazon for about half the price, and free shipping. I told them to cancel the order and refund - nope - they shipped.

Mc Master-Carr carries all these neat screws - a bit more expensive, but I bet they don't wait a month to ship.

I really miss the original Micro Fasteners crew. I am guessing that there is just not that much business for things like 0-80 cap screws. I really haven't been their best customer, but I did push them as a good supplier when I was writing for 48/ft. They are now off my list of go-to places.

[Pacific Limited]

Nice

[86TA355SR]

Bob,
That’s great work and a unique beautiful piece.

I Try to be faithful to hobby suppliers also, a few years ago switched to Mc Master-Carr. It’s easier where we’re located.

Aaron

[SWrailroader]

Bob, impressive! This locomotive is certainly a testament to your skills. Did you use an 8000 series Pittman in it? I hope you weather it. Weathering seems to really bring out all the details in the 4-12-2. Any other 3 cylinder type locos in your creations? Look forward to that thing in action on YouTube.

[bob turner]

I finally decided to try McMaster-Carr.

I am somewhat of a Road Grader freak - I have this collection of steel road graders, half of which have no blades. The original blades were attached with what I could best describe as a freeze plug with a giant hole in the center. I won't bore you with photos or details, but I have been unable to find large enough steel freeze plugs for the project.

Mc M-Carr has them! They are called steel pipe caps, and other than the fact that they do not "nest" they are perfect! And relatively inexpensive.

Meantime I am out of really long 0-80 and 2-56 cap and button head screws - something Micro Fasteners always carried, but in the last several years either puts on back order or refunds my $, charging full postage for the very few items it does have (and which are available on Amazon cheaper with free postage).

I ordered from McM Saturday afternoon - the box arrived this AM, with everything I ordered. The pipe caps are perfect for what I am doing, and the screws were exactly what I ordered. In contrast, these same screws were back ordered by MF for several months, and then refunded. The new owners advertised that it had them, then after I paid, said "sorry." They could have gotten them from McM and still made a slight profit.

So much for that. I have been converted.

Now all I need is a reasonably priced source of steel model hex head bolts. Yes, I know Walthers has them in brass for a buck each, but I am far too frugal for that. Betty would ship a hundred for eight bucks plus postage.

[SWrailroader]

Bob,
Thank you for the info. Always have been hesitant to order through MC. This is very helpful info.
Rob