We're doing fine here near the Columbia River, Oregon. Hood River County just got its first covid-19 case confirmed, but I expect many more are on the way, nation-wide. We're all stocked up and happily home, with endless projects and entertainment. Unfortunately, we just spent the past 2 week helpin...

The new Ashton mini-pressure gauges are 2" diameter.
The creator is working on larger ones for 1/4 scale locomotives.
Pic below of the new gauge installed in my 1/8th scale Mikado 2-8-2 locomotive.
RussN

I am enjoying the History of the Ashton line of steam products. Thank you for your efforts. Several months ago a US Live Steamer began offering (for sale) working model Ashton pressure gauges for use on several scales of locomotives or other steamers. https://www.modelgauge.com I just received one o...

The Delta Queen is apparently not yet dead.
In 2018 Congress approved the law allowing her to steam again.
https://deltaqueen.com
RussN

Note: The US flag is the original flag from Steam Launch Maggie, long on shore and awaiting restoration. I purchased her in 2000 with the intent of restoration. Obviously Life intervened and Steam Thistle Clauran came into my life in 2019. Maggie 1a.jpg Maggie flew that flag in the San Jaun Islands ...

I built a "Hat Box" for my boat... Well, a Stack Box. I needed a way to safely haul the 5" diameter smoke stack assembly and flags when trailering the Steam Thistle. So after 8 partial days of work (letting glue and paint dry...) I came up with this: Thistle Stack Box 1 sml.jpg Thistle Stack Box 2 s...

A very informative thermodynamic discussion, especially with the graphs.
Thank you all.
RussN

All steam powered is an admirable goal. Just to do it. I'll use battery-powered LED running and instrument lights on my small steam launch. 'Git -er done." I'm more interested in getting on the water. Something about running out of years... My two steam locomotives (7-1/2" gauge) give me all the ste...

Half-inch thick flue sheets are standard in full-sized American-built logging steam locomotives thru the 1930s, at least. Having rebuilt 4 locomotives, including fabricating a new firebox flue sheet for Hillcrest Climax #10, I am more familiar with them than I'd prefer!! For the new sheet in the Cli...

Mike: Interesting statement that your locomotive fire tube boiler's weakest link was the collapse point of the tubes. On the several boilers including (two of mine) that had the calculations done per the Washington State supplied strength calculations, the weakest point was always the back head, whi...