| Archive for The Unofficial Mamod and Other Steam Forum The Original Unofficial Toy Steam Forum Established 2006 The biggest, most popular global steam forum around! Accept NO imitations! We have a growing community of regular posting members who chat about all aspects of toy and model steam. |
| AzRob |
RRR Update - Now With Video!Got parts ordered from Dream Steam today for Los Dos. I've given up on fabbing my own cab at the moment, and will be modifying a partial standard Mamod cab to make it American outline. I will also be working to get the Ruby running right. I've started taking the leaking cylinder off, hopefully I can sort things there. I think the reverser needs some adjusting too, it seemed like it was too far in the block in forward (despite prior adjustments). Both will see detail parts later from Trackside Details (www.tracksidedetails.com) to spruce their looks up. Hopefully we'll see some action from one of the locos on an improvised track for STWWW. |
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| AzRob |
Items from Dream Steam posted today...however, there's some sort of Royal Mail strike! Los Dos probably won't be up and running in time for STWWW...that's life. I'll try and get some time in on the Ruby before the kickoff, but nothing is guaranteed. | ||||
| AzRob |
A package from Dream Steam showed up here in Az., and I wasted no time in butchering what arrived.  Began cutting and reshaping the portholes into American-style windows (which will eventually be framed in scale lumber). Finished that up before dinner and got the first coat of paint on. Looking to have the cab installed and a test steam on blocks later this week.
On the Ruby front, I followed the advice given to me in the loco shed and shaved a bit off of one of the valve block screws. The screw goes in better now, but there's still a blow-by issue from the valve block/cylinder face and some leakage (but less) from the front right screw hole on the right valve. I think the gasket is junk. Not surprising, considering how dry it was when I got it (it was a 2008 kit). Steam oil could only do so much. So now to pull the boiler, shroud, and lift the block. I wish it had been designed to be able to just drop the cylinders off the bottom, but oh well. Also pulled the boiler bands off. Apparently the boiler is the same size as a TE1 boiler, as the bands are now on Kayenta. Pictures of Los Dos when the cab is "finished" or at least mounted. |
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| johnreid |
All of the struggles make one appreciate it all the more when it gets going. Pictures would be great.
I fought my Mamod for a month and now it runs like the clappers, whatever a clapper is. 
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| Les |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_(instrument) A bell is a simple sound-making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually a hollow, cup-shaped object, which resonates upon being struck. The striking implement can be a tongue suspended within the bell, known as a clapper, a small, free sphere enclosed within the body of the bell or a separate mallet or hammer. |
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| Keith S |
Meaning
Go very fast; in a vigorous manner. Origin This term isn't common outside of the United Kingdom, and is now considered rather archaic even there. It originated around the time of WWII as RAF slang. The earliest citation I can find is from a 1942 newspaper piece by Associated News staff Writer Alfred Wall, in which he listed various RAF slang terms: "A pilot chased by the enemy 'goes like the clappers', or full out". What 'the clappers' refers to isn't entirely clear, although by far the most likely derivation is as a reference to the clappers of bells. An early form of the phrase was 'go like the clappers of hell' and, given that bells have clappers, it may be that it may that the rhyme of hell and bell is significant. RAF pilots were often from English public schools where the ringing of handbells to mark the time was common. Bells were rung more vigorously as the time remaining to get to class/chapel etc. was about to run out. The image of schoolboys dashing to class while handbells were being energetically rung matches the meaning of the phrase very well. There is another suggestion, that it was first rabbits that 'ran like the clappers'. This notion comes from the French word for a rabbit hole - clapier, which was adapted into English as clapper. Rabbit burrows, especially those that were constructed in order to breed semi-tame rabbits, (or conies, as they were then called) were called clappers. This was known in the 15th century. For example, from the romantic poem Roman de la Rose, 1405: "Conies... That comen out of her claperes." The proposal has two significant flaws. Firstly, the phrase and the meaning don't match. Rabbit would have 'run from the clappers', not 'run like the clappers'. Secondly, the 'rabbit-burrow' meaning has long been archaic and unused. The most recent example of its conversational use that I can find in print is from 1725, although there are still some place names that derived from this source - for example Sharpenhoe Clappers in the English Chilterns.. The phrase originated in the RAF in the mid 20th century - long after clapper meant something else entirely. From "the phrase finder" by Gary Martin Here you go John. Not very satisfying though is it? |
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| johnreid |
I was making a vane attempt at humor. I should know better, but it is a weakness of mine.
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| pauly |
the term ; goes like the clappers ; is still very much alive in Middlesbrough, I say it all the time 
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| Keith S |
Just trying to help, John. | ||||
| johnreid |
Cheers | ||||
| Keith S |
Personally, I think when you ask a linguist about the origin of a word or a phrase, all you're going to get is his own pet theory. Here's mine: I think it comes from the same expression as "Hell's Bells!" as an exclamation of surprise, hence "goes like the clappers of hell". This ties the two "bell" related idioms together quite nicely in my opinion. Obviously there is some kind of infernal symbology involving bells or something.
I clearly need to get started on some new hobby stuff; I can't believe I spent ANY time thinking about that.... |
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| AzRob |
Having fitted a cab to Los Dos, my last major bit on the restore/repaint of the loco, I figured it was time for a live test. So I got out the circle o' track, tossed the last of my butane into the tank, filled up the boiler, and crossed my fingers. I would like to say that things went well...
And they did. I improvised a coupling between the tender and loco (via a bent paper clip) and it worked well. Pressure came right up, and a flip of the reverser had the "stack" spitting water, and then taking off down the track. Towing a car (the tender), the loco was much better behaved than before. I didn't notice any steam leaks, and except where it had primed, the track was relatively dry. Probably could have done with a bit more oil. Biggest issue was running out of butane. I took video of the run and onboard the tender...but I didn't have a memory card in, so I can't download them (I lost the cable). I've got an order in for a set of couplers for the loco/tender and a gravel car, they should be in next week...and the RRR grows. Now to get a stack for Los Dos and get that Ruby sorted... |
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| johnreid |
THere is also some speed control with the reverser lever, it is touchy, but the Loco can be slowed down and thus lengthening the run and getting a little better prototype speed ( for the highball that is  )
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| AzRob |
Yeah, I'm sure the run time would have been longer, but I figure the tank at probably only 1/2 to 1/3 full. I'll have to get some more and test full run time now vs. how it used to run. I was able to get some speed control, but like you said...touchy. | ||||
| AzRob |
Got in another two runs today. Runs like a beauty. Here's some pics and videos.
Yes, I know, it doesn't have the roof on it yet (which I do have). I am going to be stripping the roof and repainting/adding details, so I have no need of a roof as of yet. I need to make up a warm water container (simple brass case?) to mount in the tender. I've got a few detail parts that I need to order (steam dome cover, bell, whistle, decals, pilot, etc.), but she runs. Coupler and rolling stock should be here this next week, so hopefully I can shoot some decent onboard footage. I can lay out my temporary track someplace more inviting that inside the class (where I was testing to make sure it'd run for the kids in Science Club). Videos: |
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| johnreid |
looks like you have a good runner | ||||
| AzRob |
RRR began construction on a semi-permanent track today. It is just a simple loop with a passing siding and stub track. The assembled trackage will be about 5' across and 10' long. The first roadbed logs have been sawed...just waiting for my %&#* batteries to be charged...didn't stick them on the charger after my last use. Erg... | ||||
| johnreid |
Cool, I wish I lived where one could use an outdoor layout year round, and I wish I was able to get down low to operate one that low too. | ||||
| AzRob |
Well, this is going to be elevated 3' off the ground, so it should be accessible to all who wish to steam (and have locos that can handle R1 curves). During construction of the frame, I have made the unfortunate discovery that our local lumber yard stocks poor quality lumber. I bought 3 2"x4"x10', one 2"x4"x12', two pieces of 7/16" MDF and 3 2"x2"x8'. Two tens would form the long ends of the frame, and the other would be sawed in half to form the two short ends. The MDF would form the subroadbed, the 12 footer would be cut for legs and the 3 2x2s would be cut to form crosspieces. Well, I soon discovered that the side boards were warped like mad. I could not get things straight...but with some angle ties and screws I am close enough. I then got to making the stringers. The first one I put up to measure had a terrible twist in the middle, and right around a knot as well, so the *(%$ thing broke clean in two. I guess I probably didn't want that as a crosspiece anyway then. So I've got the frame pretty much built (except the legs), and I'm in the process of screwing down one piece of MDF to the frame. Before I ballast the tracks, I'll lay down plastic to protect the MDF. I'll also put some sort of siding around the outside to keep the edges protected, and then paint/seal the exposed wood. Ran out of daylight, but here's pictures of what I've got so far... 
Here's some images to give you an idea of how much some of these boards have warped: 
Here's a view of what my underdeck looks like: 
The next couple pictures show the rails in something close to their final positions - mocked up, as it were. The rails are going to be ballasted down, so that should help out with whatever wonkieness expresses itself from the warped frame. I can add or subtract ballast to make the rails themselves as even as I can. 
Hopefully I'll get the rest of the MDF screwed in tomorrow and can do a test run on the mocked-up tracks. If I get my camera batteries sorted, maybe you all can get to ride along? |
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| johnreid |
The MDF or as I used USB should help a lot with holding the side framing material straighter, I chose to build my indoor set up with 4 foot or less lengths to avoid the warping that is going to be found in all dimensional lumber these days, the longer the board the more twisted it will be. Plus when built in smaller modules, it can be taken apart and moved with much more ease.
I will eventually need to replace the track with better quality track, but I only have about $40 invested in all of my track including the turnouts. |
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| AzRob |
Hey, not bad! I'm using old LGB track from back when I lived in CA and we ran our Playmobile G-scale trains around the Christmas tree. Been putting the same track around our tree for years now, but with Los Dos running and the Ruby nearly there, I needed a bit larger space and something somewhat permanent so I could run and test without having to take the time to set up track. This also eliminates all the hassle of steam oil and water getting on stuff indoors. Outside it'll naturally weather the layout! |
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| Sandman |
Be careful using MDF outdoors. Make sure it is well sealed, especially at the edges, as any ingress of water will cause severe damage very quickly. | ||||
| AzRob |
Yeah, I am going to be painting it with a sealant and then covering it with plastic sheeting. An advantage to living where I do is that we usually don't get more than 4" of rain a year, so water damage is not the biggest concern. |
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| Sandman |
Jeez mate. I wish we didn't get so much rain here. Seems to be raining all the time. 
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| AzRob |
Honestly, I wouldn't be too upset if we got a bit more rain. I love it being dry, but every time storm clouds roll into the area, they drop their load on the lake, or the cliffs nearby. Page usually doesn't get hit. 
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| johnreid |
Cover with two layers of plastic and the condensation will end up between the plastic sheets. | ||||
| AzRob |
Well the tablework is completed, with one coat of paint on it. After it dries in an hour or so I'll lay the track back out for a test run. I think I'll need to have a central leg too, since there seems to be some sag.
John, I've got enough plastic to do just that, but I'm starting to have second thoughts on that. If I lay plastic, even with it pulled taught, it'll be harder to keep the top of the layout steady, since the plastic can move around back and forth. Considering where I live and what I want to model, there will be a lot of sand involved, so I'm wondering how well everything will stay put on top. Any thoughts? |
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| AzRob |
Here's some of the test footage.
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| johnreid |
IT really gets on there and I see that the reverser was not fully thrown, I do see you having a lot of fun with that, | ||||
| AzRob |
Yeah, it can move pretty fast, but once it seems like once it reaches "steam equilibrium" (is there such a thing?) it chuffs right along at a relatively decent speed. I'm going to end up getting a steam regulator, though, so it can be a bit more controllable. If I start it steaming going uphill (there is a slight grade) then my the time it starts heading downhill it is approaching that equilibrium, and doesn't seem to want to derail (right away). Since the tracks aren't ballasted, they started moving after a couple laps and I had a couple derailments related to that. I had another run this evening and things went well again until the rails started shifting again. I had one derailment right at the end of my run...and Los Dos ended up taking a 3' header to the rocks. Eee. The cab got slightly bent, but other than that, no apparent damage. Guard rails (cleverly disguised) I'm thinking... In other news, I think the Ruby is mostly sorted! I pulled the valve block and found my problem - it wasn't flat. A little bending and shaping the steam lines, and I got it pretty much level on either block. Put things back together and tried it out on blocks. A whole bunch of water primed out of the stack, but when that finally cleared the wheels span both forward and reverse! I could adjust the speed with both the gas and the throttle. What a great and gratifying experience! I'll run it a couple more times on blocks before I put her on the rails (plus, I don't want her taking a nose-dive). Excitement central for me and the railway today! |
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| johnreid |
LOL my Mamods just keep going faster, I have seen some fit them with a regulator and RC but thats too expensive for this boy. | ||||
| IndianaRog |
Rob, that was quite enjoyable to watch a table rise from the rocks to the point where a train was barreling down the tracks. Very cool indeed!
BTW...where is Page relative to Goodyear (west side of Phoenix)?My son moved there 18 months ago from relatively wet Indiana and he still can't get used to the dry heat! Rog |
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| AzRob |
Page is about 4 hours north of Phoenix...we're about 20 minutes from Utah.
We're right by Lake Powell. If you're ever out in Arizona, let me know! |
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| AzRob |
Test two video:
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| Les |
It seems like you have it all sorted.
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| johnreid |
That and no mention of derailments in the credits
It may look simple, but that is going to be so much fun, |
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| AzRob |
Got the plastic put on this evening. Tomorrow I'll shovel some sand up on the table. I can then start ballasting. Just need to find a decent ballast stone... | ||||
| IndianaRog |
Thanks Rob, Not sure I would get that far from Phoenix given it's 2000 miles for me just to GET to Phoenix, but I appreciate the invite. My son is a pilot/instructor flying out of Goodyear airport on the west side of Phoenix. I made it out there in May '08 helping him move. Longest drive I have ever made in a Uhaul no less dragging a car! When I see the sunny location you are in, it reminds me of Phoenix, but if you are near Lake Powell that must be a delightful place for boating etc....Phoenix just seems like desert and more desert...hard to see the attraction for why people flock there!!! Rog |
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| AzRob |
Lots of good boating for sure (2nd largest man-made lake in the USA), but kind of a far haul from anywhere else too. Makes living up here interesting at times. Can't just run out to the local Home Depot/Target/etc. We've got a WalMart, Safeway, and a TruValue. Beautiful area though. | ||||
| johnreid |
Nobody in the continental 48 is more than 150 miles from a Wal Mart, kinda scary isnt it? | ||||
| AzRob |
Los Dos now has a front link-and-pin coupler. Need to make an appropriate rear beam on the tender and install the other coupler there. I'm also building an Ozark gravel car which finally came in the mail yesterday. If I can get to the lumber yard I'll finish up the track/table and get back to running - this time, with trains as opposed to just locos! | ||||
| johnreid |
Remember the put some sort of support every four feet or so as 2 X 4s sag in time.
Curious to see what you are doing for couplers, I have been tempted to change over to the IP multi height couplers. |
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| AzRob |
Yeah, definitely going to be adding more support along the edges and at the center as well.
Couplers...not sure how it is all going to work out yet, but for now I'm installing Ozark Miniatures link and pins. We'll see how they all turn out. The Ruby will keep its stock rear coupler, but the front one will probably be ditched when I put on a new pilot. |
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| Keith S |
Rob, I refuse to watch any more of your videos until you put a chimney on that mamod locomotive. | ||||
| bessytractor |
its gonna look really nice when you've got some suitably american cars behind it. (yes I realise we don't call them cars in the UK, but I have an American model railway so I can get away with it! )
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| johnreid |
You will Love me then, I am preparing to pull American style Coaches behind my Bowmans, they actually look the part as is | ||||
| AzRob |
Chimney/stack is on the list. Just need to figure the right one out, but I think I've about settled on a diamond-top stack. | ||||
| AzRob |
Gravel car No. 1 just passed the first roll test on some track this afternoon. I've just got to install the side rails that'll hold the gravel and we'll have a finished car!
On other fronts, I've started installing the side guard on the table. Just waiting for my batteries to recharge and I'll get that finished tomorrow, so I can finish sanding and put the track back down. We'll try to get in a run tomorrow afternoon/evening. Here's hoping! |
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| AzRob |
Well, without ballast the track is not the most stable, but it does make for interesting operations. It also means I still have a grade, and getting Los Dos to climb it with a car behind her is interesting, but not impossible.
Gravel car is a bit tipsy - I don't think I set the journals quite exactly opposite, so unloaded it has a tendency to derail. A couple bits of sandstone fixed that, so I ran several laps around. I found I DO have a steam leak at the reverser block, so I'll have to fix that. It looks impressive now though, almost like a blowdown valve. An interesting and unwelcome surprise was that despite still having water in the boiler, a few beads of solder appeared around the steam dome bushing.  It still held water fine - I think it was due to having the gas up too for a bit.
Other than that, one good day on the rails! Hopefully pictures will follow later this evening. |
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| johnreid |
When firing with Gas, one has to really watch the water level. a reason the Ne Mamod Loco has a Solver Soldered Boiler. I do like the convenience of gas firing though, a gas burner keeps making steam as fast as the engine uses it. | ||||
| AzRob |
Had the Ruby out for her first spin on the tracks today. A little under powered, but that I think can be explained by a couple of fixable steam leaks (some more easily fixable than others). Steaming ended early when I unscrewed the throttle too far and it popped out!  There goes all the boiler pressure and steam! Fortunately it landed in a clean spot (no sand), and I got it reinstalled, but I felt rather silly. Performance was improving, able to get a full run around the track just before my foolish throttle play.
Sounds quite nice, though, and light was good. Got a couple pictures and a short video (of it running out of steam on the uphill), but I think our new dog ate my dang upload USB device! I'll have to wait until after this payday to pick another one up. Ugh. |
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| johnreid |
Sounds like progress is being made, Cant wait till the pics are posted.
What did you decide to use for ballast? |
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| AzRob |
Still not ballasted, but I'm going to go with decomposed granite. It's got the most recommendations from the live steamers over at MLS. |
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| Keith S |
I didn't realise Granite could decompose. What does it smell like? | ||||
| AzRob |
Kind of like sandstone and clay. 
(Ask a geologist a question...) |
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| AzRob |
Found the uploader, so here we go!
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| whistleman |
nice setup u have Rob! 
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| Les |
Short and sweet and looks good too.
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| johnreid |
Kooks great, I like the Ore Cars too, real nice | ||||
| Sandman |
OOhh, I like that a lot.
Nice set up there. |
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| AzRob |
Thanks guys. I still need to get ballast down (maybe today?), so the track isn't so wonky in places, but its getting there.
Put together a quick video of the new car running behind Los Dos. It takes a bit more hands-on throttle control with a load behind it, so the video is a bit short. Here it is. Next pics/video will hopefully be with ballast in place and the Ruby pulling the gravel car. Its almost time to finish those little nagging things that are still issues with Los Dos. |
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| AzRob |
Well, I found that my only source of local decomposed granite sells it with a minimum order of 15 tons. A bit more than I need. I guess next time I'm in the big city I might be able to pick up about 20 lbs though.
I did get the union nut tightened on the Ruby, and gave her another run today. I learned two things - my track has a steeper gradient on the south side than it does on the north, and that the Ruby and the gravel car have couplers of different heights! Eee...I guess I'll have to fab up some multi-height links to fit between the couplers. Los Dos has been getting some good runs in, but between the steam leak at the reverser block, the solder issue on the steam-dome, and the cracked pistons, worn-out wheels, it may be time to put her back in the roundhouse and get some replacement parts in (copper boiler, new reverser, regulator, lubricator, pistons, etc.). But then I'm $400 into new parts, for which I could just buy a new locomotive...but I want Los Dos to run. Maybe if I spread the parts out over a length of time...I don't know... |
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| johnreid |
Ask your local guy who his customers are, if someone has 15 tons ( tandem axle? ) I bet he would part with a 5 gallon bucket full for a reasonable sum. | ||||
| AzRob |
The Ruby now has running boards instead of side tanks (well, mine never had the side tanks installed, but the brackets looked kinda funny just bare).
Not the best picture, but you get the idea. |
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| bessytractor |
I think it looks good
but then I would lol |
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| Les |
Looks good especially now it has a chimney as well.
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| AzRob |
This one always has. Its Los Dos (my Mamod) that is currently stackless. |
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| AzRob |
The Ruby (thinking of calling her Chinle, but nothing for certain until I get a new cab) had another good run today. She's really getting in the groove now. Was able to get her going fast enough to actually derail on the downhill curve (on accident)! Gotta get the ballast in, since track shifting was also part of the problem. Might also solve the "sand on the wheels" issue with derailments. 
Good run, like I said. No pics, but soon I think she'll really be run in enough to haul a rake of cars. |
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| AzRob |
Winter comes to the RRR!
Woke up this morning to find that the playa near Deadwood (the future location of my station) to be filled with water - frozen water! So I took the Ruby out for a quick steam-up. Great plumes when the wind wasn't blowing. The frozen playa looked really cool, thought it has turned to mud now. There were even a few stray flakes that floated down during the run. Despite the weather, performance of the Ruby is improving, since it did make a complete circuit (including climbing my moderate grade) before stopping to take a breath and without derailing. Pictures and video to follow later! |
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| Nick |
Sounds like a great video!
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| AzRob |
YouTube it being slow for me right now, so you get pictures first!
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| Keith S |
Ruby looks really good, you've done a nice job. But Oh my god, Rob, if you don't get a stack on that ##$% mamod engine before the next time you video it, I'm going to come to your house and steal it. Even a temporary one for goodness' sake. It's hard to look at like that. Like a three legged dog or a woman with no front teeth. | ||||
| AzRob |
Yes, yes, I promise a stack of some sort for Los Dos. I don't like running it stackless either - I feel the same way about its looks. New stack will happen soon-ish. I wanted to tear Los Dos down and do a total refurb this winter, but money is a bit tight this season, so it may have to wait until spring. I may end up with a temporary stack after all.
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| Les |
Very atmospheric, I am looking forward to the video.
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| Sandman |
Great pics.
Look forward to the video. |