I'm up against a wall, with a scratchbuild project.
I'm trying to create a running version of this 1837 Baldwin 4-2-0:
For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_(locomotive)Other than the challenge, I can't tell you why. I have no interest in CNW, anything having to do with Chicago, or almost any steam from that time period. It's just something that caught my eye, long ago, and I
had to build. It is microscopic. In N scale (my choice here), I estimate the cab-to-smoke box dimension at about 1". The boiler diameter is just over 6mm(0.200"). It's tiny. It's causing problems... but, I'm enjoying the self-inflicted pain.
I have plans for the cab. I have my drive worked out. I have detail parts. I have wheels and axles for the pilot truck. I have several sets of driving rods ready for modification, and a few drawings of potential custom etchings. I've spent a lot of time considering power pickup and distribution. I even achieved a proper max scale speed of 32mph in testing the motor with a partial mechanism. (Gizmoszone 6mm ~5:1 reduction motor driving a 25:1 worm/worm gear reduction, with a load on it.)
The problem is, I can't find a way to make a suitable "axle bearing" with my existing (or locally available) brass stock. I've tried rectangles, L shapes, C channels, round tubes, square tubes, and styrene. Nothing worked. The materials just aren't up to the task (or, perhaps, I am not up to working with them in the needed manner).
Now, I'm considering having my "axle block" machined. Local machine shops laugh at me, when I tell them the maximum dimensions. So, I turned to the web. The only semi-recommended site I found was eMachineShop. However, their current quote is at $209 for the first part. I would prefer saving a bit. (Oddly, it's actually cheaper to include the drill holes, and have it made from brass, than alternative materials and designs I have tried.)
Does anyone have any other recommendations? Here is one of several versions of the "axle block" in question:
If needed, the basic dimensions are: 0.350" H x 0.650" (or 0.500") L x 0.250" W.
Semi-detailed dimensions:
"Top" inside radius is 0.160", stacked (To created locating tabs, 0.015" tall).
Axle pass-thru has a radius of 0.060".
Screw holes are 0.0275" radius.
Worm Gear channel is currently 0.390" L x 0.085" W, and allows for 0.050" radius corners.
You may have noticed, my dimensions don't allow me to model the prototype. I've had to make enough compromises, that I must
loosely base the model on "Pioneer". Mine is to be called "Pilgrim", but adhere to the idea I set out after.
